Simple Home Weatherproofing Projects You Can Tackle in One Weekend

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Weatherstrips and door sweeps help seal gaps and block outside elements.
• Caulking windows and baseboards reduces energy loss and prevents drafts.
• UV-blocking window film improves insulation without replacing old windows.
• Foam pipe insulation protects against freezing and costly burst pipe damage.

According to the United States Department of Energy, air leaks and insufficient insulation can increase homeowners’ expenses by as much as a whopping 30% every year.

Fortunately, there are little DIY options you can do without hiring a professional and/or wasting time over the course of days. These quick, easy, and inexpensive fixes can save a home from developing long-term damage and also cut monthly bills and utility costs, while improving home safety.

Here are some simple, but useful, weatherproofing activities that can be completed in the course of a weekend.

Weatherstrips and Door Sweeps

When was the last time all of your door sweeps were replaced? Door sweeps are materials placed along the bottom of doors to block pests, debris, and harsh outdoor temperatures from getting inside. Check any doors leading outside or to rooms without air conditioning (attics, garages, etc.)

Your current door sweeps may be worn out or insufficient for insulating. Thankfully, door sweeps are easily replaced and can make a significant difference in weatherproofing your home. You can also place weatherstrips around the full door frame to better regulate temperatures and prevent pests from entering your home. This process typically takes only a few minutes per door.

Sealing Gaps

Doors aren’t the only home feature that can reveal gaps. Improperly installed or sealed windows can easily allow temperatures to escape, especially if there are visible cracks in the glass or your windows are particularly old. Unsealed windows cause temperature fluctuations, strain your HVAC system, and significantly raise your monthly energy bills without you realizing it.

With an affordable caulk gun and some gap-sealing caulk (foam is a popular option), you can effectively seal the perimeter of your windows to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Just like weatherstripping, you can also keep many pests out. Sealing isn’t limited to just windows; doorframes and baseboards can also greatly benefit from added insulation and protection against drafts.

Try to identify areas where you can feel uneven temperatures or see extra light peeking through. This task doesn’t take very long; waiting for it to dry is the most time-consuming part.

Window Film

Damaged or energy-inefficient windows can make your home overly hot in summer and uncomfortably cold during the winter season. While replacing old or cracked windows can do a lot more in terms of weatherproofing, you can create a temporary fix if you don’t have the time or can’t afford a full replacement right now.

Reflective, UV-blocking window film can come in many different forms that seal to your window. All you’ll need is the film, a utility knife, and a squeegee. Clean the window surface and wet it, then peel the film’s protective layer and apply it directly onto the window.

Finally, squeegee out the air bubbles. Certain window films might use adhesive or alternative attachment methods, so be sure to follow the provided instructions carefully. You can cover all of your home’s windows in no more than an hour, depending on how many windows you have.

Pipe Insulation

Pipes can be very vulnerable to the cold, especially in older homes where pipes are worn or aren’t adequately insulated. During freezing winter conditions, a burst pipe may result in flooding and significant water damage throughout your home.

If there are exposed pipes in your home, like in the crawlspace, basement, or garage, check if they’re insulated. You can easily help keep your pipes at a more stable operating temperature by wrapping them in inexpensive foam insulation tubes.

These tubes will keep your pipes warmer in the winter, significantly decreasing the risk of a burst pipe or water damage from condensation. Since these tubes are already formatted for insulation, this process doesn’t take very long at all when you’re tackling already-exposed pipes. Below, you can see some great tips.

Weatherproofing Window Treatments

If sealing or applying film feels time-consuming, updating your window treatments requires even less effort and can be just as effective. Weatherproof or blackout curtains can help reduce excessive temperatures inside your home and control the amount of natural light you want in.

Blackout curtains are available in varying levels of light filtering, ranging from mild to complete light blocking. Exterior window shades and shutters can also work effectively to block extreme temperatures from entering your home. Privacy-focused shades also function effectively in blocking out temperatures in most situations.

Improve Exterior Drainage

Intense rainfall can rapidly accumulate near a home with inadequate drainage or an uneven foundation. While heavy foundational work can be time-consuming, usually requiring more than a weekend, there are simpler solutions that can help mitigate the issue.

You don’t want to risk extensive flood or water damage. If your foundation or exterior surfaces are made of concrete, they may be uneven, causing water to flow toward your house instead of away from it. Concrete lifting can be completed in several hours and is significantly more cost-effective than excavating and repouring an entirely new surface.

I was able to find a local company specializing in concrete lifting near me that could be done in a single day. You’ll also want to check your gutters and current drainage systems for any damage or debris. Cleaning out your gutters may be tedious, but it’s a straightforward weekend task that helps water flow away from your home, especially the roof.

Conclusion

Homes lacking proper weatherproofing are at risk of temperature extremes, moisture intrusion, freezing-related damage, and a range of other serious structural issues. While some extensive renovations can help improve the energy efficiency and weather protection for your home, you don’t have to opt for them if you’re short on time and money.

There are numerous DIY-friendly tasks, such as installing UV-blocking window film, insulating exposed pipes, and weatherstripping doors, that can be completed in even less time than a single weekend. You can rely on these easy fixes as you plan for a more lasting solution later on.

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