6 Inexpensive Ways To Weatherproof Your Home
Go Back To Previous PageLiving in a weatherproof home is a dream come true for many people. But only a small group of homeowners manages to make it happen. Financial
limitations usually stand between property owners and bring this dream to fruition. However, what if we told you that weatherproofing your house doesn’t have to be expensive?
Simple solutions like weather stripping your doors and windows and adding honeycomb shades can significantly improve your home’s comfort and reduce your energy bill for heating and cooling.
If you want to upgrade your property and prepare it to stand up against a long and cold winter, below, you’ll find several ways to do so without spending a fortune on repairs and maintenance projects.
Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first defense against harsh weather conditions. It protects you from rain and snow as well as strong winds. However, it can only provide this protection if it is in good condition. Therefore, you should regularly inspect it for any signs of damage.
If you want to keep your home safe during the coldest months, we recommend you inspect your roof’s parts for a few minutes. Look for loose shingles or tiles, and pay attention to any areas that might develop leaks.
If you find any problems, contact your local roofing contractor immediately and schedule a repair appointment. Also, check for any nailheads protruding from the roof’s surface. These nails can cause leaks that might leave your house exposed to moisture.
You can also extend your roof’s lifespan by regularly cleaning it and removing debris like leaves and branches.
Check Your Gutters
Chances are that you didn’t give much thought to your gutters until now. But once winter hits, you’ll wonder how you could have been so oblivious. Fallen leaves and twigs can quickly clog your gutters, causing severe damage to your roof and siding. It is essential to ensure that water doesn’t collect and freeze in your gutters because this will cause your roof and walls to crack.
The best way to take care of your gutters is by hiring a professional to inspect everything for you. Minor repairs you can do yourself, though. Additionally, it might be a good idea to invest in gutter guards. You can protect your gutters from debris and prolong their lifespan.
Add Insulation material
Unsurprisingly, insulation is the primary way to weatherproof your home. Having it in place will ensure that heat and cold don’t enter or leave your property. It will also keep draughts at bay and prevent the masonry from deteriorating while helping maintain a healthier environment. These are cost-effective and are part of our energy-saving strategies.
Fiberglass and cellulose are the two most common types of insulation you can use. Both are available in rolls or batts so that you can apply them yourself without much effort. You’ll need to be familiar with the correct technique, however, as well as have the right tools for the job.
Adding insulation to your attic, crawl spaces, and walls is a straightforward way to reduce energy consumption and lower your heating bills. Nevertheless, remember that the insulation cost varies depending on the type of material you choose and the size of your home.
Weatherstrip Your Doors and Windows
Drafty doors and windows are among homes’ most common causes of energy loss. Consequently, sealing your doors and windows with a door draft stopper is necessary when weatherproofing your home.
Check the side of your doors and windows for gaps or cracks and seal them with weather stripping or caulk. You can significantly improve your home’s comfort and reduce energy consumption.
You can order custom-made pieces from an online store or buy a set that fits most doors and windows. Nevertheless, no matter which option you choose, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve optimal results.
The best way to weatherstrip your doors and windows is by using foam sticks that expand when they come into contact with heat. After installing them in the gaps around your doors and windows, they will keep calm and warm air out during extreme temperatures.
Install Storm Doors and Windows to Weatherproof Your Home
Many homeowners are reluctant to spend their money on storm windows and doors. They think these weatherproofing products are too expensive and are not entirely wrong.
Nevertheless, installing them doesn’t have to be a financial burden. If you shop around for door installation and research, you can find some fantastic products at affordable prices.
Storm doors and windows are a great way to protect your home from strong winds and flying debris.
They are built to provide a tight seal when closed, preventing air leaks and moisture from entering your house.
At the same time, most storm doors and windows are usually made of durable materials, such as aluminum or steel, and they come with various features, such as shatter-resistant glass and wind-resistant screens. Installing a storm door and window is a great way to reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills during colder seasons.
Additionally, installing storm doors and windows will help you keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This is because they help prevent cool air from coming inside in the fall and warm air from escaping in the spring.
Add Honeycomb Shades
Honeycomb shades are a great, low-cost way to improve your home’s comfort. They’re made of thick fabric that traps air between its layers, creating an insulating barrier that keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
On top of that, they’re also easy to install and can be found in most hardware stores for a minimal price.
You should consider adding these shades to your windows if you’re on a tight budget. They’ll do a great job at preventing heat from escaping through your windows and help you stay warm during the winter.
The Bottom Line: how to weatherproof your home.
Is your home ready for the upcoming season? If you haven’t, there’s no need to fret! With these strategies and tricks, you can weatherproof it in no time.
Some of the best ways to improve your home’s resiliency against the elements include inspecting your roof, adding insulation, and installing storm doors and windows. Also, you can check your gutters for water damage and weatherstrip your doors and windows to minimize energy loss.
If you want to learn more about the subject or plan to upgrade your home in the future, this guide will be a handy reference. You can significantly improve your home comfort and energy efficiency by implementing the abovementioned tips and tricks.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
