It’s stating the obvious that home ownership comes with a lot of responsibility, including maintenance to keep your home sound and comfortable.
If your home has siding, it is essential to use the following cold climate winterproof home tips.
Vinyl Siding
This is one of the most common types of siding thanks to its low maintenance, attractiveness, and durability. Because of this, your focus is not so much on your siding but other elements that might pose a risk for damage when it comes to cold climate siding care:
- Be sure to clean your gutters in the fall to remove clogs that can overflow and run down your siding, increasing the risk of leaks.
- Throughout the winter, especially after a major snowfall or when temperatures drop and ice can form, check your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis to look for signs of issues.
- Consider calling a roofing expert if you notice large icicles forming along your roof, as this can indicate gutter issues that can lead to overflow when the temperatures rise.
- Check your siding for signs of loosening, cracks, etc., especially following storms and call in the professionals to make repairs right away.
Wood Siding
Although wood siding tends to be the most attractive choice, it is also the highest maintenance.
Winter presents issues for wood due to temperature changes that vary between rain and snow. As a result, it can lead to water damage. Wood siding maintenance for winter includes the tips above, as well as the following:
- Check for signs of peeling paint in the fall and address damage before temperatures drop, such as sanding and repainting to protect against moisture and wood rot.
- Painting or staining is required every five years to prevent color and protection deterioration, so be sure to do so in early fall before temperatures drop.
- Inspect your wood for signs of wood rot throughout the winter, especially following extensive rainfall or an increase in temperature that leads to snow and ice melt, causing moisture issues.
- Look for cracks and seal them to prevent moisture and wood rot from entering your home.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is highly weather-resistant, so like vinyl siding, you need to look at preventative measures to protect against water and ice issues.
Along with the steps for vinyl, include the following steps for fiber cement maintenance:
- If your fiber cement is painted, it requires repainting in the fall if it appears to be peeling or damaged to protect against moisture.
- Only paint in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check for signs of damage, such as the caulking, loose boards, etc., and arrange for repairs before winter arrives.
Louisiana Pacific Siding (LP)
LP siding is also exceptionally durable, so for the most part, requires the same steps used for vinyl and fiber cement siding. Again, preventative measures in the fall are essential to reduce the risk of leaks.
Following these cold climate siding care tips will keep your home toasty warm, reduce the risk of leaks, and keep your siding looking its best.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
