Winter will be coming in full force in the next few weeks, and there’s bound to be an even gradual amount of snowfall. But even though snow will start falling in our homes, that doesn’t mean that most of our activities will grind to a halt.
Most contractors would say that installing sidings, roofs, and drywalls on your home during winter can be challenging. But is it possible to install these materials during winter? What are some factors that you’ll need to weigh-in? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Does It Matter If You Repair Your Sidings During Colder Seasons?
The short answer is: repairing during colder seasons is not recommended but can be done. The longer answer would be: there are various concerns that contractors have when it comes to working during colder seasons. Some issues include:
- Temperature-sensitive materials — Most building materials will have its own expansion coefficient and is usually determined by what’s being used. While some sidings don’t normally expand, others are sensitive to temperature changes. Since these sidings might expand during warmer seasons like summer, this could lead to sidings buckling and warping.
- Water pooling — Water can easily reach areas where it shouldn’t be if sidings are removed for the time being.
But just because repairing during winter or the rainy season can pose a variety of different problems to the home’s structure doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not possible. It is possible, but you’ll need to weigh in on key factors for building materials when it comes to repairing and installing sidings.
Factors to Consider
Right off the bat, having a home situated in areas that are going to be cold for the majority of the year means that you’ll need to choose sturdy, hardy, and long-lasting materials that can endure cold weather conditions. But even though you’re looking for the right materials that can fit your home, it’s still important to think of the general appeal of the materials and how this can fit into the architectural style. What are some factors that you’ll need to take into account to get that “right” balance you’ve been striving for?
- Durability — This is one of the most important factors that need to be taken into account when it comes to sidings. Most experts would suggest having materials that will work well for cold and hot weather conditions while being sturdy enough for strong winds. Most manufacturers have been steadily increasing their focus on using versatile materials in almost any weather condition, especially since storms are getting more prevalent as the years pass.
- Budget — Next, it’s important to know the amount you’re willing to spend on your sidings. There’s bound to be sidings that are cost-effective without having to sacrifice its durability. Vinyl and fiber cement are known for being budget-friendly. If you’re looking for more “classy” materials, you might consider wood. Although cheap materials are great, they don’t necessarily have the same high lifespan as higher-quality materials, so you might want to consider those with higher lifespans.
- Insulation — Different types of building materials will have their own unique properties. Naturally, the thicker your sidings are, the better the insulation it can give to your home. But other than just thickness, some materials have unique characteristics in keeping cold (or hot) temperatures out of your home. If your sidings or walls isn’t cutting it in retaining a good amount of temperature inside your home, you might want to consider getting some spray foam insulation. This is a great way of keeping cold temperatures from penetrating inside your home and conserving energy that would otherwise be used for heating.
- Lifespan and maintenance — It’s important to consider the amount of maintenance that your materials need. Normally, sidings will have an average lifespan of around 40 years right before exhibiting signs of damages. Maintenance is a great way of extending your sidings’ lifespan but will come at the expense of having to spend on materials for it. Fortunately, there are siding materials that need little-to-no annual maintenance.
- Timeliness — But other than the materials that are being used, the process of repairing and installing sidings is also another important factor. When your sidings are being repaired, replaced, or installed, your home will be temporarily vulnerable to the elements, and water can easily seep towards nooks and crannies if the contractor or the owner is not too careful. Thus, it’s only logical to finish the home project as soon as possible to avoid further damages.
It’s important to note that even though you’ll need to consider the general aesthetic appeal of your home, this shouldn’t be your main concern. The structural integrity, tensile strength, and flexibility of your building and construction materials in different weather conditions should be the focus of almost any homeowner and contractor. While it’s great to have a home that’s appealing to neighbors and visitors, it’s counter-intuitive if you’re only going to repair it after a few years of accumulated damage.
There are a variety of factors that will need to be weighed in on when it comes to the process of installing sidings and walls on your home. When the installation process is being done, it’s recommended to have it done during summer and spring when the weather is mild and won’t affect much of your walls and sidings.
