Winter in Andover not only come with snow’s beautiful flakes drifting by the window. Sub-zero temperatures, frozen winds, and feet-deep snow deem your home an unlikely refuge. Homeowners everywhere are preparing for the winter months by winterizing their driveways, roofs, and heating systems, but one factor that often gets overlooked is prepping the interior walls, and that can be a big mistake.
Walls aren’t just surfaces you paint or hang photos on. They help keep your home insulated, defend it from water infiltration and maintain structural integrity. Overlooking those trees in the coldest months, can result in expensive repairs later. A bit of preparation and intelligent upkeep can do wonders for your walls. This blog explores most common winter wall issues, simple fixes and winter wall maintenance tips for Androver homes.
Common Winter Wall Problems in Andover Homes
Minnesota winters are no joke. The weather rollercoaster and spates of extended cold can also pose unique challenges:
Cracks in Drywall or Plaster
As the mercury goes down, your walls contract, and then expand again when the indoor heat comes on. After years of repeating this cycle, small cracks form in these areas particularly edge of windows, doors, and corners.
Condensation and Mold Growth
When warm air in your house hits a cold surface, such as a poorly insulated wall condensation results. Undisturbed, that moisture finds its way into drywall, and it’s the perfect cocktail for mold and mildew growth.
Drafts and Air Leaks
Even minuscule cracks around windows, doors and electrical outlets can allow cold air in. You’ll notice cold spots, your furnace will have to work harder, and you’ll have higher utility bills.
Paint Damage
Cold, humid weather can inhibit traditional interior paint from adhering and curing properly, resulting in bubbling, peeling, and streaking. If moisture gets beneath the paint, it can even lead to blistering.
Such problems might seem minor to start, but if left unchecked through the winter, they can end up causing structural damage, sapping the indoor air and even adding up to an expensive repair bill come spring.
7 Essential Winter Wall Maintenance Tips for Andover Residents
It doesn’t have to be difficult or costly to safeguard your walls. Here are seven actionable tips you can begin to apply today.
Seal the Windows and Doors from Drafts
Drafts are among the biggest winter gripes in Andover homes. They make rooms too cold, and they make your heating bills too high.
How to Fix It:
- Check for gaps in window and door frames.
- Weather strip the moveable parts of doors and windows.
- Use caulk to seal non-moving joints and cracks.
- For bigger gaps: Try expandable foam insulation.
- To test for leaks, hold a lit stick of incense near spots where you suspect drafts — if it wavers, you have one.
By sealing drafts, you’ll keep indoor temperatures more stable and take stress off your heating system.
Keep a Check on Home Humidity Levels
Minnesota winter air is really dry. But other activities, such as cooking, showering or operating humidifiers, can cause short-term increases in moisture, resulting in condensation on walls.
How to Fix It:
- Purchase a cheap hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
- Target levels between 30–50%.
- Turn on exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Use a humidifier only as necessary.
- If you have condensation on walls or windows, lower indoor humidity right away.
An optimal humidity level safeguards your walls from mold and paint cracking.
Check for Minor Wall Cracks Early on
Small cracks might not appear serious, but in the winter months, they can open up by thermal movement. They also admit moisture, which can ruin insulation and framing.
How to Fix It:
- Spend a little time each month examining walls up close, especially near corners and around windows.
- A flashlight can help you find hairline cracks that are difficult to see.
- Patch small cracks with an excellent joint compound.
- All over a good sand back and fill then paint match touch ups.
By identfying these problems early, you keep them from becoming major repairs.
Check for Moisture or Condensation
Water is the enemy of good walls. Ongoing condensation can damage drywall, breed mildew, and weaken your home’s structure.
How to Fix It:
- Check for water stains, bubbling paint or a musty smell.
- Special focus on basements, exterior walls and around windows.
- Utilize dehumidifiers in moist rooms.
- Gutters and downspouts must direct water away from the foundation.
- Call a professional for mold remediation if you find the mold you didn’t see.
Walls That Stay Dry Walls that stay dry are critical to a comfortable, healthy living environment.
Repaint with Cold-Weather-Resistant Interior Paint
Standard interior paints may not perform as well in homes with changing winter temperatures. If your walls are already beginning to look worn, it’s worth an upgrade.
How to Fix It:
Opt for a cold-weather-rated or mildew-resistant paint.
Seek out products designed to prevent cracking, peeling and the appearance of mold.
It’s washable, and before you paint, just use soap and water to clean walls completely and prime if required.
Niemann Painting can assist in recommending the best product and properly applying it.
Fresh, tough paint doesn’t just look good, but it provides a protective barrier that persists through the coldest months.
Add Insulation to Problem Areas
If your walls are cold to the touch, that is a strong indication of insulation failure. Not only is this unpleasant for rooms, but it can increase your energy costs, and create a breeding ground for condensation.
How to Fix It:
- Check attic insulation and wall insulation for levels.
- If your home is drafty, fill spaces with blown-in cellulose or fiberglass.
- Fill gaps or penetrations that are responsible for warm escaping air.
- For severe cases, look into rigid foam panels or spray foam insulation.
- Better insulation provides a dramatic increase in comfort and wall durability.
Schedule a Professional Wall Inspection
Even the most diligent homeowners can overlook hidden problems. A professional wall inspection is one of the most intelligent things you can do before or during winter.
Why It Helps:
- Professionals can identify problems like hidden moisture, inadequate insulation and structural defects.
- You receive professional advice that is specific to how your home was built and its age.
- Intervening early saves money and helps to preserve property value.
Schedule an inspection in late fall or early winter to identify problems before it gets too cold.
Why Winter Maintenance Is Especially Important in Andover
Parts of the country don’t see much winter, but not in Andover. Here’s why keeping up with winter wall maintenance is so important here:
- Temperature Contrast: Material expands and contracts rapidly between daytime and nighttime.
- Extended Cold Periods: Months of cold put continued pressure on walls, paint, and insulation.
- Snow Load and Moisture: Snow piling against foundations contributes to indoor humidity, plus it lifts interior heat out of the building.
- Heating Costs: Drafts and cool walls contribute to higher cost of heating.
“The bottom line is, Andover winters really exaggerate any little thing. Preventive is the best medicine both for your comfort and your wallet.
What Niemann Painting Can Do for Andover, MN Residents
If you are looking to keep your walls looking beautiful and withstanding the test of time then Niemann painting is the contractor for you! Our team specializes in:
- In-Depth Indoor Inspections: We notice problems others overlook.
- Premium Cold Weather Stuff: Repainting using the best cold weather rated included humid air repellant paint.
- Crack & Surface Repairs: We repair cracked and pitted areas so that you can never see where it was.
- Mold and moisture prevention: We clean, seal and repaint to keep your home healthy.
Our aim is to leave Andover homeowners with 100% peace of mind throughout the winter season.
Conclusion
Winter in Andover doesn’t mean you have to be content with cold walls, drafty rooms or hidden damage. So, if you take a few smart, proactive steps — sealing drafts, controlling humidity, upgrading insulation and getting pro help when it’s needed — you can protect your walls and enhance your comfort.
If you are prepared to get your walls ready for winter or to repair any problems that you have already started to see, Niemann Painting is here to help!
Contact us today to book your wall inspection or winter paint job. Safeguard your Andover home before little issues become costly migraines.
FAQs
Cracks occur when drywall and the framing on which it is attached expand and contract with swings in temperature from cold to warm. Dry indoor air and accumulation can also be a factor.
Other things to look for: bubbling paint, water stains, musty odors, peeling wallpaper. Recurrent condensation or mold spots are telltale signs that you need moisture control.
Use cold-weather-rated, mildew-resistant interior paints. They are made to withstand temperature changes,don’t seed mold and hold up to their finish better in adverse conditions.
