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No matter if you are moving, or improving, our newsletter is packed with the best tips, tricks and ideas to help you dwell well.
In recent years, the United Kingdom and surrounding regions have experienced major storms and severe weather damage. As weather intensifies worldwide due to climate change, homeowners can expect the threats to worsen with time.
As a responsible homeowner, you should consider how to upgrade your home to protect against these events. These eight upgrades will help weatherproof your home and safeguard your household members.
Homeowners should ensure their windows and doors are secure enough to withstand extreme wind. Windy weather is common, but February 2022's Storm Eunice was a wake-up call. Storm Eunice's winds reached 122 miles per hour, setting a new record on the Isle of Wight.
Altogether, nearly 400,000 homes lost power. Of the more devastating outcomes, at least three people died from falling trees and windblown debris. The last thing homeowners want is for debris to barrel through doors and windows during future storms.
Inspecting your roof for cracks, holes or other damages once annually to avoid severe weather damage is crucial. Though yearly rainfall fluctuates, the UK had 1,090.4 millimetres (mm) of rain in 2022 while precipitation was 1,334.1 mm two years prior.
A leaky roof can cause expensive flood damage to your home. Water may also become mould and mildew, posing a serious health hazard to household occupants. Replacing the roof is a long-lasting upgrade, so it could be a worthwhile investment.
Heavy snow and ice add weight to aerial cables when it hangs. Likewise, bitter-cold temperatures can make cable lines crack. Protecting wires and cables prevents disrupted network access and costly repairs. Residents may lose their wifi connection, making working from home, doing schoolwork or checking for news updates difficult.
Use conduits and raceways to add another layer of protection between wires and the elements. These mechanisms also lock out moisture.
The Tornado and Storm Research Organization (TORRO) says the UK and Ireland experience 200,000-300,000 lightning strikes annually. Lightning can cause a fire behind walls and damage electrical sockets, devices and other fixtures.
If you're wondering how to protect your home from lightning, consider installing a lightning rod or conduit system. Lightning rods are situated on the house's highest point to attract bolts. When lightning strikes the rod, it channels the electricity safely toward the ground around your home.
Older garage doors may not meet the current standards of the British Standards Act and the EU Construction Products Regulation. Consider replacing your old garage door with a wind-resistant model to prevent severe weather damage to your house.
Additionally, weatherstripping will seal the gap between the inside and outside. Aside from preventing water and wind damage through the garage, weatherstripping is better for energy consumption and will reduce your heating and cooling bills.
Look for natural light poking through cracks and holes or brittle and broken parts. Weatherstripping is a simple job homeowners can do themselves.
When wind storms strike, debris and smaller structures — like sheds and gazebos — may fly into your home or injure occupants. Adhere your shed to a cement foundation so it holds in place. Replace old hinges and window frames and select a sturdy shed lock.
You might also reinforce your shed by adding diagonal pieces of wood against the walls and door. Metal plates and joints can further support the wood and prevent splitting.
Amid an energy crisis and harsh winter in 2021, households' demand for domestic backup generators nearly doubled. A backup generator keeps appliances and other home systems operating smoothly during power outages.
During winter storms, a backup generator ensures your water heater runs effectively, providing enough heat to pipes. Otherwise, flash freezes can lead to pipes bursting inside your home. Depending on the severity of the burst pipes, homeowners could spend upwards of £7,500 on restoration and home improvements.
A sump pump is an excellent way to weatherproof homes from extreme rainstorms. When water levels beneath the house reach a certain threshold, the sump pump system turns on and discharges the water away from the home through a pipe.
If you have a basement and live in a flood zone, call a professional plumber or basement waterproofing company to install a sump pump system. Companies will send a highly-trained technician to assess your property and determine the best size and location for the mechanism. A basement waterproofing company may also repair your foundation and provide moisture control.
Severe storm damage may cause more problems than you could ever anticipate — at an astronomical cost to property and life. Protecting your home from extreme weather saves you from the financial burden of expensive repairs and keeps your household safe from injury.
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