Most exterior renovation projects slow down or halt completely in the winter. Freezing temperatures, snow, wet or frozen soil, and limited daylight make winter renovations slow, dangerous, and difficult. The quality of work often suffers. It is much more efficient to plan your renovations during winter months and be ready to start work when the weather warms up.
Renos That Should Wait Until Spring
Unless you have an emergency–things like leaking roofs, leaking basements, broken windows, etc.–leave these jobs for warmer weather. You get a better quality product in a shorter time frame.
New Roofing
Installing any type of roofing is dangerous in optimal weather conditions. Adding ice, snow, rain, and cold temperatures to steep roofs makes the work more dangerous. Asphalt and fiberglass shingles get brittle and break in the cold. They don’t seal properly and may require repairs in warmer weather. Many roofing contractors completely shut down every winter.
New Siding
Siding can be and is installed in freezing temperatures. It should be installed by someone with experience to avoid serious problems later. A 12’ sheet of vinyl siding expands and contracts approximately ⅝” between winter and summer. Improper installation can result in joints opening up, buckled siding, and excess waste. (Vinyl siding cracks and shatters in cold weather.)
Most siding is difficult to work with and more brittle in cold temperatures. Waste factors are higher. All siding installations require waterproofing and sealing. The caulking may not cure properly and sealing tape does not stick as well. The quality of installation may also suffer in cold weather.
New Windows and Doors
Regardless of how experienced and quick window installation crews are, every window and door replacement leaves a hole in your wall for at least 20 minutes–more if they run into problems like rot or sizing difficulties. Spray foam insulation and caulking freeze before curing and sealing gaps. You get a better job waiting for warm weather.
Exterior Painting
Painting in winter–even if it does not freeze–is problematic. Paint does not adhere to moist surfaces very well and it takes much longer to dry. Your paint job may start peeling and flaking. Exterior painting is more successful when the temperature remains consistently above 50 degrees F.
Anything Involving Concrete
Pouring concrete in the winter is expensive–especially if it does not cure properly. Poorly cured foundation walls are structurally weaker. Driveways, sidewalks, and patios poured in winter can spall, crack, and heave. For proper curing, concrete needs to be kept between 50 and 60 degrees F for 48 hours–adding to the cost of winter concrete pours.
Landscaping
Landscaping in winter is challenging and usually doomed to failure–even if you are not digging through snow cover. Tree, shrub, and plant roots do not grow in frozen or near-frozen earth. They remain dormant, freeze, and the plant usually dies. Late summer, spring, or fall planting is a better option. Some plants should never be planted in the fall in case of early freeze-up.
Large Exterior Renovations
Additions, extensions, and even adding a bay window are best left for warmer months. At some time during construction, the house is opened up so work can proceed. Adequate heating is difficult. Snow and rain can make the interior wet, muddy, and messy. Spend your winter planning, getting permits, getting quotes, and be ready for an early spring start.
