(PRLEAP.COM) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The storm devastation that has spread across the U.S. over the past few years has brought with it an alarming reminder: preparation is key to minimizing damage from harsh weather. While severe storms can wreak havoc on a home, even routine storms may cause damage if a home is not properly protected. The smart homeowner is one who takes extra measures to protect a home’s roofs, windows, doors and decks.
One important way to protect these areas is to use weather barrier construction materials. These weather barriers are designed to prevent winds, wind-driven rains and moisture from entering the home. However, with so many types of barriers on the market – each offering a unique shape, size and level of protection – choosing the right barrier for your home can be a confusing task. To help, Grace Construction Products, a leading provider of weather barrier products that have been proven to be resistant to hurricane-force winds and driving rains, offers a few tips.
• Start at the top: A roof is constantly exposed to the elements and may be the most critical part of your house to protect from water infiltration. Have your roof checked by a professional if you suspect it’s past its prime. Doing so can help prevent leaks and further damage as early as possible. Using self-adhering roofing underlayments, such as Grace Ice & Water Shield®, adds extra waterproofing and leak protection under roof coverings (shingles, tile, metal); while using a roof detail membrane can do the same around skylights, dormers and chimneys.
• Watch windows and doors: Drafts pass through gaps in window and door openings. So does water and moisture, which can end up in walls and cause mold. Properly flashing windows with a self-adhered product can close these gaps and prevent water, air and moisture infiltration. It also helps make a home better able to withstand severe weather and can make it more energy efficient.
• Don’t overlook the deck: Homes aren’t the only structures susceptible to weather. Decks, fences and other wood products can be damaged from wind, rain and snow. Routinely weatherproof and clean these structures to maximize their useful life and consider using protective barrier membranes, like Grace Vycor® Deck Protector®, to help prevent joist rot and decay and decrease the corrosion rate of connectors and fasteners.
For more information on how to keep moisture out of your home and on Grace’s family of weather barriers for roofs, windows, doors and decks, visit
www.GraceAtHome.com.
About Grace Construction Products
Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Grace Construction Products, a division of W. R. Grace & Co. Conn. (NYSE: GRA) is a leading worldwide manufacturer of concrete admixtures, cement-processing additives, masonry products, products for architectural concrete, fire protection and waterproofing products. The company has more than 125 plants and sales offices around the world. For more information about Grace Construction Products, please visit
www.graceconstruction.com.
# # #
EDITOR’S NOTE: Contact Jay McGee at (866) 593-2400, ext. 221 for photography, logos or to arrange expert interviews.
