Exterior Areas of Your House That Need Some TLC This Winter

As we head into the winter months, now is the time to start thinking about ways to protect your home from the elements. While you may have your interior all sorted out, there are still a number of exterior areas of your house that need some attention if you want to keep your home in tip-top shape all winter long. Here are just a few exterior areas of your house that need some TLC this winter.

Your Roof

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house when it comes to protecting you from the elements. Winter weather can take its toll on your roof, so it’s important to make sure that it is up to code before the cold and wet weather really sets in. If you wait until your roof starts leaking to fix it, you will end up doing a lot more damage (and spending a lot more money) than if you had taken care of it beforehand. Before the snow starts falling, make sure to get any roof repair done, or at the very least check to see if it needs any.

Your Gutters

Your gutters play an important role in protecting your home from water damage. When they get clogged with leaves and other debris, they can’t do their job properly, which can ultimately lead to water seeping into your home and causing all sorts of problems. To avoid this, make sure to clean out your gutters before winter hits. You should also check them periodically throughout the winter to ensure that they haven’t become clogged again.

Your Windows

Your windows are another area of your house that can be susceptible to water damage if they are not properly maintained. In particular, sealant around your windows can crack and crumble over time, leaving gaps for water to seep through. To avoid this, check the sealant around your windows at least once a year and reseal any cracks or gaps that you find. You should also consider replacing any single-pane windows with double-pane windows, as they will provide an extra layer of protection against water damage.

Your Foundation

Your foundation is what keeps your house standing tall, so it’s important to make sure that it is in good repair. One way to do this is to check for cracks in your foundation and have them repaired as soon as possible. Cracks in your foundation can not only weaken its structure but also allow water to seep in, which can lead to serious problems down the road.

Your Yard

Your yard may not be part of your house, but it’s still an important part of your home’s overall appearance—and it can also affect how well your house withstands the winter weather. Make sure to remove any dead leaves or other debris before winter sets in so that they don’t have a chance to get buried under the snow and turn into an eyesore (or worse). Also, consider planting some evergreen shrubs or trees around the perimeter of your yard as these will provide some additional protection against wind and snowdrift damage.

Your Deck or Patio

If you have a deck or patio, now is the time to start thinking about ways to protect it from the winter weather. Snow and ice can cause serious damage to these structures if they are not properly cared for, so make sure to clear them off regularly throughout the season. You should also apply a fresh coat of sealant every year or two to help protect them from moisture damage.

As you can see, there are a number of exterior areas of your house that need some TLC this winter if you want to keep your home in good condition. By taking care of these areas now, you’ll be able to save yourself a lot of time and money down the road—not to mention peace of mind!