Climate Proofing Basics
A Collaboration between Green Building Canada & Fragile Shelters Publishers
For Your Home
I have an admission here. I am old enough to remember when climate change was called “Spring . . . Summer . . . Fall . . . Winter.” My how times have changed!
Severe Weather is fully documented today; ample studies on why and where humans have abused Mother Nature. This week I am going to touch on some basic, experience-based suggestions for our changing times, starting with severe storms.
Storms & Flooding
We commonly think of extreme wind or heavy rain as a severe storm. I usually include blizzards in that definition. Securing any outdoor fixtures or storing them should be first on your list, like lawn furniture and garden supplies. Seal up any outside openings including things like a hose bib and your dryer vent along with the windows.
Caulking has come a long way. Find the best urethan for your application. If you have a fireplace, invest in an inflatable chimney draft stopper. I rarely see fully effective draft dampers. The majority are a “flap fit” and poorly air-sealed. Inflatable ones fit into the uneven chimney and flue lining and most come with a strap that hangs down to tell you it’s installed.
For some time now we have recommended two locks on exterior doors. Not only for security but if located 1/3rd spacing, the chance of your door blowing in is significantly reduced. Your garage door, especially if attached to your home, are known to collapse or buckle. The negative effects on both the garage and inside the home are dramatic. a simple 2×6 screwed across the door and attached to the door frame is a quick solution.
I cannot remember the number of times we have heard “my sump pump failed!” Yes it probably did but when was the last time you checked its operation? Dump enough water in the sump pit to make the pump operate at least twice a year. Electricity is one of the first things to stop during a flood. Overland flooding is becoming more common and something as simple as a supply of “Sandless Sandbags” is worth considering. Lay them down, they absorb the water, fill up and inhibit water invasion. When the flood recedes, they will dry up and are reusable.
Extreme Cold
Extreme cold is not given the recognition it needs and the climate crisis means just that. There will be deep cold spells. There are inexpensive foam covers for outdoor taps that help prevent the tap from freezing. If your heat goes off, set all your taps to a slow drip and open your vanity or kitchen cabinet doors; again to reduce the chance of freezing.
Maintain your home at no less than 18C (65F) and if it’s a power failure, you will have some time before the home becomes uncomfortable. If you have to abandon the home, shut the main water valve off. I have lost count of the number of times I have heard of a flooded basement after the home heats up because of a pipe burst.
Extreme Heat
The number of deaths due to extreme heat every year is saddening. If at all possible, install some manner of air conditioning in your home. Portable AC units are convenient. Window air conditions are still the better choice. they use outside air to cool their coils while the cabinet style relies on air in the room, often pulling unconditioned air from other parts of the home.
While adding insulation is promoted to help keep you warm; in fact, it has as much or more value helping keep a home cool. Properly fitted insulated blinds or drapes make a big difference. One trick I have seen used is cutting cardboard to fit your windows and covering the cardboard with aluminum foil facing out.
Wildfires & Smoke
Wildfires and the accompanying smoke fills the headlines today and rightfully so. Canada is in one of its worst fire seasons on record. There is one Canadian Program called “FireSmart” that has some excellent information on preparing and protecting your home. Go to: http://firesmartcanada.ca.
There are numerous general recommendations — keep large trees at least 30 feet from a home; keep your grass mowed at least 100 feet from you home and shrubs trimmed. Any overhanging branches should be at least 10 feet from your home. Move your BBQ with its propane tank away from your home. While I know in some regions, Ontario for example, have standards that allow larger 420 tanks for heating close to a home. If at all possible, located it at least 20 feet from the home.
While we were researching our recent book, Fragile Shelters, on homes and the climate; we watched the popularity of roof sprinkler systems grow rapidly. I was able to see one system in operation and I can understand why they make the statements they do. The town of Logan Lake in British Columbia, working with FireSmart Canada and the local fire department instituted a house-by-house program where 250 homes were outfitted. After the wildfire of 2021, 100% of the homes with roof sprinklers survived the wildfire. Of the 500 homes not on the program, 15% sustained significant fire damage.
In the past 2-3 years a number of companies have begun manufacturing roof sprinkler systems and while they are not the only answer, they are effective. You do need a constant water supply and have made the effort to clear your property. You must begin to pre-wet your roof and surrounding landscape well before the wildfire arrives. The number one cause of homes catching fire are embers that are in advance of the main wildfire. There are recommendations as to locations on your roof, wind direction and other factors but if we are going to reduce the catastrophic damage to home affected by wildfires this is one place to start.
