Weather Proofing Your Home

Protecting Your Home Against the Elements and Hazards of Nature

Homeownership is a wonderful way to provide security for yourself and your loved ones.  Your home is a place to call your own, where memories are made and where life happens.  The last thing you want is for anything to happen that could damage your home.  While good homeowners insurance can help cover you in the event of a disaster, it doesn’t always cover everything.

If you’re confused about what kind of policy you have or what you need, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible.  Even if your policy does cover an accident, dealing with filing a claim and having to endure the trauma of watching your home be destroyed can be harsh.  It’s better to be prepared and avoid the incident from occurring in the first place if possible.  

1. Install storm windows

Storm windows help to provide an additional layer of protection against the cold winter air. 

2. Reinforce Your Roof

 Make sure your roof has trusses attached to walls with hurricane tiedowns, properly nailed sheathing, and heavy-duty shingles.  A contractor may be advised for this, but in the end it’s worth it to literally keep a roof over your head. 

3. Strengthen Walls

Make sure your walls are reinforced, free of cracks, mold and damage, and properly insulated. 

4. Fix Leaks

Any windows, floors, pipes or doors that show signs of leaks should be addressed immediately.  If it smells a bit musty, or you see condensation or water stains on the ceiling, wall or floor, taking steps to fix them can save you from one of the most costly types of damage to your home– a type of damage that might not be covered in your homeowners insurance policy in the first place.  

5. Invest In Double-Glazed Windows

Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of tempered glass that are separated to shut out the sun’s heat and also cut out the sound by over 60%.  They also look like standard windows, so they don’t affect a home’s appearance.

6. Add attic or basement insulation

It isn’t the cheapest thing to do, but adding this insulation will cut the high energy costs that come with losing massive amounts of heat in the winter and gaining massive amounts of heat in the summer from these areas.  

7. Program your thermostat

Getting a programmable (or even smart tech) thermostat will ensure your Install a programmable thermostat to automate indoor temperature and trim about $200 off annual heating and cooling costs.

8. Weatherstripping Doors and Windows

Not only will this keep out pests, but it can save you up to 15% on your energy bill in the most expensive times of the year (summer and winter).  

9. Perform Regular Home Maintenance

They may not be glamorous, but taking these crucial steps can mean the difference between a safe, budget friendly home and a financial disaster.