There are many different factors that go into keeping a house, especially in a place like Panama City, where the weather is changeable. One minute the sun might be bright and shining — the next you’re searching “window replacement Panama City” online because a storm broke one of your windows. But ideally, you shouldn’t have to do that, even after a bad storm; because ideally, you’d rather have windows that won’t break in the first place, right? While windows, like everything else, eventually become old or outdated, some are better buys than others. The same goes for other fixtures in your home. What you’ve relied upon to keep your house structurally sound for years may not be the best option anymore. If you live in a place with extreme weather, your best bet is to keep up to date on what is the best option for your home — and follow the advice of professionals. General contractors have a lot of wisdom to impart regarding how to keep your house sturdy come rain or come shine, and you should take advantage of that. Below, we’ll list some of the top risks to homes in Panama City — and how you can going beyond simply searching “window replacement Panama City” when it comes to fortifying your home.
1. Household Leaks
Firstly, we’ll look at a risk that can ostensibly affect homes everywhere, not just in Panama City. Household leaks may not look like they could do as much damage as storms, but believe us when we say that the damage they can do adds up quickly in a monetary sense. There are many issues that come with household leaks, and one of the greatest ones is that they often aren’t taken seriously at first. The fact is that even the smallest household leak can end up costing you a lot in the long term — by fixing a simple leak, you can save as much as 10% on your monthly water bills. Think, comparatively, about how much you’re losing by not fixing that leak. At the end of the day, household leaks are problems within the home just like cracked windows or mold; you should talk to a contractor about how best to fix them. Often, the fix can be fairly easy and cheap. It’s when you let things go that the cost gets out of hand.
2. Termites
Termites are a huge issue in warmer areas, and they can do a catastrophic amount of damage before they’re even noticed. Each year, termites are responsible for over $750 million in property damage, and it’s no wonder why when you realize that these bugs consume up to 3% of their body weight every day. This may not seem like a lot in theory, but when you realize that there can be hundreds of thousands of termites in your home at one time — it starts to add up. While termite damage repair is costly, it’s also worth the investment. Termites don’t just affect your home on an aesthetic level — they also affect its structural integrity. You may also want to look into how you can keep your home protected from termites — something you may want to prioritize over that “window replacement Panama City” search. Still, if this has happened to you, don’t despair. In some cases, the damage caused by termites can take months to repair, but it’s usually very much possible if you catch the issue soon enough.
3. Water Damage
The water damage we’re talking about here is separate from that caused by household leaks. We’re talking about the water damage caused by storms and flash flooding. Now, this is where that “window replacement Panama City” search may come in handy, as water can seep into a home through poor windows. But in general, the issue with water damage isn’t just that it compromises the integrity of your home — it can become mold, which poses a serious health risk to many people. As such, be proactive about having home repairs done.