Winter can be a detrimental season for the outside of your house. As the cold season ends, it is time for homeowners to inspect and evaluate how much the past sub-zero temperature took a toll on their home’s exteriors. For comprehensive exterior maintenance, check out our exterior services.

Ice Dams on Roof and Gutters

While it may help in making your home a winter wonderland, ice dams can really do great damage to your roof and gutters. Ice might look pretty hanging from your gutters, but the damage it can cause will last longer than the glittering icicles. Snow that melts and then refreezes creates a blockage in the gutters that might result in separation from the house, and it can also loosen the shingles on your roof. For professional assistance, explore our roof repair services.

Ice dams are not an uncommon problem for houses. Some may even experience it repeatedly during winter seasons. If your house suffered from an ice dam in the past, add insulation to prevent another occurrence, and take other protective measures like using heated cords or installing roof and soffit vents. These will prevent water from refreezing. To keep your gutters clear, consider installing our gutter guards.

Sticky Windows

After being shut for a long while during winter, older windows (especially wood windows) may be difficult to open and swing. This is because moisture can cause wood windows to swell, making it nearly impossible to get the sash to slide open. Wood rot can also be an issue and a contributing factor to why it is difficult to open. If your windows are beyond repair, consider our window replacement services.

Siding Damages

Your siding is a layer of protection for your home during the winter. However, the cold can greatly affect it negatively, which may bring out more severe implications if not addressed properly. Some signs of damaged siding include warping, peeling interior or exterior paint, mold, mildew, and dry rot. Learn more about our siding repair services.

In simple cases, all your siding might need is a tough cleaning job and a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the colors dulled by the winter weather. However, some homes might need siding replacement depending on the damage snow caused. Visit our siding replacement page for more information.

Walkway and Driveway Cracks

The cold can also damage your walkway and driveway. Ice can create cracks in concrete or asphalt driveways, and salt can wear down these materials. This will result in eroded surfaces and places for water to refreeze later, as well as breeding grounds for moss and algae.

If you have a gravel walkway, simply add more sand underneath. However, if you spot holes or cracks in a concrete or asphalt driveway, you will require refilling and removal of any moss or algae that has started to form.

Ice Damage on the Deck

Ice on the deck is a hazard when it comes to tripping or falling, but the effects of ice can be detrimental even after it melts. Snow and ice damage to your deck may come in the form of mildew, warping, and splitting. You can avoid most of those symptoms if you promptly remove snow and ice from the surface of your deck. If your deck needs a revamp, explore our porches and decks services.

Exterior repairs might not be at the top of your list as your household recovers from winter. However, prioritizing these simple upkeeps can save you from a lot of headaches and repair expenses in the long run. At the same time, these can prepare you for the next time cold weather rolls around.

Maintaining your roof, gutters, siding, and garage will keep your house warm and properly insulated, and taking care of your walkways and deck will provide safe places for entertaining guests.

 

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