Winter weather can really do a number on the outside your home, especially in New England, where winters are long and chilly. Everybody knows that you need to shovel your driveway and mailbox, but what about removing snow and ice from your roof and gutters. Neglecting winter exterior home maintenance can cost you loads of money down the road if you aren’t vigilant!
Have Your Roof Inspected
Winter storms bring high winds, ice, and snow that can damage your roof, especially over time. Storms with high winds can even bring down trees or power lines in the direction of your home. Even if you think that your home wasn’t damaged in a big storm, it’s crucial to make sure by having your roof inspected by a professional. A proper inspection will help ensure that you don’t have any minor problems with your roof or gutters that could grow into major issues for your home in the future.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
A high-quality roof will help protect your home, but without gutters to match, ice, rain, and snow have nowhere to drain. That’s why gutters are essential in keeping moisture away your home’s siding and foundation. Repeated storms make it easier for ice dams to build up, so be sure to remove ice dams when you see them begin to occur.
Preserve Your Siding
Wooden siding has historically been the most popular type of siding for homes in the U.S. but wood siding is more prone to absorbing water, which causes wood to weaken and rot over time. In cold weather, even vinyl siding can be vulnerable to cracking, especially if ice dams have the chance to form on your gutters or roof. You’ll also want to remove snow from around the siding of your home, otherwise, it can leak into your siding and foundation.
In Conclusion
Exterior home maintenance may not be as fun as building a snowman or going sledding, but it’s just as much of a winter essential. Don’t forget, the best way to prepare for winter is by taking preventative measures, like having your roof inspected to make sure it’s in good shape before the seasons start to change. If your roof does have any damage, get it fixed as soon as possible because once damage happens, it can spread easily to other parts of your home.
