From the scorching summer heat to the bitter cold of winter snowstorms, it is essential to make your home weather resistant no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. An added benefit is that weatherproofing prevents mold and mildew from growing, which can have a negative impact on your health. Here are some practical tips that even a newbie homeowner can do to make the exterior of their home weather resistant right now:
Inspect the roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. It is important to inspect your roof regularly to check for any damaged or missing shingles. These should be replaced immediately. In regions that receive heavy snowfall, make sure your roof is well insulated and strong enough to stand up to the weight of heavy snow. As an extra layer of protection, apply a weather-resistant coating or sealant to protect the roof. When inspecting your roof, don’t forget to check the gutters. Gutters and downspouts need to be cleaned and kept free of debris to prevent water damage. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
Check the siding
Checking your home’s siding is another crucial step. Wood siding is especially susceptible to rot. Start by looking for holes in areas prone to rot from water exposure. You can even tap on the wood to see whether there are any soft spots. Vinyl siding does a good job of diverting rain from reaching the water barrier below it. However, it is not watertight and is vulnerable to nicks and chips sustained by weed trimmers and rocks thrown by snowblowers and lawnmowers. While small physical damage does not impair its performance, it does impact curb appeal and should be replaced.
Seal doors and windows
Seal all doors and windows tightly for protection against the elements. There shouldn’t be any gaps that let in drafts. The simple solution is to use weather stripping to keep the cold air, rain, wind, snow or hail from getting in. In the summer, weather stripping prevents the cool air-conditioned air from escaping. If your budget allows it, upgrade to energy-efficient doors and windows for better insulation.
Improve the landscaping
Planting windbreaks such as evergreen trees and shrubs can protect your home against high winds. By properly grading the landscaping around your property, you can divert water away from your home’s foundation to prevent flooding and erosion.
You need to properly insulate the exterior walls to prevent weather-related damage. Fiberglass, cellulose, rock and foam are the most common materials used in energy-efficient insulation, which will not only protect your home but save you money on electric bills.
If your home has poured-foundation walls, consider installing an interior drainage system to prevent moisture from causing damage. However, first applying a waterproof coating to the foundation is a less expensive option to try before going the drainage route.
Creating a weather-resistant home requires being a proactive homeowner. You want to keep a regular maintenance schedule to coincide with the requirements of each season. As the adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Contact us for more tips on how to keep a well-maintained home that will see you safely through all weather conditions.
Claudine Steinfurth
REALTOR®
(216) 409-4039
csteinfurt@aol.com
RE/MAX Above & Beyond
7570 Chippewa Road
Brecksville, OH 44141
