No matter what part of the world you call home, your house is subjected to a great deal over the the course of a year. From brutal winter storms to sweltering summer afternoons, it is a given that you will have to fortify your home against what Mother Nature has in store. Weatherproofing your home is a great way to keep your family safe, comfortable, and stress-free. In this guide we will take you through some easy, practical steps to help you prepare your home for all four seasons no matter where you live.
Start with the Basics
In the beginning of weatherproofing you will do the initial step which is to seal off areas of your home that air is getting in and out of. For the most part this includes windows, doors, attic hatches, and also electrical outlets on exterior walls. To begin with use weatherstripping around doors and windows which will in turn keep the warm air in during winter and the cool air in during summer. Also apply caulk to seal in cracks and gaps around window and door frames as well as exterior siding. Also install door sweeps which in turn will block drafts under the exterior doors. At first these may seem like small changes but they really do improve your comfort level and also help to reduce energy costs.
Insulate for All Seasons
Proper insulation is very important for home climates from winter heat conservation to summer cool. In general, focus on the attic and crawl spaces’ performance first. What is also true, is that if you see through to the joists in your attic, that is a sign that you could add more insulation — whether in form of fiberglass batts or sprayed in. Also by insulating basement walls and crawl spaces you help out with water issues and also keep out cold drafts which in turn improves total home energy performance. Also, take note that by wrapping water pipes you do a great service in which we prevent pipes from freezing in the cold months also which at the same time reduces heat loss year round. Beyond making the home more comfortable, what insulation does is also to greatly bring down on the heating and cooling bills.
Check and Maintain Your Roof and Gutters.
Your roof is the first defense for your home against outdoor weather, meaning it is critical to have such work done before the next storm or heavy snow. Canvass Your Roof to Avoid Spring Leaks To start off spring roof can be daunting but not impossible if you take the time to ease into it.Begin by inspecting your roof and take note of any missing or broken shingles that you’ll need to replace in order to prevent leaks in the future.
Also, do a yearly clean out of your gutters in the spring and fall to avoid clog,s which in turn will cause water damage. We would also recommend fitting gutter guards to help keep leaves and debris from blocking your gutters and also make the cleaning process less hassle in the future. If you notice problems like sagging gutters, cracked flashing, or water stains on the attic floor, consider bringing in a pro to inspect further.
Keep the Outside Beautiful with Help from the Experts
As important as keeping the interior of your home clean is keeping the exterior looking good, too. Cracked siding, peeling paint or loose panels can all lead to big problems later. That’s why so many families rely on professionals to handle their siding repairs because they want to make sure the outside of their home gets sealed properly so they are comfortable inside.The right siding repair not only boosts your home’s energy efficiency but also its curb appeal.
Winterize Before the First Snowfall
Preparing for winter in your home will save you many a headache and also prevent emergency repairs in freezing weather. Begin by turning off and draining your garden hoses out of the pipes which will help to prevent them from freezing. Also if your home has external water valves be sure to shut them off. Also put in practice the reverse rotation of your ceiling fans which will push the warm air down thus making your heat system work better. Also it is a good idea to get ahead of the game and stock up on winter supplies like salt, shovels and emergency items before the first flake falls. Also do not forget to check your heat system early in the season, change the filter and to have a professional do a full tune up if needed to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Prep for Spring Showers and Storms
As spring rolls in with the melting snow and the arrival of rain, it is important to get your home in order for the wet weather to come. You will want to check your sump pump if you have one and to see that it is functioning properly, which also includes to clean out that pit. Also, check your foundation for any cracks that you will want to seal in to keep water out. After winter’s tough weather it is a good idea to look at your roof and gutters for damage that may have been done. Als,o do a general outside check of your home for issues that may have come up over the winter.
Summer-Proof Your Home for the Heat
When it gets hot ou,t your home can very quickly become uncomfortable if you don’t prepare it for the heat. To keep indoor temps down try out black out curtains or reflective window film which will block the sun and reduce heat gain. Also as a tip clean and service your air conditioner before the hottest days hit so it’ll run at optimal performance when you really need it. Outdoors add shade with umbrellas, awnings, or put in some large trees which will help cool things off.
Fall: The Preparation Season.
Fall is your final chance to get things in order before winter hits. It’s also a great time for a full home review. Start by pruning back any trees or branches which touch your roof which in turn will help to avoid damage from storms or heavy snow. Check the weather stripping around doors and windows and replace what has worn out over the year to help keep your home warm and energy efficient. If you plan to use your fireplace, which is also a good idea at this time of year,, do check and clean both the fireplace and the chimney to make sure they are safe and ready. Also, it is a wise decision to service your furnace and to test your carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working correctly.
Make It a Family Affair
Weatherproofing your home doesn’t have to be a stressful, grown-up-only task. Involve your kids where you can. They can assist in checking for drafts by holding up tissues against windows, collecting leaves from the gutters (safely, of course), or stocking emergency kits. Building a safe, efficient home is a 12-months-out-of-the-year job, but taken season by season, it feels doable. And if you need to help that’s outside your wheelhouse, professionals are there for a reason.
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