Weatherproofing Your Business: Sealing Air Leaks and Preventing Heat Loss

A weatherproof business premises is one that has undergone the necessary work to prevent damage and improve the energy efficiency of the building. Weatherproofing can include a number of separate tasks that will come together to secure the building against external factors such as strong winds, heavy rain, frost, snow, and hail. Such weather conditions, which typically occur during the coldest months of the year can have a detrimental impact on a building’s structure and design. This can include causing physical damage to the roof, causing leaks which in turn destroy internal areas of the premises, as well as heat loss, which may eventually result in a rise in energy costs. 

In order to prevent the number of issues the weather can cause your building, undergoing various stages of weatherproofing is incredibly valuable. 

Below are some handy tips to help you in the process of weatherproofing your business: 

Seal air leaks

Air leaks can occur around windows, doors, vents, and other openings in the building envelope. These leaks can allow cold air to enter the building in the winter and hot air to enter in the summer, making your HVAC system work harder and increasing your energy costs. To seal air leaks, you can use weatherstripping, caulk, or expanding foam sealant. Some of which can quite easily be applied without the assistance of an expert. By sealing these air leaks you’ll be ensuring that the heat and cool air that your HVAC systems releases is contained within the working space, helping to maintain a comfortable working temperature all year round.

Insulation in the premises

Insulation is paramount for improving the energy efficiency of any building. Used to reduce heat loss and to offer a barrier between the outside and the inside. Insulation, although an expensive job, must be maintained and upgraded when it begins to age. If your business’ building is dated and perhaps centuries old, it is well worth reviewing your current insulation, perhaps identifying where you may be losing heat from within your building. Upgrading your insulation will ensure you have the right quality and thickness, guaranteeing thermal properties within your walls and roof. 

You can insulate your walls with fibreglass batt insulation, spray foam insulation, or cellulose insulation. You can insulate your attic with loose-fill insulation or blown-in insulation. You can insulate your crawl spaces with rigid foam board insulation. 

Weatherproof your roof

Your roof is the most important part of your building envelope when it comes to weatherproofing. Helping to create a sound structure and providing plenty of protection, the roof is however the most likely to be impacted by weather conditions. Particularly in powerful storms. It is therefore important to make sure that your roof is in good condition and that there are no leaks. If your roof needs more work, this may include cleaning gutters to ensure proper drainage of rainwater and upgrades to your downspouts. All this weatherproofing will protect your building from leaks caused by heavy rain. 

Although no one wants a leak, some will be under the impression that it’s just a bit of water. In fact, leaks that occur within property can cause much more damage than first thought. From damage to the walls and floors, to electrical equipment, and the risk of mould. There are many reasons to prevent leaks before they occur. This weatherproofing could potentially save you thousands in damages.

Now, you may be thinking, what does this have to do with your energy costs? Well, by following these tips, you can help to weatherproof your business and improve its energy efficiency. In the long-term saving you money on your energy bills and helping to protect your building from damage. For more energy saving tips and advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your business premises, check out more of our D-ENERGi blogs.