Weather is one of the largest parts to consider when you’re updating your property. Over 14% of modern homes are at risk of flooding in the next ten years, and severe weather patterns have been showing up more and more.
If you’re ready to update your property but aren’t sure how to protect it: here’s everything you need to consider!
Why Weatherproofing Matters Regardless of Where You Are
Weatherproofing may not seem like a big deal if you’re from an area that historically doesn’t have much bad weather: but nationally, the weather is getting worse. Summers are getting hotter, hurricane seasons are getting more intense and lasting for longer, flooding and fires are becoming more common, and tornadoes and storms seem to be getting more severe.
Although this can seem terrifying and a big reason to get homeowners’ insurance: you can protect yourself by protecting your home. From fire-resistant roofing to incredible anti-flooding precautions: these are the top ways to protect your home.
1. Check Your Roof and Siding
How old is your roof? A high-quality roof will last well over thirty to fifty years: but if there are any issues with its shingles, you’ll quickly notice leaking. Keep an eye on your roof, and consider updating it the moment you notice it’s showing its age. This can be through dipping, curled shingles, discoloration, or if you see plant life growing from it. If there’s a problem with your roof, it puts your entire home in danger. Before you start considering front porch ceiling ideas and ways to beautify your home: make sure it’s protected.
2. Ensure Your Windows and Doors Are Sealed
Your windows and doors are big problems if they’re not able to keep the temperatures regulated. If you light a candle and walk by a window or door, and the flame pulls strongly one way or another: you have an air leak. This can be expensive in the summer and winter and leaves you at risk of further damage if you’re going through a rough storm.
For the same reasons you‘d get fiber cement siding to protect your home: you should invest in storm windows to make sure any water and wind are blocked outside.
3. Seal or Paint Any Exterior Wood Features
If you have a deck, or wood siding, the sealant that’s on it matters. Not only does this keep out moisture and allow the wood to stay strong and supportive, but it also blocks out insect life like termites.
Any paint on the exterior of your home should be updated the moment it starts to age.
Although this can feel like a cosmetic fix if there’s wood or plastic under the paint: exposing it could make it weaker or lead it to crack or rot. Keep up to date on your paint, check to make sure you use moisture-resistant paint when you update it and keep an eye out for any signs of wood rot or decay.
4. Make Sure Your Foundation and Basement Are Good to Go
A cracked foundation isn’t anything to ignore. If you notice that your doors and windows aren’t closing right, or pictures and items are hanging unevenly: you may have foundational issues. It’s better to catch this as early as possible because putting it off can quickly lead to issues that will cost a lot more to fix.
Waterproofing foundation walls will help protect them in the future and stop any moisture from causing cracks in them or making a small issue larger.
5. Check Your Gutters!
If you’re preparing for winter, it’s time to get those gutters empty and ready to go. If your gutters are full of leaves and debris, they can cause issues for your roof when snow and ice start to build up. This will also force your heating to have to work harder to keep the same temperature.
In the spring, when this snow and ice melts away, you could be facing a flood or damage on the lower floor of your home or basement from the sudden influx and falling of that much water and ice.
Mistakes to Avoid
Unfortunately, there are some mistakes that people make that can leave their properties far more vulnerable. These can range from doing minor repairs on their roof instead of fully updating it to ignoring problems until it’s far too late. Some issues that pop up are: avoiding updating the property, keeping old windows, ignoring signs of a foundational crack, and avoiding insurance.
Any of these mistakes can lead to an extremely expensive fix if it’s possible to fix it at all. Instead of struggling through any of this: take the time to update your property. Working from the top down will give you the chance to create a safe and comfortable place to live.
Every Property Should Be Prepared for Bad Weather
Whether you’re used to the worst weather or your area has only recently been getting rough storms and summers: being prepared is vital. Take the time to ensure your property has everything you need.
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