The weather seems to be getting more and more out of control, and with that comes a fear of what it can do to our properties. As the waters rise and hurricane seasons seem to get more intense, many homeowners have their eyes on improving their properties.
These seven home renovations can make a massive change in any property’s safety and help keep the weather outside.
1. Weatherproof Your Roof
Our roofs are our homes’ first defense against the weather. If you don’t have hail-resistant shingles or your roof isn’t safe against wind and rain, your entire property could be at risk. Therefore, it’s important to get your home either updated or at least inspected, far before the harshest seasons of the year. Early spring is the best time since fewer people are looking to get work done, so you’ll be more likely to quickly find a home remodeling company that can get your job done well.
2. Get Windows to Weather any Storm
Your home’s windows should be strong and hold their own against wind and rain. Unfortunately, many people still have windows made of thin glass that weren’t made to stand up against the weather in their area. Not only does this mean they will be more resistant to drafts: but they may be more likely to break or crack from a harsh storm. Seek out window replacement inserts that can protect you to whatever extent you need so that you don’t have to worry about your home. You can even upgrade your windows to hurricane-impact windows.
3. Help Reduce Water In Your Yard
A major issue some face in storm-prone areas is that the yards can quickly flood. This can lead to flooding inside the home or other property damage that can be hard to push past. To work through this, there are a few steps you can take!
First is considering putting in a narrow drain that will divert the water away from the lower parts of your yard. Another idea is putting in a rain garden that will absorb the moisture that the soil otherwise couldn’t take. Deep-rooted trees will help fight against soil corrosion while the garden takes in as much water as possible.
4. Increase How Much Insulation You Have
The insulation in your home is what will decide how well the temperatures are regulated within it. Because of this, it’s vital that you do everything you can to keep your home well-insulated. Beyond understanding the difference between XPS and EPS insulation, you should get to know how much is a good amount for your home, and where in your home you have insulation.
5. Check the Seal on All Entrances
The best way to see if there are any leaky windows or doors in your home is to light a candle and see if the light flickers towards or away from one of these; you’ll know there’s airflow there, and therefore a leak. Then, correct the seal on any windows or doors that have an air leak, and consider replacing any that are bad enough to cause concerns.
You should run this check at least once a year to ensure no new leaks form since the fluctuation of temperatures and moisture in the air can change things. The air leaks can also severely impact your heating and cooling bills, which can make your monthly expenses skyrocket.
6. Seal Your home Away from the Elements
Every portion of your home should be sealed off from the outside world’s weather, moisture, and insect life. This includes using fluid-applied flashing to seal off your roof and good siding to protect your walls and home’s interior. Although it can be overwhelming to take on all at once, it’s important to do what you can to protect your home as much as possible.
7. Ensure The Temperatures Don’t Get You Down
Temperatures in most areas of the country fluctuate quickly and change between years. Because of this: make sure that all of your renovations have your air quality and temperature control in mind as well. In areas like Houston, the temperatures can keep above 100 degrees for several weeks out of the year. Doing things that will keep the temperatures within your comfort zone allows you to control how often you run your HVAC system. Consider updating your HVAC system as well as adding a smart thermostat so that you can handle it even when you’re not at home.
Your Home Should Be Safe, Storm or Shine
Whether the summer heat or spring-to-fall rains get you down: your home should be able to protect you from these as far as possible. By protecting your home, you can ensure that your property weathers any storm and comes out fantastically on the other side.
Andrew Wesley is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Andrew’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisors, a new construction industry resource launching in Fall 2022.
