How Does the Climate in Lancaster, PA, Affect My Home Structure?
Homeowners who live in Pennsylvania are no stranger to constant moisture and wind. In fact, the city of Lancaster alone experiences an average of 43 inches of rain annually, an average of 20 inches of snow during the winter, and an average wind speed of 18.35 miles per hour. Furthermore, the climate is typically very humid during seasons that are not cold. Most of the rainfall is concentrated near the latter half of the year, but the snow falls and melts during the first half of the year. Even though it does not always rain when it snows, this can amount to a large volume of water that is present all year round. This means that water is always going to surround your home, regardless of the time of year. The high humidity levels of this city also do not help, as this delays the evaporation of water and retains moisture for a longer period. In terms of basements or crawl spaces, water accumulation can cause leaks and possible flooding, particularly if there are already cracks or holes that the water can enter through. In large volumes, water can also exert a large amount of force—also known as hydrostatic pressure—against basement and foundation walls, which can result in cracks forming, bowing in walls, and other structural damages given enough time. Constant exposure to water can also erode away soil levels, which ultimately weakens the support capabilities of soil underneath heavy concrete slabs. This can lead to uneven, sunken, or broken concrete anywhere in your home. All these damages are not only incredibly unsightly and can ruin the aesthetic of your home, but also they can make your home dangerous to live in.