Did you know that each year hurricanes cause roughly $54 billion in damage? While a lot of this damage is unavoidable, the reality is that a good deal of it could be prevented with proper weatherproofing techniques.
Whether you want to prevent weather-related damage, or just want to make sure that the cold/warm air stays outside, you can benefit from a weatherproof house. But, how do you go about making these changes? And what should you focus on?
If you want to learn the answer to these questions and more, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through some ways that you can weatherproof your house. Let’s get started!
Insulate Your Home Often and Perform Upkeep Checks
There are two main reasons why you want to make sure that your home is properly insulated. For one thing, it can cut down on your heating and cooling bill. Without a properly insulated home all of your heated or cooled air is leaking out of your home.
As such, your HVAC system needs to work twice as hard to make up for the lost air. The second reason is that a home that isn’t insulated can easily let water in. And, as any homeowner knows, water damage needs to be avoided at all costs.
So, how do you find out if there are leaks around your home? One way is to hire a professional to identify all of them. However, you can also try a do-it-yourself method. Light a candle and take it around the doors, windows, and other openings in your home.
If you notice it flickering, then that means there is a leak in your home that needs to be filled. You can do this by weatherstripping the opening. Or, you can use a caulk gun to seal it off. We recommend performing regular upkeep checks to ensure that you aren’t missing any draft leaks.
Install Storm Windows
If you live in an area with frequent hurricane weather or just a lot of rain, then it’s essential to install storm windows. These are windows that significantly reduce the amount of airflow in and out of your house.
As their name suggests, they’re also great at keeping out water from storms. This, in turn, makes your home dramatically more comfortable. Just make sure that you hire a professional to do it right, or you won’t get any of the benefits.
If you can, then we also recommend installing recessive windows. These types of windows divert water away from your house when it rains.
Use the Right Type of Paint on the Exterior of Your Home
Many people seem to forget that the paint on the exterior of your home is the first line of defense against the weather. Multiple types of weather can affect your home gradually over time. For example, UV rays from harsh sunlight can cause the paint of your home to crack off and peel.
Similarly, extreme winds can cause objects and debris to scrap the side of your house. And, if you live in a particularly wet climate, then frequent rain and humidity can cause mold and other bacteria to grow on your exterior.
The good news is that there are a variety of exterior paints that can actively fight against all of these weather problems. Just make sure that you choose the right brand that’s specifically engineers for exterior use. We also recommend investing in a primer to ensure a strong base coat.
Don’t Forget About Your Garage Doors
Sadly many homeowners are so concerned with weatherproofing their attics or basements that they completely forget about their garage doors. Your garage door doesn’t just protect your home from burglaries, it’s also responsible for keeping a major section of your home safe from water and wind damage.
As such, we recommend a hurricane-rated garage door. These products are tough enough to survive extreme damage from a hurricane, or just the day-to-day wear and tear that accompanies any home.
On top of that, they can also keep water from entering your home and causing serious damage. If you want to learn more about these benefits, then make sure to check out his guide on hurricane-rated garage doors.
Consider Upgrading Your Home With Hurricane-Resistant Design Features
If you’re tired of suffering from storm damage, then it’s time to upgrade your home with a design that naturally resists hurricanes. Make no mistake, this will be an expensive process. It often involves replacing whole sections of your home.
However, when you think about it, it’s better to actively try and solve the root of the problem, instead of continuously paying for repairs. If you rebuild your home the same way every time it’s damaged, then you’re just putting out fires instead of preventing.
So, what parts of your home should you consider upgrading? Here are some areas we recommend focusing on:
- Roofs and overhangs that are peaked to lessen rain deposition
- Plants and landscape designs that reduce the exposure of rain and wind to your home
- Surface textures on your wall that naturally repel water
- Hurricane shutters to protect against strong rain and wind
- Hurricane-resistant foundations with floor joists
- Draining systems like gutters that deposit water as far away from the house as possible
Enjoying Your Weatherproof House? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn more about how to weatherproof your home for both hot and cold seasons. As you can see, weatherproofing can involve a lot of effort. In some cases, it can even involve an entire redesign.
However, nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with having a weatherproof house. So, start making a plan to implement some of these tips before storm season rolls around.
Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
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