Landlords and other property owners are being urged to inspect their investments for signs of heat-related damage.
Insurer Quotezone says that while the effects of hot weather may not always be immediately obvious, prolonged spells can cause building materials to expand, dry out or deteriorate, leaving homes more susceptible to leaks and structural problems when wetter weather returns.
These extreme conditions can cause the ground beneath some homes, particularly those built on clay soils, to shrink, potentially leading to cracks in walls and foundations.
While some cracks may only require minor repairs, structural cracks caused by subsidence can cost an average of £17,000 to put right, depending on the extent of the damage.
Given the extreme heat, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) is reporting record average subsidence claims of £20,000.
Heat can also cause roof tiles to crack, loosen or slip, leaving homes vulnerable to leaks once autumn rain arrives. Replacing a roof typically costs £8,000 on average, making it well worth addressing minor issues before they worsen.
Other common signs of heat-related wear include warped guttering, expanding wooden doors, crumbling mortar and cracked sealant around window frames – many of these issues can be spotted with a simple visual inspection. Addressing concerns early could help homeowners avoid costly repairs and protect their no-claims bonus.
A spokesperson for the insurer says: “It’s worth taking time to inspect the property before the seasons change.
“Looking out for cracked or slipped roof tiles, new cracks around walls and windows, warped guttering, or doors and windows that no longer fit properly. Spotting these issues early can help prevent water getting into homes and reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs later on.”
The firm gives six signs of heat-related property damage to check before autumn:
1. Cracks in walls and foundations
Long periods of dry weather can cause the ground beneath some homes, particularly those built on clay soils, to shrink. This can sometimes lead to new cracks appearing in walls or around doors and windows. While smaller cracks can be common, larger or widening cracks should be investigated.
2. Warped gutters and drains
Plastic guttering can soften and expand during prolonged heat, causing sections to warp or joints to separate. Damaged gutters may struggle to cope with autumn downpours, increasing the risk of water overflowing onto walls and foundations.
3. Roof damage
Heat causes roofing materials to expand and contract, which can loosen, crack or dislodge roof tiles. Checking for slipped or damaged tiles after a hot summer can help prevent leaks during periods of heavy rain and strong winds.
4. Damaged brickwork
High temperatures and strong sunlight can gradually weaken mortar between bricks, causing it to crumble or loosen. Damaged pointing allows water to penetrate the wall during wetter months, potentially leading to damp and further deterioration if left untreated.
5. Expanding wooden doors
Wooden doors naturally expand in hot weather, making them difficult to open, close or lock. While they often return to normal as temperatures cool, persistent sticking could indicate the wood has warped.
6. Cracked window sealant
Heat and UV exposure can cause the sealant around window frames to dry out and become brittle. Replacing damaged sealant before autumn can help keep out rain and draughts.
