If you live in a rain or snow-prone area, weatherproofing is the process done to save energy and protect your home from pests, water damage, and debris buildup. You don’t want your home to be destroyed by the elements. This guide will help you weatherproof your windows to ensure your home stays comfortable.
Weatherproofing is an essential part of any home. It helps to protect your home from weather and damage. In the case of a fire or flood, it prevents water from entering your home. Let’s take a look at what it means and how it can help make your life easier.
Why Do Windows Need Weatherproofing?
Weatherproofing your home is an important process that keeps your home safe from damage during extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning. It also helps protect against mold growth, fire damage, and other home-related issues.
Importance and Benefits
Weatherproofing a window has one of the highest returns on investment in the home. It ensures that your windows will always remain attractive and functional. Here are more reasons to consider weatherproofing:
1. To Keep A Variety of Insects Out
If you have a home with many windows, you should at least consider installing a weather-stripping system. You can ensure your dwelling is safe from bugs and insects by installing a system that allows the entry of only the proper amount of air.
The best option would be to use insect screens fitted on all exterior doors and protect from mosquitoes, fleas, etc.
2. To Save Power and Electric Bills
Your home is a large investment, so why not save money by weatherproofing your windows? Weatherproofing can reduce energy costs by up to 80% while improving indoor air quality. While you are not only heating your house but also battling the elements, there’s no reason you cannot make it work for you.
3. To Keep Your Homes Dry
A properly sealed window will keep your property dry. If you have not properly sealed windows, the damage could occur through condensation and mold growth. When this happens, moisture will accumulate in the pores of the window, resulting in water damage.
4. To Prolong the Life of Your Air Conditioning and Heating Units
Installing weatherproofing on your windows and doors will greatly contribute to the optimal performance of your heating and air conditioning systems. The right kind of weatherproofing is important for preventing energy loss due to wind, rain, and snow.
How To Weatherproof Windows
If your windows are not weatherproof, you’ll spend big bucks to get them fixed. While you can’t avoid the occasional window break, and you’ll be able to keep your windows in good working order for a long time.
Following these steps will keep your windows looking their best:
1. Look for Holes and Crevices
It doesn’t matter how good you are at keeping your home in perfect condition. You’ll always find something that needs fixing. The best way to spot potential trouble is to take a look around your home for any damage.
Carefully spot for crevices and holes as they are easy to be overlooked. It’s important to make sure all of the seams and joints are completely sealed.
2. Check for Weatherproofing Equipment That Needs an Upgrade or Replacement
Sealed glass windows are available in many materials, including vinyl, steel, fiberglass, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
Each material has its unique characteristics. For instance, fiberglass offers thermal insulation, LDPE offers good sound insulation; and vinyl offers an aesthetic look.
3. Lavishly Apply Weatherproofing to Windows
The proper material for weatherproofing is as important as the application. Choosing the wrong materials can inflict damage to the house and lead to expensive repairs.
You’ll need to use a weatherproofing sealant to create a bond between the sealant and the surface. A good sealant can last for many years.
4. Treat Your Exterior and Interior Equally
There are many ways to protect your windows. One of the best ways is to put weatherproofing material on both sides of the window to help protect your windows from damage caused by hail, snow, or water. It aids in keeping the rain outside.
Another way to put weatherproofing material on both sides of the window is with a rain cover.
5. Select Window Protectors Depending on Seasons
Whether you want to keep your front door warm in the winter or keep out the cold air in the summer, hanging drapes are a great way to use natural sunlight. Depending on what you’re after, you can choose different drapes to complement different times of the year.
6. Secure Your Air Conditioners and Vents
The plastic and duct tape exterior of your air conditioner allows it to be protected from outside elements. The weatherproofing on the inside of the unit helps protect the unit against moisture damage, dust, insects, bugs, and more.
Product for Weatherproofing
Prosoco R-Guard Air Dam
AirDam is a waterproof product applied on dry or damp surfaces during unfavorable weather conditions. It works as an elastomeric sealant that can fix water leaks and seal surfaces and speed up the drying process of new buildings and other surfaces such as brick, stone, steel, glass, and more.
Product link: amazon.com
Key Features
- Works well with most sealants
- With a strong water-tight seal
- Does not contain hazardous isocyanate and other solvents
- Priming is not required for it to adhere well to common building materials
- Contains silane polymers for long-lasting adhesion
DIY Tools to Weatherproof Windows
There are also makeshift ways to weatherproof that are inexpensive and make use of readily available materials at your home. Here is a list of them that you can choose from:
1. Foam Tape
A foam tape is a popular option for windows that open and close. The tape forms a seal that will stay in place even if the windows are opened and closed repeatedly. It’s particularly useful for those cases where windows are left open all day long, as it helps prevent air from leaking out.
How to apply:
- Remove residues and any form of dirt from the area
- Place the tape firmly
2. Rope Caulk
Caulking is for sealing holes and gaps in drywall and wood that work the same as putty, but it’s better than that because it has better adhesion and is specifically used for weatherproofing.
How to apply
- Divide the bead layers according to the desired amount
- Seal firmly on tee surface applied
Weatherproofing your windows can help you save on house maintenance expenses. It is a worthy investment, especially if you live in areas where rain or snow is common. Consider taking steps today to secure your home by weatherproofing your windows.
