5 TIPS FOR WEATHERPROOFING YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR
Weatherproofing is like giving your home’s exterior a sturdy shield. It ensures your space stays dry during storms, cozy during cold snaps, and cool during heat waves. Apart from that, weatherproofing also preserves your property’s structural integrity in the long run. It particularly stands true if you live in a city like Chicago, which keeps up with extreme weather conditions year-round.
Wondering how to go about weatherproofing your home? Well, we’ve got you covered!
Following are some expert tips to help you weatherproof your home’s exterior so that it can withstand elements like rain, snow, wind, scorching sun, and more:
- Replace Damaged Roof
Living with a damaged roof is simply a bad idea. It is because a compromised roof with missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or sagging areas can allow water to penetrate your home’s interior. Among other things, it can weaken the framework, cause rot, and even put the safety of your home at risk. So, when your roof starts to show signs of wear and tear, you need to replace it right away.
Depending on the location, the lifespan of your roof may vary. For example, if you live in Chicago, which is known for its windy conditions, strong winds can lift and damage shingles and other roofing components. So, you may need to replace your roof more frequently in Chicago than in many other parts of the country. But the good news is that you can easily find a roofing company in Chicago that provides no-interest financing. This means you can replace the roof at your convenience without breaking the bank. It is a win-win deal!
- Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are certainly not the most glamorous feature of a house. However, they play a vital role in protecting your property from water damage and ensuring its longevity.
For example, water flows off your roof and into your gutters during rain. Clean gutters help direct this water away from your home’s foundation and walls. If your gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, or debris, water can overflow and create a host of problems. One of the most immediate concerns is water pooling near your foundation. This excess moisture could seep into the ground and potentially weaken the foundation, leading to costly structural damage over time.
Moreover, clogged gutters create a perfect breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes, which thrive in stagnant water. By neglecting gutter cleaning, you are essentially inviting these unwanted visitors to make themselves at home.
Cleaning your gutters is a relatively simple and cost-effective maintenance task that can save you a lot of trouble down the road. As a rule of thumb, cleaning gutters at least twice a year is sufficient.
- Add Storm Doors
Storm doors are versatile additions to your home from a weatherproofing standpoint. First and foremost, storm doors provide an additional layer of protection against the elements. They act as a barrier between your primary entry door and the outside world. For instance, during cold winters, storm doors minimize heat loss by creating an insulating air pocket between the storm door and your main door. Eventually, it translates into a cozier interior.
Storm doors also serve as a robust line of defense against moisture-related issues. During rainfall, they intercept water before it can make contact with your primary entrance door. This redirection of moisture prevents water from seeping into your home, where it could severely damage your walls, flooring, and the foundation.
Since the market is peppered with different models, you might have a hard time selecting the right storm door. We recommend you look for specific features and consider your unique needs to make an informed choice. For example, storm doors are typically made of aluminum, steel, or wood. Aluminum doors are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, while steel doors are sturdy and secure. Wooden doors, on the other hand, offer a traditional look but require more maintenance. Choose a material that aligns with your area’s climate and maintenance preferences.
Likewise, if ventilation is important to you, opt for storm doors with removable or retractable screens. They let in fresh air while keeping insects out.
- Insulate Exterior Walls
Insulating exterior walls has become a go-to solution for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency. Insulated walls reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the home. This means that less heat escapes in winter and less heat infiltrates in summer. This way, you can have a more comfortable indoor environment year-round.
Soundproofing is another driving factor behind the widespread popularity of insulation of interior walls. Extremely loud noises, such as those from nearby construction sites or industrial facilities, can cause structural damage to your home over time. Vibrations from heavy machinery are associated with denting the foundations, walls, and ceilings. By insulating your exterior walls, you can keep all these issues at a safe distance as well.
Properly insulating your exterior walls requires you to select the material that is appropriate for your climate. Common options include fiberglass batts, cellulose, spray foam, and rigid foam boards. Before starting the insulation process, do not forget to evaluate the condition of your walls. If required, make necessary repairs to maximize insulation’s efficiency in the long run.
- Caulk Around Exterior Openings
Caulking is a highly effective technique to weatherproof your home. It seals gaps, cracks, or openings in various exterior surfaces of your house. Back in the day, mud and clay were used to seal gaps in structures. However, these early caulking materials were often rudimentary and did not provide long-lasting weatherproofing. Fortunately, today, we have silicone and latex-based caulks. These synthetic materials offer excellent flexibility, adhesion, and weather resistance, making them ideal for sealing gaps and joints in modern construction.
When done correctly, caulking prevents rainwater, snow, and cold drafts from sneaking into your home through gaps. It also plays a major role in pest control. Insects and rodents often use gaps and openings to find their way into homes. By properly sealing these entry points, you can create a barrier that keeps unwanted critters at bay.
To get the most out of caulking, you should regularly inspect your home’s exterior. Over time, caulk can degrade due to exposure to sunlight and changing weather conditions. So, re-caulking as needed is a crucial part of home maintenance.
Conclusion
As a homeowner, you have several responsibilities to take care of. One of them is to ensure your property can withstand any kind of weather.
You can count on the tips covered in this article to weatherproof your home. Implement them today and take a step toward creating a safer space for yourself and your beloved family member.