Your home is your safe space, so why not ensure it’s as weatherproof as possible? After all, you want to keep your family safe and snug during those cold winter months. But many people hesitate to make their homes more weatherproof because they think it will be too expensive.
The good news is plenty of ways to weatherproof your home without spending a lot of money. Many of these methods are easy and quick to do yourself. So if you’re looking to save money and keep your family safe, read for some great tips on weatherproofing your home on a budget.
Caulk and seal any gaps around doors and windows
One of the most common ways heat gets away is through gaps around windows and doors. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 25% of heat loss in a home is due to air leakage. So if you want to keep your home warm (and your energy bills low), it’s vital to seal any gaps around doors and windows.
An easy way to do this is by caulking them. Caulking is a process of filling gaps with a sealant, like silicone or latex. You can buy caulking at most hardware stores. Once you have the caulking, apply it to the cracks around your doors and windows. You may need to use a putty knife to help spread it evenly.
When you’re finished caulking, smooth out the sealant, so it’s level with the surface. You can do this with your finger or a damp cloth. Once the caulking is dry, you’ll notice a significant difference in your home’s temperature. And you won’t have to worry about heat escaping through those gaps anymore!
Install weather stripping
Another way to stop heat from escaping your home is by installing weather stripping. Weatherstripping is a narrow strip of material that you attach to the moving parts of doors and windows. It includes the door itself, as well as the doorframe. Weatherstripping aims to create a seal between the door or window and the frame. This seal prevents air and water from entering your home, which keeps your home warm and dry.
Although weatherstripping can be a bit more challenging to install than caulking, it’s still a relatively straightforward process. And it’s well worth the effort, as weatherstripping is a highly effective way to keep your home warm. So, visit your local hardware store and pick up some weatherstripping. Once you have it, follow the instructions on the package to install it.
Inspect your roofing
A lot of heat escapes through the roof, so it’s essential to ensure your roof is in good condition. Start by inspecting your roof for any damage, such as missing shingles or cracks. Getting them fixed as soon as possible is essential if you notice any holes. Otherwise, heat will continue to escape through those gaps.
A professional roof leak repair service can help you fix any damage to your roof and make it more weatherproof. These experts can also install a new roof if necessary. But if you’re not ready for a new roof, they can provide alternatives, such as a roof coating. It is a protective layer applied to the surface of your roof designed to seal any gaps and prevent heat from escaping.
Add insulation
It’s also a good idea to add insulation to your attic. It helps to keep heat from escaping through the roof. Attic insulation can save up to an estimated 15% of your energy bills. So, it’s well worth the investment if you don’t have any insulation in your attic.
There are two different types of attic insulation: one is fiberglass and the other is cellulose. Fiberglass comes from recycled glass and is available in rolls or batts. Cellulose is made from recycled paper products and is known as loose-fill insulation. Both options are effective at insulating your attic. But cellulose is better at filling small gaps and irregular spaces.
Either way, you can install attic insulation yourself or hire a professional. If you decide to do it yourself, wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask. And be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
There are many ways to weatherproof your home on a budget. The above are some of the most effective methods, such as caulking and weatherstripping. You can also install attic insulation or fix any damage to your roof. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long — without breaking the bank! So, don’t wait, start weatherproofing your home today.
