Weatherproofing your home can have enormous benefits, from saving money on utility bills to protecting your home from some of the harshest storm impacts common to your area. However, many individuals may not know where to start when the time comes to weatherproof their homes.
Here are a few great places to start and common questions about weatherproofing your home.
When it comes to weatherproofing homes, the best places to start are your doors and windows. These areas are great, covert money drains due to leaking cold air from the interior of the home during hot weather or letting the cold winter air slip in during the colder months, both boosting your utility costs.
Adding the appropriate seals to your windows and doors can help retain the indoor temperatures while keeping the outdoor elements outside.
Proper weatherproofing also means monitoring your insulation. If you're in a particularly weather-intense area, it may be worth it to invest in heft insulation that keeps the effects of the weather from leaking into your home. Likewise, insulation can help protect the interior of your home's walls from unforeseen damage, like excessive changes in humidity.
Depending on your region, adding extra layers of attic or basement insulation may also help keep your home in top shape during the harsh months or when temperatures tend to fluctuate to extremes.
Weatherproofing your home's exterior is usually more preventative. This may include trimming foliage away from the home to prevent damage should something happen to a tree or large overhanging plant.
Inspect your home's exterior walls for any damage, such as pest damage or warped panels. If you find any, it's imperative to treat the issue as soon as possible. Likewise, check outer door and window frames to ensure they're installed correctly and don't have any apparent leaks.
If you have storm windows, make sure they're installed correctly. Any window installed incorrectly could have adverse effects. However, a storm window installed incorrectly could also damage your home due to the more robust materials used.
By ensuring your windows are installed correctly, you not only ensure they remain energy-efficient, but also add an extra layer of protection to your home.
Weatherproofing your home is great for adding an extra layer of protection during stormy weather. It's also great for decreasing energy bills.
Yes. Some insurance companies will offer insurance breaks for weatherproofing homes. Check your policy or give your provider a call if you're curious.
Absolutely! Not only can it reduce the damage done to your home, but it can add value to your home while lowering your energy bills.
Regardless of your home, adding an extra level of weatherproofing is a great way to ensure you protect your investment while increasing your savings.
Stephanie Englund Siegel is a successful Realtor with Compass. She was born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Living in the city for over almost 20 years has given Stephanie the in depth knowledge of many neighborhoods. Stephanie feels that Chicago's culturally diverse residents are what contribute to the richness and quality of life in its neighborhoods. Before joining the Compass Family, she worked as a paralegal for a real estate attorney which gave her the knowledge about every step in a transaction. From the very beginning of the process all the way to the end, Stephanie is dedicated to her clients and the success of the transaction so both parties get a win-win. Stephanie serves real estate needs in the following neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Streeterville, Loop, West Loop, South Loop, Lakeview, River north, Lincoln Square, Wrigleyville, Ravenswood, Greater Chicago area and surrounding suburbs.
