Can Heatwaves Damage Homes in Oklahoma?

In recent weeks and months, homeowners in Oklahoma have been mostly concerned with the “normal” extreme weather events; things like tornados, hailstorms, and floods. But with the Sooner State now facing considerable heat waves, some residents are wondering whether this type of extreme weather can also have an impact on their houses. The truth is that heatwaves can cause damage to your home, and it’s important to be prepared. 

Of course, even if your home does suffer damage as a result of these extreme weather events, you can still file an insurance claim and get the compensation you need to make repairs and replace damaged items… or can you? Many homeowners in Oklahoma are discovering that their insurance claims aren’t quite as reliable as they expected. Insurance companies have a tendency to deny claims for no reason and provide inadequate settlements. This is why it might be a good idea to enlist the help of an attorney who has experience with denied insurance claims. 

Oklahoma is Facing Serious Heat Waves

In June of 2021, it was reported that several stranded motorists had to be rescued in Oklahoma after a heatwave completely disabled their vehicles. Heatwaves have the potential to impact car batteries, tires, coolant, and other components. Around that same time, EMSA Medical Heat Alert announced a number of heat-related emergencies in Oklahoma City. 

How Do Heatwaves Impact Properties?

These heatwaves can clearly affect vehicles and people, but can these weather events also impact our properties? Perhaps the most important potential effect is on your roof. Extreme heat can cause the wood rafters to expand, and at a certain point, the roof will not be able to handle this. The flashing is what usually takes the most damage during a heatwave. In addition, heatwaves can cause wooden flooring to expand and buckle over time. If combined with humidity, heatwaves can also cause the growth of mold and mildew in your home, especially in dark crawlspaces. On a much grander scale, there is even speculation that climate change and increasing temperatures could cause another dust bowl for Oklahoma. Although no one today probably remembers the dust bowl era, this period of extreme drought caused entire towns to be abandoned and homes were literally left in the dust. 

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’re dealing with issues related to your homeowner’s insurance policy in Oklahoma, you might want to get in touch with a qualified, experienced attorney in Oklahoma. These legal professionals can help you get the compensation you need for property damage incurred during storms and heatwaves. Reach out today, book your consultation, and make sure that you’re approaching this matter in the most efficient way possible.