Siding Maintenance for the Winter

With winter on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking ahead and taking preparatory measures for the upcoming harsh weather. This includes inspecting your home and checking to make sure that the exterior is up to par. A large portion of this consists of the siding. As conditions change, it’s important that your siding is in sufficient condition to resist the cold temperatures, harsh winds, and snowfall/debris. It is also a good chance to check for any signs of future degradation, and have it repaired before it causes serious damage. Here are 4 things you should do for your siding in preparation for winter.

Power Wash Your Siding

Dirt and debris can accumulate on the siding of your home, especially during the summer months, covering up any potential problems, and possibly making them worse by getting inside cracks and seams and expanding and contracting with the temperature. Therefore, it is best to wash it off before the extreme temperatures of winter hit, and the constant flux of cold temperatures and wet conditions keep the debris in place. We recommend a mix of soapy water and trisodium phosphate for maximum effectiveness.

Inspect it for Cracks and Rot

Now that the surface of your siding is clean, you should be able to get a clearer picture of its condition. Check it for paint chipping, loose siding, and damage from insects. These are all signs of degradation, and if these signs show it can be an indicator of more serious damage to come. Failure to address these could lead to leaks, cracks, water damage, and loss of insulation. If any of these can be seen, it’s best that you hire a contractor to take a closer look at it.

Check Weep Holes

A weep hole is something that appears in some methods of siding installation, and consist of holes punched into the bottom of some siding to help in condensation drainage. As useful as this may be, it can also lead to water infiltration if plugged by insects, debris, or snow/ice. Therefore, routinely check for blockages by taking a thin stiff wire and running it through the holes.

Get an Inspection

Even if there is no obvious damage in the siding, there is still potential for miniature flaws that you may not be able to reach or are too small to see. Therefore, it is always recommended to book an inspection during fall, so as to get a professional opinion on your home’s external integrity before it is tested by the harsh winter weather. Having this foresight is something that every responsible homeowner should do, and can save you large amounts in repairs down the line. It is always easier to prevent things than fix them!

We understand that when it comes to your home, it is vital that you get professional work done that ensures the protection and integrity of your family’s safety and your financial investment. Therefore, it is important to leave such work to only the most qualified professionals.

At Jancon Exteriors, we employ only the best contractors who have the skill and experience to handle almost any exterior job out there. Whether it be siding, roofing, windows, or doors and decks, we have the tools and the expertise to do any repairs, replacements, or installations you require. Call us, or fill out an inquiry form, to book an inspection.