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New York winters can be tough on your home’s exterior. But with proper prevention, you can avoid costly damage, preserve your property’s value, and ensure indoor comfort. Small cracks and gaps in siding can become bigger issues when exposed to extreme temperatures and precipitation like snow or ice.
Winterizing your home will keep it safe and cozy all season long. Read on to gain insight into valuable tips on preparing your house for winter to avoid issues.
11 Simple Ways to Winterize Your Home Exterior and Prevent Problems
1. Clean Debris Out of Your Gutters
Gutters may be small, but they have an important job. They channel water away from your home to keep it from pooling around its perimeter where it may seep into your basement, cause flooding, and eventually lead to structural damage. Yikes! That makes gutter care pretty important! Install gutter guards to prevent debris buildup, and you’ll be able to bypass the mucky job of scooping debris out of your gutters twice a year. Gutter guards also mean you don’t have to risk a ladder accident because you need to clean your gutters.
2. Seal and Paint Unprotected Areas of Your Exterior
If your siding’s paint is peeling or cracked, touch it up with some paint to avoid water penetration this winter. Wood can absorb water easily, so it’s vital to keep it well sealed. Vinyl siding may crack during brutal winter temperatures, creating vulnerabilities in your building envelope that may open the door to water or pest intrusion.
If you have Hardie siding and trim with ColorPlus® Technology finish, purchase a ColorPlus® Technology touch-up kit so you can use the exact color while fortifying any areas that need it. Keep an eye on fiber cement’s caulking and replace it if the caulk appears to be deteriorating or no longer seals the seams between joints around windows and doors.
3. Have Your Roof Inspected by a Pro
Contact a reputable roofer and have them take a full look at your roofing system to ensure there are no missing, cracked, or broken shingles that need to be replaced. Roofing problems can intensify during winter months, so if there are small issues, have them repaired so they don’t become major problems.
4. Seal Windows and Doors
Sealing windows and doors is an essential step in winterizing your exterior. You’ll prevent uncomfortable indoor drafts, decrease energy use, lower heat loss, protect your house from water intrusion, and ensure your interior is more comfortable throughout chilly months. Your utility bills will thank you for sealing the gaps around doors and windows. Simple steps like replacing your weatherstripping or caulk can yield big returns in energy use and comfort.
5. Repair or Replace Damaged Siding
Walk around your home’s perimeter and take a good look at your siding from top to bottom. If you spot cracks, gaps, missing siding, or other issues, contact a reputable contractor for a professional inspection. You may just need to have a few siding boards replaced. If you need full siding replacement, it’s best to learn of that sooner rather than later. The longer you leave damaged siding unaddressed, the bigger the issues (like moisture intrusion, rot, mold, and more) can become.
6. Trim Trees and Bushes
If there are tree branches that come into contact with your roof, they should be professionally trimmed back. If they are left alone, ice and snow could make them heavy enough to cause them to crash down on your roof and cause damage.
Likewise, if shrubs or tree limbs brush up against your siding repeatedly, they can cause siding to fail, making your exterior vulnerable to damaging moisture intrusion, rot, mold, and more.
7. Drain and Store Your Garden Hoses
When temperatures fall below freezing, if water is left in your pipes connected to outdoor faucets, it can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst. The good news? You can avoid this problem by taking the following steps.
- Disconnect your garden hoses and store them in your garage or shed to prevent damage.
- Turn off exterior water valves and insulate them with faucet covers to avoid freezing and bursting.
8. Have Your Chimney Cleaned
Dirty chimneys can cause fires. Contact a professional and have them inspect and clean your chimney to ensure it is ready to be used safely this winter.
9. Winterize Your Landscaping
Prep your landscaping for winter by trimming perennials, cleaning up debris, and applying mulch that will protect your shrubs from freezing temperatures.
10. Move Outdoor Furniture to a Different Location
Your outdoor furniture will last longer when you keep it out of winter weather. Store your grill, furniture, and outdoor accessories in your garage or shed to safeguard them from cold temperatures and minimize their wear and tear.
11. Ensure Outdoor Lights Work Properly
For your safety during cold winter nights, test your outdoor lighting to make sure it works properly. If needed, install motion sensors in dark pockets around the side of your exterior or near gates for added security.
Consider the Benefits of Replacement Siding, Roofing, and Windows for Your New York Home
This winter, take time to consider any areas where your exterior may need upgrades. Spring is coming, so now is the perfect time to take inventory and plan ahead for any exterior renovations you are due for.
At Giant Siding and Windows, we offer a 100% virtual sales process from the comfort and privacy of your home, making it convenient to connect with us about the exterior upgrades you need. We install premium products known for their durability and beauty like James Hardie® fiber cement siding, Marvin windows, and GAF roofing.
You’ll be amazed at how new roofing, siding, and windows can transform your home’s looks and function. Learn more about how these outstanding exterior upgrades can enhance your house’s beauty and value. Take a look at a featured project where we restored a 1950s Colonial home with new siding and windows.
