As fall breezes in with rustling leaves and festive bonfires, Northern Virginia’s historic homeowners (and historic restoration specialists) have winter on their minds. One of the best parts of owning a historic home is the sense of snug coziness that’s hard to match. Think warming fires, hearty soups and convivial kitchen table conversations in warm, bright spaces. The problem is that many historic homes are underinsulated by today’s standards. Keeping cold air out and warm air in is a priority. Fortunately, there are several ways your contractor can help you stay cozy and comfortable all winter long.
Keeping Cozy: Are My Historic Home’s Windows And Doors Airtight?
Shoring up windows is usually the most critical step in winterizing a historic home. Charming old windows are a signature part of any historic home’s character and are generally worth saving. However, air intrusion is the enemy. Eliminating air gaps and leaks is your best weapon. Fall is the perfect time to discuss a window tune-up with your contractor. Adding a foam or felt strip to the bottom of your historic windows is one low-cost approach. You can also add window locks that close your sashes and prevent leaks. Adding attractive, high-quality storm windows is another excellent approach to boosting energy efficiency. Aluminum storm windows installed outside your original windows can protect historic windows and frames from the elements and increase energy efficiency by preventing air intrusion. They’re cheaper than replacing windows and let you keep your home’s architectural integrity intact.
When it comes to doors, one guiding principle is making sure you can’t see the outside from the inside. It sounds like a no-brainer, but you might be surprised at how many historic homes have a little crack of light at the bottom. We like to preserve well-made historic doors when we can, and there are simple solutions that can help you boost energy efficiency while keeping your wooden door in place. A threshold sweep attached to the bottom of your door is a low-cost fix that prevents drafts and moisture from entering your home. We can also restore or replace a door jamb (the vertical part of the frame around your door) to make it airtight.
Keeping Cozy: Are My Roof And Insulation On Point?
Another crucial spot for heat loss is your historic home’s roof. Fall is the perfect time for a roof inspection to ensure there are no leaks. If it’s time for a roof replacement, our team can help you choose a gorgeous, energy-efficient metal or slate roof. Adding functional and attractive snowbirds to your metal roof prevents snow from sliding, allowing it to melt gradually. This prevents sudden snow slides that can damage your roof or landscaping and be dangerous for pedestrians. Finally, clean gutters and downspouts to funnel water and snow melt away from your house.
Checking attic insulation is a seasonal requirement for historic homeowners. Do you have sufficient insulation on your attic floor? You can also ask your contractor whether you need additional insulation between your rafters, which many historic homes don’t have.
Finally, as many historic homeowners learn the hard way, plumbing pipes are another essential area that can suffer from under-insulation. If your exterior walls are under-insulated, it can lead to broken pipes and disastrous water leaks. Beefing up or refreshing insulation with blown foam can protect your pipes and save money and headaches in the long run.
Keeping Cozy: Are My Chimney And Fireplace Safe And Secure?
A cozy evening by the fire is one of the best parts of owning a historic home. But if your chimney and fireplace aren’t well-maintained, it can present a safety hazard and lead to heat loss. Fall is the ideal time to get your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. Your chimney damper, the lid at the base of your chimney that you open and close, is another essential tool for preventing heat loss. Your contractor can ensure that your damper is correctly installed and tightened.
Getting Your Historic Home Winter-Ready With Carpenter Beach
There are few things we love more than fall in Northern Virginia. Crisp air, bright blue skies and autumn leaves are all part of the seasonal vibe. Those chilly nights are also a reminder that winter isn’t far off, a perfect time to think about getting your historic home winter-ready. The experts at Carpenter Beach Construction take these factors into account when renovating or restoring any home, especially a historic property. If you’re not sure if your home is up to par, we can help with everything from the small details to bigger projects. We’ll help with solutions for all those unique challenges historic homes present and ensure everything is comfy and cozy when temperatures drop.
