Have you ever taken a hot shower in chilled bathroom surroundings and instantly regretted your flooring choice? Then, you are not alone! Many Americans suffer from allergies and asthma due to these moisture-retaining tiles in the bathroom. So, why not opt for winter-friendly and energy-efficient bathroom remodeling materials?
Winters in Connecticut are bone-chilling, and a poor choice of bathroom materials further worsens the situation. Tiles, pipes, and walls, everything feels freezing during the shower. Therefore, choosing safe, energy-efficient bathroom renovation ideas for winter is a necessity.
In this blog, we will guide you on the best ways to keep your bathroom area warm in winter. What type of tiles, pipes, and insulation do you need while remodeling or renovating your home?
Why Winter-Ready Bathroom Materials Matter in Connecticut
Connecticut winters come with snow, chilly air, and unexpected freezing temperatures. It’s raining and in the second moment, at least one foot of snow begins to fall. So, it’s important to choose warm bathroom materials to minimize the effect of cold after a shower. But how can tiles cause allergy or asthma problems?
When you take a bath under a hot shower, traditional tiles absorb the moisture in the walls. This trapped moisture leads to increased mold and mildew growth, which affects the quality of air and produces harmful bacteria. These microorganisms travel by air and cause infectious diseases, including allergy and asthma. Therefore, you should select waterproof bathroom materials to reduce moisture absorption in the surroundings.
Best Bathroom Remodeling Materials for Winters
Tiles absorb moisture, but many other bathroom accessories need upgradation for the winter season. Let’s discuss the best tiles, supplies, and fixtures for the bathroom in the winter:
1. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are best for bathrooms due to their water-resistant ability. It’s not only durable but also keeps the bathroom area warm. Make sure to purchase the textured porcelain tiles to reduce the slipping risk during the shower.
2. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Vinyl flooring is popular among many people due to its durability, budget-friendly rates, and energy efficiency. Many people believe that LVT often expands and contracts with weather changes. But Jeff Thorman busts these myths with an experiment in which he heated LVT at 250 degrees and also chilled them in snow.
He used a scale to show the final results on camera, where there was no expansion and contraction in heated and chilled vinyl tiles. So, you can install these LVT in your bathroom and all over the floors of your home without any stress.
3. Cork Flooring
Looking for LEED-certified and durable flooring choices for your bathroom remodeling project? Then, cork flooring is what you should try. These are warm and eco-friendly tiles for homeowners on a tight budget. Cork flooring material is moisture-resistant, which makes it the top-rated and best bathroom tiles for winter.
4. Waterproof Wall Panels
Scrubbing mold and mildew requires time and effort, but why not install waterproof wall panels? These panels come in various shapes and styles that are easy to clean and set up.
5. Quartz or Solid Surface Vanity Tops
Marble surfaces expand easily in hotter climates, leading to increased future expenses. Prefer installing quartz or solid surfaces for your bathroom vanity tops because they are durable and do not expand. Moreover, the quartz surfaces are stronger as compared to porous marble tiles.
6. Moisture-Resistant Paint
Paint resists the water seepage into the walls and mold growth. So, consider painting your bathroom with water and mold-resistant paints to make it suitable for winter seasons. You can go for any color, but experts suggest opting for grey and light colored paints.
7. Heated Towel Racks
Due to snow and rain in the winter season, it’s common to observe high humidity levels in the air compared to normal days. So, opt for multiple energy-efficient methods to warm and dry your bathroom area.
Heated towel racks are one of them that provide comfort after a shower in winter. Although it runs on electricity, it only costs you about $ 0.01/hour and $ 0.24/day.
8. Smart Exhaust Fans with Humidity Sensors
We prefer to close windows and doors to avoid cold air in the bathroom, but it doesn’t work when you take a shower. The moisture level in your bathroom increases after you take a hot bath, so it’s recommended to install smart exhaust fans.
These fans have humidity sensors, so they turn on automatically once the moisture level goes up. This smart fan helps to circulate fresh air in your bathroom with ease.
9. Thermostatic Shower Valves
Thermostatic shower valves are best installed while home remodeling because they help to set the desired water temperature during winter. When you adjust the temperature, the valves mix cold and hot water to supply the right temperature you set.
10. LED Warm Lighting
Install warm LED lights that mimic natural ones and also contribute to keeping the bathroom warm in winter. So, it’s a two-in-one hack; you are getting a modern look and energy-efficient bathroom material for winter.
Energy-Efficient Bathroom Upgrades for Winter
We have talked about the best bathroom remodeling materials that might seem costly. So, here are some energy-efficient bathroom upgrades for winter:
- Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat can be installed on the floor, and it also has sensors for adjusting temperature according to the surroundings. So, whenever you go out, it automatically turns off and only heats the floor when you are around.
- Switch to LED Lighting: LED lights cut down your bills because they consume 95% less electricity than traditional bulbs.
- Use Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucets: This means less wastage of heated water, which reduces the need to run the water heater 24 hours a day.
- Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Water Heater: Instead of generating heat by electricity, the energy-efficient heaters collect heat from the surroundings to heat water.
- Use Motion-Sensor Lights or Timers: Although lights keep your bathroom area warm, they also cost a lot when left on 24 hours. So, install the motion lights that only turn ON when you are around to save on bills.
Final Thoughts
The above-mentioned are the best bathroom remodeling materials that not only save your electricity cost but also keep your bathroom warm in winter. Porcelain, LVT, and Cork floorings are best for bathrooms due to their water-resistant and mold-resistant abilities.
At Best Home Remodeling CT, we offer complete bath renovation, bathroom repair, and remodeling services. Whether you need to install winter-friendly tiles or accessories, count on us. The Best Home Remodeling CT team is available 24/7 to serve you in Connecticut. Contact us today!
