Are you building a home in a cold climate? The design choices you make are critically important in determining your home’s longevity, especially when it comes to your roof. Taking some time to research the best options is critical for building a home that can withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. As you get the building process underway, remember these key design tips:

house in the winter

Avoid Openings at the Top Center of Your Roof if Possible.  

While a chimney or skylight right in the middle of your roof may aesthetically look nice, sometimes these structural features can cause potential leaks and ice accumulation. If you choose to add a feature like this to your home, plan to take some extra precautions every winter to ensure your roof isn’t experiencing any water damage or corroding. If you encounter any problems, a contractor will be needed to make any necessary repairs.

Put Your Chimney Near the Roof Ridge.

When it comes to the placement of your chimney, typically the highest point of your roof is the best place for it to go. Because precipitation (rain, sleet and ice) always runs down the roof and collects along the edges, having your chimney on the upper-most part of your roof will reduce the likelihood of any water or ice accumulating near your chimney or causing any leakage.

Consider a Metal Roof.

Over the years, metal roofs have gained a reputation for being one of the most durable roofing options, especially for homes in severe winter climates. Metal roofs are designed to easily shed ice and snow, so that precipitation quickly falls off and does not weigh down the roof’s core structure. A metal roof can also help to prevent ice from damming in the edges of your roof so that water doesn’t back up and potentially leak into your home.

The placement of your roof on your home – as well as the type of roofing material you choose – are both major factors to consider when building in a cold, wintery climate. By following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to designing a home that can effectively maintain its structural integrity, even in the worst of weather conditions.

AVA Can Handle Your Roofing Options

Want to learn more about your roofing options? Have all your questions answered by getting in touch with AVA Roofing’s team today!

Consult with Our Experienced Home Contractors!

Have you recently been told you need new windows, but are feeling hesitant to move forward with window replacement in the winter months? If you’re afraid your house will be cold during the replacement process, you should know that inefficient windows can ultimately cause even colder air to pervade your home throughout the winter. As we enter the winter season, here are some reasons to strongly consider giving window replacement the green light.

Better Assessment of Problems

Colder temperatures during the winter make it easier for your contractor to identify problems with your current windows, such as drafts, leaks or condensation. This can help you in determining which areas of your home would benefit most from new windows, allowing your contractor to assess the best type of replacement installation. If you’re on a tight budget, it will ultimately be easier to assess which windows need the most attention so you can spend wisely.

Easier Scheduling and Lower Costs  

Window repairs are much easier to schedule during the winter, as it’s generally a slower season for installation projects among contractors and installers. Along with more flexible scheduling (especially during the holiday time), window replacement in the winter is typically more affordable than during the peak times of spring and fall. It’s common to find discounts, sales and other incentives during the winter season, making any window replacement project more financially appealing!

Experience Immediate Results

In the dead of winter, having a warm, cozy house is all anybody really wants. By completing your window installment in the winter months, you’ll immediately experience the results of your new windows – and finally be able to enjoy your home without constantly having to turn up the thermostat! In turn, this will lead to significantly reduced heating costs, as the upgraded insulation of your windows will be able to keep the temperature in your home more stable. 

There’s no reason to avoid getting window replacements, just because it’s freezing out. Between cost savings and scheduling flexibility, the winter is often the perfect season to take the plunge and get your home equipped with new windows.

Take Care of Your Window Replacement with AVA

Is your home in need of window replacement? Learn more by getting in touch with AVA Roofing today!

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