Whether it’s a concrete apartment building or a wooden house, weather plays a big role in the construction and maintenanceof homes.
Rain
One of the biggest factors that comes into play is rainfall. Leaky roofs, which usually require expensive repairs, are a common problem. However, there are several other areas, such as skylightsand chimneys, where water can seepinto houses if the sealing material is damaged. If not properly addressed, water leakage can result inserious damage asrot and moldtake root.
Another area where water poses a threat tohomes is related to a structure’s foundation. More specifically, a building’s stabilityispartiallydependent onhow well the soil surrounding it can absorb rain. When there is too much water to be drained away by the soil, basement leaks can occur. In fact, it has been estimated that 98% of basements in the United States are prone tosome type of water damage.
Snow
In addition to the substantialdamage to houses caused by rain,another form of precipitationposes a potential problem in certain climates. Snow, particularly the variety with a wet, heavy form, is a threat, so builders typically factorthis inwhen constructingroofs to ensure they don’t sag, crack, or collapse under the strain.
Sun and Wind
Meanwhile, other elements, namely the sun and wind, also impact homes over time. The strong heat in some regionstakes aheavy toll onwood, weakening it and causing it to age faster than normal. High wind, such as that found in hurricanes, tornadoes, and other powerful storm systems, can tear off parts of houses. Thus, good homeconstruction and maintenance are essential.
1. What disagreement is mentioned in the passage? (單選題)
(A) How to best maintain a house and an apartment.
(B) Why humans developed permanent homes.
(C) What the best type of housing material is.
(D) When the first houses were built.
2. Which word in the Day 1 passage means “moving from one place to another instead of living in one specific place all of the time”? (簡答)
_________________________________________
3. According to the Day 2 passage, why does a water leak cause serious damage if it is not handled appropriately? (簡答)
Because_________________________________________
4. Fill in the blanks with the information contained in the Day 2 passage about the impacts of weather conditions on houses.(填空)
Weather Conditions
Impacts on Houses
_____a_____
It may tear houses apart.
_____b_____
A housetop may collapse because of it.
_____c_____
It can make wood less strong and cause it to become old quicker.
