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Want to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient before fall and winter? Consider weatherproofing it. This home improvement work has many benefits, including lower utility bills and increased comfort in your home by protecting it from the elements.
Weather protection also helps to eliminate the main cause of energy efficiency loss. This is closely related to choosing the right thermostat system and using heaters and fans when necessary to create a comfortable indoor environment.
The best part is that many weatherproofing projects can be done on your own, without having to hire expensive professionals to do the job. We asked experts to share a few weatherproofing projects you can do yourself, as well as the inexpensive products they recommend.
Weatherproofing serves two main functions: maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and helping to reduce energy consumption and costs. “You can’t maintain a comfortable temperature in your home without proper insulation and weatherproofing,” says Nicky O’Brien, operations manager for Custom Exteriors, a Colorado-based exterior remodeling company.
This is especially important in cold weather and climates. “An important part of winterizing your home is making sure your heater is working properly and is inside,” said Chris Ramos, a spokesman for Blain’s Farm & Fleet. “Winterizing your home means preparing your home to conserve energy during the colder months. It also means checking your ductwork.”
“Energy Star estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on their heating and cooling bills by adding insulation and sealing their homes,” says Courtney Klosterman, a home insights expert at home insurance company Hippo. “Sealing windows and doors also prevents insects, moisture, and other harsh weather elements from entering the home,” she adds.
To properly inspect windows and doors, check for cracks and rot (especially around baseboards, weatherstripping, and frames), as well as drafts. Klosterman also recommends removing door and window screens whenever possible to avoid damage from winter weather, including snow.
”In my experience,” says O’Brien, “the most cost-effective way to weatherproof a home is to seal the gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.” Frost King weatherstripping tape is self-adhesive, making it quick and easy to apply.
Maureen McGinn, a hardware sales associate at Home Depot, recommends this durable weatherproofing caulk for sealing windows and doors. “It provides excellent weather resistance and a highly flexible bond without cracking or breaking,” she said.
Fire-resistant, water-resistant and mould-resistant, foam seals are suitable for use around doors and windows and can be easily adapted to a variety of sizes and configurations.
Door squeegees help prevent drafts, as well as dust, dirt, debris, and pests, from entering your home through a small gap at the bottom of your door. This self-adhesive door squeegee installs in just a few minutes and begins reducing drafts in your home.
”Homeowners with older windows can take advantage of window insulation shrink kits,” O’Brien said, “which can improve indoor temperature control at a very low cost.”
”Spray all locks with powdered graphite lubricant to prevent seizing,” says Klosterman. This will ensure the locks are in good working order.
If the inspection reveals that the window and door locks are damaged beyond repair, install new locks to ensure a tight seal that prevents drafts and moisture from entering.
Experts provide advice on all necessary measures to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes
Beyond doors and windows, there are many small cracks in a home that act as entry points for heat, cold, moisture, and insects. Attics and basements are where structural problems tend to occur first. “The attic may be the first sign of problems in the home, such as if you notice moisture or discoloration in the walls or ceiling,” says Klosterman. “Pests and animals can also enter your attic and cause damage to the attic and roof.”
Basements and crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to moisture problems, “which can lead to mold growth and structural damage if not sealed and insulated,” says McGinn. “Other areas that are often overlooked include electrical outlets, recessed light fixtures, and cracks around chimneys. All of these can cause drafts and moisture intrusion if not properly sealed.”
”Seal leaks with caulk or foam,” says Klosterman. This caulk expands up to 1 inch to conform to the gap, helping to minimize drafts and insect infestations.
Use a general purpose caulk to seal small cracks in your home to prevent drafts, moisture, and pests from getting in. Common entry points include attics, basements, and cracks around outlets and appliances.
Another way to protect your home from the wind is to install thick curtains or thermal curtains. These are especially useful for protecting against winter winds and overheating from the summer sun.
“You need to insulate not only your home, but also your crawlspace and attic ducts,” Klosterman said. Other ways to protect pipes and water lines include sealing leaks that could cause pipes to freeze and disconnecting outdoor hoses. “When it’s really cold outside, even a trickle of cold water can keep pipes from freezing,” she said.
Using foam duct insulation can reduce heat loss or gain, making indoor temperatures more comfortable and maximizing energy savings. Duct insulation also helps prevent certain types of mold and energy loss in ducts.
Ramos recommends using pipe heating cables to prevent pipes from freezing and to help thaw them if they do freeze.
Another inexpensive way to protect your furnace from the elements is to replace your furnace filter. “You should change your furnace filter more often to ensure that your heating and cooling systems are working properly,” says Ramos.
Protect your water heater from freezing by wrapping it with an insulation blanket. Always measure your water heater to make sure you buy the right size, and wear work gloves, safety glasses, and a mask when installing fiberglass insulation.
Another way to protect your pipes is to use a programmable thermostat to keep the room temperature relatively constant. “Even if you’re used to turning down the heat at night,” says Klosterman, “try to keep the ambient temperature a little warmer during the day and at night. A sudden drop in temperature at night can cause your pipes to freeze.”
“In addition to reducing wear and tear, regular inspections and maintenance can help your HVAC system run smoothly and keep air circulating well in your home,” says Klosterman. “Additionally, one-time HVAC maintenance costs average about $99, but repair and replacement costs vary greatly depending on the need.” She recommends shutting down your HVAC system, checking the ducts for dust, dirt, and hair, and cleaning them if necessary.
In addition to cleaning the vents, Klosterman recommends replacing or updating all HVAC filters to ensure the system is working properly. Air filters should be changed every two to three months in the spring and fall, and monthly in the summer and winter when outdoor temperatures are highest.
If your home has an outdoor air conditioning unit, it should also be cleaned as part of your overall HVAC maintenance routine. Then cover the outdoor condenser unit to protect it from the elements.
Simple weatherproofing of your home’s exterior can prevent costly disasters in the future. “Clogged gutters and downspouts prevent water from draining off your roof and siding. In the winter, the water that collects freezes and expands,” says Klosterman. “In addition to paying for gutter repairs, you’ll also have to deal with issues like mold, foundation damage, or roof damage.”
“Before winter hits, you want to make sure your gutters are clear,” Ramos said. “If your gutters are clogged, the snow won’t drain properly.” Use a gutter cleaning tool to quickly remove leaves, debris, and buildup, then hose down your gutters.
”You can also install gutter guards to protect your gutters and prevent clogs,” says Ramos. Using gutter guards will help minimize the amount of debris in your drains.
When cleaning your gutters, perform a visual inspection to identify any cracks or holes. Use a caulking tool to seal and seal any gaps.
“Fall is the time to think ahead about winter snow, wind, rain and whatever else may come your way,” Klosterman said. “Prioritizing the highest-cost repair areas now, like your roof and HVAC system, can help you reduce unexpected and costly repair bills this winter.”
“Inspecting your roof for damaged shingles or flashing is critical to preventing leaks,” says McGinn, “and inspecting and sealing foundation cracks can help prevent moisture and pests from getting in. Additionally, sealing vents, pipes, and electrical outlets that run to the outside is important to prevent air and water from getting in.”
Klosterman recommends cleaning the fireplace and the area around it to protect your home from the elements, as well as checking the chimney and flue for clogs and creosote buildup. “Leaves, bird nests, and other debris can accumulate in chimneys if they are not cleaned regularly,” she said. “These materials are highly flammable and can increase the risk of home fires.”
To eliminate creosote buildup and protect your home from chimney fires, add creosote-treated wood to your fire once a year or every 40 fires.
In addition to cleaning, Klosterman said it’s important to check your fireplace and chimney for cracks. “Consider installing a chimney cap to help prevent drafts, pests and animals, debris, and moisture from entering.”
”Check your windows and door locks to make sure they are working properly,” Ramos said. “A strong, airtight window or door lock is key to ensuring that the frame fits tightly to the sill or door frame. A tight seal will prevent warm air from escaping, saving you money on your heating bills.”
He also recommends checking doors and windows for air leaks. Insulate with window insulation kits and weatherstripping to keep out drafts. “Even a gap as small as 1/8 inch can result in significant air loss,” he said. “Make sure there’s enough caulk around windows and doors to reduce heat loss that occurs in the dead of winter. Check glass for peeling or missing caulk or compound and reglaze or caulk it. This will also help reduce water damage to window and door frames.”
Ramos recommends the following tips for checking for air leaks: “On a windy day, carefully place a lit incense stick or smoke pen into cracks around windows, doors, ceiling lights, and attic hatches. If the smoke flows horizontally, there is an air leak that may need to be sealed or caulked.”
Ramos said any temperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can cause pipes to freeze. He recommends using pipe insulation to insulate water pipes in your home’s basement and attic. “These exposed pipes are the most susceptible to ice formation,” Ramos said.
To prevent pipes from freezing, he recommends wrapping them with heat tape or heat cables. Additionally, he says, “Fix any leaks near ductwork that could allow cold air into your home. Check for other leaks near electrical wiring and dryer vents.”
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Post time: Mar-14-2025
