A gentleman's home is his castle, or so the saying goes, and as such, it is important to barricade the home from anything invasive. In the context of this article, we are talking about the weather. High winds and rain can do a lot of exterior damage but troubles don't remain on the outside. Damp and mould, electrical problems, and chilly drafts are just some of the weather-related problems that can occur on the inside. For these reasons, it is important to weather-proof the home to prevent any short or long-term problems.
By Team Savant
Image: Suhyeon Choi
1. Make Fixes To Your Roof
Before you're treated to a less than welcome shower when you're relaxing in your property, it is important to check the roof. You can do this from outside your house with a pair of binoculars, so don't assume you need to risk life and limb climbing up a ladder. If there are any tiles missing or if the roofing sheets are damaged, or it needs a ridge repair, it's best to call in a professional to make repairs. Of course, if you are skilled in roof repairs, you can also do this yourself. Products can be bought online from companies such as Varico who sell corrugated roofing sheet fixings for PVC roofs, roofing sheets, roofing shingles, and more.
2. Replace Old Window Frames
If your window frames are old, they will eventually rot and give way to the water and wind from outside your home. In some cases, you might be able to repair some elements of your damaged wood by filling gaps with the appropriate filler and by applying varnish. However, if your window frames are beyond repair, it's best to replace them. You might also need to replace your windows at the same time. If this is the case, purchase double or triple-glazed windows for extra weather protection.
3. Make Repairs To The Walls
If the pointing is missing or loose or if the wall render is cracked, you should hire somebody to make repairs before water damage occurs. A professional contractor will check for structural issues and make the repairs needed. For smaller cracks, you can fill these yourself with Polyfilla. You can also repaint your wall with high-quality masonry paint that has the capacity to withstand all weather. However, for bigger issues and for problems near the top of your home, it's best to hire somebody who may be more experienced than you.
4. Clean Your Gutters Regularly
In the autumn and winter months, your gutters can become blocked with leaves and pieces of debris. When this happens, the rainwater won't be able to drain away properly, and it could cause water damage to the outside and inside of your property. To prevent damage, you should clean your gutters on a regular basis, providing you feel safe doing so at a height. You could also place a plastic mesh or leaf-guard filter around your gutters to prevent any further build-up. Contact a professional if you would rather not scale the ladders.
These are just some of the things you can do to weatherproof your home, so do what you can yourself and call out an expert for jobs you aren't comfortable with. Your home will certainly appreciate your efforts and so will you when you're not beset with water and air leaks in your property.