As winter approaches, homeowners should begin preparing their homes for the extreme weather changes it will bring. Homes need some extra care when it comes to snowy and icy conditions, and when it comes to siding, it is necessary to take precautionary measures to avoid any future damage. These tips will help you maximize your siding’s winter protection.
Have Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is undoubtedly one of the most popular siding choices. There’s no maintenance required, which can be a blessing for those who like to spend the winter hibernating rather than repairing siding issues in the bitter cold. But what can you do to ensure you will not have to maintain it? Here are our three tips for vinyl siding.
- Avoid installing vinyl in temperatures below freezing. Choosing to install the siding on your home during temperate weather will prevent issues with expansion and contraction during extremely hot or frigid weather conditions.
- Don’t paint it. Doing so could void some manufacturer’s warranties and the paint will inevitably chip and peel over time.
- Keep it covered. Covering your siding is essential if you are planning on doing any work on the exterior of your home. Although modern vinyl siding is typically treated to resist fading, some factors can cause it to discolor, such as overspray from wood stains and concrete sealants or some chemicals commonly found in herbicides and pesticides.
Have Wood Siding?
Wood is more maintenance-intensive than vinyl when it comes to protecting your home. Despite the beautiful appearance of wood, it is still wood, meaning that it is prone to rotting. Keep your wood exterior in good shape during the cold months with these three tips:
- Watch for any signs of water damage. Pay attention to signs of rot, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain, snow, or ice.
- Peeling paint indicates rotting wood, which you should address immediately to avoid further deterioration. You may need to hire a siding contractor to replace your home’s exterior, or you may need to repaint or stain the other parts to prevent the other parts from rotting.
- Remember that wood siding is more flammable. Keep the annual bonfire or grilling a safe distance from the house when lit.
What About a Fiber Cement Exterior?
Fiber cement siding isn’t as standard as vinyl siding and wood siding. Fiber cement siding is regarded as one of the most durable and weather-resistant types of siding. It requires less maintenance than wood or vinyl, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore it. Here are two tips to help you keep it looking great:
1. Remember to paint it: Fiber cement is easier to maintain than wood –but it still needs to be painted to protect it from the elements. Choose only quality paints, and don’t go painting in cold temperatures. The benchmark, in this case, is 50 degrees or below. Although you might not be able to get around to painting it right now, all you need to do is keep it clean until the weather warms up.
2. Ensure that all the caulking is intact: If you have used caulk inside your bathroom, you are probably familiar with it. But did you know that you can use it on your siding as well? When the caulking has worn down, you need to fill any gaps. If you don’t, your heating expenses could rise dramatically.
Your home’s exterior is one of your best defenses against winter’s harsh weather. Take steps to keep Mother Nature at bay as long as possible. In some cases, maintaining your it in winter is best accomplished by staying on top of minor repairs and delaying significant maintenance. Think it’s too late? Read our blog, “8 Signs That it’s Time to Replace Your Home’s Siding,” and learn more. Even though winter has just begun, it’s never too late to plan a siding replacement with Unified Home Remodeling. We offer high-quality vinyl siding from CertainTeed, Alside, and others.
You can obtain a free consultation and comprehensive estimate from Unified Home Remodeling. Our team will help you choose the siding that best suits your vision and budget for your home. Contact us today at (888) 631-2131 or online.
