When your home is your biggest investment, which is why maintaining it is a must. One way to keep your dwelling in tip-top shape is to protect it against its biggest threat: the weather.
From wall cracks to floor leaks, each season brings homeowners a new set of property issues. The lack of weatherproofing can weaken your home’s structural foundation, cause inconvenience, and even expose your family to diseases. Without weatherproofing, you risk facing hefty utility bills and a decline in property value.
Don’t wait until the next storm or the first signs of mould to appear. Follow these weatherproofing steps now to keep your home in optimal condition all year round.
Assess your roof
Your roof is your number one defense against the elements. Loose or missing roof tiles can easily turn into a leak which can cause serious water damage. Since a roof leak can cause moisture, mold can start infecting your home.
Water from a leak can also disrupt insulation in your attic. This means your home can lose huge amounts of heat and cold air. If a leak is not repaired immediately, it can cause dark spots or worse, a collapsed ceiling.
Almost all types of roof damage can get progressively worse, so make sure you address them as soon as possible. However, fixing your roof by yourself can be dangerous. Take advantage of professional roof restoration services instead to ensure a complete and safe repair.
Choose the right exterior finish
Harsh sunlight can cause your paint to crack and peel, while moisture from rain can lead to mildew and algae. The right type of paint can protect your home from all sorts of weather conditions. Water-based paints help trap moisture. ; Compared to oil-based type, they are also less likely to peel and crack when exposed to moisture. On the other hand, latex paint with an acrylic binder is highly resistant to rain damage and lasts longer than paint with a vinyl-acrylic binder.
Upgrade your windows
Windows, especially single-pane types, are common entry points for drafts and leaks. Similarly, they allow excessive UV rays to pass through which not only cause health problems, but also fading in your walls, floors, and furnishings.
Upgrading to double-pane windows will not only increase interior comfort but also keep your home looking good as new. Another option is to use window shades which can effectively block heat from entering your home.
In areas that are frequently hit by heavy rain and high winds, switching to impact-resistant shutters or impact-resistant glass can save your windows from breaking. Once your window is shattered, wind can easily enter and wreck your interior.
Invest in insulation
A poorly insulated home can suffer from moisture and condensation which can lead to mold growth. Mould doesn’t just look horrible on surfaces, it can also affect the quality of indoor air and bring respiratory problems.
Adequate insulation enables condensation to exit the home without causing any problems. It ensures that indoor smoke, moisture, and pollutants are replaced by fresh and clean air.
Additionally, insulation reduces your energy bills and carbon footprint. It also increases your home’s value and keeps its occupants warm and healthy.
Weatherproofing is one of the best decisions you can make for your entire abode. While most repairs can cost you time and money, putting them off will only lead to more expensive damage in the long run. Weatherproofing your home will not only lengthen its service life; it will also keep you and your family safe and comfortable.
