Tips to Weatherproof Your Home

Properly Install Storm Windows

Old, drafty windows make your home’s heating and cooling system work harder, which can result in higher energy bills throughout the year.

You’ve probably seen an abundance of ads on television from window replacement companies regarding upgrading to more energy-efficient windows. However, properly installed interior storm windows can provide similar energy-saving and comfort benefits at a lower cost, as they will help to reduce the air movement in and out of your existing windows.

Adding Basement/Attic Insulation

If you live in a colder climate, you’re probably experiencing a significant amount of heat loss if you have an uninsulated basement or attic. While insulation can be expensive to purchase and install, it can ultimately pay for itself in the form of lower heating bills. If you live in a rainy climate, installing insulation covered with a vapor barrier along the walls of crawl spaces can help prevent moisture and the mold that often results from it. * Protecting Your Plumbing Pipes*

Extremely cold weather can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. Wrapping exposed pipes with tubular-sleeve insulation can keep them from freezing and ultimately bursting, which can create quite a mess inside your home. It can also help to prevent thermal loss in your hot water pipes, which can reduce your electricity or gas consumption and lower your energy bills.

Repair Leaks Around Windows and Doors

Leaks around windows and doors is a primary cause of drafts that can make your home feel colder during the winter. An easy way to determine if your windows and doors are leaky is to move a lit candle around the frame. If the flame flickers, a draft is present.

You can remedy door and window drafts by caulking the leaky areas or by applying weather stripping. Well-placed weather stripping can reduce your energy costs by as much as 10 to 15 percent.

Protecting Against Heavy Rain

If you live in an area that’s prone to heavy rainfall, the rain can eventually cause serious damage to your home. If it’s been a while since you’ve inspected your roof, you can learn a lot about its present condition by walking around your home’s exterior and examining your roof from the ground.

Check for telltale signs of trouble, such as loose or missing shingles or cracks in the chimney. Also, pay close attention to your home’s guttering. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up and penetrate inside your home, leading to extensive water damage and the onset of mold. Be sure to keep your gutters clear of leaves and debris.

If you live in upstate South Carolina, contact SK Builders for more climate-specific weatherproofing tips for your home.