(Family Features) As the leaves begin to change and temperatures drop, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for the colder months. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your oasis stays warm, inviting and energy efficient all fall and winter long.
Consider these home projects from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products—a North American leader in the innovation, design and production of exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, molding, roofing, stone, windows, outdoor living and more—based on Zonda’s 2024 Cost-Benefit Report to prepare your home for the colder seasons.
Upgrade your garage
New garage doors are typically energy efficient and feature enhanced security measures, but they are also relatively inexpensive upgrades compared to the significant value and resale benefits. According to the report, replacing a garage door can provide a 193% return on investment. Combining new garage doors with upgraded trim can also provide a tight seal against external elements such as wind, snow and water.
Insulate for a warmer interior
Insulated siding can play a critical role in improving your home’s thermal performance. By providing an extra layer of protection, it helps reduce heat loss, keeping your home warm and your energy costs manageable. Plus, replacing vinyl siding has an 80.2% return on investment, according to the report. An option like CraneBoard Solid Core Siding from Westlake Royal Building Products offers superior durability and insulation. Its solid core construction provides additional strength and impact resistance while contributing to better energy efficiency. Additionally, solid core reduces outside noise and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Close the windows of your house
Windows can be significant energy guzzlers and allow heat to escape if they are not properly sealed. If you notice drafts around your windows, sealing cracks or gaps with aesthetically pleasing trim can make a significant difference in keeping the heat in and cold air out. If drafts are extreme, consider replacing the windows altogether. According to the report, this can give sellers an average 67.1% return on investment when replacing vinyl windows.
Protect your roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Check for damaged shingles or tiles and make any necessary repairs to prevent leaks. If roof replacement is necessary—which the report says offers a 56.9% return on investment when using asphalt shingles—consider installing a high-quality roof underlayment to provide an additional layer of protection against water, heavy snow, and ice. For example, Sol-R-Skin BLUE, an external insulation underlayment from Westlake Royal Building Products, complements pitched roof coverings. This underlayment serves as a secondary waterproofing layer, energy-saving radiant barrier, and roof insulation blanket all in one. It includes a cool blue anti-glare coating, making it easier and safer to install than alternative glossy radiant barriers.
To learn more about high performance products for your home, visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com.
