7 Tips for Weatherproofing Your Home

Every year, low temperatures, high winds, and sudden rainfalls create many problems for homeowners. Sometimes, they notice water dripping from the ceiling, while often, cracks start appearing on walls because of plumbing issues. One thing for sure is that the temperature within the home doesn’t match the temperature outside. As a result, the conditions outside start affecting your home from the inside.

The only way to go about this problem is by weatherproofing the entire house. From windows, gaps in the walls, leakages to doors – you have to ensure the weather doesn’t affect your home’s structure. Perhaps, you can get a thermostat to keep tabs on the temperature, seal the gaps, and install a ventilation system. A few amendments would reduce the chances of wear and tear in the house, improving longevity and durability.

However, if you don’t know how this will work, let us show you the ropes. Here we are listing seven tips for weatherproofing your home.

Fix Leakages

At times, rusty and broken pipes create a lot of mess inside the house. As soon as it starts raining, the water comes dripping from the pipes, straight into the kitchen sink and bathrooms. If you have come across something similar, it is time to fix these leakages. First, grab your plumbing supplies and try fixing the leakages on pipes. Change the ball value and install brass fittings to strengthen the pipes’ grip. Also, use cover plates to conceal the significant gaps around the pipe.

If repairing the pipes seems impossible, you can replace the pipes with new ones. Here, you would need help from expert plumbers since they have to tear down interior walls and fix new pipes. It might seem like an extensive process, but it would save your home from harsh weather conditions in the long run.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

With current weather conditions, the mornings and evenings are frigid; however, nights are chilly. Thus, turning on an air conditioner and then switching the heater at night seems impossible. So, why not install a programmable thermostat to avoid this hassle? It would adjust the temperature according to the weather without consuming a lot of energy. In addition, you can even program it to lower degrees during the day to let some cool air inside the house.

For people who have multiple climate zones in their homes, you can customize the thermostat settings. Perhaps, your parents might prefer a super warm room whereas you like your room a little brisk and cold. Alongside weatherproofing the house, it will ensure house members feel comfortable and cozy.

Overhaul Windows

Old and rusty window frames damage your home’s look and start to let the water in, spoiling the décor. Therefore, monitor your windows carefully to ensure they are in good shape. If you notice any signs of damaged wood or broken frames, try to fix them at your earliest possible. You can extract the damaged wood and replace it with new timber. Afterward, fill the holes with some sand and once it dries out, repaint the frame. Otherwise, you can even varnish it using exterior products.

By making these few amendments, you can weatherproof your home. The thick timber and sand filling would ensure water doesn’t enter through any of the windows. Also, it will protect your home from extreme moisture during the summer season, offering optimal protection.

Repair the Walls

In many homes, the puffed-out and cracked portions of the walls become a leading issue for people. Not only the water starts penetrating every nook and corner, but such conditions also cause structural damage, weakening the home’s foundation. Before weatherproofing, you have to get cracks checked by a professional to repair structural damage. However, if the cracks are small, you can fix them yourself by removing loose material and filling them up.

After that, you have to repaint the wall using high-quality paint. It would withstand all the weather, and the color will stay intact for years. Above all, it will keep your home protected from harsh weather conditions, closing doors for water-related problems.

Clean the Gutters

During the rainy season, clogging is one of the most common problems homeowners encounter. The leaves and debris stuck inside the drain trap the water inside the house that damages the structure. Due to this, water often starts dripping from the ceilings and edges of the home. Fortunately, you can eliminate all this mess by keeping your gutters cleaned. You can call in experts to remove trees, debris and unclog the drains.

In addition, you can get your hands on a plastic wire or a hedgehog gutter leaf-guard filter to clear up the mess. It would also prevent future build-up, weatherproofing your home in the best possible way. Remember, you have to clean gutters after every season to remove any added strain on the system.

Install a Ventilation System

Not having a ventilation system inside the house can significantly affect the air quality. After all, you would be breathing the same contaminated air 24/7, leading to respiratory problems. In addition, your home won’t be able to shed the hot and cold air it doesn’t need. To weatherproof your house, invest in a ventilation system. You can check the vents connected to the HVAC system and ensure they are clean before installing the system.

Moreover, ensure all the vents leading to the attic are free of dust and debris. After all, blockages can trap heat in the vent, causing your ventilation system to run less effectively. Besides this, having a proper plan will come in super handy, especially during harsh weather conditions.

Seal the Gaps & Cracks

Are there any gaps around your doors and windows? Even a 1-2-inches gap between the window or door can invite humid and cold air inside the house. Therefore, you have to seal the holes and cracks around the non-moving parts of the windows and doors. For this, you can either use caulk or foam sealants to bridge and conceal the gaps.

However, if any of the moving parts have cracks, air sealing will work better. You can opt for weatherstripping on the exterior side of the house and seal the unwanted outside drafts. It would prevent moisture and dust, closing doors for heat and mold. Besides this, proper weatherstripping will also improve air quality while keeping small insects and bugs out of your home.

Final Words

As the weather conditions change in a blink of an eye, homeowners have to weatherproof their homes. In addition to eliminating damages in the long term, it will close doors for wear and tear. However, weatherproofing doesn’t require massive repairs or overhauling; instead, a few amendments will be enough. You can clean the gutters, fix leakages, seal the cracks, or install a thermostat to weatherproof your house.