Seven Ways To Protect Your Luxury Home From Weather
Like most homeowners, you know you should safeguard your home from bad weather, whether that means waterproofing the basement, having someone like United Roofing come out and carry out routine maintenance, or installing storm-proof windows and doors, or something else that is essential for where in the world you are. But the best time to prepare is when the weather is still mild. Here's a year-round guide on what to do and when.
Heat Insulation
Insulation is vital in both winter and summer, because just as a chilly draught seeps in, so does humid air. Start in the attic to beat the heat. Before the temperature rises, check that your insulation is correctly installed and not allowing cool air out. If you can see the joists' tops, you need to add more insulation. Insulate your attic door to keep your A/C inside and your heating expenditures low. Check for draughts in your home's flooring and walls, sealing if needed. Installing weatherstripping on doors and windows is a simple and affordable solution to remain cool.
Resist The Sun
Sun-dried wood shrinks and fractures, causing shrinkage and damage. UV rays degrade wood fibers and cause discoloration. Apply a UV protectant sealer or stain as a final layer when finishing or refinishing your planks (every other year). Use a transparent sealant with UV protection. A stain, on the other hand, blocks the sun better. The darker the stain, the better the protection.
Focus On The Gutters
That doesn't mean you can relax on your leaf mounds. You rake your grass, but you must also clean your gutters. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water within will freeze and divide. Adding netting or leaf protectors may help. While you're up there, check your gutters for proper pitch—between 1/16 and 18 inches per foot—to move water away from your roof and foundation.
Assess The Roof
Before the cold sets in, inspect the roof for damage. Check for excessive moss or other natural growths that can deform your roof. Pests can make a home for themselves in your roof space, so it's important to call a company like https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/ as soon as possible to deal with any unwanted visitors! Get rid of it with a roof cleaning solution, or call in the specialists if it's too big. Including chimneys, pipes, skylights, and even your satellite dish. If the sealant is damaged or warped, just recaulk. Should you find that there is slightly more severe damage, you'll want to get someone like these metal roofing contractors in Austin, TX (or someone who deals in the type of roof you have) out to make the necessary repairs to keep you warm and sheltered from the elements.
Install A Ceiling Fan
Fans keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. One easy trick: Before the chilly air arrives, turn ceiling fans clockwise. This will force warm air down, keeping it where you need it and keeping your heating expenditures low.
Update The Exterior
Think of it as giving your house a coat, scarf, hat, and gloves. Re-insulate the attic as you did before the summer heat, repairing any new exposures. Install draught guards around external doors. Consider redecorating. It helps to replace gauzy curtains with thicker drapes that are darker in hue. Then close them at dusk to keep out the cold. Area rugs help insulate hardwood floors, keeping your toes warm. Looking at different types of hurricane shutters available will also protect your home in the worst weather.
Trim Your Trees
Warm days bring new hope—and overgrowth. If you have trees or bushes close to your house, trim any branches that contact it and assess trees for damage from winter storms. Remove dead or drooping branches that could damage your roof or gutters.
These are seven very important areas you should focus on when protecting your home from bad weather. Do you do anything else? Please share some tips in the comments below.