7 ways to fix your cold floors

1 / 8

Caulk the baseboards

Drafts often seep inside through the gaps at the top and bottom of your baseboards. Seal them up with a bead of caulking.

Photo by Andy Ginns/Shutterstock

2 / 8

Insulate from below

When the weather is warmer, clamber into your crawlspace and insulate between the floor joists from below. If you use batt insulation, you’ll need to fix it in place with chicken wire so rodents don’t steal it for nesting material.

Photo by JPJPJP/Shutterstock

3 / 8

Add heating cables

If you’re planning a renovation, lay down a mat of electric heating cables below your new flooring. (Hot-water radiant heating isn’t recommended for a cottage due to the risk of the pipes freezing if the power goes out.)

Photo by Bilanol/Shutterstock

4 / 8

Carpet the cottage

Carpet offers a foot-friendly insulating barrier for your floors. The thicker the pile, the warmer the floor will feel. If you don’t like the look of carpet, place area rugs in key spots, such as beside your bed and under the dining table.

Photo by BhFoton/Shutterstock

5 / 8

Consider cork

If you’re replacing the flooring at the cottage cork is great option. It is an eco-friendly flooring material that warm and comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.

Photo by VanoVasaio/Shutterstock

6 / 8

Fan-tastic

While it seems counterintuitive, running your ceiling fans clockwise on a low speed during the cold months will help circulate the warm air throughout the room instead of it rising to the ceiling.

Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock

7 / 8

Socks and slippers

No budget for a reno this year? Buy everyone in the family a pair of nice fuzzy socks or comfortable slippers — and maybe a few extra pairs for your guests.

Photo by Jelena990/Shutterstock

Related galleries

7 yardwork tools you need to have at the cottage

6 things that should never go in your septic tank

14 unexpected ways to use your hand tools

8 / 8