Fall brings new routines, crisp air, and the chance to set the stage for a comfortable winter. More and more time will be spent inside, cozied up and safe from the dropping temperatures. In order to make sure that your home is ready for the long trek through winter, there are a few simple but important things you can do to make the changing of the seasons more manageable.
Is Your Roof in Good Condition?
Your home’s roof is your first line of defense against the elements. Weak spots could result in leaks, structural damage, or even a higher heating bill. A quick walk through your attic should be able to tell you if your roof is in good condition or not. A properly ventilated attic should be close to the same temperature as the outside air temp at night. Air should enter through soffit vents and exit through a ridge or gable vent. The insulation between the living space below and your attic is the line of defense keeping the cold air out. Inspect that insulation. Look for gaps or missing insulation. You should not see any signs of mildew or damp spots.
If you don’t have an attic, take a walk around and look at the condition of your roof. Are there shingles missing? Can you see any spots that look caved in? Are some areas discolored, or simply look like they may need some attention? Leaks can be tricky to nail down, so hiring a professional to help you find and fix weak spots is a wise investment that could save you a significant expense later.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Gutters
Your gutters have an essential role in the health and structure of your house, starting from the top down. Properly installed gutters will remove the water from your roof and safely drain it into the ground. Your whole house could pay the price if your gutters are damaged or not working properly. Water in a clogged gutter slowly starts eating away at the wall next to it. Water always looks for the quickest way down, and if your gutters aren’t the fastest channel, water will start seeping down your walls and possibly into your attic.
Cleaning your gutters may be one of the least-liked jobs when fall rolls around. Getting rid of all of those leaves that have gotten stuck in the drains is a hassle. Ladders and gloves are involved, and chances are it’ll be cold, wet, and unpleasant. But the payoff is more than worth it in the long run. Ensure that your water is diverted away from your house while you’re checking the gutters; it’s only half a job done if you make sure the water can drain without knowing where it is draining.
Insulation Tips for Cold Weather
Effective insulation is essential for keeping your home warm and energy-efficient during the winter months. The right insulation for cold weather acts as a barrier, preventing heat from escaping and cold air from entering. One of the most effective types of insulation is cold weather spray foam, which expands to fill gaps and seals out drafts more efficiently than traditional insulation materials. Spray foam is particularly useful around windows, doors, and in hard-to-reach areas like attics and crawl spaces.
If you’re considering a renovation or insulation upgrade, you might also explore applying polyurethane in cold weather. Polyurethane foam is an excellent insulator that provides high thermal resistance, making it ideal for both walls and attics. However, it’s essential to follow manufacturer guidelines and ensure proper application during colder months, as extreme cold can affect the foam’s ability to adhere and expand correctly.
Insulation isn't just about installation; it requires insulation maintenance. Regularly check for signs of wear, gaps, or moisture buildup. Damaged or missing insulation can lead to cold spots in your home and increase energy bills. Proper insulation will keep your home warmer, reduce strain on your heating system, and make your space more comfortable all winter long.
Maintaining Proper Winter Basement Temperature
The basement is often one of the coldest areas in a home, which can make it uncomfortable and affect the overall temperature of the house. Maintaining a balanced basement temperature in winter is essential not only for comfort but also for preventing issues like frozen pipes. To make your basement warmer, start by improving insulation, particularly along the walls and ceiling, as these areas are prone to heat loss.
To make your basement warmer in winter, consider adding insulation to exposed foundation walls and using insulated flooring materials like cork or carpet. This keeps the cold at bay and provides a more comfortable surface underfoot. Sealing air leaks, especially around windows, doors, and pipes, is another key step in keeping the cold out.
Attic Ventilation and Winter Prep
Proper attic ventilation is crucial for maintaining your home’s energy efficiency and preventing moisture buildup during winter. Many homeowners wonder, "should my attic be cold in winter?" The answer is yes—your attic should be close to the outdoor temperature to prevent ice dams and condensation, both of which can cause serious damage. A cold attic ensures that warm air from your living space doesn't seep up and melt snow on your roof, which can refreeze and create dangerous ice dams.
To achieve this balance, you need the right amount of ventilation. So, "how much attic ventilation do I need?" A good rule of thumb is one square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. This allows for sufficient airflow to regulate temperature and moisture levels.
How does a ridge vent work in the winter? Ridge vents, along with soffit vents, allow cool air to enter and warm, moist air to exit, maintaining proper airflow and preventing condensation buildup. It’s essential that ridge vents remain clear during the winter, so snow and ice don’t block them. Knowing which vents should be open in winter—like ridge and soffit vents—is key to keeping your attic healthy and your home warm.
Prepare for Cold Snaps
When a cold snap hits, your home’s heating system will be put to the test—especially when temperatures dip into negative numbers. Both newer and older homes may struggle to maintain warmth, so it’s important to take proactive steps to keep your house safe and comfortable. Have a plan or checklist for these extra cold stretches. Start by raising your thermostat 2-4 degrees higher than usual and set programmable thermostats to a permanent hold. Replace your furnace filter, ensure vents and radiators are clear, and keep exterior doors closed as much as possible. Don’t forget to open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. For those with high-efficiency furnaces or boilers, check that intake and exhaust pipes are free of ice or snow buildup to prevent system shutdown. These simple steps can help protect your home and heating system during extreme cold.
Keep Cold Air Out of Your House
Sealing out cold air is one of the most effective ways to stay warm and reduce energy costs. One of the easiest ways to start is by checking for drafts around windows and doors. A quick test with a candle or incense stick near these areas can reveal where cold air intake in winter is sneaking in. If you feel drafts, it’s time to re-caulk or install weatherstripping to seal those gaps. For larger gaps, foam insulation or door sweeps can work wonders. Don’t forget to inspect areas where pipes and electrical wiring enter your home, as these can be common sources of leaks. Keeping cold air out of the house ensures your heating system doesn’t have to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. Another key area to focus on is your attic. Proper insulation and sealing of attic hatches will help prevent cold air from seeping into your living space. If you notice significant drafts in other areas, consider having a professional conduct a home energy audit to identify leaks and solutions.
Improve Winter Indoor Air Quality
As temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, maintaining winter indoor air quality becomes critical. During the colder months, homes are sealed off from fresh air to keep the heat in, but this can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants like dust, pet dander, and chemicals from cleaning products or off-gassing materials. To combat this, ensure your home is well-ventilated. Consider using energy-efficient air exchangers or ventilation systems that bring in fresh air without sacrificing warmth. Regularly changing your air filter traps harmful particles before they circulate through your home. Maintaining balanced humidity levels is another key factor in improving air quality; too much moisture can lead to mold growth, while too little can dry out skin and respiratory passages. A humidifier or dehumidifier, depending on your needs, can help regulate these levels. Finally, make sure to periodically let fresh air into your home, even during the coldest months. Opening a window for a short period daily can significantly improve indoor air quality, especially if you use your kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans at the same time.
Getting the Yard Ready for Winter
Other basic steps can help your winter prep go more smoothly for your home and your family. Mowing your grass one last time and even mulching leaves can help prepare your lawn for the spring.
While working outside, if you see any big gaps between windows and walls, take the time to re-caulk those spaces. If you wait until you feel those cold air drafts seeping in from the outside, you’ve waited too long.
Finally, before the big winter rush hits and people are scouring store shelves for salt and shovels, why not be proactive? If you have a long driveway or sidewalk in front of your house, use little dowels or snow stakes to mark out where to use your snowplow and shovel when you finally have to use them. This can keep you from digging into your lawn or damaging your pavement. Making sure you have good-working shovels can save you time and backaches later on.
Your NH Home Remodeling and Custom Home Experts
Preparing your home for winter is essential to keeping it safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient through the cold months. From proper insulation and ventilation to maintaining indoor air quality, taking these steps now will ensure your home is ready for whatever winter brings.
Oxland Builders collaborates with homeowners to build custom home and remodeling solutions that result in functional and efficient spaces for year-round comfort. Our team has the expertise to create a space tailored to your needs. Contact us today to start planning your next home upgrade to stand the test of time.
