Top 5 Essential Tips for Remodeling Old Vermont Homes to Endure the Seasons
- Leon Ogden
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Old Vermont homes carry a unique charm with their historic architecture and charact
er. Yet, remodeling these homes to withstand Vermont’s harsh and varied climate can be a challenge. Winters bring heavy snow and freezing temperatures, while summers can be humid and warm. Many of these homes were built before modern insulation and weatherproofing standards, so remodeling requires special attention to both preservation and durability.
This post shares five essential tips for remodeling old Vermont homes. These tips focus on protecting your investment, improving comfort, and maintaining the home’s historic appeal while making it ready for Vermont’s demanding seasons.
Understand Vermont’s Climate and Its Impact on Old Homes
Vermont’s climate features cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. This wide temperature range causes expansion and contraction in building materials, which can lead to cracks, drafts, and moisture problems in older homes.
Older Vermont homes often have:
Minimal insulation
Single-pane windows
Aging wood framing and siding
These factors make them vulnerable to heat loss in winter and moisture damage in summer. Remodeling must address these issues without compromising the home’s historic look.
Tip 1: Upgrade Insulation Thoughtfully
Adding insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency and comfort. However, in old Vermont homes, insulation upgrades must be done carefully to avoid trapping moisture or damaging original materials.
Best practices include:
Use spray foam or rigid foam insulation in walls and attics to seal gaps and prevent drafts.
Add insulation to basements and crawl spaces to reduce cold air infiltration.
Choose vapor-permeable insulation materials that allow the home to breathe and avoid mold buildup.
Tip 2: Restore or Replace Windows with Energy Efficiency in Mind
Windows are a major source of heat loss in old Vermont homes. Many original windows are single-pane with wooden frames that have warped or cracked over time.
Options for remodeling include:
Restoring original windows by adding weatherstripping and storm windows to improve insulation without losing historic character.
Installing high-quality double- or triple-pane windows designed to look like the originals but with better thermal performance.
Tip 3: Protect Wood Surfaces from Moisture and Decay
Wood siding, trim, and framing are common in Vermont’s old homes but are vulnerable to moisture damage from rain, snow, and humidity.
To protect wood surfaces:
Use high-quality, breathable exterior paints or stains that repel water but allow moisture to escape.
Repair or replace damaged wood promptly to prevent rot from spreading.
Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation and siding.
Tip 4: Upgrade Heating Systems for Efficiency and Reliability
Old Vermont homes often rely on outdated heating systems that struggle during cold winters. Remodeling provides an opportunity to install more efficient and reliable heating.
Consider:
Installing a modern high-efficiency heating system that is compatible with the home’s size and insulation level.
Adding radiant floor heating in kitchens or bathrooms for added comfort.
Using programmable thermostats to reduce energy use when the home is unoccupied.
Tip 5: Address Air Sealing and Ventilation Together
Sealing air leaks is crucial to keep warm air inside during winter and cool air inside during summer. However, sealing must be balanced with proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup and indoor air quality problems.
Key steps include:
Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing penetrations with caulk or foam.
Installing energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) to bring in fresh air without losing heat.
Ensuring attic and basement ventilation to prevent condensation and mold growth.
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