Proper Winterization Techniques for Siding, Gutters, & Roofing
As Halloween decorations come up and down and colder weather rolls in, Minnesotans everywhere are preparing for harsh snows and negative wind chills that come with this time of year. It's time to break out the heated socks and the waterproof boots—but have you thought about what your home needs to weather this weather?
Indeed, though siding, roofing, and gutters are made of some tough stuff, the climate here is more so, and no matter what type of exterior you own, it will appreciate some TLC before the first snow so that it can hit springtime in stride.
For those who have recently moved here or updated their exterior to a new material, figuring out that TLC may be a little tricky, but Tony's Lifetime Exteriors, your Sauk Rapids roofing company and team of siding contractors, is here to help.
Below, you'll find a brief introduction to winterizing three primary areas of your exterior: siding, gutters, and roofing.
Situating Your Siding
Whether you have steel siding or LP Siding, getting it ready to stand up to winter boils down to one thing: fixing its weak points. If you don't have wood siding, you're unlikely to deal with fungal issues such as dry rot, but general wear-and-tear or storm damage may still have left planks weak.
Replace Worn Boards
This helps ensure your siding protects what lies beneath it through the coldest storms. This is especially important when it comes to lap siding, as, thanks to its installation method, it is not entirely waterproof on its own.
Rest assured that your home is still well-protected; check out our siding company blog, What Kind of Insulation Do you Need Under Siding? for more information.
You might also enjoy our entry How to Make Sure Your Siding Is Waterproof.
Consider Caulk
Caulk can also be a short-term solution to combat cold temperatures. While your siding should not be gapping, provided you've taken proper care of it and the flashing has been installed correctly, you might not be able to put up with the cold air that comes into your home until help arrives. A touch of caulk can remedy the problem until a storm damage repair pro can fix it for good.
It is important to keep in mind, though, that certain gaps in siding are supposed to be there and that applying caulk to some areas and with some materials can actually do more harm than good.
If you are ever unsure, bounce things off of your siding contractor before application, or take a look at this article from Modernize to learn more about caulk.
Get Out Your Annual Maintenance Checklist
Annual inspections and general maintenance are just part of ownership and need to be completed before the weather turns cold. Making time for a thorough cleaning with a power washer can remove any mildew or mold and be an extra preventative measure that improves the siding's aesthetics and durability.
Rendering Your Roofing Ready
It's a little hard to inspect your roof for readiness; You're not exactly able to climb up there yourself, and the attic can only tell you so much.
We therefore recommend you get a roofing contractor out to your property for a seasonal inspection. They'll be able to tell you more about the condition of your shingles, your home's first line of defense when it comes to snow and moisture.
Of course, the average homeowner isn't completely helpless when it comes to roofing winterization. For example, you should ensure your attic insulation is clean and dry and not blocking any roofing vents unless you like high energy bills and a chilly home.
Trimming back trees is also advised, as it prevents animals from exploiting weak points in your home and taking up residence in your attic; it can improve the tree's health, increase your property value, and keep everyone in and around your home safer.
Getting Your Gutters Set
The number one thing you can do to ensure your gutters stay up through the snow? Clean them!
Seasonal gutter maintenance, whether for seamless gutters or sectional, is a crucial part of lightening the load on the system and letting it power through winter at full strength. You may need to clean them multiple times during the fall, as trees don't tend to shed their leaves all at once.
You should also inspect your gutters and get the discovered damage (cracks, rust, etc.) taken care of via the help of a gutter installer before the winter begins and the repairs begin to snowball—and not in a fun, let's-make-a-snowman way, either.
Finally, consider going seamless if you haven't already. Seamless gutters are far more structurally sound than their sectional counterparts, thanks to their comparative lack of joints. They also are practically clog-free and, thanks to their smoothness, are much easier to keep clean in the fall.
Check out our gutter installer blog that delves further into the subject: Why Buy Seamless Gutters?
Call an Expert
Proper winterization can be a large project, and if you have any questions about what needs to be tackled or need an expert finish, calling a professional can be the best choice.
Working with a licensed general contractor ensures that all the appropriate steps are taken and that any areas need repair or replacement; they can be completed before winter weather sets in and reduce the risk of hazards on your property.
Tony's Lifetime Exteriors: Here to Ensure the Welfare of Your Home
Taking a few preventive measures will reduce the risks of winter breakdown on your exterior, and when you need trusted services from a local provider, Tony's Lifetime Exteriors has you covered! With our decades of experience in gutter installation, roofing, and siding, every home we're called to serve is in good hands.
Experience true, five-star service, and message us online or give our Sauk Rapids office a call today at 320-252-9086.