Winter Home Improvement Guide
Lindus Construction’s COO Andy Lindus answers Twin Cities Homeowners’ questions about winter home improvements.
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As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures begin to drop, a high frequency of homeowners begin to ask which improvements can be made year-round. Contrary to popular belief, roofing can still be completed during the winter months, though extra steps must be taken to ensure that the optimum result is achieved. This includes hand sealing of shingles at temperatures less than 40° to make sure they adhere properly in the cold temperatures.
Shingles must also be stored in a warm dry place until they are ready to install so that they do not become brittle and break. Gutters can be installed until the roof ices up, making tear-off of the previous gutters an unsafe endeavor. Siding can be installed throughout the winter months without issue. Decking and porches can be installed in the winter if the footings are already in place.
Winter Window Replacement & Leak Testing
Homeowners looking to create a more energy-efficient home will be pleased to know that windows and insulation can be installed year-round without issue. Smoke sticks, black lights, digital microscopes, infrared imaging, and blower doors can be used to determine where a home is leaking air.
Blower doors work by changing the pressure of a home. They work by magnifying any air leaks within the home by 10%-20%. During the test, a home’s furnace must be shut off so that it does not interfere with the diagnosis. This type of test works best when the outdoor temperature is vastly different than the indoor temperature. Battery operated smoke sticks use water vapor to provide a visual as to which way the air flowing throughout the home.
Explore Blower Door Testing:
The Stack Effect
Many times, homeowners assume drafts are associated with their windows, when in fact, the stack effect is to blame. Air being drawn down from the attic through the walls can feel like leaky windows, when it’s really subpar insulation and ventilation to blame. Attic air sealing is the best way to fix this problem. In this process, the insulation is pulled away from the edges of the attic, spray foam is applied around the entire edge and then the insulation is put back. Additional insulation to bring the attic to a R-50 may be needed to help decrease the risks of ice dams.
When it comes to replacement window installation, it’s imperative to select a product that matches the climate you live in. In the Midwest, there are two brands that offer the ultimate peace of mind. Infinity® from Marvin replacement windows are manufactured with Ultrex® fiberglass, which is lauded for its stability. Warranty claims for this product are all but unheard of. SeasonGuard triple pane windows are exclusive to Lindus Construction and are accompanied with a lifetime warranty that even covers glass breakage.
Contact us today to learn how Lindus Construction can make your home more energy efficient.
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling or texting 651.461.9226.
