Extreme Heat: How to Protect Your Home During a Heatwave

As record-breaking temperatures sweep across the U.S., more than half of the population is feeling the effects of an intense heatwave. Across the Atlantic, our friends in Europe are facing similar conditions, with temperatures soaring well into the 90s and beyond. While we often think of heatwaves in terms of personal comfort and health, extreme heat can also take a toll on our homes and gardens if we’re not prepared.

Here are Seven key ways to protect your home during a heatwave and stay ahead of potential problems:

1. Mind Your Foundation

Hot, dry weather can cause the soil around your foundation to shrink. When the soil contracts, it can lead to cracks and structural shifts in your home. To prevent this, keep the soil consistently moist—ideally using a soaker hose to deliver water slowly and evenly. If you have landscaping around the perimeter, you’ll also be keeping your plants healthy while protecting your foundation.

2. Ventilate Your Roof and Attic

Proper attic ventilation is critical in extreme heat. Without it, hot air and condensation can build up, potentially damaging your roof structure. Roof vents, such as ridge vents, paired with adequate attic insulation—including insulation on the attic door—help regulate the temperature. If you’re planning a roof replacement in the future, consider lighter-colored shingles or materials that reflect rather than absorb heat.

3. Adjust Thermostats to Help the Grid

Raising the temperature on your thermostat slightly during the day can reduce strain on the power grid and help prevent rolling blackouts. If your HVAC system isn’t already on a maintenance plan, now is the time to schedule regular servicing to ensure it's running efficiently during the hottest days.

4. Use Fans Strategically

Fans don't lower the air temperature, but they do make a room feel cooler by circulating air and enhancing the evaporation of sweat from your skin. Ceiling fans and portable fans can make a big difference when used in tandem with your HVAC system.

5. Lower Humidity for Greater Comfort

Humidity levels have a big impact on how hot your home feels. When the air is humid, it’s harder for your body to cool itself through evaporation. Using a dehumidifier or running your air conditioner in “dry” mode can help keep indoor humidity in check, improving comfort and reducing the load on your cooling systems.

6. Shade Your Windows

Did you know that up to 76% of the sunlight that enters your home through windows turns into unwanted heat? Closing blinds, curtains, or shades during the day—especially on south- and west-facing windows—can block this solar gain and help maintain cooler indoor temperatures.

7. Don’t Forget Your Garden

Extreme heat can be just as hard on your landscaping. A single heatwave or dry spell can cause irreversible damage to your plants. Make sure your garden is well-watered, preferably in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Mulching around plants can also help retain soil moisture and protect root systems from heat stress.

Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can affect your home’s integrity, your energy bills, and the wellbeing of your garden. With a little preparation and mindful adjustments, you can keep your home cool, efficient, and safe throughout the hottest months of the year.Stay cool, stay safe, and if you have any questions about your home or local market trends during this heatwave, feel free to reach out!

Stay cool, stay safe, and stay connected!
If you have questions about your home or the local real estate market, I’d love to connect with you:

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