Extending your home gives you the perfect opportunity to weatherproof against the cold, wet conditions we’re currently facing this winter. When working with one of our design and planning experts we talk about more than the shell of your build. Our team can offer a range of interesting and cost-effective solutions to cold weather damage and keeping your property warm throughout the colder months. Here are a few examples you could consider… 

A new extension will require new flooring which is the ideal time to consider underfloor heating. Now one of the most popular ways to heat a home, it’s efficient and effective using both convection and radiant heat to achieve a consistent warmth across the room. Installing underfloor heating is a disruptive process to do retrospectively and that’s why we always recommend you consider it before deciding on the flooring of your new extension. A system of pipes or wires will be installed under the floor which heat radiates from, requiring a lower temperature than a standard radiator to keep your space warm. Not only does underfloor heating have a lower running cost than radiators, the general lifespan of underfloor heating is 50 years. Compared to the 8-12 offered by most radiators, it can be a sensible financial decision despite the initial cost to install.  

Many renovators are torn between wooden flooring vs. tiles and whilst tiles are great in bathrooms and entranceways, wood is a better option when thinking about weatherproofing. Tiles can be a slip risk with wet shoes, are unable to retain heat and far harder to replace in the event of damage. Wooden floors come in a variety of different wood types and offer better insulative properties, making it the more sensible choice for your feet on cold mornings! 

When considering doors and windows you could consider triple glazing for the best insulation possible. When renovating older properties, you are likely to find the windows need replacing and it’s always wise to look for the best option to keep your home warm. Although most homeowners will veer toward the typical double gazed windows often seen in modern homes, triple glazing is becoming an increasingly popular option. Triple glazing improves on the energy performance of double glazing by 50% and offers better protection against condensation and noise. Requiring heavier frames, these windows need careful consideration to make sure they are correctly supported in a way that won’t damage your build or the window itself.  

When it comes to building your extension there are number of material options that can have an impact on the energy efficiency of your home. Metal roofs are a fantastic, durable choice that are often found in colder climates. They offer great reliability against leaks and can be perfect if you want to explore a contemporary look to your home. Stone or brick siding is considered the most efficient for home insulation and the lowest maintenance option for your property. As discussed with windows, there a number of options to explore for those keen to include a glass feature wall or full-length windows. With the correct glazing and placement, they can increase thermal retention in your home and importantly, let in the light we’re all desperately craving this time of year! 

There are many options when it comes to heating and maintaining warmth in a new extension. We often see homeowners opt for remotely monitored thermostats that allow them to control the heating from their phones and when they aren’t in the property. The addition of features such as wood burners are a way to incorporate both function and style into your home. They can be used as the main source of heat or as an additional point of warmth in a room, working out around 3-4 times cheaper than electric heating. If you are interested in a wood burner you will need to be mindful when purchasing as the Clean Air Act means you’ll need to get one that complies with DEFRA guidelines.  

Many of the homeowners we work with use our services when looking to replace conservatories with better and bigger spaces. An extension is always a great option to explore as the average conservatory can only offer a 20 year life span. This can be reduced by damage caused by the elements, particularly the high winds and storms we’ve experienced in recent years. Conservatories require far more maintenance than extensions with the winter weather only adding to the required work. Having to treat external wood or repair cracked PVC is common with the damage weather can cause this time of year. Conservatories are unable to offer the same level of warmth as an extension to your home.  

If you are planning to renovate or extend your home and looking for advice on all things relating to design and build, book a free, no obligation consultation with our expert design and planning team. You can call us on 02070432378 or email us at hello@hometales.co.uk. You can also book a free consultation directly via our online diary here.