That addition increases your home’s space for you and your family to enjoy, whether it’s a guest bedroom, a second kitchen, or a bathroom. While routine cleaning is a given on your to-do list for your addition, you should take care of specific tasks during the winter months to prevent issues and keep the area as functional as possible.

Seal Leaks and Check Insulation

Small leaks can let cold air in throughout the winter, making your addition feel chilly. You may need to run the heat more because cold air is coming in and warm air is escaping. If the space has inadequate, aging, or nonexistent insulation, you may notice the room isn’t heating up or requires more heat to stay comfortable.

That said, make sure you seal any leaks in the room and evaluate your insulation. You might want to consider updating or adding insulation.

Assess for Moisture and Address It

Any moisture threats in the room or outside it can cause dampness, leading to mold growth and even damaging the addition’s wood and other materials. You could develop problems in the basement or crawlspace, so don’t forget to check downstairs as well.

You’ll want to address the source of the moisture before it has time to cause further damage, whether it stems from an exterior leak in the roof, poor drainage around the house, or leaky plumbing.

Adjust Heating and Ventilation for the Room Accordingly

Your addition may shift heat distribution in your home. Because your addition was built after the rest of your home, it may have better insulation than the rest of your house. Other potential differences between the addition and the rest of your home include:

• Could have a difference in airflow from the rest of the house
• Could have supplemental or separate heating
• Might require exhaust to manage moisture
• May have more heat loss than other areas of your home because of windows or vaulted ceilings
• Might not have any connection with the thermostat

Check to see how the room is heating up. If it’s not getting as warm as the rest of the house, adjust the thermostat. You could consider upgrading your insulation. Don’t forget to check your vents and make sure they’re open and clean.

Your addition may need some special attention over the winter. Ultimately, this assistance will help keep the room comfortable and functional. Some of what you need to do includes inspecting parts of the room, but you’ll also need to perform some routine tasks or repair certain aspects. Reach out to MC Home Improvements & Construction for help with a home addition in Northern New Jersey.