As the holiday season arrives in Minnesota, so does the intense cold. With temperatures already dipping below zero, homeowners across the state are looking for effective ways to keep their homes warm and cozy. From sealing drafts to upgrading insulation, here are essential winter tips for homeowners to keep their homes comfortable and energy-efficient this holiday season.
1. Seal Up Your Building Envelope
A home’s “building envelope” includes the exterior walls, roof, windows, and doors that protect it from the elements. If there are gaps, cracks, or poorly sealed areas, cold air can sneak in while your warm air escapes. This makes your heating system work harder, increasing your energy bills.
Action Steps:
- Seal Air Leaks: Use caulking and weatherstripping around doors, windows, and baseboards.
- Insulate Your Attic: Since heat rises, an under-insulated attic is one of the main culprits for heat loss
. Insulating the attic can reduce energy bills and keep the home more comfortable. - Check Your Crawl Spaces: Seal and insulate crawl spaces to block out the cold.
Pro Tip: Shelter Construction can perform inspections to identify air leaks and recommend solutions for improving your home’s energy efficiency
2. Check and Repair Your Windows
Older windows, improperly installed frames, or worn weatherstripping can all allow cold air to infiltrate your home. Not only will this affect your comfort, but it also increases heating costs.
Signs Your Windows Need Attention:
- Feeling cold drafts near your windows
- Moisture or condensation buildup
- Warped or cracked window frames
Action Steps:
- Apply Weatherstripping: Replace old or damaged weatherstripping.
- Seal Gaps with Caulk: Fill in any cracks or crevices along the window frame.
- Upgrade Your Windows: If your windows are over 30 years old, consider replacing them with energy-efficient models that have double or triple panes
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3. Maintain and Protect Your Roof This Winter
While it’s too cold to install a new roof during the Minnesota winter, you can still take steps to maintain and protect your roof until spring arrives. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can put a significant strain on your roof, and proactive care can prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs.
Action Steps:
- Look for Roof Leaks: Check your attic for signs of water stains, damp insulation, or mold. Addressing roof leaks early can prevent major damage
. - Remove Excess Snow: Excess snow adds weight to your roof and can lead to ice dams, which block water from draining properly. Use a roof rake to safely remove heavy snow from the edges of your roof.
- Address Ice Dams: Ice dams form when snow melts and refreezes at the edge of your roof, potentially causing water to seep under shingles. Use heated cables or contact a professional to address this issue.
- Schedule a Spring Roof Inspection: While you may not be able to replace your roof in the winter, you can schedule a spring inspection to get ahead of any issues. Shelter Construction can help you plan for future repairs or replacements so you’re ready once the weather warms up
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Pro Tip: Shelter Construction offers free roof inspections. Our team will spot potential issues and recommend solutions to protect your home from leaks and moisture damage
4. Siding Matters—Choose Energy-Efficient Options
Your home’s siding serves as a first line of defense against the cold. Inadequate siding can allow drafts and cold winds to penetrate your home.
Energy-Saving Siding Options:
- Vinyl Siding: Durable and affordable but may become brittle in extreme cold.
- Fiber Cement Siding: Offers excellent insulation and weather resistance
. - Insulated Siding: Adds an extra layer of thermal protection, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
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If you notice cracks, warping, or fading in your siding, it may be time to consider a replacement. Upgrading your siding can significantly boost your home’s energy efficiency.
5. Don’t Forget the Gutters
Ice dams, a common winter problem, are caused when water from melting snow refreezes at the edge of the roof. This can cause water to back up under the shingles, leading to leaks and potential water damage. Proper gutter maintenance can prevent this.
Action Steps:
- Install Gutter Guards: Gutter guards keep out leaves and debris, allowing water to flow freely and reducing the chance of ice dams
. - Clean Your Gutters: Ensure your gutters are clear of debris so water doesn’t back up and freeze.
- Check for Damage: Look for sagging gutters, leaks, and areas where ice dams may form.
6. Insulate Your Attic and Crawl Spaces
An under-insulated attic can be a major source of heat loss. Ensuring proper attic insulation reduces the workload on your heating system, keeping your home warmer for less money.
Benefits of Proper Attic Insulation:
- Reduced heating bills (up to 15% savings according to ENERGY STAR)
- Prevention of moisture buildup and mold growth
- Increased home comfort and more consistent indoor temperatures
Insulation Options:
- Blown-In Insulation: Great for filling gaps and hard-to-reach areas.
- Spray Foam Insulation: Provides both insulation and air sealing but can be costlier.
- Fiberglass Batts: Affordable and effective but requires precise installation to avoid gaps
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7. Use Smart Heating Practices
Small changes in how you manage your home’s heat can have a big impact on comfort and energy bills.
Heating Tips:
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: Set it to lower temperatures when you’re asleep or away from home.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans: Run ceiling fans in reverse to push warm air back down into the living space.
- Keep Vents Clear: Ensure furniture and drapes aren’t blocking vents to allow unrestricted airflow.
8. Regular Maintenance: Don’t Wait for the Problem to Get Worse
Maintenance is the key to a warm home. Small issues like drafty windows, missing shingles, or clogged gutters can lead to big problems if left unaddressed.
Recommended Maintenance Checklist:
- Inspect windows and doors for drafts and seal them as needed.
- Schedule an annual roof inspection to check for leaks, missing shingles, or damage.
- Clean out gutters and downspouts to avoid ice dams.
- Ensure attic insulation is adequate to prevent heat loss.
Turn to the Pros at Shelter Construction
At Shelter Construction, we understand how challenging Minnesota winters can be for homeowners. From roofing and siding to windows and insulation, we’re here to help you stay warm all winter long. Our team offers free inspections and minor repairs during evaluations, so you can have peace of mind heading into the coldest months of the year