Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

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Weatherproofing a house can keep you and your family safe, prevent damage, and protect the value of your home. Here are six key areas you should pay attention to when planning weatherproofing renovations.

1. Window Weather Stripping or Insulation Repair

Most people have been there — you’re trying to stay warm inside, but a pesky draft is sneaking through one of your windows. Keep cold air, water, and debris out of your home by weather-proofing your windows using weather stripping or fresh insulation.

Window insulation and sealing typically degrade over time, so a draft or leaky windows may signify it’s time to replace your insulation. You can increase weatherproofing by adding an all-weather sealant, as well.

Even if your insulation is still in good shape, it’s worth investing in some weather stripping for your windows. The material usually comes in the form of adhesive tape-like material you stick around the edges of your windows as an extra barrier. It’s an easy DIY renovation — and reasonably affordable, too.

2. Sump Pump Installation

If you live in an area where floods are a concern, you should definitely consider investing in a sump pump. A sump pump is a handy device that rapidly drains water in and around your home and redistributes it to the surrounding soil. It can make a big difference in flood prevention due to extreme rainfall or even everyday mishaps like a sewer backup.

Sump pumps are usually in your basement, but it may be possible to install one elsewhere on the lowest floor of your home if you don’t have a basement. You do need to be strategic about installation, though. Sump pumps can be difficult to hide since they need an opening in the floor to collect water. A cabinet surrounding the pump and hole is one clever solution.

It’s also worth noting sump pumps require electricity. So, make sure you check out the tip below on adding a backup generator or renewable energy to your home.

3. Waterproof Roof Coating

Your roof is critical for successful weatherproofing, so take some time to analyze its health and determine what kind of renovations it might need. You may not need to replace it fully, but there are a few important signs you should pay attention to.

For example, leaks, stains, and sagging ceilings are all red flags that your roof might need replacing. Missing shingles and mold or algae growth are also indicators of serious damage. Shingle damage doesn’t always require a total roof replacement but will need repairs.

Either way, one great renovation to include in your roof updates is a weatherproof coating. There’s a wide range of roof coatings for different types of roofs, so the right one for you will depend on a few factors. For example, asphaltic rubber membrane coatings are a great way to extend an aging roof's life while providing excellent protection from water and weather. It’s a good option for homeowners who want to save money on a roof replacement and improve its water resistance.

Alternatively, acrylic coatings are a fantastic option for homeowners in hot areas with a lot of sunlight but less rainfall. An acrylic roof coating can help reflect sunlight away from your house, improving cooling inside. They also provide good impact resistance, which is helpful in unique situations like hailstorms.

If you’re looking for something with high UV resistance, opt for a silicone coating instead. It’s worth noting that you should update or repair your roof before moving ahead with solar panel installation, as well.

4. Backup Generator

A reliable backup generator can be a lifesaver in a power outage or severe weather. It can keep your home warm in winter and cold in summer, power your sump pump, keep your HVAC going, and more. You’ll be glad you spent the time and money to add a backup generator to your home as soon as a blackout rolls around.

You can add backup power to your home in a few ways. If you’re on a budget, portable gas-powered generators are probably the best option. You may need a few, so make sure you have one hooked up to your sump pump.

Opt for a standby generator if you want a whole-home solution. These are much more expensive than portable generators, but they can power your entire house.

Alternatively, you can invest in renewable energy installation and backup battery storage. Solar panels are the most accessible and affordable green option in most states. The panels can collect power and store it in a backup battery that helps your house run during an outage. Depending on where you live, solar panels may be more affordable than a standby generator and can even increase the value of your home.

5. Gutter Guards and Cleaning

It’s easy to overlook your gutters in a weatherproofing renovation. However, they can make a big difference in how your home handles severe weather. Your gutters are especially important for ensuring your roof stays durable for as long as possible.

Gutter guards are an easy and low-cost renovation every homeowner should consider. Installing them prevents debris from accumulating in your gutters. They can even keep animals like birds and squirrels out. The guards also prevent biological growth, gutter clogs, freezing, and water damage. They can even reduce fire hazards by keeping your gutters free of flammable debris like dry leaves.

In addition to installing gutter guards, make sure you regularly clean your gutters. You can also hire a professional to do this for you. They can install gutter guards, as well, although it’s possible to do a DIY installation.

6. HVAC Updates

Your HVAC system can protect you from air pollution, keep smoke out of your home, and help you breathe easier if you have to stay in during long periods of inclement weather. Updating your HVAC is a prudent idea if you live in an area that gets wildfires or is especially humid. In both cases, your system may experience extra strain while playing a big role in keeping your home healthy.

Whether you’re trying to keep out smoke or moisture, investing in weatherproof insulation and sealing can be a big help for your HVAC system. It’s a good idea to have a professional install this, though. They can also thoroughly inspect your ductwork to find existing hazards such as leaks or biological matter buildup.

Good sealing and insulation will help your HVAC system filter out contaminants more effectively and improve energy efficiency. If you want to boost your indoor air quality, you can also invest in an air purification system. These are particularly helpful in areas with persistent air pollution from wildfires or industrial activity.

Protect Your Home with Weatherproofing Renovations

Taking steps to weatherproof your home can keep you and your family safe during severe weather events. The renovations on this list will also help you protect your home from damage so you can save money and maintain your home value. With a few strategic renovations, you can improve your home’s durability and preparedness so you can easily handle any weather!