Exterior Remodeling Company | How Winter Affects Siding

While winter weather can be beautiful, it often brings challenges that can harm your home’s exterior. Siding is one part that can suffer significant wear during winter months as it is constantly exposed to the elements. Certain materials, such as vinyl and wood, may show more noticeable damage.

Let’s explore how severe winter conditions can impact your siding, how to identify signs of deterioration, and what steps you can take to address it.

Winter Weather Risks to Siding

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Moisture expands when it freezes, leading to cracking and structural issues. The greater the number of freeze-thaw cycles your siding experiences, the higher the likelihood of sustaining damage.

Ways to Avoid Issues: While you can’t control precipitation changes, you can take steps to prevent the problems it may cause. To safeguard your siding from wear caused by freeze-thaw cycles, ensure it’s installed by a trusted exterior remodeling company and have it regularly inspected for any signs of wear. If you spot issues, address them quickly to avert more serious damage down the line.

Ice Dams

When the snow on your roof starts to melt and then refreezes as temperatures lower, ice dams can form, potentially damaging your home’s exterior. Icicles may also grow at the roof’s edge, and if they fall, they can harm your siding.

Vinyl siding often becomes brittle in winter, making it susceptible to cracking. If wood siding is not adequately maintained, moisture can seep in and cause further problems.

Ways to Avoid Issues: Proper insulation in your attic is crucial for preventing ice dams. You can also hire a professional to clear snow from your roof and install a drip edge to help prevent water from pooling behind your siding.

Wind Gusts

When siding ages or requires repairs, strong winds can sometimes cause panels to detach from your home. This situation exposes your exterior to the risk of moisture intrusion, which can result in further damage.

In windy conditions, airborne branches or other debris may also impact your siding, resulting in additional problems. Lightweight vinyl siding is particularly susceptible to becoming loose when it faces strong gusts of wind.

Ways to Avoid Issues: Robust options like stone veneer or James Hardie siding can enhance your home’s resilience against strong winter winds. It’s vital to hire a skilled siding contractor with a proven history of successful installations to ensure you receive the durable, high-performance results you want.

Signs of Damage To Look For

Warped Siding

Vinyl and wood siding can easily warp when exposed to cold winter air and dampness. Once the planks are warped, moisture can enter the gaps and compromise your house’s internal structure. This kind of issue can be challenging to detect in its early stages. If you wait too long to notice it, your home may suffer considerable damage.

Holes and Dents

If strong winds and severe storms propel debris into your siding, it can lead to holes and dents, especially with vinyl siding. These openings can let cold air enter your home, increasing your heating costs and making your living space uncomfortable. It’s essential to get holes or significant dents repaired quickly to prevent further issues.

Peeling Paint

The cold weather can seriously impact the paint on your siding. While it might seem minor to notice some peeling paint, it’s vital to tackle this issue to prevent moisture from getting into your siding planks.

Leaky Seals

As winds, ice, and freezing temperatures buffet your home, the seals and caulking between your siding panels and exterior walls can become loose, crack, or even break. This matter creates an opportunity for water damage, which can result in rot, unhealthy mold growth, and other serious issues.

Loose Siding

During winter storms, vinyl siding can become loose, exposing insulation and causing colder temperatures in your home, which can result in higher energy costs. If left unaddressed, this situation can lead to water damage and a range of additional issues, making it essential to have your siding repaired promptly.

How To Handle Winter-Damaged Siding

Throughout the colder months, it’s crucial to monitor the condition of your siding regularly. Pay close attention to any signs of wear, especially after storms or heavy snowfall.

Once winter draws to a close, take the time to thoroughly examine your siding for any potential issues that may have appeared during the harsh weather. If you notice anything concerning or even have a suspicion that your siding might have been compromised, reach out to a trusted exterior remodeling company for a professional inspection.

Remember, proactive care will make it easier to keep your home looking its best. Make that call today for peace of mind and to ensure your siding is ready to face the seasons ahead!