Prime Weatherproofing Products
No matter where in the country you reside, climate whims can be a force to be reckoned with. From extreme heat waves in California to layers of ice chilling New England, there is ample reason to keep weather top of mind.
To protect your property against the elements and preserve your residence as a place of rest and repose, consider making some upgrades like these six to help secure your structure’s integrity.
UV-resistant exterior paint
While most people equate sunshine with ideal weather, its ultraviolet rays can deteriorate your home’s outer layer. To protect your siding, cover it in a coat of UV-resistant paint, which contains special blockers and stabilizers for enhanced defense. Don’t slack on this if you live in a relatively cool region, either. Just as sunscreen is essential to wear in any amount of sunlight, UV-resistant siding paint can potentially save you money on repainting and siding repair over time.
Impact-resistant glass
Wrap your home exterior in extra stability thanks to products that not only tolerate tough winds and hail but also offer ultimate leak prevention for enhanced efficiency. Look for hurricane-rated glass, which is designed to endure flying debris, or insulated laminated varieties, both of which are highly rated for their thermal performance as well. While these options may be pricier than standard glass, they’re essential for storm-prone regions. Additionally, they can offer peace of mind and potential utility savings in many places.
Gutter guards
Gutters do more than just capture water from your roof. They also help prevent standing moisture from causing roof rot and direct water away from the soil under your foundation, which may shift and swell when oversaturated, leading to issues like cracking or an unlevel structure. To preserve your gutters’ efficacy and prevent damage, fortify them with guards. These porous layers allow moisture to run through them to your downspouts while also filtering out storm debris like leaves and sticks. For maximum roof and foundation protection, look for a product with dual-layer filtration.
Faucet covers
Winter apparel isn’t just for keeping you and your loved ones warm. Jacketing your outdoor faucets against chilly weather, ice, and snow can help prevent frozen pipes, a costly issue that can lead to leaks or even floods. While you have many options and materials to choose from, consider thick foam faucet covers with built-in gaskets, which will remain sturdy while offering a dense coat of padding. Insulated faucet socks, meanwhile, are easier to install and don’t need to sit flush with the wall, making them a more versatile choice. Before you select either product, though, you’ll need to measure your faucets and their spigots and consider your siding type to find just the right fit.
Chimney spark arrestors
If winter storms motivate you to cozy up around your hearth, you need to safeguard your fireplace and chimney from stray fires, especially as ash and soot build up from frequent use. Thankfully, an arrestor—a metallic mesh screen—can cover your chimney vent to help block stray sparks from escaping then expanding into larger roof fires. (Note that this is not to be confused with a chimney cap, which rests above the opening and helps keep rain and critters out.) While many building codes necessitate arrestors, it’s prudent to install them even where not required.
Hurricane straps
If you live in a high-wind zone area, reinforce your roof against destructive winds using these metal fasteners. Hurricane straps help adhere your roof trusses to the walls, providing ample uplift resistance to better prevent severe damage. While the products are often required for new home builds in some places, they may be absent from others, especially older ones, even though they may be a godsend for roofs in some tornado-prone environments and areas with high coastal drafts. Opt for stainless steel straps for their water-resistant, long-lasting benefits; however, note that they will require installation by a professional roofer.
While there’s no such thing as surefire protection against storms and severe temperatures, these products can help protect your household against the fickle forces of nature and preserve your peace of mind.