Your house must be your safe haven. Not only should it provide you shelter, but you also need to feel comfortable there. However, if the weather conditions are terrible, you can get in a dangerous situation if your house is not weather-proofed.
Installing storm windows and insulating the house is never enough. With the weather changing rapidly, even potentially insignificant things – like adding a warm deck roof construction – can make a difference. Read on to find out everything about proper weather-proofing, and make sure your home always feels safe.
Roof Weather-Proofing
A poorly insulated roofing can be a big issue when it comes to weather-proofing your house. Also, make sure you have the right kind of roofing for the climate you live in. For example, metal roofs are not recommended for places with heavy snowfall because they can easily get damaged.
EPDM rubber membrane is one of the most popular materials used for weather-proofing. It is very affordable and efficient. The typical cost is much lower compared to other commercial roofing materials, and if properly installed, it can last up to 50 years. It is also very ecologically friendly, as when it reaches its life span, it can be recycled into the new roofing material.
If you live in an area with high snowfall, you should consider installing roofing with better insulation. Also, make sure that your roofing is thick enough to withstand the weight of the snow.
If you have a flat roof, then you should consider using a waterproof deck roof construction. It’s a great way to protect your roof from moisture damage, especially if there is not enough pitch to drain the water properly. You can also install a stormwater management system to ensure the water doesn’t get into your house’s interior.
If you are thinking about selling your home, a weatherproof roof will be desirable for potential buyers. It will also make your property more appealing to mortgage companies that will be lending funds to buyers as it indicates that their investment will be safe.
Exterior Wall Weather-Proofing
If you have siding, you should make sure you install the flashing properly. And if you have brick or stone walls, you should consider adding a waterproof material to them. The best option for this is building a brick veneer. This will protect the walls from water penetration and also make them look good.
Another great idea is to use a waterproof deck roof construction. Since it goes over the top of your exterior walls, it is a great way to achieve waterproofing without changing your house’s design.
Exterior Wall Insulation
The best way to prevent your house from getting damaged by the weather is by insulating it properly. Installing energy-efficient insulation will not only save your money on electricity bills but also protect your home against all kinds of weather.
The most common insulation materials are fibreglass, cellulose, rock and foam. Thoroughly read the instructions provided by the manufacturer so that you can use the material properly. Also, make sure to leave a gap between the roof and the insulation. This will allow you to adjust it in case the roof settles.
Doors and Windows Weather-Proofing
When planning to add a deck roof construction, make sure that you choose weather-resistant doors and windows. They will keep your house insulated and protected against small damages caused by moisture. Most importantly, they will make sure that your house remains climate-controlled in harsh weather conditions.
The seals around the doors and windows will help you protect your home from rain, hail, wind and even snow if you live somewhere with a lot of snow. The problem is that low-quality seals can let water in, and this will destroy the inside of your house before you know it.
Basement Walls Weather-Proofing
Insulating your basement walls is an excellent way to make sure they don’t get damaged by moisture. If you have concrete walls, you can install rigid foam insulation boards. If you have brick walls, you can fill in the gaps between the bricks with expanding foam.
Foundation Walls Weather-Proofing
If you have poured foundation walls, you should have an interior drainage system installed. Again, this will prevent moisture from damaging your house’s foundation walls. You can also use a waterproof coating to complete the job, but it’s recommended to install a drainage system first before doing so.
If you have a block foundation, you can try to insulate it. It’s not an easy task, but it’s definitely worth the effort. To do this, you should use a vapour barrier and mount rigid foam boards on the exterior and interior of your foundation walls. You can also use a synthetic membrane.
The Takeaway
You need to make sure water doesn’t have the space to collect – either on the roof or in the cracks or the base of the walls. Also, you will want to make sure that the heat stays in and the cold air stays out. It takes an eye for detail to accomplish this, but there are many materials on the market to help you.