logan97
Gold Member
Can I leave unfinished home unheated for the winter ? it is insulated, sheet rocked, painted, rough in plumbing-electric, maybe hardwood flooring. Would any of this be damaged by freezing ?
construction ? unfinished home over winter
- Thread starter logan97
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OZisKTB
Platinum Member
First, Hardwood Flooring should be the last thing installed, it's not a rough-in item.
https://shawfloors.com/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?DocID=1587
Don't know about the rest, here's my story.
Year one my contractor waited 3 weeks to get the cheap highlift. Home was wrapped, roof sheathed and had paper, inside was just framing and rough-in plumbing and electrical. Day they loaded the bundles of shingles on the roof ridge (doesn't bundle had DON'T DO THIS on the wrapper), it snowed. Snowed 3'. 3' stayed for 3 months, with new snow adding to any melt.
Took another 2 years (and another contractor) to finish the house, so two winters without any environmental controls.
Seems fine after living there for 2 years since.
Hope my lack of success helps in your case.
https://shawfloors.com/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?DocID=1587
Don't know about the rest, here's my story.
Year one my contractor waited 3 weeks to get the cheap highlift. Home was wrapped, roof sheathed and had paper, inside was just framing and rough-in plumbing and electrical. Day they loaded the bundles of shingles on the roof ridge (doesn't bundle had DON'T DO THIS on the wrapper), it snowed. Snowed 3'. 3' stayed for 3 months, with new snow adding to any melt.
Took another 2 years (and another contractor) to finish the house, so two winters without any environmental controls.
Seems fine after living there for 2 years since.
Hope my lack of success helps in your case.
s219
Super Member
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Make sure the plumbing is well drained. Normally the plumber will have to pressure test both the water lines and drain lines to pass inspection (for drain, they fill up to the vent stack on roof and let it sit). Once that test is done, it's really impossible to get all the water out. If it gets real cold, I'd worry about freeze damage.
We didn't do finish trim work or flooring until HVAC was online, under the notion that you want temperature/humidity mostly stable before installing that stuff to prevent shrinking/swelling/etc later on. Not critical of course.
We didn't do finish trim work or flooring until HVAC was online, under the notion that you want temperature/humidity mostly stable before installing that stuff to prevent shrinking/swelling/etc later on. Not critical of course.
schmism
Super Member
In IL both pressure tests are done with air. If you blow the lines out with air you will get 99% of the water if its turned on to start with.
dave1949
Super Star Member
Should be okay. Finished second homes and camps around here sit unheated in winter with no problems as long as the plumbing is drained or winterized.
I second the hardwood flooring thoughts, a stable temperature and humidity is what will give you your best chance of no problems. If you read the warranty fine print on wood flooring, it is almost impossible to meet the specs under the best of circumstances. It shouldn't be that big of a deal, but should you have flooring problems later on, they will blame everything but the product.
I second the hardwood flooring thoughts, a stable temperature and humidity is what will give you your best chance of no problems. If you read the warranty fine print on wood flooring, it is almost impossible to meet the specs under the best of circumstances. It shouldn't be that big of a deal, but should you have flooring problems later on, they will blame everything but the product.
radioman
Super Member
should be fine. If you already had water turned on, I would check yellow pages for winterizing your home to get the "warranty" unless you are experienced yourself. I have done it for a few years for a lady's cottage and its alot of work. antifreeze in EVERYTHING. dishwasher, laundry machine, toilets, every sink, etc. drain all water lines and blow out water. water shut off outside valve, as well the one internal home main shut off, etc. mice poison out everywhere. Every home I know of that doesnt get human daily activity for over a month esp in fall always get mice. They can get in very small cracks like 1/4" under the door threshold.
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
Not knowing your area, you might have some problems. A closed up house can easily become musty and have moisture issues. As outside temps change, humidity levels change and you get condensation on the inside of the house. Most noticeably on the windows, but it happens in other places depending on the weather. It would be very easy to have mold develop over a period of time. If you don't have an HVAC system, I would buy a dehumidifier at the very least and keep it running. A source of heat might also be a good idea depending on how cold it gets and what your humidity levels are. Fans also work great at moving air around, which is a very effective way of keeping everything dry.
Eddie
Eddie
oosik
Epic Contributor
What Eddie says. As long as your roof is finished, door & window on - it should be OK. Leave the hardwood flooring until last. Depending upon your circumstances you might want to give vandalism some consideration.