With a cold and blustery winter predicted this year, now is the time to make sure your home’s exteriors will survive the weather. Your roof and siding in particular need to be in good shape to make it through the upcoming winter, so here are some maintenance tips to help achieve that.
The Roof
Here’s how to prepare your roof for the upcoming cold months.
1) Repair Damaged Shingles
Damaged, missing, and loose shingles expose your home to the risk of leaks and water damage if you fail to fix them before winter. Broken shingles allow water to seep underneath and get inside your home. In addition, loose shingles can be blown off by high winds.
2) Repair Damaged Flashing
Roof flashing is a vital component of any well-maintained roof, designed to protect your home from water damage. Check flashing around your chimney, roof valleys, and overhangs. Water can accumulate there and form ice dams, so be sure to repair any damaged flashing now.
3) Replace Old Caulking
Check the caulking and sealant around chimneys and vent pipes. Add or replace it if necessary, as caulking can crack if it’s dry and old. New caulking is better able to expand and contract with the changes in temperature throughout the year.
4) Trim Trees
Trim any overhanging branches so they don’t break off and fall on your roof when winter winds blow.
5) Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Scoop debris out of your gutters and downspouts so clogs won’t form and potentially create ice dams this winter.
The Siding
Here’s what you can do to prepare your siding for winter.
1) Inspect the “Envelope” of Your Home
Examine your siding for holes, cracks, and other signs of noticeable damage. Get any areas of concern repaired as soon as possible. Those cracks and holes will only get larger with neglect and colder temperatures.
2) Clean Your Siding
Give your siding a good cleaning to remove the buildup of dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. Use a pressure washer on low setting, as too much pressure could damage your siding. Hold the nozzle at least 12 inches away and point downward, not upward, so water doesn’t get underneath your siding.
3) Paint or Stain
If you have wood siding, now is the time to paint it or stain it so it stays protected through the winter. This will keep moisture and rot from infiltrating the wood.
4) Check Around Doors
Leaks can get in near the siding around your doors. Make sure there are no gaps where drafts can get in. Install weatherstripping to improve the insulation of the frame.
If you don’t have the tools, know-how or resources to tackle these maintenance tasks yourself, ask your trusted contractor to do them for you. They will save you time and the risk of injury through their professionalism, access to safety gear, and the use of all the latest equipment.
Contact Allstar Construction for Home Winterization
Our roofers and siding pros can help prepare your home for winter with essential maintenance and repair services. To find out more, give us a call or complete our form for an online quote and consultation.
