Homes aren’t just an extension of your identity and personality, but it also shields inhabitants from the elements. For the most part, residential homes are generally designed to be sturdy. In fact, many engineers and architects will need to keep in mind the durability and overall lifespan of a home right before delving into the project’s general aesthetics. For instance, most families will usually use insulation and walls to keep out cold or warm temperatures while retaining a comfortable temperature level inside the home. As this is happening, insulation materials will be used in tandem with high-quality roofing materials that can help with the general appeal of your home.
But even though the function is an integral part of keeping inhabitants safe, comfortable, and secure, most home designers will also have to keep in mind the home’s general appeal. However, having a versatile home that’s versatile in almost all aspects is easier said than done, especially with a home that’s situated in colder climates. Luckily, there are some unique home features that you can do to your home that will give it both the beauty that it deserves while also effectively lengthening the lifespan.
So what are some crucial features to your home that combine both function and design? What are some elements that require creativity and precision while being aware of the weather conditions? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Keeping it Simple with Gable-shaped Roofing
Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against harsh weather conditions. This is especially important among homes in the northern regions of the United States since a good percentage of areas will be covered in snow throughout the colder seasons. A sturdy and well-balanced roof that can withstand the build-up of snow and high winds.
Contrary to what most people think, the best way of protecting your home while still having that “elegance” is by having a relatively simple roof design. The general rule of thumb that most roofing contractors and home builder is that the less surface area there is for your roof, the less likely it’s going to get damaged by snow and colder temperatures.
Another great way of protecting your home is by avoiding accumulation, and the age-old sloped gable roof design features the iconic triangular-shaped roof while minimizing surface area. Most homes in colder regions will usually have higher-pitched roofs since this is a great way of sliding off snow towards the ground. Ice dams can often lead to leaks and can compromise the structural integrity of your roof.
Experts would say you shouldn’t add any more features to your roof. The more “complications” that you have in your roof, the easier it is for snow and ice to get stuck, which can lead to ice dams. Another important thing to note is that the chimney should be at the peak of the roof instead of being at the lower edges of roofs.
You might want to install a gutter system that can effectively dispose of melted water away from the foundation of your home. While many people think that having a complex structure has its own “merits,” there is strength in having easy-to-maintain and straightforward structures. The process of installing roofs during colder weather conditions can be tricky, so you’ll need to ask help from professional roofing contractors for this type of work.
Wide Walk and Spacious Walkways
A part of keeping your home safe and secure during colder seasons minds the area right outside your home. In most cases, walkways, gardens, and outdoor floorings can get covered in snow and ice, which can be physical hazards. You’ll need to clear a path to your home’s entrance while making it spacious enough. One right way of de-icing your walkway is by placing salt on it.
But the process of landscaping and clearing out snow from your walkways and your garden is more manageable said than done. Suppose you don’t have the necessary tools, equipment, and expertise to clear out the accumulation of snow on your exteriors. In that case, you might want to consider commissioning the services of professional landscapers that are well-versed in colder regions. Fortunately, there are snow removal services that can act in a timely and efficient manner.
Minding Your Windows
The last thing that homeowners want is to have all the heat and humidity leave their home through airways and windows. Having a drafty house can make a lot of inhabitants feel uncomfortable. According to several studies, having windows that are not air-tight can cause around 25% of your heating to leave.
You’ll need to start using airtight windows. Most homeowners would suggest using double-paned glass since this will place a gap in between each surface, therefore negating any transfer of heat. If you are in an area that has snow throughout much of the year, you’ll need to have triple-paned glasses instead.
If you’re also looking out for “sturdy” windows, try to look for those that have the National Fenestration Rating Council seal of approval. These windows have a U-value, which is the measurement used to determine heat loss resistance among windows.
There are a variety of ways to keep your home easily-maintained and long-lasting in colder weather conditions. Although many people want to have a “flashy” and luxurious home, the answer to living a comfortable life in colder areas is by having a simple structure rather than having to over-complicate your annual maintenance.
