Learn how bad weather can wreak havoc on your home.

No matter where you live, you are bound to experience extreme weather conditions.  Whether this means insanely hot summers or blisteringly cold winters, these harsh conditions can spell serious trouble for your home.  Here's is how extreme weather can affect your home.

• Subsidence

Subsidence refers to a home sinking into the ground.  Oftentimes, subsidence occurs when an area is hit with very hot, dry weather.  The heat dries out the soil and, as the moisture leaves, the ground contracts.  This, in turn, causes homes to sink into the ground, disrupting their structural integrity.  Common signs of subsidence include large cracks in your home's walls and misaligned or jammed windows and doors.

• Water Damage

If you live in an area prone to wet weather and humidity, then you may have problems with mold.  Oftentimes, mold reproduces as spores that make their home in warm, damp places.  This makes places like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens prime locations for mold growth.  Because mold is unsightly and could pose health hazards, it's important to prevent this issue.  Properly ventilating your home and treating mold with bleach and other disinfectants are both good ways to prevent growth.

• Wildfires

If you live in a place prone to hot, dry weather, then you may face a higher risk for wildfires.  This is because dry brush can ignite quickly and spread over a large area in a matter of minutes.  To protect against wildfire damage, make sure you create a fire zone around the perimeter of your home.  Remove all flammable materials in this zone, so wildfires have a harder time reaching your home.  Additionally, make sure that you have adequate fire insurance in place.  Please note that home insurance providers may refuse to offer wildfire coverage for at-risk homes, so you may have to secure a supplemental policy to protect against this risk. These are some of the ways that extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on your home.  Remember, having the right homeowners insurance can help you address these threats.  Do you need assistance with your home coverage?  If so, then contact the experts at Weeks & Associates Insurance Services in Thousand Oaks, California, to get covered today.