Blustering winds, incessant rain, and temperature fluctuations can damage the structure of your house and degrade its appearance. However, weatherproofing the building can ensure its longevity, retain its curb appeal, and safeguard the people living inside. Surveys suggest that you can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20% after weatherproofing your home. Whether it’s raining cats and dogs or hailing golf balls down from the heavens, proper insulation protects your home from unpredictable weather conditions.
Here are some helpful tips for weatherproofing your home:
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Seal every small gap
Even a small crack in a house’s walls can have the same effect as an open window. Therefore, you must look for these openings and other minuscule cracks letting in the air. Get silicone caulk and foam sealant (they’ll cost a few dollars) and use these 100 percent waterproof substances to seal all visible holes and cracks. Pay special attention to the edges near doors and windows.
If you’re confused about how to seal crack will caulk, YouTube has several videos to explain this DIY process. Just search online and you’ll see how easy it is to weatherproof a house with caulk.
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Replace your outdated windows
Rotting windows are not only an eyesore, but they also let in wind and water, which can quickly damage the building and affect the indoor temperature. Sometimes, you can repair a window to make it more weather-resistant, but it’s more cost-effective to update them by replacing them altogether. Get energy-efficient all weather seal windows with properly-insulated, fiberglass-reinforced frames. These windows offer extra durability and protect the house from extreme weather fluctuations.
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Get some thick curtains
Yes, thick curtains. Can you believe that decorative decisions help you make your home weather-resistant? Thick curtains add an extra layer of insulation to your windows. Since thick curtains prevent drafty cold air from entering your house, they are energy-efficient and cost-effective during the winter. Moreover, thick window covers block noise pollution from disrupting your indoor environment.
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Spruce up your door
Don’t let warm air slip through the cracks in your doors; invest in quality weatherstripping to ensure your doors are weatherproof. Inspect your door by lighting a candle and swaying it in front of it. If you notice the candle flickering, it means the door has minor cracks. You can seal the cracks in the door or replace the thing altogether to ensure no cold air will blow inside. Moreover, you can add a storm door as an extra layer of protection.
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Make a draft stopper
A draft stopper is a snake-like cloth tube stuffed with rice, beans, batting, or any other material. It is easy to stitch by yourself and place one underneath doors to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering your house. Draft stoppers can also stop unpleasant odors from creeping into your home. You can also find some fabric weatherproofing from Amazon.
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Get a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps you automate temperature control and adjust settings remotely. It’ll cost anywhere between $25 and $200, but it’s an excellent investment to reduce utility costs and customize temperature schedules. This device helps weatherproof your home by maintaining the temperature inside and also regulates the temperature when you’re not home. You can save almost $200 a year by using this gadget to reduce energy wastage and maintain a consistent indoor climate.
Ensure you invest in a programmable thermostat compatible with your home’s electrical system. Hire an expert to install this device, as it may be difficult and time-consuming for some.
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Inspect your roof tiles
Inspect your roof or call professional roofers to look for possible renovations. When inspecting, look for missing tiles so you can replace them properly. Grab your binoculars to inspect for damage. Also, do not climb on top of your roof as it is unsafe; this job is best left to professional roofers.
Add a weatherproof sealant to the areas prone to water damage, such as roof joints and flashings. Installing weather stripping around your chimneys and insulating the attic will be helpful. Install an extra rubberized underlayment to protect the roof from the effects of excessive moisture.
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Keep your gutters clean
While inspecting your house’s roofing structure, attend to unclean gutters. Clogged gutters will lead to leaky roofs, water damage, mold growth, and rodent infestations. So, clean all easily-accessible drains and gutters. Clear out leaves from your gutters to avoid blockage. Also, trim overhanging tree branches as they may fall onto your roof during a storm.
During winters, trapped water can freeze inside the drains and damage the pipes. You can prevent breakage in your house’s gutter lines by quickly cleaning the drainage system.
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Insulate your water heater
Your heater also needs insulation to function properly and perform optimally. Covering your water heater makes it more energy-efficient. An insulated heater will decrease heat loss by 25 to 45 percent while saving you 7 to 16 percent in water heating costs. Just make sure you turn the power off before insulating the heater. Secure the edges with tape, cover all exposed pipes, and wrap the blanket around the valve as well.
Conclusion
Weatherproofing your home lowers your heating and cooling expense, improves the house’s resale value, and makes it a comfortable place to live in. Follow the tips mentioned in this blog to weatherproof your home and enhance its durability during all seasons. You must keep gutters clean, block small gaps, and spruce your door. Get energy-efficient windows and a programmable thermometer. That’s how you can safeguard the structure of your property and protect it from the weather.
