The climate in Ontario is famously varied. There are hot and humid summers, snowy and cold winters, ever-changing springs, and unpredictable autumns. For property owners, it means that their houses should be ready for all the seasons.
Weatherproofing your home doesn’t only mean that your house should withstand any weather conditions. It’s also about reducing energy costs and watching over your investment.
Neighbors from Ottawa experience even more extreme weather transitions. As part of their home renovations, they invest heavily into windows and doors Ottawa to prevent energy loss due to poorly sealed windows and doors.
That said, any homeowner would like to know how to renovate their property to handle ever-changing weather. Here’s what you can do to build or renovate your place.
Some insights into Southern Ontario climate
Throughout the year, the area experiences considerable temperature changes that range from -20°C in the winter to 30°C or more during the summer. High humidity, frequent rainstorms, and heavy snowfalls bring even more challenges.
Extremely low temperatures and heavy snowfalls in the winter can damage roofs, foundations, and insulation. High humidity in summer can lead to moisture-related problems like mold and warped materials. Rainfalls in spring can be the cause of floods and water intrusion.
It all might sound like there’s nothing you can do to protect your home from frequent renovations. However, by knowing what might come, you can come up with the best solutions for your property.
Most important home renovations
Insulation
A perfect house is where it’s warm in the winter and there’s cool air in the summer. And it’s all about making your home well-insulated. As we all know, Ontario’s energy costs can be pretty high, high-quality insulation can help homeowners reduce their energy bills. In fact, proper insulation can lead to a 20% reduction in the costs of heating and cooling per year.
Make sure you insulate properly the following areas:
- Attics. Heat rises, meaning that if there are breaches in the attic, it’ll lead to heat loss.
- Walls. They serve as barriers against outdoor temperatures. If you use spray foam or fiberglass batts, you can create a perfect barrier.
- Basements. Most houses have basements where it’s cold and there’s moisture. By proper wall insulation in the basement, you can prevent mold growth.
Roofing
As roofs fall prey to heavy snow loads and intense UV rays, you should take care of choosing the right materials. Here are some roofing tips:
- Choose a design that can withstand snow loads. On the stage of building a house, you should forget about a flat roof even if it looks superb. A flat roof is more prone to leaks and snow buildup. That’s why your roof should have a slope.
- An asphalt shingle roof looks marvelous, but is it a rational choice? Metal roofs become increasingly popular due to their longevity and resistance to ice.
Windows
Every property owner wants to save on energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a house loses about 30% of its energy through windows.
It would be smart to opt for double or triple-pane windows that can help reduce heat transfer. Moreover, you should make sure that your windows and doors are sealed with high-quality weatherstripping to block drafts.
Siding
Siding is not only a part of your house’s overall look. It’s also a shield against diverse weather conditions. Nowadays, homeowners give preference to the following siding materials:
- Vinyl siding is affordable and easy-care. However, it’s not the best choice for extreme cold;
- Fiber cement is marvelously durable and fire-resistant;
- Wood siding is great-looking, but requires frequent maintenance.
Depending on your budget, you can find the right material that will be durable and good-looking.
Foundation
Heavy rains often come with springs. They can lead to cracks in the foundation, structural instability, and water infiltration. As Ontario’s residents are familiar with spring thaws and heavy rains, here’s how to protect the foundation:
- You can apply a waterproof membrane to the walls as it’ll prevent moisture penetration;
- When building a house, make sure that the land around your place slopes away from it to prevent water from collecting at the foundation;
- Install French drains to manage excess water.
Gutters and downspouts
Moisture damage and dampness issues can be detrimental to your property. However, if gutters and downspouts are well-maintained, there’s nothing to worry about.
That’s why you should take care of their regular cleaning as clogs can lead to overflow. Make sure the downspouts are long to direct water away from the foundation.
HVAC
HVAC systems can bring year-round comfort. Your system should be reliable when living in a region like Southern Ontario, which has diverse weather. Here’s how to optimize the efficiency:
- As winters and summers bring the most extreme weather conditions, you should schedule inspections before these seasons. This way, you’ll make sure there’s peak performance;
- You can save energy by installing programmable thermostats. As temperatures can differ every day, they’ll adapt to them and save energy;
- Depressurized air ducts and vents can be the cause of energy loss. You should make sure to seal ducts and vents so that there’s even heating and cooling in the house.
How to plan your weatherproofing project
A home built in the 1980s and a newly constructed home in 2023 are two different things. They both will have different weatherproofing needs. Most importantly, many things depend on the budget you have.
Start with the following steps:
- Firstly, you should make an assessment of your house. You should find areas for improvement and conduct an energy audit;
- If your budget is tight, you should make insulation and window upgrades a priority;
- Little experience in home improvements can do more harm than good. That’s why you should hire local professionals who can suggest the most appropriate solutions.
Conclusion
Southern Ontario’s climate can be harsh from season to season. By investing in weatherproofing, you invest in comfort, energy savings, and durability. Whether you renovate your property or build a new house, you should focus on the most exposed areas. Proper insulation, reliable windows, roofing, and foundation will make your home ready for anything the weather may bring.
