Your house keeps you safe from the elements, but unless your home is free of leaks and has weatherproof windows, the outside conditions can significantly affect the inside of your home.
When you have a leaky house, it can affect the air and heating system’s consumption, resulting in skyrocketing utility bills. Another issue of concern for many homeowners is flooding, especially those living in flood-prone areas; if flooding is a big concern for you, make sure you have flood insurance, any potential entry points are protected, and click here for more info to prevent or minimize the damages. Aside from flooding, there are a variety of ways weather can impact your home; let us check out several ways to weatherproof your abode.
Proper Installation Of Storm Windows
If you have older windows, it is vital to carry out any necessary repairs such as caulking to prevent leaks. The installation of storm windows can provide an additional layer of protection against the cold winter air, just make sure they’re professionally fitted for best results.
Repair Any Leaks Or Gaps Around Doors And Windows
A simple trick to detect if a draft is entering your home is to light a candle and move it close to the door and window frames, if the candle flickers, there is a draft moving in. The best solution is to patch up the spots with drafts using caulk or weather stripping.
You should make sure that all the gaps around the windows and doors in your home have a good seal. Proper sealing of the cracks or leaks, it can help you save on your utility bills in the long run.
Get A Water Heater Insulation Blanket
Insulating your water heater can help save energy by minimizing heat loss through the sides of the water by 25-40%, which will, later on, save money on your utility bills. Get a specially made water heater insulation blanket to reap the benefits in your home.
Add Honeycomb Cellular Shades
One way to keep the cold air and drafts out is to use honeycomb cellular shades to cover the entire window. These help to conserve heat so you can lower them during the night when the temperature drops and open them during the day to make the most out of the sun’s energy to warm up your home when the weather outside is unusually cold.
Fix The Roofing
The roof endures the weather elements all year round, and constant exposure to these elements can wear out your roofing over time. As part of regular maintenance, you should inspect for any water damage on your roof or potential issues with the shingles. Make it a priority to replace any missing shingles or repair water damage.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
A solution that you can consider to weatherproof your home is to install a programmable thermostat. It can help automate the indoor temperature of your home, which prevents you being at the mercy of the outside temperature without having to think about it.
Insulate The Outlets
In older homes, most of the electrical outlets do not have adequate insulation. These could be a source of drafts. You can insulate the outlets and light switches by inserting foam padding in the gaps, if you’re unsure of what material to use, your local hardware store can advise you on what’s best for your situation.
Add Basement Or Attic Insulation
Adding basement or attic insulation is not a cheap endeavor, but can be a worthy investment in the long run; it is essential to note that a significant amount of heat is lost when you have uninsulated or poorly insulated attics, basements, or crawl spaces.
When considering insulation in your basement, it might be best to consult a contractor with experience since moisture issues can lead to mold growth, and put you at risk of health issues.
Store Outdoor Objects Properly
If you have outdoor objects, you must take good care of them year-round. Items such as outdoor décor, patio furniture, grills, and play areas require periodic cleaning to remove any dirt, mildew, or spider webs. If there are strong winds in your area, consider moving them inside, or bolting them down to prevent them damaging your home or flying off your property.
Conclusion
Weatherproofing your home is vital to keep it in good shape for the long term.
Always remember that when it comes to weatherproofing measures, regular maintenance makes sure you’re never caught out unprepared. With the help of these tips to weatherproof your home effectively, you can prevent costly repairs and keep your home in excellent condition for years to come.
