If you’re like most homeowners, you know you should protect your house against weather extremes. But the best time to prep is before things get bad—that means getting to work when your weather is still (relatively) mild. Here’s the year-round list of everything you should do—and when.
1. Insulate—against heat.Insulation is probably the first thing that springs to mind when you think of winter, but it’s equally important in summer (or year-round, if you live in hot, sunny areas of the country, like the Southwest)—because just as a frosty draft seeps in, so, too, does sticky air. To beat the heat, start at the top: the attic. Before the mercury rises, inspect every nook and cranny to make sure your insulation is installed properly and not letting cool air out. Tip: If you can see the tops of the joists, you need to add a strip of insulation above the existing layer. Consider insulating your attic door as a final barrier to keep your A/C inside—and heating bills low. Also check floors and walls throughout your home for drafts, caulking where necessary. Installing weather strips to doors and windows is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to keep your cool.
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2. Combat direct sun.Wooden decks are easily dried out by intense sun, leading to shrinkage and cracks. Ultraviolet rays also break down wood fibers and lead to discoloration. When finishing—or refinishing—your planks (decks should be redone every other year), be sure to add a UV protectant sealer or stain as your final layer. If using a clear sealer, be sure it contains UV protectant. A stain, on the other hand, is naturally better at blocking the sun. The darker the stain, the better protection it offers your wood.
Gutter…