Real Estate Blog

Rain, wind, fluctuating temperatures, and other sorts of extreme weather can have a devastating effect on your home. In addition to causing property damage, a home that has not undergone weather proofing can also cause higher energy costs and a humid environment. Follow these handy home tips to keep your home protected from changing moisture and temperature levels.

Seal Windows and Doors

Tiny cracks around improperly fitted windows and door frames can cause a lot of problems, especially in older homes. Get a good caulk, weather stripping material, or sealant and go around your home to close up. Make sure to do this at least once when you move to a new property, and check for any additional gaps during your annual home maintenance. Properly sealed windows and doors will also make it a lot cheaper and energy efficient to heat or cool your property.

Insulate Your Attic or Basement

These areas of the home are the biggest cause of heat-loss in the winter. Though adding insulation is a slightly time-consuming home improvement task, it is definitely worth it. You can keep your home warmer during the chilly months. The attic is particularly important because heat can rise and escape through the top of your home.

Clean Your Gutters and Drains

Clogged gutters or downspouts can back up with water, and result in disastrous leaks. You might not notice the overflow of water at first, but it can slowly damage your roof and foundation or end up backing up and causing a ceiling leak. Improperly draining gutters can also cause ice buildup that may destroy your roof if the temperatures drop below freezing. Making sure to keep your drainage systems are clear can end up saving you a lot of money in repairs.

Maintain Your Lawn

A lot of people looking for home tips on weatherproofing forget to take a look at the area around their home. However, the reality is that a lot of weather proofing is taking into account the environment around your house. Trim back any tree limbs that could be blown down by strong winds, and make sure to clear out dry brush that could spread wildfires. Consider digging or installing ditches to redirect water away from your home. This will reduce flooding risks and keep your foundation from sitting in water.

Take Care of Your Pipes

Leaky or burst pipes are typically the biggest cause of home repairs, but a little bit of home maintenance can easily prevent unpleasant accidents. Take time to check your pipes for leaks annually, so you can fix small drips before they become a flood. Pipe insulation is fairly easy to install, so it can be a simple DIY home improvement project for your weekends. Not only does it prevent pipes from ever freezing, but it also keeps hot water pipes from losing heat. This will make your home both weather-proofed and energy efficient.