We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you ... you're just helping re-supply our family's travel fund.
The primary function of a building is to provide shelter from the elements. Yet many homes still let in wind and moisture. If you’ve been experiencing leaks or cold drafts, it could be time to start looking into ways of truly weatherproofing your home. Below are just a few tips.
Start by inspecting your roof
Old and damaged roofs can often contain cracks and gaps that can let rainwater and wind in. Consider getting your roof inspected to determine if there is any damage that needs repairing. Severely damaged roofs may be better off completely replacing. When getting your roof replaced, look into companies that offer superior residential roofing solutions such as valley metal and ice and water shields. This can ensure long-lasting weather resistance.
Don’t ignore cracks in your walls
Cracks in walls could be letting in cold air and moisture too. This includes hairline cracks. Fortunately, small cracks can typically be patched up with caulk. Larger cracks may require more extensive repair work, which you may want to hire a professional to help you with. Wide jagged cracks are always worth getting inspected by a professional as there’s a chance that they could be due to foundation problems – something that may need to be fixed to prevent future cracks. Uneven gaps around windows and doors could be another sign of this.
Seal gaps around windows and doors
Cold air and moisture can also get into homes through gaps around doors and windows. Some homes have exterior doors with gaps between the bottom of the door and the jamb. This can be easily sealed by using a draft excluder or by installing a door sweep. Adding weatherstripping around the edges of doors and windows can also help to keep out drafts and moisture. There may also be other measures you can take with certain old doors such as installing letterbox draft excluders or lock covers.
Block up unused chimneys
If your home has an unused chimney, consider whether this is worth blocking up. Cold air and rainwater can get into your home through the chimney. Adding a chimney cap or cowl can be a simple way of preventing this. Such caps and cowls can be easily removed if you do decide in the future that you want to keep using your chimney. It’s worth noting that unused extractor fans and chutes can have a similar impact, and should be blocked up if not in use.
Seal up your foundations
Wind and water can also get in through a home’s foundations. Damp proof courses are protective barriers that are often wrapped around the base of modern homes to stop moisture seeping in. When it comes to homes that have a void beneath, filling the void can sometimes be recommended to stop drafts entering from beneath your home. Of course, it’s also important to fix any cracks or gaps around the base of your home, as these too could be letting in moisture and cold air.
Leave a Reply