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2 Restoration Projects That Will Make Your Old, Historic Home Cozier In Winter

Alide Oortwijn

For many people, buying an old, historic home to restore is highly preferable to buying or building a modern house. Historic homes have charm and character that simply can't be replicated in a modern building, and you're also buying an important slice of American history.

When you're restoring an old home, you'll no doubt compile a lengthy list of projects that will need to be completed. Some of these projects are more pressing than others, and these tend to be the ones that will help to make your home more hospitable and comfortable to live in as you restore it.

Old homes can be terrible during the winter, with drafts and cracks letting in the cold outside air. If you live in a region that experiences very cold weather, then projects that help to keep the interior warm will likely be high on your list of priorities. Here are the two best projects to keep you cozy and warm during the winter in your beautiful old house.

1. Window replacement

Windows are responsible for a large percentage of heat loss during the winter months, even in relatively new homes. In old homes, the windows may offer very little resistance to the harsh winter air, particularly if they're the original windows dating back to the home's construction.

Replacing the old windows with modern windows designed with thermal protection in mind will make an enormous difference in how well your home retains internal warmth. Look for window frames that are made from solid timber or metal frames with an insulated core. There are many beautiful modern windows that faithfully reproduce the vintage look to suit the character of your home.

If possible, double glazed windows make the best choice in cold climates. The small air pocket between the two panes of glass makes a highly effective layer of insulation. Often, the air pocket is filled with an inert gas which makes them even more energy efficient. Click here for more info about window replacement options.

2. Insulation

Insulation is considered the most effective way of regulating the temperature in a home, reducing heat transfer, and reducing a home's energy consumption. There are now strict minimum requirements for insulation in newly built homes, but old homes are often sorely lacking in this area.

Fortunately, it's possible to retro-fit your old home with modern and effective insulation. For the best results, you'll need to insulate the roof, walls, and floors where possible. There are a number of different types of insulation available, including spray foam, fiberglass, and wool. Each area may require a different type, depending on how accessible they are and how much space there is to house the insulation.


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About Me
making your house a home

The place we call home should be just that - a home. You should feel nothing but comfort and peace when you are at home. The layout and the way that you decorate your home will have a significant impact on the level of comfort you experience. This blog will provide you with several tips that will help you create the most comfortable and inviting place to call home. By the time you reach the conclusion, you will have ideas swirling through your mind of what you will do to your home next to improve how it looks and feels.

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