Top Building Materials for Winter Renovations and Repairs

Do you want to make sure your home stays warm, energy-efficient, and durable through the harsh Canadian winters? Then choosing the right winter renovation materials from the get-go should be your number one priority. It not only enhances the performance of your home during the chilly seasons, but it also keeps heating costs low and lessens the likelihood of repairs further down the road.

We call that a win-win here at Shepherd’s Hardware, where we offer a wide range of quality products designed to stand up to Canada’s tough winter weather. 

Let’s explore a few of them together + talk about the benefits they can offer for you and your home!

Essential Building Materials for Winter Projects

Whether you’re fixing a roof, updating siding, adding insulation or replacing windows, the below materials are going to help you do it right and do it better. Use this article as an easy reference guide to help you find what you need when you need it! Any questions? Give us a call at 250-546-3002, and one of our specialists will be sure to help you!

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are a top choice for winter construction because of their incredible strength and thermal efficiency. They’re designed to stay in place permanently whilst acting as a container for freshly poured concrete, creating a durable, energy-efficient envelope that surrounds the building and keeps it warm. ICFs minimize heat loss, thereby reducing your home’s energy consumption—one of the smartest winter renovation materials you can invest in.

Vinyl Siding

If you want a robust, low-maintenance, stylish and versatile winter renovation material to truly amplify your home (in more ways than one), vinyl siding is one of the most popular and practical options on the market. Perfect for homeowners who don’t want to deal with constant upkeep, this durable product is known for its weather-resistant properties, standing up to the cold, wind, and snow all across the country.

Fiberglass Insulation

One of the most important and cost-efficient winter renovation material upgrades you can buy is fiberglass insulation. It helps to prevent heat from escaping your home, keeping you comfortable while at the same time lowering your energy bills. When selecting your fiberglass insulation, you’re going to want to consider its thickness (or R-value), which is also a measure of its effectiveness in trapping heat (we can help you do this).

Weather-Resistant Roofing Materials

Choosing weather-resistant roofing materials is so important. The Canadian climate is just too varied to deal with anything less than high-quality, winter-tested metal roofing and asphalt shingles—built to endure heavy snow and ice while preventing leaks and structural damage. Metals roofing is known for its long-lasting durability and ability to shed snowfall easily, while asphalt shingles are a budget-friendly choice that come in a variety of colours to complement your home. For either, proper installation is key, and we can help point you to some of the best contractors in the area.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Windows have improved so much in the last decade. Double or triple-glazed energy-efficient windows are designed to trap heat inside while keeping the cold air out. It’s not uncommon at all for people to notice a drastic cost in their heating bill after making this winter renovation material upgrade as a result. They often feature insulating gas between the panes and low-e (emissivity) coatings to further enhance efficiency. The market has expanded to offer a variety of stylings and finishes, one of which is sure to accompany your property’s vibe, both inside and out.

Doing renovations on your home can be exciting, but doing them without the right winter renovation materials is a recipe for disaster here in Canada. Protect your most valuable asset by choosing the best options from the start, and nowhere is more equipped to help you than Shepherd’s Hardware.

Our store is stocked with all of the latest winter-ready building materials, and we have a team of experts here to teach you how and when to use them. It doesn’t matter if you’re a homeowner, DIY enthusiast, or professional contractor, all are welcome and we’re here to help you do your best. Let’s get that home winter-ready! Come on in to visit us today!