At Drippé Homes, we recognize how harsh winters can be for Kansas’s residents. The windy, snowy season literally gives them chills. For those moving here, custom home builders in Kansas can be a lifesaver. Planning a custom home can be a way to resist winter’s dominance. Let’s cover some tips that can help you plan your custom home ready for winter. You and your family will enjoy peace of mind, feeling warm and toasty at your residence.

Design For Maximum Efficiency

While planning a custom home in Kansas, think about the home’s energy efficiency. You should choose a material that supports energy efficiency while incorporating energy-efficient systems. Moreover, focus on balancing natural light input while preventing heat leaks.

Orientation

Your house’s orientation should be such that it takes advantage of passive solar heating. The ideal position will be to have the long side of the house run east-west. Frequently used living areas can be located on the south side, while less-used areas can remain on the north side.

South-Facing Windows

To capture most sunlight and heat during winter, aim for 40-60% of total windows on the south side.

Roof Overhangs

These are another key part of passive solar design. The roof overhangs must be at least 24 inches to provide benefits year-round. In winter, it allows lower winter sun to enter, while in summer, it protects south-facing windows from direct sun.

Compact Floor Plan

A compact floor plan will support energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling losses. This, in turn, will help minimize construction material costs, lower energy consumption, and lower utility bills after occupancy.

Airlock Entry

Build a mudroom as a transitional zone from the home’s exterior to the home’s interior. It will be an airlock entry that prevents warm air from escaping the living space when doors are opened. This buffer zone will also prevent dirt and drafts from entering your premises.

Choose High-Performance Materials

Certain materials are better than others to help you withstand the chilly winter season. Your chosen material will be used for flooring, foundation, and roofing. Here’s what you need to know regarding the material to be used for a custom home.

Insulation

A winter-ready home features proper insulation. You should use high-performance insulation materials, such as spray foam, rigid foam board, or blown-in insulation, for walls and attics. Using advanced techniques like insulated concrete forms (ICFs) or structural insulated panels (SIPs) is best for high thermal resistance.

Windows

For windows, go for double- or triple-glazed units with several layers of glass and insulating gas fillings. This will prevent heat loss. Awning, casement, and fixed windows will also provide a tighter seal than standard double-hung or sliding windows.

Exterior Walls

Be specific about the material to be used for the external wall. Durable options to consider include brick, concrete, and steel, as they provide longevity. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) and structural insulated panels (SIPs) are great, too, due to their excellent durability and thermal resistance. These materials provide thermal mass and protection from the elements.

Roof

Concrete, slate, or clay tile are among the best roofing materials you can use. These carry excellent insulating qualities. Always go for a light color that helps reflect sunlight.

Ensure Airtightness

A poorly designed home encourages wind to slip in and the inner heat and warmth to leak out. To this end, you need to ensure there are no gaps that could promote an air leak. If you find any, seal them immediately.

Seal Gaps

Look for any gaps around windows, doors, and other potential entry points. Once found, seal them with caulking, weatherstripping, or spray foam. Do a blower-door test afterward to confirm the fix.

Secure Connections

The roof needs to be designed and constructed adequately to withstand wind and snow. Ensure roof framing is securely connected to the walls to resist the uplift forces from wind and snow load.

Weather Stripping

Based on the traffic in your house’s area, you should use weather stripping. Standard options available include foam, vinyl, V-seal, and felt, each offering different levels of durability.

Plan For Plumbing And Mechanical Systems

The harsh winter season can take a toll on your home’s plumbing and mechanical system as well. Hence, as a step further towards winterizing your custom home’s design, you need to safeguard it as well.

Insulate Pipes

For pipes not located inside insulated walls, install foam insulation or cover them with rubber sleeves. You can also wrap them with insulation tape or use fiberglass wraps for high-heat areas. Also, ensure there are no drafts near pipes; if found, seal them with spray foam. For added protection, you can use thermostatically controlled heat tape, which is more susceptible to winter conditions.

Locate Outdoor Faucets

To prevent outdoor faucets from freezing, disconnect all hoses, shut off the interior water supply valve, and drain the faucet completely. As a further precaution, you can also cover the faucet with an insulating cover made using a foam or a DIY wrap of rags and plastic.

Drippé Homes—We Build To Last

Kansas residents know how brutal winters can be. It’s freezing, windy, snowy, and harsh on them. Seniors and kids are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses and other cold-related health issues. For those moving to Kansas, they should build a custom home. And reputable custom home builders in Kansas, like us at Drippé Homes, should be their first choice.

We boast a total of 50+ years of collective experience under our tool belt. We specialize in building homes that not just meet but exceed customers’ aspirations. From planning to resource management to execution and everything in between, we’ll be there next to you. As the premier home builder in Kansas, we believe in setting industry benchmarks that only we can surpass. From your home’s design, aesthetics, functionality, and workability, we’ll ensure everything stays intact as you envisioned in the first place.

If you feel it’s time to take the first step towards building your dream custom home, contact us at Drippé Homes today. We’ll help you create a home that’s warm, cozy, inviting, and most importantly, winter-ready.