It’s exciting when a home undergoes construction for a new addition, but sometimes, winter’s cold, snow, and ice get in the way. You want to protect your extended space as it’s a key investment, but how is that accomplished? Here are some tips.
The Weather Waits for No One
Every home addition project is unique in size and design, and during winter, construction crews can encounter several challenges. If the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, materials such as cement and mortar may not set evenly and require special precautions to avoid structural issues.
Your crew will know how to proceed, especially having the shell dried in before winter’s stormy wrath arrives. The drying age is crucial, including the foundations, a fully framed addition that is sheathed, the roof on, and the windows and exterior doors installed. At that point, you would have breathing room.
Use Plastic Sheeting for Open Areas
The best defense against winter’s elements is heavy-duty plastic sheeting. Cover any open areas of your new home addition project to keep out the cold. That means covering doorways, windows, and other open areas with plastic sheeting that is tough and thick enough to block snow, wind, and rain. The covering can protect your materials inside, and if workers are present, it shields them from wintry weather.
Ensure that your sheeting is properly sealed, and repair any tears or gaps you notice.
Set Up Windbreaks to Reduce Heat Loss
Here is another popular idea used to protect a new home’s addition. Windbreaks can be made from fencing, shrubs, or trees and used to repel the wind and retain the heat inside. Windbreaks can help form a buffer zone between your home and the new construction and the frigid air.
It’s essential to shield your home and boost its energy efficiency as the new addition is being built. Windbreaks can be effective at reducing the amount of energy required to heat the structure. This can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable working environment.
Consider Temporary Storage Solutions
Materials used in the construction of your new addition also need protection from the elements in winter. Consider finding covered areas or temporary storage units for materials such as lumber, tools, and equipment. Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures can damage those essential components. Also, cover walkways, ladders, and scaffolding to keep them safe and dry from icy buildup.
Is Your New Home Addition Winter-Ready?
Some things are best left to professionals. If you live in Adrian, MI, and are looking for construction specialists, reach out to Multi Craft Construction for home addition services.