Living in the Midwest, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. One day, it’s freezing cold, the next, it’s scorching hot, and before you know it, a thunderstorm is rolling in. For homeowners, protecting your house from the elements isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safeguarding your investment and keeping your family safe.
Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to shield your home from extreme weather. With a few practical, budget-friendly steps, you can defend your house from the harsh conditions and even cut down on your energy bills. In this guide, we’ll go over simple ways to protect your home, from sealing doors and windows to inspecting the roof and boosting insulation. Let’s dive into these straightforward methods to help keep your home secure and comfortable.
1. Seal Windows and Doors to Block Drafts
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to defend your home is by sealing up any gaps around your windows and doors. Drafts can wreak havoc on your energy bills and make your home feel less comfortable. Whether it’s keeping the cold out in winter or blocking hot air in the summer, properly sealed windows and doors make a world of difference.
How to Secure Windows and Doors
Weatherstripping: Adding or replacing weatherstripping around doors and windows is a quick fix that works wonders. If the weatherstripping looks worn or cracked, it’s time to replace it. Foam, rubber, or silicone options are easy to find at hardware stores and help create a tight seal that stops air from sneaking in or out.
Caulking: Another great option is caulking any gaps around the window or door frames. Focus on areas where the frame meets the wall, and use weather-resistant caulk to fill those spaces. This will help keep your indoor temperature stable no matter what’s happening outside.
Door Sweeps: If you notice cold air creeping in from underneath your doors, a door sweep is an affordable solution. These simple attachments block drafts from entering at the bottom of the door, keeping your indoor air right where it belongs.
By sealing up cracks and gaps around your windows and doors, you’ll not only keep your home more comfortable but also save money on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
2. Keep Your Roof in Tip-Top Shape
Your roof takes the brunt of everything Mother Nature throws at your home—rain, snow, wind, and more. That’s why keeping it in good condition is crucial. If your roof has weak spots, you could end up with serious damage and costly repairs. Regular maintenance is key to catching problems early and preventing bigger issues down the line.
How to Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Regular Inspections: Give your roof a check at least twice a year. If you’re not comfortable climbing up there yourself, hire a professional roofer to inspect it for any missing, damaged, or loose shingles. Catching these problems early can prevent leaks and water damage inside your home.
Clean Your Gutters: Gutters are essential for directing water away from your house. When they get clogged with leaves or debris, water can back up and damage your roof. Be sure to clean your gutters regularly to avoid issues.
Check Flashing: Flashing is the metal material used to seal joints on your roof, such as around chimneys, skylights, or vents. Damaged or missing flashing can lead to leaks, so regularly check these spots and repair them as needed.
Remove Snow: If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall, keep an eye on how much snow is piling up on your roof. Too much snow can put extra pressure on your roof, potentially causing damage. Use a roof rake to safely remove excess snow.
Maintaining your roof will go a long way in protecting your home from leaks and other weather-related damage. It’s worth putting in a little effort now to avoid big problems later.
3. Improve Your Home’s Insulation
Good insulation plays a huge role in keeping your home comfortable no matter the season. It helps regulate the temperature inside, keeping warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. Many older homes don’t have enough insulation, which leads to higher energy bills and less comfort.
How to Add or Upgrade Insulation
Attic Insulation: Your attic is one of the most important places to insulate. If it isn’t properly insulated, you could be losing a lot of heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Adding insulation to your attic, whether it’s blown-in insulation or fiberglass batts, is a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency.
Wall Insulation: Exterior walls are another major source of heat loss or heat gain. If your home’s walls aren’t insulated well, adding fiberglass or foam insulation can make a big difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
Basement and Crawl Space Insulation: Don’t overlook the basement or crawl space when insulating your home. These areas are often forgotten, but they can let in cold air during the winter. Adding insulation in these spaces can improve comfort and energy efficiency throughout your home.
Proper insulation not only keeps your home more comfortable but also helps you save on energy costs by reducing the need for constant heating or cooling.
4. Install Storm Doors and Windows
If you live in a region prone to severe weather, installing storm doors and windows can be a smart move. They provide an extra layer of protection against the elements, like wind, rain, and snow, helping to shield your home’s existing doors and windows from damage.
Benefits of Storm Doors and Windows
Energy Savings: Storm doors and windows create an extra barrier that helps keep outside air from getting in. This makes your home more energy-efficient by reducing the amount of heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Added Protection: They also provide added defense against heavy rain, wind, and hail, protecting your home’s exterior doors and windows. Installing them can extend the lifespan of your existing fixtures and prevent weather-related damage.
Noise Reduction: Another bonus of storm doors and windows is that they help reduce noise from outside, which is especially helpful if you live in a noisy neighborhood or near a busy street.
While storm doors and windows may be a bit of an investment upfront, the long-term benefits, including energy savings and added protection, make them a wise choice for many homeowners.
5. Protect Your Home’s Exterior
The outside of your home is exposed to the elements all year long, and over time, that can lead to wear and tear. By taking a few preventative measures, you can keep your home’s exterior in good shape and avoid costly damage.
How to Safeguard Your Home’s Exterior
Siding Maintenance: Check your siding for any cracks, warping, or other signs of damage. Vinyl siding, for example, can become brittle in extremely cold weather, while wood siding may warp if exposed to too much moisture. Make repairs as needed to prevent water damage or other issues.
Repaint and Seal: If your home’s exterior paint is peeling or fading, it’s time for a fresh coat. Not only will it improve your home’s appearance, but it also helps protect it from the elements. Be sure to use weather-resistant paint for long-lasting results.
Seal Your Foundation: Cracks in your home’s foundation can let moisture in, leading to serious problems like mold or structural damage. Seal any visible cracks with a waterproof sealant, and make sure the ground around your house slopes away from the foundation to direct water away from your home.
Taking care of your home’s exterior will help protect it from weather-related wear and tear and keep it looking great for years to come.
6. Get Ready for Power Outages
When severe weather strikes, power outages can happen. Thunderstorms, snowstorms, or high winds can knock out power, sometimes for hours or even days. Being prepared for these outages will make sure your family stays safe and comfortable if the lights go out.
How to Prepare for Power Outages
Install a Backup Generator: A backup generator can keep essential appliances like your refrigerator, heating system, and lights running when the power goes out. While it’s a bigger investment, a generator can be a lifesaver, especially during long outages.
Stock Emergency Supplies: Make sure you have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, blankets, and non-perishable food. Having these essentials on hand will make things much easier if you lose power during a storm.
Surge Protectors: Unplug any unnecessary electronics during a storm to protect them from power surges when the power comes back on. Surge protectors can also help shield your sensitive electronics from damage.
Preparing for power outages is a smart way to ensure your home stays safe and functional during severe weather.
Conclusion: Simple Steps to Shield Your Home from Extreme Weather
No matter where you live, extreme weather is always a possibility. By taking a few easy, cost-effective steps, you can protect your home from the elements and keep your family comfortable all year round.
From sealing drafts around doors and windows to maintaining your roof and adding insulation, these simple measures can save you money on energy bills and help you avoid costly repairs. Shielding your home is not just about comfort—it’s about making sure your house stays strong and secure through whatever the weather throws at it.