While it also has many other duties, your home’s fundamental purpose is to protect you from the elements. Indeed, that’s the whole idea behind shelter in the first place — if we didn’t need to deal with chilly temperatures and downpours, then we could realistically live virtually completely outside.
Just as your property protects you from the elements, it’s also important that you protect your property from the elements. It’s sturdy, yes, and will have the capacity to keep the elements at bay, but it’ll need a little bit of help from your end too, and that’s especially true at a time when extreme weather is on the rise.
The good news is that doing so mostly just means taking a few key steps to ensure your property is as robust as possible. In doing so, you’ll be giving your home the platform to keep you protected and also enjoy other benefits. What’s good for your home also tends to be good for other things, too, such as improving curb appeal and enhancing the value of your property.
Okay, let’s dive into some of the most effective ways to make sure the rain, sun, and snow don’t compromise the quality of your property.
Keep Your Drains Clear
Drains play an often underrated role in keeping your property in good order. However, they can only do that if they’re working correctly. Many homeowners find themselves in a little bit of trouble after heavy rain, all because their drains were clogged and were not able to effectively move water away from their property. That can result in pools of water quickly accumulating in areas you’d rather that they didn’t.
The solution? Make sure the drains are clear! It’s the easiest, most effective way to avoid these problems. You can also consider installing a drain cover, which can help to prevent debris such as leaves and twigs from entering the drain system in the first place.
Ensure Your Roof Is Strong
A solid, well-functioning roof serves as the foundation for keeping your home safe from the elements. After all, it’s usually the roof that takes the biggest hit from the weather. If the roof is well-installed, well-maintained, and damage-free, then it should be able to withstand heavy wind, snow, and rain.
But if it’s not those things? Then you can have problems. A damaged roof can quickly escalate into more serious issues. If you suspect that you have any roof damage at all, then get in touch with a local emergency roofing company as soon as possible. They’ll be able to prevent any further damage, either by performing quick repairs or utilizing temporary solutions until a more permanent fix can happen.
Seal Up Your Windows and Doors
Everyone knows that their home’s windows and doors play a vital role in ensuring that the elements stay outside of their property. However, not everyone knows that not all windows and doors perform this job to an equally high standard. In some cases, windows and doors can let in drafts and small amounts of rain if they have small gaps or aren’t sealed correctly. This can happen with any windows, but is more common with older windows and doors.
If you find yourself in that position, then consider upgrading. Modern windows and doors are extremely energy efficient, which can help to lower your energy bills considerably. If you find that the problem isn’t so pronounced that you need to upgrade, then look at weatherstripping or caulk. They can be highly effective at closing any gaps.
Secure/Protect Outdoor Items
Strong winds alone have the capacity to cause damage to your property, but most homeowners find that they can take those high gusts in their stride if the house is sealed up correctly. However, what your property will be much less likely to defend itself against are items that are blown into your home. Outdoor furniture and other items can be picked up and slammed into your property during stormy weather, causing damage. Even relatively light items, like plastic furniture, could cause windows to break.
It’s good practice to secure any outdoor items or store them in your garage as a matter of routine. Most homeowners know to do so in advance of a storm, but you can only do that if you’re at home — if you’re not, then those items may cause damage to your property if they’re not put away.
Be Mindful Of Potentially Dangerous Trees
In addition to outdoor furniture, it’s also important to pay attention to any trees surrounding your property, which could, during stormy weather, fall onto your home. This one’s easy to overlook since, unlike outdoor furniture, many people assume that the trees around their property will stay firmly in place. But even seemingly healthy-looking trees can have underlying problems. It’s recommended to get the trees surrounding your home assessed by an expert from time to time. If necessary, they’ll remove any problematic branches or even remove the entire tree.
Preventing Sun Damage
The sun won’t damage your home in the same way that heavy rain and high winds will, but it can cost you in other ways. For example, over time, the sun’s rays can cause furniture and other interior materials to fade. Excessive sunshine can also increase your home’s temperature, requiring additional cooling costs. Taking a few easy steps to prevent the sun from damaging your home can help keep things in check. One smart strategy is to apply a UV-blocking window film, which can help to keep damaging UV rays on the outside of your home while still allowing in natural light.
Keep Pests Away
Finally, while pests might not be “the elements,” they’re very much a part of Mother Nature that you don’t want to have in your home. With pest infestations on the rise, it’s more important than ever that homeowners take steps to protect their properties, such as by sealing up any potential entry points and preventing any damp areas in your home.
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