One of the most devastating things that can happen to a homeowner is damage or discomfort caused by the weather. This type of damage can be costly and time-consuming to repair, which is why it’s so important to take precautions before the weather begins to deteriorate. It’s also vital because weather disasters can also lead to fatalities.
Weather disasters affecting a household are a common scenario in the USA. According to a recent report, weather disasters affected 1 in 10 homes in the USA in 2021. Moreover, the World Meteorological Organization says that weather-related disasters have increased over the past 5 decades.
The best way to protect your home from the elements is by designing it to prepare for any weather. Read on for tips on ensuring your house will endure whatever Mother Nature throws.
Prepare for Your Roof
Roofing is vital in protecting your home against weather, be it a storm, heavy rain, or excess sunlight. Hence, you must keep your roof protected and maintained. Here are some things to keep in mind when checking your roof for damage:
- Check for leaks. A leaking roof can cause serious problems, so check for leaks and fix them if necessary.
- Look at the condition of your shingles, tiles, or other roof covering. If your roof has been damaged by weather or age, it may need to be replaced before you can install an all-weather cover over it.
- Inspect the flashing around doors and windows. This is where water collects during heavy rains or snowstorms, so you must make sure these areas are secure before installing an all-weather cover on top of them.
You can seek help from professional roof inspection service providers. The average cost of a thorough roof inspection can cost between $121 and $321. While you may feel the costs are high, it is well worth spending because of the roof’s protection.
Be Mindful of Your Doors and Windows
As you design your new home, keeping your doors and windows in mind is essential. These are the primary entry points for rain, snow, wind, and other elements that can damage your home’s interior.
Before you start building, look at your property’s design and ensure enough space around all entrances to allow for adequate ventilation without compromising the water resistance of any openings.
If possible, avoid creating an air pocket where moisture could get trapped between multiple doors or windows. This can encourage condensation on surfaces inside or outside of your home. In addition to being able to withstand extreme weather conditions, you should also consider how easy it will be for someone unfamiliar with your house’s layout or even yourself.
If you are unsure whether your home’s doors and windows will be easy to open and close, try opening them without any power or assistance. If they are challenging, consider adding an energy-efficient ventilation system so that air can flow freely through the house even when it is closed up during periods of extreme cold.
Use HVAC Systems to Control Temperature Inside the House
You’ll want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. You can do this with an HVAC system, including heating and cooling equipment. While an HVAC can’t help you with any weather-related disasters, it will make your stay comfortable during all weathers.
You can also use a programmable thermostat along with the HVAC system. It helps you set the temperatures you want for different times of day, so you can keep your house comfortable without spending too much money on heating or cooling it. Moreover, it will also help save on energy bills. According to data, a thermostat can help save anywhere around 10% on utility bills.
Your air conditioning unit should be installed in an attic area, where it will stay out of sight but still be accessible if repairs need to be made. If there’s no attic space available, look into installing a central unit outside instead. However, concrete houses are not ideal for this installation because they don’t have good drainage and tend to collect water around them during rainstorms.
Besides installing, you must also maintain the HVAC system. There are many HVAC service providers who can help you with that. These HVAC service providers will have the right tools and expertise to ensure your systems work in the best condition.
Protect Pipes and Plumbing
If you live in a climate where the temperature can drop below freezing, then it’s essential to protect your pipes and plumbing. Protecting your pipes means insulating them so they can withstand the cold weather. You can wrap pipes in foam insulation or use a frost protection system that runs water through the pipe to keep them from freezing.
Another option is switching from propane to natural gas for heating purposes. Propane is more expensive than natural gas, emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and other emissions associated with burning fuel (like sulfur). Natural gas burns cleaner than propane, so if you switch from heating with propane to heating with natural gas, you’ll have fewer harmful effects on Earth while still enjoying the warmth in your home.
Have a Home Insurance Policy
If you’re looking to build an all-weather-proof home, you might want to consider insurance. This is a must for any homeowner, especially if you’re building or renovating your home. The insurance coverage you need will depend on how much money the property is worth and how much risk there is for damage.
Home insurance policies vary widely from company to company, so it’s essential that you shop around for the best deal based on your needs (and not just price). Before signing up, you should also read the terms and conditions, as some policies do not cover certain situations. For example:
- Flooding: Flooding is common in the USA. According to data, there are a total of 83 flood fatalities in the USA until the third quarter of 2022. Some companies don’t cover flood damage because they say there’s no way they could have foreseen it happening when they issued the policy. Others may exclude flooding altogether or charge higher premiums if their area isn’t considered at risk for flooding. If this isn’t something that concerns you, then don’t worry too much about it. However, if it does, ensure this is included in your policy.
- Fire Damage: Homeowners usually have coverage against fire damage. Still, some states have laws requiring additional coverage beyond most standard policies, such as earthquakes and hurricanes/tornadoes. Fires can lead to $32,430 million in property damage.
Conclusion
You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare your home for all weather. Preparing your home for all weather will help reduce the risk of damage, especially if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. This may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth the effort. If your home is ready for all weather, you can rest easy knowing that it will be protected from all weather-related disasters. Preparation is key to protecting your home and family from extreme weather conditions.