8 Tips for Weatherproofing Your House Against Severe Weather
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Written by: FTC Oury Group
Severe weather can take a toll on your house. Strong winds, heavy snow, heavy rain—all of it can damage your home. It takes a strong house to stand up to the most severe weather, and the best way to protect your house is by weatherproofing. Taking steps to fortify your home's gutters and roof, replace your windows, and update your home's siding can all help prepare your home for severe weather.
As a trusted residential siding contractor in the Chicago area, the professionals at FTC Oury Group are experts in weatherproofing houses in Chicago. We know how to weatherproof roofing, siding, windows, and more. If you'd like to fortify your home against the most severe weather, we can help. Here's what you need to know.
Why Weatherproofing Matters
Severe weather can cause a variety of problems in your home including including drafts and uncomfortable temperatures, loud noises from wind and flying debris, leaks, and more. From tree branches that fall on your home to ice dams that damage your roof, there are many things that can go wrong during times of severe weather. Taking steps to weatherproof your house can help protect your home and prevent these problems from occurring.
Preparing Your Home for Severe Weather
There are many things you can do to protect your home from severe weather. If you have questions about how to prepare your home, talk to the experts at FTC Oury Group. We'll be happy to discuss your home's vulnerabilities and how they can be amended.
Install High-Impact Windows
Illinois is tornado country. High winds hit during intense storms, and sometimes those storms turn deadly. High-impact windows can protect your home from fast-moving debris. From patio furniture to tree branches, high-impact windows can help protect your home from objects carried by the wind.
Installing high-impact windows can give you peace of mind, and can also improve your home's energy efficiency. Old windows aren't just breakable, they're also inefficient. Installing new windows can make your home more comfortable at all times of the year.
Choose Storm-Resistant Siding
Wind and rain can wear down your home's siding. Some siding is more easily damaged than others. You can protect your home with siding that stands up to harsh Illinois weather. The professionals at FTC Oury Group install a range of siding types including:
- Premium vinyl siding: We install Mastic siding, a brand that is known for withstanding severe weather.
- Fiber cement siding: Our fiber cement siding is water-resistant and rot-resistant to help protect your home.
- Engineered cedar: What's more rot-resistant than natural cedar? Engineered cedar siding from LP SmartSide.
Strengthen Your Roof Against High Winds
An old, leaky roof puts your home at risk. How can you tell when it's time for a new roof? Look for these signs:
- Leaks and water damage
- Curling, missing, or damaged shingles
- Roof is warped or sagging
- Damage from pests
Installing new roofing on your home can help fortify your house against severe winds, heavy snow, and heavy rain. The experts at FTC Oury Group can help you choose the right siding material for your home.
Install Gutter Guards to Prevent Water Damage
Gutters are an essential part of your home's water management system. An effective gutter system carries water away from your home's roof and foundation, thus preventing leaks and a host of other problems. Gutters have a way of getting clogged with time, so they need periodic maintenance. One way that you can avoid gutter clogs is by installing gutter guards.
Gutter guards protect your roof by helping to ensure that your home's gutters will reliably do their job. Do you need new gutters? The experts at FTC Oury Group can install new gutters and new gutter guards to keep your home safe.
Schedule Regular Inspections to Catch Weak Spots
Your home needs regular inspections to catch problems like leaks and other vulnerabilities. You can perform these inspections yourself, or you can work with a contractor. The professionals at FTC Oury Group provide free inspections and consultations for various systems in your home, like your roof and siding.
If you want to perform these inspections yourself, look for:
- Chipping, peeling paint on your home siding
- Water damage inside and outside your home
- Sagging gutters or roof
- Visible roof damage
Add Weather-Resistant Landscaping
Cut back trees that have large, overhanging branches, and remove trees and unhealthy shrubs. Native trees and shrubs are weather-resistant plants that are used to the local weather conditions. Keep your landscaping far enough from your house to give your siding space to dry out after bouts of severe weather. Avoid planting any large trees or shrubs close to your home's siding.
Retrofit Your Foundation Against Flooding
Check your foundation for signs of damage like cracks. Some cracking is natural and expected in a foundation, but even small, harmless cracks can lead to basement leaks and other problems.
Seal cracks and areas of water intrusion, and install a water management system that will carry water away from your home's foundation.
Gutter installation can help protect your home, while a French drain can also prevent your basement from flooding. Consider installing a sump pump if your basement floods during times of severe weather.
Get Expert Help for Lasting Protection
Whether you're trying to weatherproof roofing or install new windows, it's important to hire a contractor that you can trust. The professionals at
FTC Oury Group are the premiere contractors in the Chicago area for helping homeowners fortify their homes. To learn more about how we can help you,
contact us for a quote. We'll be happy to inspect your home's siding, roofing, and windows, and discuss ways that we can prepare your home for Illinois' severe weather.
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