With spring storms and unpredictable weather ahead, now is the time for Chattanooga homeowners to focus on weatherproofing. Whether it’s heavy rains, strong winds or fluctuating temperatures, protecting your home can help to prevent costly repairs and improve energy efficiency.
Melissa Dittmann Tracey from HouseLogic.com highlights key steps homeowners can take to safeguard their investment and reduce potential storm damage:
One of the latest buzzwords in home maintenance is weatherproofing – equipping your home to better withstand heavy rains, wind, snow and extreme temperatures. Recent climate events ranging from wildfires and severe storms to floods and extreme heat or cold are motivating more homeowners to take action.
Sixty-four percent of the 1,200 homeowners surveyed by HIPPO, a home insurance group, say they’re concerned about severe weather or climate threats damaging their homes. More than half (56%) say they’ve already experienced damage.
“We can’t prevent the weather but we can prevent things from going wrong in our homes,” says Mark Olson, home insights expert at HIPPO. For example, an improperly sealed basement window can lead to flooding after heavy rains – a repair not covered by most standard homeowner’s insurance policies.
“Weatherproofing your home also might lower the cost when unexpected problems do occur,” Olson adds.
Weatherproofing also might save you from $150 to $1,200 per year on your energy bills, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Budget-friendly weatherproofing tips
Use insulation wraps: Water heaters, which are often located in areas like an unfinished basement or garage, might benefit from an insulating blanket. (These work best with electric water heaters.) It could reduce a system’s heat loss by up to 45% and even cut water heating costs by up to 16% during cooler months, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Estimated cost: $35 to $43
Have an annual inspection: Have inspections conducted annually to check the roof, the fireplace and your home’s key systems – like your HVAC and water heaters. Leaves, bird nests and other flammable materials can accumulate in fireplaces, posing fire risks. (For about $300, a chimney cap can block cold drafts, debris and pests.) Also, self-inspect the attic for moisture, discoloration on walls or ceilings, and signs of pests. “An attic is an early warning system for your house,” Olson says. “You can learn a lot about the overall health of your home and roof by keeping an eye on your attic.” Estimated cost: $150 to $300
Add weatherstripping and caulking: Caulking and weatherstripping can prevent drafts and waterproof your house. Caulk tends to last five years, but that can vary greatly. “Look for gaps where cables enter your home and small holes in your flooring, walls, windows and doors – anywhere a draft could be entering your home,” says Stuart Bensusan, director at Surewise, a home insurance company. “Sealing up small gaps and cracks in your home can bring serious savings on your heating bill.” Also, weatherproof a door by attaching a door sweep to the bottom to block drafts. Estimated cost: $350
The Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program provides weatherproofing services to about 35,000 eligible low-income households annually. On average, households save $372 or more per year. Learn more about your state’s offerings at Energy.gov.
Smart weatherproofing solutions
Get an energy audit: A professional energy audit can flag problem spots. Diagnostic tests might include a blower door test or infrared imaging to detect air leaks, and inspections of windows, doors and appliances. Based on the findings, tackle your home’s problem areas with caulk, weatherstripping and other air-sealing methods. (Savings tip: Some utility companies offer a free or low-cost energy audit.) Estimated cost: $420
Use Low-E windows or coverings: Window weatherproofing could consist of swapping in a Low-E coated glass or film to minimize heat loss, says Kyle Barr, a vice president at Storm Guard Roofing and Construction in Lillian, Alabama. In colder climates, look for window weatherproofing film with higher solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, ratings (such as 0.30 to 0.60, which filter out less natural light); for warmer climates, look for lower SHGC ratings (less than 0.27).
Also, hang drapes. “One of the best investments, especially if your windows are old, is thermal curtains,” says home renovation expert Drew Mansur, director at TileCloud in Australia. “They not only spruce up your interiors but also provide an additional layer of insulation to keep the cold out.” Estimated cost of Low-E windows and coverings: $600
Fix drafty air ducts: Ducts leaking even 20% of conditioned air forces systems to work 50% harder and increases utility bills, finds a report from the University of Florida. A leaky duct can also cause higher indoor humidity, triggering mold and mildew. Most heating and air ducts are sealed with tape when first installed, but that tape can break down over time. Ductwork also might have holes or loose sections, rust, leaks, clogs or condensation, all of which require repairs by HVAC professionals. Estimated cost: $600
Plant windbreaks: Landscaping can provide windbreaks to reduce wind around a home by up to 50%, as well as prevent snow drifts and reduce heating costs, according to the Department of Energy. “Dense evergreen trees and shrubs planted to the north and the northwest of the home are the most common type of windbreak,” the DOE notes. “Trees, bushes and shrubs are often planted together to block or impede wind from ground level to the treetops.” A row of evergreen and deciduous trees, such as maple trees, can be effective, but two rows of staggered trees create a denser wind screen. Estimated cost: $200 per evergreen
High-end weatherproofing tips
Install attic insulation: “Large amounts of heat can quickly be lost in a poorly insulated attic,” Bensusan says. The North American Insulation Manufacturer Association estimates nearly 90% of existing homes in America are under insulated. Extra attic insulation also can protect pipes – like water lines in the attic – from freezing and bursting. Estimated cost: $1,700 to $2,000
Upgrade windows and doors: Weatherproofed exterior doors and windows are more energy-efficient. Windows consist of double panes of glass and doors have extra insulation. Depending on your climate, hurricane shutters – made of aluminum, steel or polycarbonate – can add protection against wind-blown debris. Also, storm windows and doors that fit over the outside of existing ones add a protective layer. Estimated cost: $7,500
Replace your roof: Roofs typically last 20 to 30 years. When your roof is due for a replacement, consider weatherproof roofing materials. Pricier metal or tile roofs are more apt to withstand heavy winds and rain than lower-cost asphalt shingles, which gusty winds can tear off. Depending on your climate, hail-resistant shingles could benefit you.
“Whether your roof is in good condition or not, you can always make it more weatherproof,” Mansur says. For example, rigid insulation boards or a new weatherproof layer can add insulation and protection. Also, solar panels can protect a home against power outages caused by extreme weather. The costs for installation – anywhere between $10,000 to $30,000 – might be offset with a 30% federal tax credit. Solar panels could save homeowners nearly $42,000 over 25 years, according to EnergySage.
Your roof is your main line of defense against extreme weather, particularly wind and rain. “Relatively minor damage to a roof can result in some very expensive damage to the interior of the home,” says David Hinson, a professor at Auburn University’s School of Architecture who focuses on incorporating enhanced energy performance features into affordable homes. If your roof is worn out, see replacing it as a golden opportunity to make your house more climate-resistant. New materials and technologies have helped roofs better withstand high winds. Estimated cost: $9,000
Invest in resilient design: The smartest weatherproofing ideas come from the principles of resilient design, which incorporates elements like stronger windows and roofs, higher insulation, fire-resistant materials and passive energy sources to create a home built for maximum protection. These improvements are more expensive than some of the routine fixes you might be used to, but investing for the long term will build your home’s protection and save money over time.
With storm season approaching, now is the time to review your home’s vulnerabilities and take preventative steps. Whether through small upgrades or major improvements, weatherproofing protects your home, your wallet and your peace of mind.
For more tips on weatherproofing your home, visit HouseLogic.com or consult a local Realtor, who can connect you with trusted home experts. #ThatsWhoWeR