Weatherproof Your Home Year-Round with These Tips and Tricks from Mr. Cooper

Each new season brings about a sense of change. However, a change in seasons also brings a whole host of new weather-related hazards directly to your doorstep. Being prepared for these seasonal changes can make a world of difference when faced with bad weather. Mr. Cooper mortgage partners often cite weather damage as one of the primary causes for home devaluation. Therefore, weatherproofing your home is vital to keeping it in good condition and at its highest value. 

 In the past, areas like Texas didn’t have to worry much about seasonal changes. Many people joked that Texas only had one season, and it was summer. However, if the 2021 winter storm taught anyone anything, it’s that the climate is rapidly changing, and it’s vital to prepare for potential inclement weather year-round. 

As we go into fall, we can expect a variety of seasonal weather changes. To help you better protect your property, we’ve gathered some of Mr. Cooper’s mortgage partners’ favorite tips and tricks for weatherproofing your home throughout the year. 

Fall into Fall Preparation 

While autumn is not a notoriously horrible season, weather-wise, there is still some work you should take care of during the cooler months. Dependent upon where you live, you may have a variety of chores to take care of throughout the fall. Here are the ways you can prepare this fall: 

Gutter Maintenance

You need to clean your gutters out occasionally for them to remain functional. Fall is a great time to tackle this chore, as you’re likely to see a lot of buildup as the leaves begin to fall off nearby trees. All too often, we procrastinate cleaning the gutters, leaving them full of pollen, leaves, and dirt. With air duct cleaning charleston you can make sure there’s no damage at home.

As per Roof cleaning Kansas city, when your gutters get clogged, they aren’t able to drain water from your roof effectively. In turn, you may experience indoor flooding or water damage to your home’s exterior.

Typically, Mr. Cooper’s mortgage partners recommend you clean your gutters every three months and replace them as needed. 

When it comes to water damage, it’s not just about the mess. Water damage can cause a lot of problems, from mold to structural damage. That’s why it’s important to call a local water damage restoration company as soon as possible. They have the experience and expertise to deal with the problem quickly and efficiently.

Repair Driveway Cracks 

If your home has a concrete driveway, you should consider hiring paving contractors to start repairing any cracks each fall – no matter how insignificant they seem. During the winter, water that seeps into the cracks can freeze and expand, requiring you to repave your driveway later. Save yourself time and money ahead of time by repairing any cracks now. 

Check the Weatherstripping on Doors and Windows 

When it starts getting cool, you’re likely going to consider turning on the heater occasionally to combat the chill. However, preventing potential drafts is essential to keeping your house at a comfortable temperature. Check the weather stripping around the doors and windows, and replace any worn-out sections to save yourself money in heating and cooling costs, otherwise getting an ac or furnace repair won’t go as planned.

Winter Weather Preparation 

Unlike many other seasons, winter poses a unique set of challenges to homeowners. Harsh temperatures can cause damage to your home’s exterior and make regular activities, such as travel, much more difficult. These are some of the best tips to weatherproof your house this winter: 

Check Your Roof for Stability and Leaks

Ice and snow often put quite a lot of stress on your home’s roof. In early winter, Mr. Cooper mortgage partners suggest that homeowners reach out to a residental roofing contractor for a roof inspection. Contractors can check your roof for any weak spots, leaks, or other damage that may become problematic during the winter months. If you are in search for a credible roofing contractor, go and visit a place like roofmasters.me to find one.

Insulate Your Water Pipes 

When the temperatures drop below freezing, you begin to run the risk of a burst pipe. Replacing a burst pipe can cost thousands of dollars and leave your home without water for days on end. Additionally, you also run the risk of flooding and water damage throughout your home as a result. Therefore, it’s important to take proper preparation before the first freeze. 

Cover any exposed pipes with a tarp or another form of insulation to help mitigate the risk of a pipe bursting. Most commonly, these exposed pipes burst due to water in the pipes freezing and expanding. Adding insulation helps reduce the risk. 

Additionally, keep an eye on your local weather and emergency alerts. Keep your faucets dripping overnight in the event of a hard freeze. Running water can help keep your pipes from freezing, as well. 

Cover Your Outdoor Plants 

Texas native landscaping can significantly alter your home’s value. Often, proper landscaping requires both a significant investment of time and money, as well. Covering any outdoor pants and shrubs can help them endure the cold and allow them to thrive in the spring. 

Spring Forward into Spring 

Spring offers us a breath of new life and comes with its own unique set of chores. Everything is in bloom, and it’s time to thrive. Here are some of the ways you can weatherproof your home for spring: 

Check and Repair Insulation

As it starts to get warm, you’ll find yourself running your air conditioning more frequently. Anyone who owns an air conditioning unit knows how expensive that gets. Many individuals who’ve taken mortgages with Mr. Cooper suggest repairing and replacing insulation in the early spring. A properly insulated home will stay cool longer, as the cool air doesn’t have room to escape. 

Upgrade Your Paint 

Both extreme heat and extreme cold can negatively impact your home’s paint job. Spring is one of the best times to touch up your home’s exterior. Look for areas that were negatively affected by colder temperatures during the winter, and consider where you might experience fading due to the sun. Many paint brands now offer extreme weather variants, providing additional protection against fading and chipping. 

Treat Your Yard 

Spring offers you plenty of opportunities to grow new plants each year. However, it also provides the perfect environment for weeds and pests to thrive. During early spring, you should treat your yard to prevent pest and weed infestations. Many companies offer various services to help you eliminate unwanted growth and prevent uninvited guests from inhabiting your yard. 

Don’t Let the Summer Sun Ruin Your Summer Fun 

Finally, it’s summer. Most of us are getting ready to enjoy the longer days and the warmer weather. Unfortunately, despite summer being a season of relaxation and vacation, there’s still work to be done. Here are some of the best tips for weatherproofing your home in the summer: 

Refresh Your Air Filters 

After a spring full of pollen, dust, and rain showers, your home’s air filters are probably pretty dirty. At the start of summer, Mr. Cooper mortgage partners suggest cleaning and replacing any applicable air filters in your house. When you let your air filters remain dirty, your air conditioner doesn’t cool your home as effectively. Additionally, clogged filters can lead to more significant issues down the line for central air units, such as freezing. Regularly replacing your filter is a great way to help prevent these problems and keep your home cool. 

Check Your Windows 

If you live along the coast or in an area that experiences frequent summer rains, you should check your windows at the start of summer. Make sure you seal any cracks along the windows with caulk and replace any worn weather stripping. Home window tinting is applied to residential properties to help keep the house cool. Not only does this process ensure your home stays cool, it helps prevent potential flooding and leaks. 

Additionally, you might also consider upgrading your windows to storm windows this summer. Storm windows feature two layers of insulation, making them less likely to shatter due to high winds. However, they also help insulate your home and prevent cool air from escaping. 

Clear Your Roof 

Whether or not you’re impacted by hurricanes, checking your roof and clearing it of debris during the summer can save you a lot of time and money down the road while also preventing potential water damage. While no one wants to spend a significant portion of their summer afternoon on top of the roof, removing branches, leaves, and dirt from your roof helps keep it in good condition and reduces your risk of developing a leak. 

While you’re up there, keep an eye out for any problem areas. Clearing the roof gives you a chance to inspect it and look for any potential leaks that developed throughout the year. If you notice areas in disrepair, consider patching it yourself or hiring a professional roofer to correct the issue. 

Weathering the Weather All Year

Ultimately, keeping your home in excellent condition requires year-round work. According to individuals who have taken a mortgage with Mr. Cooper, regular weatherproofing is one of the best ways to keep your home in excellent condition. While these tasks aren’t necessarily fun, it’s one of the best ways to save yourself time and money in the long run. 

Keep in mind, the types of weatherproofing your home needs might vary based on your location. At the end of the day, however, regular home maintenance is what makes the difference between a simple repair and an expensive home renovation. Overall, consider how your local weather may negatively impact your home and take proper measures to prevent damages. 

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