As the vibrant colors of fall fade and the chill of winter approaches, Utah homeowners know it’s time to prepare their homes for the colder months. With its unique climate and sometimes harsh weather, where temperatures can get as low as 5°F, Utah demands a bit of extra attention when it comes to winterizing your home.
Exterior home remodeling is one of the best ways to prepare your home for the freezing winter months in Utah. But these upgrades go beyond winterizing your home – they can also increase the resale value of your home.
In this quick read, we will walk you through a few exterior remodeling ideas and tips to help you get your humble abode ready for the season.
Let’s dive in.
1. Insulate Your Home
Although this doesn’t strictly fall under exterior home remodeling, proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to keep your home warm and energy-efficient during the winter. Start by checking the insulation in your attic and walls.
If you notice condensation in the attic and on the walls, frozen pipes, and cold drafts, your home could use better insulation. Adding extra layers or upgrading to high-quality insulation can make a significant difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
Also, don’t forget to inspect your basement and crawl spaces, as these areas are often overlooked but can contribute to heat loss. Adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements can help you save an average of 15% on heating costs.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can sneak into your home through even the smallest gaps and cracks, skyrocketing your heating bill. Walk around your home and inspect windows, doors, and the foundation for any gaps and cracks.
Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal these gaps and prevent drafts. You can hire an exterior remodeling contractor to check your home for gaps and cracks and fill them up. This will keep your home cozy during the winter and energy bills from shooting up.
3. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against snow and ice. Check it for missing or damaged shingles. Cracked or loose shingles can let moisture in, causing leaks that may lead to more problems like mold and mildew.
Utah’s snow storms can be heavy, resulting in several inches of snow overnight. So, ensure your roof is strong enough to handle the load. Another pro tip is to clean out your gutters and fix any issues. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, damaging your roof and walls.
While you can check your roof and rain gutters, you are better off hiring a skilled exterior remodeling contractor. They can inspect your roof and gutters thoroughly and fix broken shingles, gutters, and downspouts properly. This exterior remodel will protect your home from expensive water damage.
4. Check Your Siding
Just like damaged shingles, damaged siding can let moisture seep into your walls, causing mold or rot. Before the winter hits, take a good look at your siding. While at it, check the exterior paint too. Peeling or chipped paint can expose your home to moisture and cold air.
Hire an exterior remodeling expert to look for cracks, loose panels, or discoloration. Touch up any problem areas and consider repainting or replacing siding if necessary.
In Utah, Vinyl siding is a popular choice because it’s durable and handles cold weather well. But you can also upgrade to insulated siding, adding one more layer of protection during the cold months.
5. Upgrade Your Windows
If you’re up for a bigger exterior home remodeling project, consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows. It is one of the best exterior remodeling ideas that can help you winterize your home and save money on energy bills.
Double or triple-pane windows provide better insulation and can significantly reduce heat loss. If new windows aren’t in the budget this year, think of adding storm windows or applying window film as a temporary solution to reduce heat transfer.
6. Winterize Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common problem during Utah’s winters. Make sure pipes are insulated in areas like basements and crawl spaces where heat cannot reach. Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
Additionally, you can install heat tape for extra protection. It’s an affordable way to keep pipes from bursting and save yourself the headache of costly repairs.
Likewise, you can add heat tape or heated panels to your roof. If you live in Utah, a local exterior remodeling contractor can help you with this upgrade and keep your roof safe from ice dam build-up.
7. Clean and Protect Decks and Patios
Utah gets plenty of snowfall, which can wreak havoc on wooden decks and patios. To winterize your deck and patios, clean them thoroughly and apply a weatherproof sealant. If you have outdoor furniture, store it away or cover it to prevent damage from snow and ice.
This protects the wood from moisture and prevents cracking or warping. However, if the damage seems extensive, hire an exterior remodeling expert to replace the chipped or damaged parts and apply sealant.
8. Winter-Proof Your Front Door
Your front door is another area where heat can escape. As a seasoned exterior remodeling contractor in Utah, we recommend upgrading to a more insulated door or adding a storm door for extra protection against the cold. A well-sealed front door not only improves energy efficiency but also boosts your home’s curb appeal.
9. Inspect Your Exterior Lighting
With Utah’s longer winter nights, you’ll rely more on your outdoor lighting for safety. First, check all your outdoor light fixtures for burnt-out or flickering bulbs. Replace them with energy-efficient LED options – they’re brighter, last longer, and handle cold weather better than traditional bulbs.
Next, inspect your fixtures. Are they weatherproof? If not, upgrade to fixtures rated for outdoor use in cold weather. Adding motion-sensor lights is another exterior remodeling upgrade to winterize your Utah home.
These lights not only improve visibility but also enhance security. They’re perfect for driveways, walkways, and doors, helping prevent accidents like slips and falls on icy surfaces.
10. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Some problems aren’t visible to the untrained eye. A professional inspection of your roof, siding, and exterior walls can catch issues before they become major headaches. If you are a Utah homeowner, you should hire a local exterior remodeling contractor to inspect your home’s exterior. Investing in a pro inspection now can save you thousands in repairs later.
Need Help with Exterior Remodeling to Winterize Your Home?
Winterizing your Utah home keeps your family warm and protects your investment. This includes inspections, addressing small issues, and making upgrades where needed. Whether sealing your windows, upgrading insulation, or repairing siding, taking these steps will keep your home warm and safe all winter long.
Need help getting your Utah home ready for winter? At BH Exterior and Design, we specialize in roof repairs, siding installations, and more. Contact us today for a free bid!
