Climate change is not just a possibility or a phenomenon that may occur in the distant future. It is very real and something that humans are experiencing throughout the world by people of every sect of life. When we buy a home or build one from scratch, a refuge from the elements of nature is at top of the list. Our home protects us from the climate and weather of the part of the world we live in. But the climate is changing and the weather is becoming more and more unpredictable. In such a case, shouldn’t we make sure that our home is well adapted to the changes in the climate in the years to come? You should build a home that is suitable for the climate of tomorrow and not a house that is just comfortable today.
Let’s take a look at the changes in climate all over the world.
Temperature
The global temperatures are soaring. Each year a new record is being set for the highest temperature ever recorded. The heat can be detrimental to the structures of the home. Some kinds of building materials can trap heat in the home and cause it to become very stuffy and uncomfortable to live in it.
Increased rainfall
The rainfall in certain areas of the world has increased and this has been the reason behind floods, flash floods, and water logging. The increased levels of moisture and humidity can also damage the structures of the home. If you live in an area that is prone to increased rainfall, you must be sure to build a climate change suitable home.
Droughts
When the topic of homes and climate change is taken, it is impossible to leave out the drought. Long periods without rainfall can seriously affect the integrity of your home.
Increased amounts of natural calamities
Floods, cyclones, tsunamis, hailstorms and wildfires are all examples of calamities that can seriously affect your home and your life. Make sure that you have a climate change suitable home to keep you safe.
How to build a climate change ready home?
When you build a home, you want it to be a shelter for your future generations too. To make sure that your home is climate change ready, you need to take many factors into consideration. One of the things that you need to consider is the place you wish to settle down in. Learn what kinds of effects the climate change has brought upon the land you choose. Think about how these climate changes will affect your building and what the consequences of the climate change can be. The next thing to do is to take the number of members in your family into account. With these into consideration, you will also have to consider your budget to make sure that you have the best solutions that are affordable too. It is an excellent idea to consult an expert in the field like Classic Homes to make sure that your home has optimum livability and comfort.
Temperature
To make sure that the home is cool even with the rising temperature, make use of building material that reflects heat and keeps the home cool. Blackout shades on the windows, external shading, reflective glazing, and reflective roofing are all ways to ensure this. Make use of natural ventilation too. The home must also be oriented in a way to avoid the sun’s rays when it is the most harmful. Making use of all this heat to power your homes by using solar cells can also help.
Fires
With increased heat, fires can happen too. If your home is located in an area that is prone to fires, make sure that you incorporate flame-resistant materials when building the home.
Increased rainfall
The home must be resistant to impact. The window must have appropriate protection. The drainage system must be efficient. A rainwater harvesting method can help in retaining water for later.
Floods
If your home is to be built in a flood prone area or a low-lying coastal area, you must take the following steps to minimize the damage. A raised home with the lower levels being used for non-living purposes could help you live through floods. The drainage must be built to make sure that the flood waters can recede effectively. The building material must be water resistant and rust proof materials must be used.
