Designing a house for cold climates requires special consideration when determining the type of structure, materials and orientation of the home to maximize key aspects such as comfort or energy efficiency.
A series of issues that we are going to address in this article providing ideas and recommendations to create homes that, in addition to perfectly withstanding low temperatures, offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You may be interested in: How to improve thermal comfort in homes
Basic Cold Climate Design Principles
The construction of homes designed to withstand cold climates presents a series of unique challenges that require meticulous planning and execution. Every architectural decision made in this type of building must be aimed at maximizing thermal insulation, minimizing heat loss and ensuring that each element contributes to improving the comfort of those who inhabit it. Let’s look at the basic principles that designers follow to achieve this:
Efficient insulation
Insulation is the most important pillar in the construction of homes exposed to cold climates. A well-insulated house keeps heat and reduces the need for continuous heating of the interior, resulting in improved energy efficiency. To do this, designers use materials such as fiberglass, expanded polystyrene and rock wool to retain heat.
Hermetic sealing
In addition to insulation, it is crucial to ensure that the building envelope is completely sealed to prevent cold drafts and heat leaks. Hence the need to install windows and doors equipped with quality seals and insulating materials.
Strategic orientation
The orientation of the house should maximize sun exposure during the colder months and minimize it during the summer.
Something that is achieved by analysing the path of the sun to make the most of the natural light and the heat it provides and, from there, make a strategic placement of windows and interior patios.
Double or triple glazed windows
As we have been pointing out, windows play a critical role in achieving and conserving heat.
That is why it is recommended to use double or triple glazing to reduce heat loss and maintain a constant interior temperature, regardless of what the outside temperature is.
Use of appropriate building materials
Choosing the right materials is vital for a home to be able to cope with the challenges of exposure to frigid climates. The materials must be perfectly capable of withstanding extremely low temperatures without deteriorating and help keep the heat inside the house at all times.
Integration of efficient heating systems
No less important is that this type of house has powerful heating systems that are capable of distributing heat evenly and efficiently throughout the house. One of the most popular and best valued by homeowners located in locations exposed to low temperatures are systems such as underfloor heating, much more effective and efficient than traditional heating options.
Roofs suitable for snow
When designing roofs, snow accumulation must be taken into account, which will require the placement of structures that allow snow to slide easily and prevent overloading and possible damage. Applying all these principles, in addition to improving the habitability of any home located in a particularly cold location, will optimize energy use and reduce heating costs.
Optimal building materials for cold climates
Without a good choice of materials, it is impossible to guarantee the insulation, durability and energy efficiency of a home located in a geographical area that is repeatedly exposed to low temperatures.
Now, what are the most commonly used materials to combat low temperatures? Let’s look at them.
Fiberglass
This is one of the most common and effective insulation materials used in the construction of houses exposed to frigid climates, due to its excellent ability to trap hot air, reduce heat loss, and keep the indoor temperature constant with minimal energy consumption.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is very effective at sealing leaks and insulating. This can be applied in a spray, which allows you to efficiently cover cracks and hard-to-reach spaces to achieve an airtight barrier against cold.
Aerated concrete
Not only is this material lightweight and very easy to work with, but it also offers fantastic thermal insulation properties. In addition Its porous structure helps trap heat, making it ideal for exterior wall construction in cold climate areas.
Treated Wood
Wood is a highly valued material for its natural insulating capacity. When treated properly to r Resisting moisture and deterioration can become an effective and steric option for many parts of the home, including the structure and interior finishes.
Glass panel with layers of inert gas
The star material to minimise heat loss through windows It is the glazing with several glass panels with layers of inert gas between them. If what you are looking for is to raise a Highly resistant barrier against the cold outside, the installation of three panels is recommended.
Stone and brick
These two materials are characterized by having a high thermal mass, allowing them to absorb and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night. They are therefore perfect for helping to regulate the indoor temperature and reduce the need for artificial heating.
Just as important as choosing the right materials is to make sure that they are properly maintained to ensure that they maintain their properties intact over time in order to remain effective. Making the right selection of materials and their maintenance are fundamental pillars to ensure that your home is efficient, resistant and comfortable in the face of low temperatures. Every choice, from insulation to finishes, can make a difference in terms of energy savings, durability and well-being. If you are thinking of renovating your home and conditioning it to guarantee comfort during the colder months, it is advisable to put yourself in the hands of a home renovation and design company such as Kaleidoscope that uses the SARA methodology (Know, Analyze, Redistribute and Undertake) to provide personalized solutions. So if you are looking for the best help to transform your house into a warm and efficient home that responds to your aesthetic and functional needs, contact us and we will tell you how we can help you achieve it.
