Because of the consistent climate in Arizona, you might not think it necessary to weatherproof your windows and doors. You probably do not notice the drafts or leaks as much as you would in more diverse, cold weather. But you still need to be sure your windows and doors are shut and sealed tight. This not only keeps the hot air out in summer, but also seals cool air in and keeps unwanted critters from skittering into your home. Other benefits include preventing water damage and can make your home more secure. So if you haven’t made an effort to weatherproof your home before, now is the time to start.
What is Home Sealing and Weather-Proofing?
There are a number of things you can do to protect your house and property. The most common approach is insulation. Many homeowners seal the cracks, gaps, holes and openings around the exterior of their home. It also includes screening windows, doors, and vents properly and keeping all points of entry in good repair.
Step By Step Sealing and Weather-Proofing
Think cold air is getting out and hot air or insects are getting in through permeations in your home? Here are a few things you can do to get started:
1. Survey Your Home
Get a flashlight and examine all the areas where air might get in or escape out. Start with windows and doors. Then also check your vents, socket panels, eaves, and cement barriers. You might even recruit a helper to blow a small fan in some areas to see if you can detect any leaks.
2. Find the Right Insulation
Do you know what kind of insulation to use? You have a variety of materials and options. You can get most of them from your local home improvement store. Some of the top sellers include fiberglass insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Most of it doesn’t cost much, and will easily pay for itself in the money you save on your energy bills.
3. Installation
Usually this stage of the process is fairly straight forward. The materials you purchase will come with instructions. They will tell you how best to apply the materials and how long to let them rest. If you review the instructions, and aren’t comfortable with the process you can talk to one of the staff at the store or recruit the help of a reliable Scottsdale windows contractor.
Time for New Windows and Doors?
Another thing to consider is getting replacement windows and doors. If your current ones are outdated, not functioning properly, or no longer match your personal taste it might be time to replace them. If properly installed these new windows and doors will seal off your home, providing better weather and pest-proofing. They will also give your home a facelift, and boost the resell value if that is what you are looking for. Lastly, these new installations will help keep the summer outside and lower the cost of your energy bills.