Weather Proofing Your Home!

Weatherproofing your house makes it more efficient so you can keep your family warm without breaking the bank. With winter right around the corner, now’s the time to make sure your home is well maintained throughout the cold season. Like it or not, sweater weather is upon us. 

Check out our list of the best ways to protect your home from the weather, save on your bills, and be eco-conscious to preserve the environment.

Lino Arci’s Tips on
WEATHER PROOFING
Your Home. . .

✅ Inspect Roof and Gutters

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against storms and extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, high winds, and sunshine. It’s always important to inspect your roof and gutters before winter sets in. So, what do you look for when inspecting these items?

• Look for any loose or missing shingles and replace them.
• If you live in an area that gets the occasional hail storm, check your roof and gutters for dents and damage like small tears and holes. Contact your insurance company for assistance in replacing these damaged shingles.
• Check the flashing around the chimneys or other roof projections, which prevents melting ice and snow (or rain) from getting into your home.
• Add some extra insulation to your attic or upper crawlspace. This insulation will prevent the formation of ice dams on the roof.
• Clean the leaves and debris out of your gutters; use a hose to rinse the gutters and send water through the downspouts. You might have to use a chimney or pipe-cleaning brush to further clear the downspouts. Rake up and remove any debris that you remove from the spouts or the gutters.
• Check the attic, upper crawlspace, or upstairs ceilings for stains and potential leaks. If you find any areas that look suspicious, check them again right after a rainstorm. If they feel damp, call a professional roofer or immediately repair the leaking area.

✅ Weather Strip Doors and Windows

It pays to check all windows and doors for air leaks. Even if you can’t see or feel the movement of air, infiltration may be occurring. Weatherstripping reduces drafts and blocks energy loss through windows and doors. The right weather stripping, when installed correctly, can pay off significantly in energy savings.

✅ Seal Gaps with Crack and Caulk

Air leaks can waste a lot of your energy dollars. Whether leaks are letting hot air inside during the warmer months or letting in drafts during the cooler season, one of the quickest energy- and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weather strip all cracks and large openings to the outside. 

For better solutions, we suggest contacting a contractor that’s familiar with the different air sealing methods.

✅ Have a Home Emergency Kit

Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for several days. An Emergency Kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

If you or a loved one are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently.

✅ Insulate Crawl Spaces

Insulation is important for keeping any home warm while controlling energy costs. One of the most important ways to keep your home warm is by insulating your crawl space. 

Proper crawl space insulation also can prevent your crawl space from becoming a moist environment that grows and harbors mold and mildew. Controlling crawl space temperature and moisture is a dual process that works toward a common goal: a temperate lower area that will keep upper floors warm, while your home’s foundation remains in sound condition.

• Prevent Moisture From Entering the Crawl Space
• Look at Interior Sources of Moisture
• Seal All Crawl Space Doors and Vents to the Outside
• Seal Rim Joists and Sills
• Insulate the Crawl Space Walls
• Lay the Vapor Barrier on the Ground.

We suggest contacting a professional that can help you determine the best materials for the job.

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