The weather can be the most unpredictable thing at times. A day can start out sunny only for it to be cloudy and windy during the afternoon and raining cats and dogs during the night. Because you can never 100% predict the weather, it’s the wise idea to instead set up your home to better prepare it for any weather, be it rain or shine. Here are our 7 best ways to weatherproof your home:
1. Be safe.
Before you do any of the following tips, understand that a lot of them require handy work and putting yourself in risky positions. Only do any of these if you have the correct and proper equipment and are sure you’re able to handle the job. If not, we highly recommend you invest in the equipment first or hire a handyman for the job. While it may mean additional costs, it’s certainly much more preferable than the cost of a hospital bill. Handy tasks can be dangerous and not worth the risk of an accident.
2. Properly seal your windows and doors.
Windows and doors let in more air than any other part of the home which could mean bad news when it starts to rain or the wind is a little stronger than usual. The best way to prepare your windows and doors for any weather is to make sure you can properly seal them. Your windows should be sealed tightly enough that water can’t come in through them.
While most doors come with small gaps in between the bottom of the door and the floor, you can also install door draft stoppers to stop the rainwater from coming in. They can also help keep your floors clean which is a great added bonus.
Don’t forget to check your windows and doors for any cracks, drafts, or leaks! If you’ve noticed any of these, take care of them with caulk or foam tape or consider replacing them if the damage is too big. Weatherproofing your windows and doors is one of the greatest improvements you can make to your home.
3. Check your roof.
Your roof endures a lot throughout the year. It’s a smart idea to constantly check your roof for any potential risks or damages, such as loose shingles, leaks, or signs of issues. If there are any, call a professional to carry out the proper inspection and make any necessary repairs. This can help protect the inside of your home from rainy weather because the last thing you want is for it to be raining cats and dogs inside your home as well.
4. Invest in sturdy and durable outdoor furniture.
If you’re planning on setting up a patio or chair and table set outside, invest in sturdy outdoor furniture that you’re sure can withstand tough rain, strong wind, and intense heat. While it may be tempting, don’t immediately buy cheap furniture. Cheap furniture sets tend to be flimsy, lightweight, and easily breakable.
Instead, invest in water-resistant furniture made with durable materials. While virtually no furniture is 100% weatherproof, what materials your furniture items are made of can make a huge difference in how they withstand strong weather.
It’s also important that you have a plan for your outdoor items should the rain be too heavy or the sun be too intense. If you don’t, you may end up with soggy, heavy furniture items that’ll take forever to dry and suffer from tears and stains. Some protective tactics include buying protective covers for them, bringing them indoors during a storm, or angling them so that they repel water.
5. Tidy the exterior of your home.
Tidying the outside of your home especially after intense weather can help maintain the look of your home, but it can also help prevent accidents and reveal any issues that can be dealt with before they get worse. For instance, the walkway to your home can be incredibly slippery after a strong storm, making it dangerous to walk on for anyone wanting to enter or exit your home.
Regular tidying of your home’s exterior can help prevent accidents from happening and keep you on top of any damages your home may have gotten from the weather, all while making your home look good and well-kept. It’s one of the best practices to have in maintaining a clean home.
6. Add shades or drapes to your windows.
If left unchecked, UV exposure can damage the appearance of your furniture. It’s not just your furniture, either — harsh UV rays can damage other things, like your books whose pages will yellow the more it’s exposed to sunlight. Too much sunlight can also make it hard to see your phone screens, laptop screens, and TV screens, making it an inconvenience all around. Shades and drapes can help protect the inside of your home during days when the sun is shining too bright.
7. Paint your home right.
Harsh UV rays can ruin the finish that protects the paint while moisture from storms and rains can cause paint to crack and peel. The exterior paint of your home endures a lot from the harsh heat of the sun to the frequent soakings of the rain, so it makes sense they’d be extremely vulnerable to getting damaged.
Luckily, today’s paints have been made to be remarkably adept at handling these situations. That’s why it’s so important to choose your paint right because the right paint can make all the difference. We highly recommend you invest smartly in the paint you choose for the exterior of your home, because the best paint can have your home go a decade before it requires repainting.