Your house is constantly battling with the elements. Sun, rain, wind, and ice constantly buffet the structure. Water and heat try to sneak in through the crevices. Expensive, cooled air does its best to leave the structure. Nowhere is this more true than in Texas! From blazing hot summers to thunderstorms, freezing temperatures, and hurricanes, our weather can be a home’s worst enemy. If you own a house in Texas, weatherproofing your home is an absolute must. Weatherproofing helps save money on energy bills, and it protects your most significant investment from the harsh elements of nature all year round. Some upgrades can also increase the visual appeal and value of your home. Here are some weatherproofing tactics that make the most impact:
Install New Windows
When weatherproofing your home, upgraded windows improve your home’s energy efficiency and can also add curb appeal and value. Old or damaged windows are the leading causes of heat/cooling loss, drafts, or condensation. Here are the most energy-efficient replacement options:
Double pane or triple pane windows: As the name suggests, these windows have either two or three panes of glass, often with inert argon gas between the panes. The additional layer of the triple pane can increase efficiency and significantly reduce outside noise.
Low-E glass windows: Low-emissivity windows have a thin, transparent coating that blocks ultraviolet and infrared light but lets in visible light.
ENERGY STAR® Windows: The blue icon ENERGY STAR windows are certified by the government. The certification is based on performance ratings for specific climates and geography, so select a window rated for your area.
Replace and Upgrade Insulation
Insulation products work by trapping air or restricting air passage. Many older homes need more insulation. Proper insulation helps maintain temperature consistency in your home and minimizes energy loss. Properly insulating the attic, walls, and crawl spaces can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs. There are insulation options for every budget when weatherproofing your home:
Spray Foam Insulation: Liquid polyurethane is sprayed into the space, where it expands to seal the area and then hardens into a solid foam. Closed-cell foam insulation has one of the highest R-values and is considered the gold standard in home insulation.
Blown-in insulation: The insulation is applied with a machine that blows the material into the space. Blown-in insulation can be made of fiberglass, rock wool, or reclaimed cellulose.
Blanket Batts and Rolls: The familiar pink rolls commonly seen in attics are typically constructed with fiberglass.
Replace Roofing
Your roof is the first line of defense against weather elements. It is also a big part of the visual appeal of a house. If you notice signs of water leaks, if your roofing material is cracking or warping, or if your roof is growing vegetation, it is probably time for a new roof:
Asphalt shingles: The most common type of roofing material because it is economical, simple to install, and customizable. Modern asphalt shingles feature UV-resistant materials and come in various color and shape options to match your home’s aesthetic.
Metal: A popular roofing material due to its excellent durability and lifespan. A quality metal roof can last up to 70 years or more, depending on care and maintenance. Metal roofs can be constructed from copper, aluminum, or stainless steel.
Slate: With the insulative properties of stone and a long lifespan, many people like the luxurious look of slate. Slate tiling can last for generations if cared for and maintained correctly. Slate is the heaviest type of roofing material and may require extra roof support.
Seal with Caulking and Weather Stripping
Small gaps and holes around windows, doors, pipes, and other places in your home constantly leak heated and cooled air. Collectively, all these little openings lead to higher energy bills and possible damage from moisture. Caulking and weatherstripping are effective ways to seal gaps and keep the inside of your house comfortable.
Caulk: This versatile sealant is used around doors, windows, pipes, and vents and can be polyurethane, acrylic, or silicone. The effectiveness and durability of the caulk can depend on the skill of the person applying it.
Weatherstripping: A piece of material that goes around windows, doors, and garages to keep the elements out of your house. Depending on the location and the climate, plastic, metal, felt, foam tape, rubber, and even magnetic weatherstripping is available.
Consult a Professional
Investing in your home’s windows, insulation, and roof can save on energy bills, enhance your comfort, and improve your home’s curb appeal and value. Contact the professionals at Big State Construction for weatherproofing your home. We can inspect your home to evaluate its energy efficiency and give recommendations on how to improve. We have the expertise to handle any maintenance, repairs, or replacements to protect your home from the harsh Texas elements. Call us (713) 574-8956 for an estimate!