Tips for Protecting Siding Against Harsh Winter Weather
Is your siding ready to withstand harsh winter weather? Your home’s siding is its first line of defense against the outside elements, helping insulate your home and improve energy performance. Snow, ice, wind, and freezing rain can all take a toll on siding, leading to cracks, warping or mold that impact its appearance and performance.
Taking a few steps now to prepare and protect your siding against the elements can help you save on costly repairs or replacements later. Below are a few easy steps any homeowner can take to defend their home against winter weather.
How Winter Weather Impacts Siding
Not all siding materials react to winter weather the same way. By knowing the unique risks associated with your siding type, you can look for early warning signs and prioritize maintenance needs.
- Wood siding absorbs moisture, making it prone to swelling, warping, and rotting.
- Metal siding holds up well against snow but can be damaged from falling branches or ice.
- Vinyl siding can become brittle in freezing temperatures and crack or warp.
- Fiber cement siding is extremely durable and moisture resistant but should still be routinely inspected.
Inspect and Clean Siding Before the Cold Sets In
Inspect your home’s siding for cracks, loose boards, rot, or visible gaps in early fall before winter weather sets in. These are weak points that can allow moisture from rain or melting snow and ice to creep in behind the siding, freeze and cause damage.
Start by cleaning your siding of dirt, mildew, and debris using a soft brush, mild detergent, and garden hose. Avoid high-pressure washers, which may force water under siding panels. As you are cleaning, make note of any bubbling paint, soft spots, cracks, or holes and take steps to repair or replace broken siding.
Properly Seal and Caulk Siding
While it’s tempting to disregard small cracks or holes, these can lead to significant winter damage down the road. If you don’t want to replace your siding, use sealants to fill cracks and prevent moisture from getting in.
Also take time to check seals and caulking where siding meets the edges of the doors and windows. If caulking is dry, cracked, or pulling away from your home, replace it with caulk rated for outdoor use in cold temperatures. This is a small step that can help significantly reduce the risk of siding damage during winter storms.
Proactively Winterize Your Home’s Exterior
Taking steps to prepare other areas of your home can also help your siding better endure winter storms.
Cut and prune tree branches that may scratch or rub against your home during strong winds or heavy snow.
Check gutters and downspouts and remove any debris to ensure they are clear and will allow the free flow of water. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and freeze against siding, accelerating deterioration.
Also take time to inspect exterior vents and attics for areas where warm air may escape. Make sure sofit vents are clear, exhaust fans vent properly, crawl spaces are dry, and that attic insulation is evenly distributed. Poor ventilation or insulation can lead to condensation behind siding during winter, which can both cause damage and decrease your home’s energy efficiency.
Conduct Routine Inspections
Even well-maintained siding requires attention in the winter. Walk around your home after winter storms and look for snow or ice build-up. Gently scrape off ice or brush away snow with a broom. Once the weather improves, check for any loose panels or visible damage, particularly along areas where gutters or downspouts may overflow and result in water freezing against exterior walls.
Siding Repair and Replacement: When It’s Time To Call the Professionals
While many maintenance tasks and DIY repairs can be completed independently, it’s important to know when it’s time to call in professionals.
Extensive warping, peeling, rotting, large cracks, or multiple missing panels will require more than a simple patch. A professional home exterior contractor can assess the full extent of the damage to your siding and provide a customized quote for replacement.
Modern siding materials, like fiber cement, are built to withstand severe weather, stay moisture resistant, and retain their appearance for 30+ years. Upgrading your siding also boosts your home’s value and improves energy efficiency.
If you’re considering replacing your siding, Energy Exteriors NW provides free quotes and routinely offers seasonal savings to make replacements more affordable.