As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, homeowners must start preparing their home’s exteriors for the upcoming winter. Not only does it help in maintaining a good curb appeal but winterizing your home exterior is critical to keep your property safe and secure in the upcoming cold months.
In this article, you’ll learn several steps and tips on preparing your home’s exterior for the cold season. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
1. Inspect And Clean The Roof
Roof inspection and maintenance are recommended before the cold sets in. After all, you don’t want to discover your roof is leaking after the first snow hits. This can make it challenging to find and repair issues due to the weather. As a result, it only causes further damage to your roof as well as your overall home’s structural integrity.
Generally, you want to check for common roof defects, such as damaged shingles and cracked caulks, and fix them immediately. In addition to regular roof inspection, you also want to clean your roof to remove dirt, tree debris, mildew, and mold. For a deeper clean, consider hiring the best pressure washing services in your area. Not only is it safer to leave roof cleaning to the professionals, but it also prevents damage caused by the improper use of a pressure washer and fall and slip accidents.
2. Do Not Forget The Gutters And Downspouts
While you’re up there fixing and cleaning your roof, don’t forget about your gutters and downspouts. As part of your overall roofing system, your gutters and downspouts help channel rainwater from your roof and away from your home.
After autumn, your gutter may be filled with fallen leaves, branches, and other debris, blocking water and snow during winter or causing ice dams which can result in expensive repairs. So, make sure to clean the gutters and downspouts. Add a mesh frame over your gutters to prevent debris from accumulating and causing blockages.
Moreover, you want to ensure your gutters aren’t sagging or leaning. Tighten the hangers and brackets, and replace any damaged or worn-out materials.
3. Trim Tree Branches
Trees help clean the air around your home and enhance curb appeal. During winter, it also helps create a frosty wonderland on your exterior as snow covers tree tops and branches. However, the added weight of snow can cause a loose branch to fall onto and damage your roof. Even if it doesn’t fully break, a leaning branch on your roof can cause excess water to seep into cracks in your home’s siding or roof. Thus, make sure to trim tree branches surrounding your home.
4. Check Your Sidings
Inspecting and fixing your siding before winter is critical. Your home’s siding is like its jacket for insulation, protecting your home while keeping the interior warm and protected against harsh cold weather.
Like your roof, you need to check your siding for any holes or cracks. This prevents water and moisture from leaking in, especially during severe snow storms. Sealing the holes also prevents pests and rodents seeking a warm place from entering your home. Cleaning your siding before winter comes also helps prevent mold and mildew growth.
5. Drain Exterior Faucets
One of the primary causes of pipes bursting during the winter is undrained water and this typically occurs in exterior faucets. When water is undrained, it freezes in the pipes during winter. Since water expands as it turns to ice, pipes can burst and cause flooding. Therefore, make sure to check all exterior fixtures and drain them completely. Also, consider turning off the water supply valve on your exterior faucets.
6. Cover The Door And Window Gap
Other than your home’s siding, have a detailed check of your doors and windows. If you find any gaps or holes, ensure you cover and seal them using quality exterior caulk. This helps prevent warm air from getting out and prevents cold air from coming in. Silicone caulk is a better option since it won’t shrink and can hold its shape even in the rain.
You can also find colored or plain caulk, depending on the color of your doors, windows, and sliders. Use a cartridge or gun to ensure a perfect application in the gaps. Also, clean the surface before applying the caulk and remove stains from old paint and caulk.
Takeaway
Preparing your home for the winter may not be on top of your chore list now. However, the elements that come with the winter, such as ice and snow, can do real damage to your property. So, make sure to take the time to prepare your home’s exterior before the winter chill takes hold. Follow the above tips to effectively winterize and protect your home when the temperature dips.
