From the Pacific Northwest and over to the Northeast part of the United States, waterproofing and weatherproofing your home is essential to protecting your property from floods and other costly damage. If you’ve just recently moved to a part of the United States that receives above average precipitation or you need to update your waterproofing methods, use the following tips to help you get started:
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Caulk Properly and Seal All Windows and Doors
You must remember that poor weatherproofing not only causes potential leak issues, but it also results in higher utility bills because air can seep into the house through cracks. Weather-strip any gaps you see in your windows and doors, and caulk areas between the construction materials that have cracks or holes with a caulking gun. Use an acrylic latex-based caulk when weatherproofing your home because this type of material will last for ten years and will resist any type of moisture.
Protecting Your Roof
Protecting your roof is essential to avoiding potential snow and rain disasters. There are several instances every year where large amounts of snow accumulate and cause a roof to collapse. According to the professionals of A. Clark Roofing & Siding Ltd who specialize in metal roofing in Edmonton, large amounts of rain can also cause serious damage if leaks aren’t repaired in time.
The easiest way to waterproof your roof is to buy a compound that you can apply directly to the shingles. This oil-based compound essentially restores the original waterproofing that was done when your shingles were replaced, or during the original construction period.
If you are replacing shingles, you must waterproof your roof with either roofing tar paper or felt. Both of these are placed between the shingles and the rafters. They waterproof by filling in any potential gaps that may cause problems later.
Waterproof Your Deck
Even though your deck is outside, it should still be waterproofed. Waterproofing a deck is fairly easy. First, make sure all debris has been removed from the deck and clean the deck accordingly. You might want to use a power washer to get the best results possible.
Next, mix the cleaning solution with water and apply to the deck with the power washer. Once the substance begins to foam, use a stiff brush to clean the deck again, and rinse. Once the deck is dry, apply a water repellent substance and let it dry.
Add Additional Insulation
Most new homes have an adequate amount of insulation to protect the occupants from the cold weather. Older homes, however, often need additional insulation installed. You can figure out if your home has enough insulation by hiring a professional to perform an inspection, and determine how much insulation you currently have. You must reach what is known as the “R Value” that is recommended for your particular area.
Wet climates cause problems for millions of homeowners every year. You can avoid spending thousands of dollars on repairs by weatherproofing and waterproofing your home early and with the proper guidance of a professional.
Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org via Mikemol
It’s always my worst fear that my house will get flooded. It happened to me once before and it was not a pleasant experience! Even smaller things like caulking windows and doors is really important and I like how you point out that it will save money on your utility bill, too. I’ll be sure to do that!
This is some great information, and I appreciate your point that leaks left unattended could cause serious damage to your roof. I noticed some water damage on my ceiling a couple of days ago, and I think it’s because of a roof leak. I’ll definitely look into having a professional come and fix that before the problem gets worse. Thanks for the great post!