Winterizing Every Part of Your Home's Exterior
Imagine waking up on a chilly winter morning to find a cascade of icicles hanging from your clogged gutters or, worse, a damp patch on your ceiling, indicating a leaky roof. These unfortunate scenarios are often the result of neglecting to winterize your home.
Failing to adequately prepare your house for winter can leave it vulnerable to a host of potential problems. Damage from ice dams can cause water to seep into your house, leading to structural damage and potentially costly repairs.
Similarly, drafty windows and doors can lead to increased heating costs as your home struggles to retain its warmth. Ultimately, the failure to winterize can turn your cozy winter haven into a cold, damp, and costly nightmare.
Turn to the Experts at Expert Level Remodeling not only to help you if the worst happens and you need immediate home repairs but also to fully prep your home for winter to prevent damage.
Start With Your Roof
Your roof is the most protective element of your home, and if it’s not in tip-top condition before heading into winter, it can cause headaches for you at the least or serious hazards at the worst.
Since it’s often the first line of defense against rain, hail, snow, and ice, take some time each year to do the following.
Inspect Your Roof
Start with a comprehensive inspection of your roof. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles which may allow water to seep in, leading to leaks or ice dams.
If you don’t trust yourself up on a ladder, call the experts for a complete roof inspection. Our team doesn’t miss a thing; if we do notice an issue, our specialists will prepare a roof repair plan that rectifies any problem as quickly as possible.
Check Insulation
Don’t forget to inspect your roof's insulation while checking the rest of your roof. Proper insulation helps maintain your home's temperature, preventing the formation of ice dams.
If your insulation is lacking, consider adding more or seeking a professional opinion before winter sets in.
Trim Trees & Branches
Before winter arrives, make sure to trim any trees or branches that are hanging over your roof, either yourself or through a professional tree trimming service. These natural hazards can potentially fall onto your roof during heavy snowfall, causing damage that is often expensive to repair.
Prep Your Gutter Systems
Since you’re already up on the roof inspecting your shingles, you might as well take a look at your gutter systems, too. As part of your combined roofing system, gutters play a crucial role in controlling water flow and ushering it away from your house.
Some of the most common storm and water damage problems occur because of neglected gutters that allow water to build up and enter your ceilings and walls. Each winter, perform these checks.
Clean Out Gutters
First and foremost, while you’re on the ladder, remove twigs, leaves, debris, bird’s nests, dirt, and anything else that might have collected in your gutters throughout the year.
Your gutter systems need to be clean and clear so that water has no problem running through them and out the downspout.
Install Gutter Guards
If your home doesn’t have them already, we recommend installing specialized gutter systems or gutter guards along your roofline. These simple yet effective devices prevent debris from clogging your gutters and ensure a better flow of water off your home.
When choosing Expert Level Remodeling to install gutter guards for you, we’ll also make sure your entire gutter system is cleaned out, fully connected, and functioning properly.
Perform Siding Checks
After inspecting your roof and gutters, look over your home’s siding. If you see any damage, even small chips or cracks, let our experts take a look so you won’t have to worry about a larger problem developing during the coldest months of the year.
Repair All Damage
Look for cracks, gaps, or loose siding. Any damaged areas should be promptly repaired to prevent moisture from seeping in. If left unchecked, those siding cracks can lead to mildew and mold growth, which have dangerous health consequences.
Cracks and gaps also worsen with freezing and thawing cycles, so if you put off repairs now, you’ll likely have bigger, more costly repairs later. Those gaps will also let in a lot more cold air that will create a cooler home environment or make your HVAC system work a lot harder to keep your home warm, adding up to pricey energy bills.
Your safest bet is to have an Expert check out your siding and make lasting repairs sooner rather than later.
Inspect Windows & Doors
The last lines of defense from the outside weather are your windows and doors. Always include them in your pre-winter home inspections because even a small draft can boost your energy bills and leave your cozy home susceptible to icy rooms.
Fix Any Leaks
Run your hands around all window and door frames and feel for cold air seeping in. If any drafts are detected, use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them off.
Install Improvements
If you notice that several or more windows have drafts or you have to apply leak-sealing treatments year after year, you should consider installing storm windows and doors or upgrading them to higher quality, energy-efficient ones.
These extra layers of protection can drastically improve heat retention, leading to lower energy bills and a more comfortable home environment. Talk with our specialists about whether new windows are right for your home and have them installed before the worst winter weather strikes.
Your Source for Home Winterization: Expert Level Remodeling
Keep the chill out and your home fully protected this and every winter with the expert inspections and services offered by our licensed and certified team!
With over 20 years of experience helping homeowners around the Twin Cities recover from vicious winter storm damage, our team is well-qualified to make the recommendations and repairs you need to keep your home safe. See how our honest, high-quality work delivers for our past clients.
Then make the call for your home at 763-205-0400 or request an inspection online.