You don’t have to be rich to protect your home from the worst of the seasons. There are several inexpensive ways you can do to take care of your property. Remember, you’re not just protecting against winter storms but also fluctuating temperatures and high winds.
If you want to keep your home in top shape, here are some tips on weatherproofing your home on a budget.
Inspect your roof and gutters.
The first and most crucial step in weatherproofing your home is to make sure your roof is in good condition. Inspect your roof regularly for any damage or missing shingles. Also, clean out your gutters and downspouts so that they can do their job of directing water away from your home.
Get estimates from different residential roofing contractors if you think your roof needs replacement. The best deals are usually during fall, so it’s an excellent time to get started on that project.
It’s also good to check with your homeowner’s insurance to see if they offer any discounts for replacing your roof. You might be surprised that there are some decent savings you can have. In doing so, you can take care of your roof and save some money simultaneously.
Apply caulking and weather stripping.
Caulking is a sealant that helps fill in gaps and cracks around your home. It would be best to do this every few years or as needed. You can also do some DIY with a caulking gun and some silicone or latex caulk, saving you even more money.
Weatherstripping is another excellent way to seal doors and windows from drafts. A professional often installs these, but you can also do it yourself. You can find weatherstripping at most hardware stores.
Invest in some good-quality storm windows and doors.
If you live in an area prone to severe weather, you might consider getting some storm windows and doors. These can withstand high winds and flying debris. They’re also excellent at keeping out water and keeping your home warm during winter.
While some can be a bit pricey, they’ll save you money in the long run by protecting your home from damage. And, you can always get creative with how you install them.
In some cases, you might be able to find used storm windows and doors at garage sales or online. This way, you can save money and still get the protection you need.
Improve insulation.
If your home is poorly insulated, it’s time to do something about it. Insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also helps reduce your energy bills.
You can use different types of insulation, depending on where you live and how much money you want to spend. You can also do some DIY insulation projects to save even more money.
You’ll want to start with the attic in most cases since that’s where most of the heat escapes. But, you can also add insulation to your walls, floors, and crawl spaces. Nonetheless, make sure you don’t overdo it, or you might have a too drafty home.
Add solar film to your windows.
Solar film is an excellent way to reduce the heat in your home. It helps reflect sunlight and keeps your home cooler in the summer. Most solar films are pretty affordable, and you can install them yourself.
You can find the solar film at most hardware stores. You’ll need to measure your windows and cut the film to size. Then, apply it to the window following the instructions on the package. You’ve added an extra layer of protection to your home, as simple as that.
Improve drainage around your home.
It’s essential to have proper drainage around your home to prevent flooding. Most homeowners fail to do this, which leads to extensive damage during heavy rains.
You can improve drainage by ensuring your canals are clean and well. You should also make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. If you have any questions, you can always consult with a professional. They’ll be able to assess the situation and give you the best advice.
It’s possible to weatherproof your home without breaking the bank. You can make a significant impact in simple ways, such as checking your roofing, weatherstripping windows, improving insulation, replacing entrances, using solar films, and improving drainage. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to improve the comfort and safety of your home. Just a little effort can go a long way.
