Many older homes lose significant heat due to outdated windows, poor insulation, and worn exterior materials. Since Edmonton has long winters and changing temperatures, homeowners often focus on energy efficiency when planning exterior renovations.
The biggest challenge is figuring out which upgrades will make your home more comfortable. With careful planning, renovating the entire home can help keep the heat in, reduce drafts, and make your home more comfortable year-round.
Where Most Homes Lose Heat
Many energy-efficiency problems begin with the home envelope, the barrier between your home’s interior and the outdoors.
In older Edmonton homes, common problem areas include:
- Aging windows with poor seals
- Inadequate wall insulation
- Air leakage around exterior penetrations
- Aged and damaged exterior claddings
Window Upgrades That Make the Biggest Difference
Windows are one of the most important parts of an energy-efficient renovation. Newer window systems work much better than older ones because of recent improvements.
Dual Pane vs. Triple Pane Windows
Triple-pane windows are becoming more popular in Edmonton because they insulate better and keep more heat inside during the cold months.
The added layer of glass with additional thermal break is a far greater improvement over dual-pane glass and will even help keep your home cooler in the summer months.
Gas Fills and Energy Ratings
Many new windows have special gas between the panes to improve insulation. The best choice depends on how your home faces the sun and how much heat you want to keep inside.
Improved Seals and Operating Systems
How well your windows work also depends on their seals and operating hardware. New designs feature tighter seals that help stop drafts and air leaks year-round.
Heat Retention Films
Some people add heat-retention or solar-control films to their windows to help manage temperature changes and reduce UV rays inside the house.
The Typical Cost Of Exterior Renovations
Many people wonder how much it will cost to renovate the outside of their home.
The cost depends heavily on the size of your project and your desired changes.
The materials you pick, the type of insulation, the siding you choose, and the kind of windows you want will all affect the final price. Many smaller details such as window and door trims as well as accents can quite drastically affect the overall cost.
For many Edmonton homeowners, larger exterior renovation projects typically cost between $40,000 and $75,000, depending on the size and complexity of the home. To get an idea of your own project’s cost, try our project estimator tool.
Why Some Exterior Renovations Perform Better
Not every exterior renovation gives you the same results.
How well your renovation works depends on a few key things:
- Proper installation
- Material compatibility
- Air sealing details
- Moisture management
- Coordinating the entire exterior system together
Upgrading windows, siding, and insulation separately and over time might not get the best results. Instead, plan your exterior renovation as a complete system allowing each installation to properly tie into another creating a far better overall envelope. Energy-efficient exterior renovations can make your home more comfortable, help keep in heat, and improve how your house performs over time in Edmonton’s climate.
Make Your Home Comfort Efficient With Peak Improvements
Upgrading your windows and insulation can help make your home warmer, more efficient, and better performing year-round.
If you’re considering exterior renovations in Edmonton, contact Peak Improvements to help you find the best energy-efficient upgrades for your home and develop a plan focused on long-term comfort and performance.