Your house protects you from the elements, but it can also bear the brunt of some pretty nasty weather. Hurricanes, falling trees and cold fronts can impact the stability and value of your home.

While you can’t control the weather, you can take preventive measures to protect your home. Understanding how different types of damage affect property value will also help you choose the best insurance policy.

Here are five types of property damage and how they can affect your home’s value.

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1. Foundation Damage

Because it supports the rest of your home, a good foundation is the most important part of your house. A cracked or damaged foundation can mean tens of thousands of dollars of repair and will significantly reduce the overall value. 

Completely replacing your foundation can cost more than $100,000, which is why it’s so important for homebuyers to choose a house without structural problems. Uneven floors, doors that won’t shut and cracks in the walls all follow a damaged foundation. 

Foundation damage is usually the result of environmental stress like extreme weather conditions, poor drainage and earthquakes. It’s crucial to watch your foundation for signs of stress and to ensure the area around your home drains properly. 

2. Roof Damage

A strong, leakproof roof is one of the most valuable assets you can give your home. If your roof has cracks or is damaged by a falling tree, it can allow the elements to infiltrate the inside of your house. 

Replacing your entire roof can cost between $5,500 and $11,000, depending on the size of your home and the materials you choose. Although it’s pricey, repairing or replacing your roof is well worth the cost when it comes to home value – on average, it recoups 60% or higher of its initial price when the house is resold.

3. Cold Damage

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Cold weather and temperature changes can sometimes negatively affect your home. If crawlspaces aren’t adequately insulated, pipes can freeze and burst in the winter, leading to water damage. 

A combination of insulation and indoor heating can also cause house materials to contract and expand. This can lead to cracks in the walls, uneven floors and doors that won’t shut. External features such as your garage door are also vulnerable to damage from cold weather. 

The best time to care for your home over the winter is before the cold hits. Check your insulation and consider how temperatures and moisture are distributed throughout your house. You should also do a maintenance check on your garage door to ensure everything is running smoothly. Tighten hardware, test the cables and clean the tracks before the snow starts falling.

4. Water Damage

Water can enter your home from many sources, including a leaky roof, flooding or a cracked pipe. Damage gets worse the longer it is untreated and the more of the house it touches. 

If left unchecked, water in your home can cause structural damage and eventually crack your foundation. It can also lead to mold in your home, which will eat away at your interior and can cause significant health problems for you and your loved ones. 

The total cost for repairing water damage depends on the spread of the problem and how quickly you address it. Because it can have such serious consequences, it can significantly downgrade the value of your home if not taken care of swiftly.

5. Fire Damage

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Internal fires are another risk homeowners face. House fires can start in your kitchen, with heating equipment or other appliances, or by an electrical malfunction. According to a 2020 survey, there are around 346,800 home-based fires a year. 

Even when fires are put out quickly, they can leave smoke damage on the walls and affect your home’s ventilation system. It can also be challenging to get rid of a strong smoke odor. Houses that have experienced a fire often carry a social stigma in addition to physical damage, making it difficult to sell them without extensive repairs. 

Protect your home from fire damage by keeping space heaters away from flammable objects and being very careful around open flames. You should also keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen for easy access. 

Prevent Damage and Maintain Your Home’s Value

Use this information to protect your home from damage and lost value. If destruction has already occurred, evaluate whether repairs are necessary before reselling. 

If you’re considering buying a home that’s suffered damage, think very carefully about your decision. Some types of damage are easy to fix, but repairing others may cost more than the house itself is worth. 

Your best bet is to buy a property with as few issues as possible and then invest the time and funds to prevent future harm.