How to Prevent Exterior Home Damage During the Winter Months

Winter can be a tricky season for homeowners. The cold weather and snowfall can worsen pre existing issues with your home and create new ones if you’re not careful. To help you protect your home from winter damage, here are some tips to keep in mind throughout the season. 

Check Your Roof and Gutters 

Even if you don’t have any visible signs of wear and tear on your roof or gutters, it’s still a good idea to have them inspected regularly. If there are any missing or cracked shingles, those should be replaced immediately to prevent water from entering the attic and causing further damage. Also make sure that all of your gutters are securely attached so that they can catch any water runoff and direct it away from your house. If you notice any issues with your home’s roof, contact roofing contractors as soon as you can to get it repaired. 

Clear Away Snow and Ice Accumulation 

Snow accumulation around the perimeter of your house can cause numerous problems down the road, especially if it starts to melt and freeze again. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you clear away snow once it reaches two feet in height to ensure proper drainage around the foundation of your home. Additionally, keep an eye out for icicles forming around the edges of your roof as they can cause serious damage when they fall off. You may want to consider having a professional come out to remove any icicles or large amounts of ice buildup before they become a problem.  

Seal Up Any Cracks and Gaps

Any cracks or gaps in the exterior of your home need to be sealed up immediately to prevent cold air from getting in and causing drafts during the winter months. This includes checking for openings around windows and doors as well as cracks in the siding or foundation walls that could allow cold air into your home. Sealing these cracks will also help reduce energy costs by keeping warm air inside where it belongs.

Maintain Landscaping Around Your Home 

The landscaping around your home is also important for preventing winter weather damage. Keep trees trimmed back so that they don’t hang too low over your roof or obstruct gutters from catching runoff water. Additionally, keep any plants or shrubs away from siding and windows to avoid trapping moisture which could lead to mold growth. Lastly, maintaining a small slope away from your house will ensure proper drainage. 

Turn Off Your Sprinklers

If you have a sprinkler system installed, make sure to turn it off during winter months. The water left in the pipes can freeze and expand, leading to broken or cracked pipes which can cause flooding in your yard or basement. By turning off the system before winter weather hits, you’ll save yourself from costly repairs down the road.  

Test Your Sump Pump

Heavy rains and melting snow can cause flooding especially in areas with poor drainage. That’s why it’s important to have a sump pump installed to help move excess water away from the house. Before winter weather arrives, make sure to test your sump pump system first to ensure that everything is running properly. 

Taking care of minor repairs now will save you time and money down the road since larger issues can become more expensive if left unchecked. By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your home safe throughout winter while also preventing unnecessary wear and tear on its exterior surfaces. Be sure to schedule regular inspections with a professional if needed in order to spot any potential issues early on so that they can be addressed right away.