Here’s how to keep your home warm during construction projects in winter with contractors in Omaha, NE.
1. Seal Off Construction Areas
One of the most effective ways to retain heat in your home is to isolate the construction zone from the rest of the house. Open walls, windows, or doors in the work area can cause drafts and allow heat to escape.
- Temporary Barriers: Use heavy-duty plastic sheeting or temporary walls to block off the construction area from the rest of your home.
- Draft Stoppers: Place draft stoppers at the base of doors leading to construction zones to minimize cold air infiltration.
Sealing off the area not only keeps your living spaces warm but also helps contain dust and debris from the construction process.
2. Use Supplemental Heating
During winter construction, supplemental heating can help maintain comfortable temperatures in your home, especially in areas directly impacted by the project.
- Portable Heaters: Use energy-efficient space heaters in rooms adjacent to the construction zone. Opt for models with safety features like automatic shut-off and cool-touch exteriors.
- Heating Mats: For temporary workspaces or areas with exposed flooring, consider using heating mats to provide localized warmth.
- Propane or Electric Heaters: If you’re working in a partially enclosed area, such as a garage or addition, propane or electric heaters can help maintain a workable temperature for both you and the construction crew.
Always ensure proper ventilation when using supplemental heaters to prevent safety hazards.
3. Insulate Exposed Areas
Exposed walls or openings in the construction zone can quickly let in cold air, making it difficult to keep your home warm. Insulating these areas is essential to maintain heat and energy efficiency.
- Temporary Insulation: Use rigid foam boards, fiberglass batt insulation, or spray foam to seal exposed walls or open window frames during construction.
- Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping to any temporary doors or windows to reduce drafts.
- Tarping and Wrapping: For exterior work, consider using tarps or weather-resistant wraps to shield openings and keep the cold out.
4. Optimize Your Home’s Existing Heating System
Your home’s heating system may need to work harder during winter construction, but you can take steps to optimize its efficiency.
- Close Unused Rooms: Shut doors and vents in rooms that aren’t being used to focus heat on the main living areas.
- Service Your Furnace: Ensure your heating system is in top condition by scheduling a maintenance check before construction begins.
- Use Ceiling Fans: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise on a low speed to push warm air downward and improve circulation.
5. Minimize Heat Loss
Heat loss during construction is a common issue, but there are ways to reduce it.
- Cover Windows and Doors: Use thermal curtains or blankets over windows and doors to trap heat inside your home.
- Close Chimneys: If your fireplace isn’t in use, close the damper or install a temporary chimney balloon to prevent drafts.
- Monitor Openings: Ensure that any temporary openings, such as vents or ducts, are covered when not in use.
6. Coordinate with Your Contractor
Working closely with your contractor can help minimize disruptions to your home’s heating during the project.
- Schedule Smartly: Plan major structural changes, like window replacements or exterior work, during milder winter days.
- Request Insulation Priority: Ask your contractor to prioritize tasks like sealing and insulating walls or windows early in the project.
- Communicate Needs: Make sure your contractor understands the importance of maintaining heat in your home and takes steps to minimize exposure to the cold.
Winter construction projects don’t have to leave your home cold and uncomfortable. By sealing off work areas, using supplemental heating, insulating exposed spaces, and optimizing your existing heating system, you can maintain a warm and inviting environment throughout the project. Planning ahead and coordinating with your contractor will ensure that both your home and family stay protected from the winter chill.
Complete your construction project with Contractors in Omaha, NE
Need professional advice or assistance with your winter construction project? Contact Lightwine Construction today. Our team of expert contractors in Omaha, NE are ready to help you navigate your renovation while keeping your home cozy and energy-efficient all season long.
