If you live in Minneapolis or any other cold region, you think you’re used to the freezing winters. But the biting winds and thick snowfall still drive you at your wit’s end. The snow can deteriorate your home, and the below-zero temperatures can kill your plants and produce. In addition, the heating bills go up.
Thankfully, you don’t need to be helpless against harsh winters. But a home renovation might be necessary to winter-proof your abode. Consider it an investment because a winter-proof home might increase in value and relieve you of the hassle of dealing with winter-induced maintenance issues.
Note these essential parts of a winter-proof abode:
Roofing: Metal or Asphalt Shingles
Metal roofing is the best choice for homes in wintry regions. Metal can withstand the elements and is less likely to leak than other roofing materials. It also offers excellent aesthetic quality; metal roofing isn’t like a cheap, shiny tin. Reputable suppliers provide streamlined designs that can even mimic asphalt shingles.
Moreover, metal roofing is cheaper and easier to install than asphalt shingles. You might no longer need a pro roofer to install it if you’re skilled at DIY construction. Repairing it is easy if the roof suffers a hole because of hail storms. Just clean the area around the hole and fill the gap or crack with caulk.
Asphalt shingles are your second-best option if metal roofing isn’t an option. It’s pricier but still affordable, given that it’s the most widely used roofing material in the United States. Asphalt shingles come with waterproofing qualities, which means snow won’t wear them down quickly.
Window Frames, Walls, and Floors: Wood
Many building experts highly recommend cedarwood for homes in cold regions. You can use it for your window frames, deck or patio, and interior flooring. Not only is the material beautiful, but it can stand up to water well and won’t degrade against heat during warmer seasons. In addition, cedarwood doesn’t chip as quickly as other softwoods, making it easier to maintain between seasons. It’s also an excellent insulator, so it stays warm even during the lowest temperatures, allowing you to walk barefoot comfortably inside the house.
If you prefer hardwood, consider mahogany. But it’s not as resilient as cedarwood. It needs a protective coating to stay pristine throughout all seasons.
Insulation System
If you’ve been living in a cold region for a long time now, chances are you already know your insulation system. But if cold air and moisture still seep through your home and cause damage, you need a new insulation system.
Blown-in insulation is the best for homes in wintry regions. You can DIY the installation if you have the appropriate equipment, but hire a pro for the best results.
Insulate your attic, ceiling, basement, pipes, garage, and exterior walls. After that, weatherstrip your doors and windows to prevent drafts from coming into your space.
Backyard: Deep Winter Greenhouse
Building a deep winter greenhouse is essential if you grow your own produce. It’s also called a cold-weather greenhouse. Unlike a typical greenhouse, a well-built cold-weather greenhouse is passive-solar and specifically designed to be sustainable and economical during freezing climates.
Pros usually handle the construction of a deep winter greenhouse, but you can build it yourself if you’re on a budget. Its vital components are timber base, polycarbonate walls, and pitched polycarbonate roof. Tutorials are available on YouTube if you need someone to guide you.
Storm Doors and Windows
Harsh winter months can bring dangerous blizzards. Keep your home intact by installing storm doors and windows. They provide an additional layer of insulation and weatherstripping around your home’s entry points. It allows you to trap hot air and keep the cold air out.
Ceiling Fans
Install ceiling fans in the warmer parts of your home. But don’t keep them off during winter. Ceiling fans can help distribute warm air throughout your space in the proper position. Ensure that it rotates clockwise to get more warm air.
Garage: Rubber Flooring
Lastly, winter-proof your garage by using rubber flooring instead of concrete. Though rubber is porous, it’s easier to clean than concrete and is slip-resistant. On the other hand, concrete can get slippery with melted snow, putting you at risk of injuries.
With these materials in your wintry abode, you can worry less during harsh blizzards or snowstorms. You can sleep through the night, snuggled under the covers, and wake up the next day with your home intact. But don’t forget to consult a renovation pro before starting your winter-proofing project. Experts’ advice ensures that the materials will do their jobs. Also, let pros handle some tasks; a full-DIY work can result in costly mistakes.
