Winters usually bring with them a cozy, and festive feel, but it is also the time of the year when you usually need multiple repairs and upgrades done to your home. Even if your home is located in an area that doesn’t get frequent winter storms, it is essential to prep your home for the frosty weather. The cold, windy conditions can make even the best-insulated homes feel drafty and uncomfortable.
At North Star Roofing, we want you to learn more about your home and roofing so you can make better decisions. This blog explains some easy and helpful home improvement ideas that will keep you warm and cozy this winter.
8 Worthwhile Home Improvement Projects
Before buying a new boiler or other heating tools for your home, it is essential to weatherproof your home from the outside. If you live in an area where ice dams and snow occur every year, make sure your roof and exterior are properly sealed and equipped. If not, moisture can seep in and damage your roof’s structure, ceiling, attic, walls, siding, and electrical components!
#1 Upgrade Your Windows
Make sure your windows and skylights are up to code. This is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s insulation and energy efficiency. If they’re not, it’s time for an upgrade.
You can add an insulating film to the glass panes in your existing windows. This will help prevent the glass from freezing and cracking. There are also special films available that make it hard for neighbors to peek inside your home still while giving you a clear view of the outdoors from within.
#2 Install Heat Cables On The Roof
Heat cables are a convenient addition if you live in a snowy area where ice dams are a common phenomenon. Heat cables are installed on the roof shingles to melt snow and ice around them. These thin electric wires produce enough heat to melt snow without damaging the shingles. You should consult a reliable roofing contractor about the intensity and length of the cables needed.
Image source: lowes.com
#3 Add New Insulation In Your Attic
Keep your home warm and comfortable by insulating the attic properly. Insulation ensures that no air and moisture get inside the roof without your knowledge. You can use spray foam insulation or batts (bundles) of fiberglass. Batts and rolls are ideal for insulating attic floors, walls, and roof sheathing. For the smaller areas, like the attic’s electrical outlets, vents, and windows, use spray foam. At North Star Roofing, you can get a free roof inspection which includes the attic area, to ensure that your home is properly insulated already.
#4 Upgrade The Siding To Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is an excellent way to weatherproof your walls. The siding boards insulate the walls, preventing heat loss. They also keep the walls from freezing and transferring the cold inside. Plus, the siding offers dual functions according to the season. During summer, it will prevent your home from overheating.
Fiber cement siding is worthwhile in all types of climates, especially cold ones. The boards aren’t prone to cracking and distorting when frost accumulates. This type of siding also offers a wide variety of finishes so you can customize your home’s look while adding comfort and value at the same time. Make sure to choose an experienced siding contractor to discuss the availability of options.
#5 Waterproof Your Roof Accessories Like Chimneys, Vents, And Skylights
Make sure your roof is watertight. Get a professional roof inspection to discover and replace damaged or old flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. These areas need to be sealed, or else you could end up paying a lot of money for water damage repairs later on. Consider also replacing worn-out shingles if you have any concerns. Old roofs are more likely to leak and won’t hold up under frequent winter storms.
#6 Insulate The Downspouts
Little things can make a huge difference when it comes to your home’s exterior, and insulating your downspouts is one of them. If water freezes inside the downspouts, the pipes tend to clog and break due to the pressure.
The insulation foam is wrapped around the exterior of the downspouts which prevents the water from freezing inside. If you live in Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, or other cold states, then it’s essential to consider these home improvement projects.
Your local roofing contractor can help with all the above home improvement projects and repairs. Make sure you choose an experienced and reputable contractor with an active license to work in your area.
After making sure your home is weatherproof from the outside, it’s time for you to upgrade the interior. With just a few additions, you can get the desired warmth and comfort you want in your home.
#7 Add Radiant Floor Heating
Consider radiant floor heating if you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to winterize the interior of your home. It’s an easy way to improve the look and comfort of your home, especially if it has an outdated heating system. Installing radiant floor heating can save you money on energy bills as well!
Radiant floors work well under any flooring material, including tile, wood, carpet, and laminate. You can install them under the flooring you currently have so they blend into the room’s design without looking out of place.
#8 Install A Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are more advanced and can control your HVAC units from anywhere. Older thermostats are inaccurate, bulky, and need to be changed manually. With a smart thermostat, you can set the thermostat based on your family’s schedule and requirements, allowing you to spend less on heating and cooling when you’re not home. Plus, you can also control it from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or any other gadget with remote features.
#9 Get Japanese Bidet Toilet Seats
Japan is famous for its high-tech developments, and the bidet toilet seat is one of these great developments. Since many bathrooms are typically not heated as effectively as other rooms, they commonly tend to feel colder than other areas of your house. Buying a bidet toilet seat is a great way to make this room of your home more comfortable, and is a great addition if you have kids.
We hope you found these home improvement projects to be helpful. Remember to start winterizing your home’s exterior before remodeling the interior, as any issues that occur to the exterior of your home, will slowly make their way inside. If you want help in deciding what the best heating options are for your home, call our team at North Star Roofing, and we’d be happy to help!
