651-212-4221
Oct 12, 2019
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Winter Home Improvement Guide

Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am.  Have your most pressing home improvement questions addressed by calling or texting 651-989-9226.  Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus, shared on 10.12.19.

As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures begin to drop, a high frequency of homeowners begin to ask which improvements can be made year-round.  Contrary to popular belief, roofing can still be completed during the winter months, though extra steps must be taken to ensure that the optimum result is achieved.  This includes hand sealing of shingles at temperatures less than 40° to make sure they adhere properly in the cold temperatures.  Shingles must also be stored in a warm dry place until they are ready to install so that they do not become brittle and break.  Gutters can be installed until the roof ices up, making tear-off of the previous gutters an unsafe endeavor.  Siding can be installed throughout the winter months without issue.  Decking and porches can be installed in the winter if the footings are already in place.

winter house

Homeowners looking to create a more energy-efficient home will be pleased to know that windows and insulation can be installed year-round without issue.  Smoke sticks, black lights, digital microscopes,  infrared imaging, and blower doors can be used to determine where a home is leaking air.  Blower doors work by changing the pressure of a home.  They work by magnifying any air leaks within the home by 10%-20%.  During the test, a home’s furnace must be shut off so that it does not interfere with the diagnosis.  This type of test works best when the outdoor temperature is vastly different than the indoor temperature.  Battery operated smoke sticks use water vapor to provide a visual as to which way the air flowing throughout the home.

Explore Blower Door Testing: 

Many times, homeowners assume drafts are associated with their windows, when in fact, the stack effect is to blame.  Air being drawn down from the attic through the walls can feel like leaky windows, when it’s really subpar insulation and ventilation to blame.  Attic air sealing is the best way to fix this problem.  In this process, the insulation is pulled away from the edges of the attic, spray foam is applied around the entire edge and then the insulation is put back.  Additional insulation to bring the attic to a R-50 may be needed.

blown-in attic insulation

When it comes to replacement window installation, it’s imperative to select a product that matches the climate you live in.  In the Midwest, there are two brands that offer the ultimate peace of mind.  Infinity® from Marvin replacement windows are manufactured with Ultrex® fiberglass, which is lauded for its stability.  Warranty claims for this product are all but unheard of.  SeasonGuard triple pane windows are exclusive to Lindus Construction and are accompanied with a lifetime warranty that even covers glass breakage.

 Listen to the Entire Show Here.

Browse Our Twin Cities Home Remodeling Projects:

Lindus Construction Reviews:

"I can't wait to have a much warmer kitchen this winter! NO more frost and snow blowing into my kitchen from my OLD inefficient patio door!!"

Brooke V.
Baldwin, Wi
October 15, 2019

"Hired Lindus Construction this summer to replace an aging roof, install LeafGuard® gutters, and re-insulate the attic on my 100-year-old house. From beginning to end, everyone I spoke with was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They even sent out a quality inspector after the project was finished to make sure everything was perfect. House is dry, warm, and ready for winter. Will hire again!"

Joel S.
Baldwin, WI
October 6, 2019

"This last horrible Minnesota winter was too much for our windows and gutters. We had Lindus install two beautiful SeasonGuard bay windows and new LeafGuard® gutters. In fact, we love our new windows so much that we have just ordered more windows! Everything from the salesman to the cleanup was done so professionally and everyone was so helpful and friendly. Thank you."

Karalee H.
Robbinsdale, MN
August 26, 2019

"The job went well and the installers were wonderful people.  I like the looks of my home including color and how everything was done.  It looks so much better and I know it’s going to be way better in the wintertime for me, so I’m looking forward to that."

Jack H.
Minneapolis, MN
August 13, 2019

"From the first phone all to their office, to the person who came to the house and did the inspection and wrote up the estimate, to the people who came and did the work. it was all outstanding. These are hard working honest people who are customer oriented. They were neat and clean and put my needs first. They came in the fall and, because of the weather, could not perform the work until spring. They completely covered my chimney to keep me dry throughout the winter."

Barbara D.
St. Paul, MN
May 31, 2019

"The craftsmanship was excellent, the cost of the work was as per estimate and they cleaned up when they finished."

Jim S.
Minneapolis, MN
April 29, 2019
Contact Us To Schedule A Complimentary Estimate. Receive A Heat Map Analysis With Insulation Estimates Through September 30th.
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