Everyone knows that the climate is changing, and the seasons are getting more unpredictable. And while some still debate whether to spend money on weatherproofing their homes, the truth is that everyone needs to take precautions.
Weatherproofing is important to keep your home in good condition. Not only does it protect your home from the weather, but it can also help to conserve energy and keep you comfortable.
There are many ways to weatherproof your home, and most of them are affordable and easy to do. If you don’t want to risk additional expenses from full-blown repairs, here are seven budget-friendly weatherproofing ideas you need to consider.
1. Use Weather Stripping on Doors and Windows
Weatherstripping is one of the most effective and affordable ways to weatherproof your home. It’s a simple and easy way to keep the cold air and moisture out, and you can place it on any door or window. You can buy weather stripping at any hardware store, and it’s a straightforward DIY project.
Remember to weatherstrip your garage door if it leads inside the home and insulate around any doors that lead outside.
2. Do a Landscape Checkup
Ensure plants, trees, and shrubs aren’t damaging your home or blocking air vents. If they are, you can prune them back. That way, they don’t cause problems in the future. You can even cut back tree branches to not hang directly over your roof.
Ensure your landscape pipes are draining properly, and check for blocked downspouts. Clean them so they can’t cause drainage problems around your home.
3. Treat Your Wooden Fences
If you have a wooden fence that separates your yard from the outside, the wind, rain, snow, and the elements can easily damage this. It’s best to look into weatherproofing your fence to keep it looking nice and in good condition. Most importantly, you want to protect its structural integrity, so it doesn’t fall.
4. Take Care of Your Roof
Your roof is the best defense against all types of weather. Still, you need to check it periodically to ensure that birds and rodents aren’t taking up residence in it. It helps if you also keep an eye out for any loose or shredded shingles, which you need to replace right away.
Another best way to protect your house’s structure is to install gutters. Gutters are an essential part of your roofing. Still, they’re only effective if they’re not filled with debris or hanging low enough that water stays in them long enough to cause damage. If gutter cleaning isn’t something you want to deal with, you can install leaf guards.
5. Seal Your Foundation and Attics
The foundation is one of the most critical parts of your home because it protects you from the elements. If you have cracks, leaks, or gaps in your foundation, it can be a huge source of problems for your home. Seal any cracks with caulk and fill spaces between walls that are hollow with insulation.
If you have an attic, make sure that it’s adequately insulated to keep the heat out in the summer and in during the winter months. You can remove all ducts that let cold air enter if you have a vented attic. Doing so will allow the warmth from downstairs to rise into your living space.
6. Blow-in Insulation
Blown-in insulation is a great, cost-effective way to add insulation to your attic while saving time and money. You’ll get more for your dollar by purchasing the product and doing it yourself instead of hiring someone else to do it for you.
You can also choose from a wide variety of insulation types, including fiberglass, cellulose, and foam, depending on your budget and the kind you prefer.
7. Wrap Your Pipes and Water Heater
It helps if you always protect the major appliances in your homes, such as your water heater and furnace. If you don’t protect them from the harsh elements, you will end up with some costly repairs or replacements down the line. Cover them with good quality, heavy-duty pipe wrap to protect them from freezing.
For water heaters, you can purchase a drain pan that you can tuck in between the bottom of your tank and the ground. This method will let excess water flow out into the surrounding area. You can also insulate your pipes with pre-slit foam insulation or pipe sleeves.
Weatherproofing is a great way to save you money in the long run. However, it’s also about making your home comfortable and safe for you and your family. Keep these tips in mind when weatherproofing your home this season to stay warm and cozy while saving yourself some time and money.
Meta title: How to Weatherproof Your Home without Breaking the Bank
meta desc: It is essential to take precautions against the changing climate and unpredictable seasons. The following are some relatively inexpensive and simple ways to weatherproof your home.
