The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Houses in the Philippines are constantly exposed to two weather extremes: heavy rains and stifling heat.
Over time, even sturdy structures will suffer from cracks, water leakage, mildew, mold and rotting when left uncared for. During the rainy season, homes that are not weatherproofed will not be able to continue protecting the homeowners from the elements.
Prepare your house, especially the exteriors, to withstand the challenges of the rainy season. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure the quality of the house’s materials. James Hardie, a highly admired innovator and leader in the building-materials industry, believes in designing and manufacturing building products of excellent quality.
The company’s products, including the tried-and-trusted HardieFlex® brand of durable fiber cement boards, are the Filipino homeowner’s best ally to ensure the protection, com- fort and safety of his or her house and family.
Here are a few steps that can make a difference in safeguarding your home:
• Inspect and prepare the roof
As the first line of defense against heavy rains, the roof should be inspected at least twice a year. Repair or replace cracked shingles and roof ridges, and look for rust and holes. If no one in the household can perform this biannual inspection, contact a professional.
Clean gutters regularly to ensure that rainwater would be drained properly. Trim tree branches that hang over the roof to avoid leaves filling the gutters, and to prevent big branches from falling on and severely damaging the house. Other unstable structures should also be cleared in case of strong winds. Damaged eaves can also cause water to seep into the walls. If the eaves show yellow or brown spots, or signs of sagging, then it is time to replace them.
• Invest in the exterior walls
The house’s exterior walls are constantly exposed to the elements. Hence, the need for top-notch protection.
Resist damage caused by moisture, fire and termites by using HardiePlank® Siding, one of the durable fiber cement siding boards manufactured by James Hardie. HardiePlank® Siding is engineered and manufactured to withstand harsh weather conditions. It features two profiles: wood grain and smooth. These fiber cement siding boards require less maintenance, compared with wood siding, when installed and maintained according to James Hardie standards. The company also offers a 15-year product warranty.
• Make the interiors weatherproof
Inspect the ceilings, walls and floors. Discolored walls and ceilings, paint bubbles and dark spots mean that water has entered the house.
Moisture not only ruins the appearance of the house’s interiors, but can also affect appliances, furniture, other household items and even the health of the residents. Where possible, seal exterior areas where the leak begins.
For parts that need replacement, lightweight and asbestos-free HardieFlex® products can be used as flooring, ceiling and walls. These products are all resistant to moisture damage.
• Take precautions against floods
Living in a flood-prone area? Help keep floodwaters at bay by piling sandbags around the house. Move appliances, furniture, computers, documents and other such items to a higher or drier part of the house.
Worry less about the changing seasons by keeping your house prepared to weather heavy rains or very hot days. Using HardieFlex® products in various parts of the home is a great way to prevent costly repairs, replacements and damages in the future, and to ensure that every household member is warm, dry and safe.