It may seem a bit early to talk about winter when the temperature outside is in the 30s (mid-80s Fahrenheit) but trust us, it’s never too early to start getting your bathroom ready for winter, especially here in Ottawa.
While most focus on winterizing our homes’ exteriors, the bathroom often gets overlooked. But it’s one of the most important rooms to prep for the cold months. From avoiding the nightmare of frozen pipes to simply ensuring your space is warm and cozy, here are a few simple steps to get your bathroom winter-ready.
1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate!
Water and freezing temperatures are a recipe for disaster. A little insulation can go a long way in protecting your bathroom from the cold.
- Check your windows and doors. Feel for any drafts around them. If you find them, seal them up with weatherstripping or caulk. It’s an easy and cheap fix.
- Insulate those pipes. Exposed pipes in unheated areas (like crawl spaces or the attic) are most at risk of freezing. Wrap them up with pipe insulation or heat tape to keep them toasty.
- Remember the walls and attic. If your bathroom shares a wall with the outside or is right under an unheated attic, consider adding insulation to keep the heat in.
- Inspect the exterior. Look for holes in the walls, loose siding, or cracked bricks near your bathroom. These can let in cold air and should be repaired.
- Door sweeps are your friend. Adding one to your bathroom door will stop drafts from sneaking in underneath.
2. Keep the Air Circulating
Good ventilation prevents moisture build-up, which can lead to mould. But in the winter, we want to keep that warm air in.
- Use your exhaust fan wisely. It’s great for removing steam after a shower, but turn it off when the moisture is gone so you’re not wasting heat.
- Think about a timer switch. A timer on your exhaust fan can ensure it’s not running longer than needed.
- Close the door! It sounds simple, but closing the bathroom door will help trap the heat.
3. Check for Prevent Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are probably the worst thing that can happen. They can lead to expensive repairs and a whole lot of mess, so avoid them at all costs.
- Insulate any exposed pipes. If you have any pipes in your bathroom that you can see, especially those on outside walls, ensure they’re well insulated.
- Let the faucets drip. During really cold snaps, a tiny drip from your faucets will keep the water moving and make it harder to freeze.
- Open those vanity doors. If your sink is on an outside wall, open the cabinet doors underneath to let warm air reach the pipes.
- Keep the thermostat steady. Even if you’re away, keep your house at least 15°C to prevent the pipes from freezing.
- Know where your main water shut-off is. You need to be able to turn off the water quickly in case a pipe freezes or bursts.
4. Add Some Comfort to your Bathroom
Nobody likes stepping onto a cold bathroom floor in the winter. Installing a heated floor will help, and it may not be as expensive as you may think. There are also less drastic measures you can take to make your bathroom more comfortable.
- Radiant floor heating is a dream. If you’re thinking about a bathroom renovation, it’s a fantastic way to keep your toes toasty.
- Rugs and mats are your friends. Put down some soft rugs or mats, especially in front of the sink and shower where you stand the most.
- A heated towel rack is a luxury. Imagine stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a warm towel – pure bliss.
- Get a small heater for extra comfort. Even a small portable heater can quickly warm the air in your bathroom to a comfortable level.
5. Get Professional Help When Needed
It is always a good idea to consult a professional, especially when it comes to insulation or ventilation. A qualified bathroom contractor can help you ensure that your bathroom is ready for whatever winter throws at it.
Preparing your bathroom for winter and keeping it warm and cozy doesn’t take much. If you have any questions or need help getting your bathroom winter-ready, feel free to contact us.