Don’t have a blue Christmas—winter-proof your home

 

You’ve probably spent some time and money making your home exterior festive for the holidays—lights, bows, even inflatables. But if the roof behind those lights, or the window below that wreath, suffers from deferred maintenance, you could end up with a blue Christmas—and blue lips! Keeping out cold and moisture is even more important than looking festive.  Remember, your home’s exterior protects everything else inside! It keeps your loved ones and cherished belongings safe, comfortable, and dry all year long, especially in cold winter weather.

While Hampton Roads has milder winters than the Northern U.S., we still see plenty of days near or below freezing… and even occasional snow or ice storms, which which can cause similar damage to hurricanes!

WHAT DAMAGE DO THE PROS SEE MOST? 

“The most common storm damage we see is siding or shingles blowing off of homes, and the leaks that occur from that damage.,” said Mike Reedy, owner of Quality Built Exteriors. “The only way to reduce this type of damage is to have your roof, windows, doors and siding properly installed to begin with. If those four main points of weakness aren’t properly prepared, installed and sealed, then when a storm hits, there’s really nothing you can do—besides fix the damage afterward.”

So address any problem areas of your home’s exterior now, before extreme weather arrives in full force. Here are some tips on how homeowners can keep their home exterior in tip-top shape this winter:

Roofs

One of the most vulnerable spots of your home’s exterior is the roof. Falling trees, ice dams, leaks, missing shingles… and the list goes on.

Most homeowners know that a missing shingle should be replaced quickly to prevent future leaks. But did you know that if several shingles begin to come loose, the glue beneath your shingles could be failing? If you often have loose or missing shingles after a storm or a harsh winter, your roof may need a full replacement. Be sure to also look out for tiny rocks and granules in your gutters and downspouts, which could be a sign that the shingles’ protective coating is starting to wear off—also indicating you need a new roof.

Going into winter with an old or leaking roof is asking for disaster. The best thing you can do is replace your roof or fix existing damage now, which will help to prevent major damage later. This will save headaches and money in the long run, as it’s harder and costlier to repair roof damage in winter than in warmer months (due to additional sealants that must be used when outside temps drop below freezing).

How else can you tell your roof nearing the end of its lifespan? Look for signs of a leak, such as water damage on drywall, soft spots on the roof, or even a mildew or mold smell. If any of these turn up, you’ll want to have your roof checked by a professional as soon as possible. Quality Built Exteriors offers free roof inspections and can help with any of your roofing needs. They set the standard in Hampton Roads for storm-ready roofs and exterior construction, by going above and beyond required codes to add extra layers of protection where your home needs it most.

Gutters

This time of year, many homeowners find themselves at the top of a ladder cleaning out all those fall leaves from their gutters. This is important maintenance, as a clogged gutter can lead to water backups, ice dams and even interior damage.

While up on that ladder, be on the lookout for gutter nails that are popping out or rusting, and for dings, holes or bends in your gutters. If your gutters continually get clogged, you could soon be in for a much bigger problem. The resulting damage to rafters and drywall can be significant. Peeling and bubbling paint on your home’s trim can be an early sign of trouble. No covers on your gutters? Consider having leaf guards installed on your home.

Chimneys

While doing regular roof and gutter inspections, homeowners should also check the seals around any vents, pipe collars and chimneys for cracks or damage.

Having a chimney in good condition is especially important this time of year. Not only will it keep you warm in the dark winter months, but it will give Santa a nice place to come down on Christmas Eve! Ensure your chimney cap is in place and well secured. This prevents both water and animals from getting into the chimney shaft.

Do you see missing, damaged or deteriorating bricks and mortar? These seemingly small issues can cause major moisture issues down the road.

Is your chimney beginning to lean, hang or pull away from your home? Time and gravity can cause significant damage to a chimney and create safety concerns if left unfixed. Incorrectly installed siding and flashing around your chimney, which is revealed by warped siding or water marks on the brick, can lead to indoor leaks.

Be on the lookout for these warning signs, and always hire a contractor that specializes in BOTH roofs and siding to perform work around a chimney.

Siding and Trim

Additional items to check while assessing your roof are the siding, trim and fascia—especially those made of wood. If there rotting areas or the paint has begun to bubble or chip, paint or replace them now to prevent further degrade come spring. Consider replacing wood trim with vinyl, which provides a cost-effective, maintenance-free solution.

Most damage to siding is easily spotted, such as cracking, rotting, warping, buckling or molding. Sometimes a quick power wash will solve the problem, and other times a repair or replacement is necessary.

Even when your siding isn’t showing signs of obvious damage, underlying problems can still exist. The original vapor barrier under the siding or the flashing could have been incorrectly installed, leading to leaks. This is where Nor’easters and winter storms can cause issues, as ice can freeze and expand inside the flashing.

Secondary flashing measures aren’t required by code in our area, but trained experts like Quality Built Exteriors know they should be, as what’s underneath is just as important as what you see from the outside. The quality of the underlayment, hurricane mat, adhesives, caulks, etc. will make a huge difference in the lifespan of the work and the amount of damage sustained in a storm. Quality Built Exteriors adds above-code secondary flashing systems on roof and siding installations to protect your home from any type of storm.

The hot summer sun can cause siding to fade, but the heat can also cause vinyl siding to expand, popping up fasteners and causing pieces to come loose or fall off. Try rubbing your fingers along vinyl siding. If any color or chalky residue comes off, the siding may be nearing the end of its lifespan.

Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are some of the most frequently used exterior features of your home. With all the coming and going of modern life, these items can wear out quickly, yet are often taken for granted and neglected when it comes to maintenance.

Now that the cold weather is here, stand near your windows and doors for a few minutes to see if you notice a draft. If you have builder-grade doors, you may even notice the cold emanating from the door itself. To save on energy bills and prevent cold spots from occurring in your home, it’s a good idea to reseal anywhere drafts are felt.

If the windows or doors are extremely old, single-pane or uninsulated, it’s worth the money to fully replace them. Consider composite doors, which may cost more up front but will last longer and require less maintenance over the years. For especially harsh locations with strong winds, rain or blowing salt water, extra protection may be required underneath the siding adjacent to your windows to prevent future leaks.

Seal failures not only let in cold air, they can also cause water to leak inside over time. Water stains underneath your windows, either inside or outside, are often the first sign of trouble. On the exterior, look for bubbling or chipping paint, chalking or fading siding, or softening or rotting wood around your windows, which all indicate water damage. Once there is visible damage, a window replacement and new wood or drywall is often needed to fix the problem. If the paint on your doors begins to bubble or chip, a simple paint job will make it look brand new, as long as there is no nearby water damage.

From cracked siding and missing shingles to drafty windows and leaky, rotten trim, harsh winter weather can be rough on your home’s exterior… and chilly for your family.  Stay warm this season by taking care of any exterior issues on your home now, before the temps drop even more.

If your list is more than you can manage on your own… the experienced team at Quality Built Exteriors is on call to help. Call them today for a free estimate. Christmas shopping left you short on cash? Financing is available.