With winter right around the corner and the threat of extreme weather becoming more commonplace, it’s time to make sure your home is buttoned up tight. Even though September is technically the month of fall, it’s also the month when many of us begin thinking about winter. Which naturally leads to thoughts about weather. With that said, here are ways to prepare your home for extreme weather:
ROOF
Regardless of where you live, your first line of defense is your roof. Your roof protects everything else in your home. When composed of materials appropriate to your area and regularly maintained, your home will need less maintenance elsewhere. Specialty roofing materials designed for your area are more important than ever. For example, impact resistant roofing for hail, solar reflective shingles if you live in really hot areas like Arizona, and fire-resistant shingles for homes in wildfire prone areas are of utmost importance for overall home protection.
GUTTERS
When you think gutters, think foundation. Adding leaf filters and keeping your gutters clean ensures that water flows away from your home. This protects your foundation.
VENTS
For homes in fire-prone areas, fireproof vent screens help keep embers from entering your home.
WINDOWS
If new windows aren’t in the budget, caulk around existing windows to seal gaps and add weather stripping where needed.
OFF-THE-GRID OPTIONS
Help keep your power going during extreme weather events by using solar and a generator.
DOORS
Opt for steel doors which are more durable and withstand storms better than French doors and sliding patio doors, for example.
EXTERIOR COLORS
Pick roof colors and siding colors that work with the environment you are in. In general, lighter is better as it absorbs less heat.
ATTIC INSULATION
If you are lucky enough to have an attic, keeping it insulated is a no-brainer and won’t break the bank either.
FOUNDATION
The golden rule is to keep the area around your foundation dry to preserve longevity and keep the ground around your home stable. Make sure all water drains away from your foundation.
SIDING
Consider replacing your siding with materials that are heat, fire and water resistant, like brick, fiber-cement, and metal.
WATER CONSERVATION
Tried and tree water conservation methods include using barrels to collect rainwater, using a gray water recycling system (check out Greyter or Saniflow), or installing a cistern if you have a well.
WEATHER-RESISTANT DECKS AND LANDSCAPING
For fire, use Class-A flame-spread materials. For areas that are wet, use PVC, fiber cement, and aluminum materials.
Your home is one of your biggest long-term investments and also the place that houses your hopes, dreams and keeps you and your family sheltered and safe. Simple, timely maintenance of your home will always pay off in the long run.