Exterior Maintenance That Gets Your Home Through the Winter

Winter is a magical time of year, but it can also be one of the toughest on your home. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can put your home’s exterior through its paces, leading to all kinds of wear and tear. That’s why taking care of exterior maintenance before winter hits is important. In this blog post, we will look at some of the essential exterior maintenance tasks you should perform to ensure your home gets through the winter unscathed.

Clean the Gutters

Clogged gutters can become a major headache during the winter. As snow starts to melt, the water can overflow, leading to water damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. To prevent this, ensure your gutters are clean and in good condition. Remove any debris and check for signs of damage that need repair. Consider installing gutter guards to make maintenance easier throughout the year.

Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

If your windows and doors are not sealed properly, they can become major energy-suckers, leading to high heating bills and uncomfortable drafts. Before the winter months, inspect each window and door for any cracks, gaps, or drafts. Use weather-stripping or caulking to seal any gaps and prevent cold air from entering your home.

Check the Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against snow, ice, and all kinds of precipitation. Inspecting your roof for damage and keeping it in good condition before the winter months is essential. Check for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, and leaks, and make repairs accordingly. If your roof needs more extensive work, consider bringing in a professional to do a roofing replacement job.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

The weight of snow can cause branches to break and fall, which can lead to damage to your home or car. To prevent this from happening, make sure to trim trees and shrubs around your home. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out dense foliage. By doing so, you can stay safe and prevent any winter-related damage.

Siding and Exterior Walls

A stunning exterior is a homeowner’s pride and joy. Exterior walls and siding, however, unfortunately, take the brunt of harsh weather conditions throughout the year. Winter weather, in particular, can be quite unforgiving. With temperatures plummeting, snow and ice can cause havoc on your beloved home’s exterior. As a precaution, take time this fall to inspect your siding for any signs of damage or if they need to be replaced. It’s essential to make any necessary repairs before the winter months approach to prevent any further damage or to call in a professional for a residential siding installation if what you have is beyond repair. Doing so ensures that your home is protected and looks its best all year round.

Store Outdoor Furniture and Appliances

The arrival of colder weather means it’s time to start thinking about storing your outdoor furniture and appliances. Nobody wants to arrive at the first spring barbeque to find that their once-pristine patio set is now coated in dirt and grime, or worse, damaged beyond repair. Take the time to properly clean, dry, and store your outdoor furniture and appliances to extend their lifespan and avoid costly replacements next year. Whether you store them in a shed, garage, or even an unused corner of your home, make sure they are protected from the elements and pests that may cause damage. Taking care of your outdoor investments now will result in a worry-free spring and summer season next year.

A little bit of exterior maintenance can go a long way toward making sure your home stays safe and warm through the winter months. Taking care of gutters, windows, roofs, trees, and outdoor items can help prevent damage and make sure your home is energy-efficient. So, take the time to do the maintenance now, and you’ll enjoy the peaceful beauty of winter, knowing that your home is protected.