Protecting Homes from Mother Nature: A Three-Step Guide

Weather patterns have changed significantly over time, which is widely known. Nowadays, constructing a high-quality building requires it to withstand all types of weather conditions. Regardless of the location, homes must be resilient against harsh elements. Homeowners consistently urge builders and contractors to create homes with top-notch protection.

While water is vital, it poses a threat to homes. Moisture can seep into various building materials, leading to serious structural issues. Leaks and damp wooden framing or sheathing may result in rot and mold. To ensure long-term protection for your home, it's essential to waterproof it correctly from the start.

Using the right materials is crucial in shielding a home from water infiltration and subsequent harm. Ensure these three key areas are thoroughly inspected:

One of the primary challenges in roofing is preventing water leaks. Given its natural flow, water tends to run down a roof, potentially causing issues from minor drips to heavy downpours. Water can easily find its way through holes and beneath shingles if there is an entry point.

Roofs pose ongoing concerns as severe weather becomes more common, increasing the risk of damage from ice dams and wind-driven rain. It is crucial to ensure that every aspect of a roof, including slopes and corners, is constructed to withstand any level of rainfall to avoid costly repairs.

The key to protecting a roof from water damage lies in the choice of roofing underlayment. While underlayments serve various functions in a roof system, their primary role is acting as the ultimate barrier against water infiltration, shielding homeowners from potential harm. Therefore, selecting high-quality underlayments can make a significant difference in the roof's longevity.

Although the use of underlayment is mandated by building codes, there are several product options available. It is essential to ensure that your contractor utilizes premium, self-adhered roofing underlayments to achieve optimal waterproofing, especially at critical areas such as eaves, valleys, and detailed sections.

Windows and doors play a crucial role in a building's structure and can often be vulnerable areas for leaks. Even when windows are securely closed during a storm, wind-driven rain can still seep into a house through these openings, especially if they lack proper flashing and weatherproofing.

Window and door entry points are commonly susceptible to water infiltration. When water seeps in and lingers within the wall structure, it creates an ideal environment for rot, mold, and mildew to thrive. It is essential to carefully choose and install flashing around windows and doors to enhance the effectiveness of a home's weatherproofing system.

When a self-adhered flashing membrane is correctly integrated with the building's other components, it serves as a water barrier and a drainage plane, allowing water to exit the wall. Failure to choose and install it correctly can result in leaks from wind-driven rain, leading to rapid wall deterioration due to rot and mold.

Walls consist of intricate layers, emphasizing the importance of carefully selecting and installing the materials.

Traditional mechanically-attached house wraps require meticulous and time-consuming fastening, taping, and detailing processes that are often overlooked.

They are susceptible to wind-driven rain at each hole created during the fastening of siding and trim, with numerous holes present in a standard home.

Moreover, they are prone to tearing when exposed, resulting in additional points of water entry.

The optimal solution is a fully-adhered weather barrier that seals to the substrate, itself at overlaps, and around the numerous fasteners used for attaching siding, trim, and other decorative elements.

This category of products offers superior weather protection and serves as an advanced option compared to traditional house wraps.

Sturdy homes must be built to withstand the harshest weather conditions Mother Nature can bring, to avoid expensive repairs. By meticulously inspecting the roofs, walls, and intricate areas during construction, you can guarantee a more secure and weather-resistant home, providing peace of mind.