Weatherproofing your home offers a wide range of benefits:
- Reduced heating cost
- Comfortable indoor temperatures
- Lower chance of having mold or mildew growth
- Protection against water damage
By applying weatherstripping to your windows and doors and caulking other areas where the draft occurs, you can keep out hot air during the sweltering summer months and cold air during frosty winter.
Roofing and insulation expert Yorkshire Roofing shares some of the simplest weatherproofing hacks homeowners should consider.
Weatherstrip draft windows
You can weatherproof drafty windows using rubber strips, which come with a self-adhesive backing so you can apply them around the inside of window frames. These strips close all the gaps and crevices where air leak occurs.
To check if your windows are drafty, hold a lighted candle close to the window seams. If you see that the flames flicker, it means that the frame is not airtight and thus needs weatherstripping or caulking.
Ensure the gutters provide good drainage
A good rule of thumb is to check your gutters and downspouts every year, ideally before the arrival of the winter or rainy season.
Remove leaves and other debris in the gutters to prevent overflow and seepage, which can cause water damage that leads to peeling paint, mold growth, blotches on the wall, and even structural damage.
Inspect your exterior paint
You may not be aware of it, but the exterior paint plays a more important role than making your abode look pretty. Remember, it is your home’s first line of defense against moisture, rain, UV rays, and mold/mildew.
If your home needs a fresh coat of paint, choose an acrylic paint with satin or eggshell “texture” because it is durable, easy to maintain (i.e., it is more easily washed and thus stays “cleaner” longer), and resistant to abrasion and extreme weather conditions.
By contrast, avoid latex paint for your home’s exterior because it is less durable under harsh outdoor conditions, or paint your exterior wall with a flat or matte finish because any surface imperfection can be easily seen.
Check your home’s insulation
When inspecting your home’s insulation, pay close attention to your basement and attic. Keeping these spaces sealed from airflow and excess moisture is crucial to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing heating costs.
Additionally, repair any cracks or gaps in your attic and basement as soon as you spot them.
If you need to upgrade or fix your home’s insulation, make sure that you hire a licensed contractor that is well-versed in energy-efficient technology and design. Click here to learn more about the importance of proper insulation.
Inspect your roof
Check your roof for granule loss, missing shingles, worn-out parts, and water damage (blotches and discoloration on the ceiling are a common telltale sign).
Additionally, inspect your attic and pay close attention to exhaust ducts and vent stacks, leaks, mold/mildew growth, and ventilation (ideally, there should be no mold and rusty nails).
If you need to renovate your roof, make sure that you only use weather-resistant roofing materials, meaning they should provide a high level of protection against wind, heavy rain, and even impact such as from falling tree branches.
For additional information about professional roofing services, visit Yorkshire Roofing or call them at (800) 794-7444.