Learn ways to prevent siding and roof damage in winter by Louisiana Landsource. Louisiana Landsource is not only here if you’re looking to buy land for sale in Louisiana, we’re here even if you’re buying or selling a LA home. As a Louisiana homeowner you need to learn ways to prevent siding and roof damage in winter to your home. Louisiana Landsource is here to help inform you all about Louisiana real estate. Whether you want to sell your home or buy a great tract of land for sale in Louisiana, Landsource is here to help. When winter rolls around, the last thing you want to deal with is damaged siding and roofing. But unfortunately, this is a common problem.
Winter weather brings extreme temperatures, freezing rain, sleet and snow. While these conditions can bring fun family time along with the holiday cheer, they can also cause severe damage to your home’s siding and roof. A good snowfall can leave your home looking like it’s been through a blizzard. But the damage that we associate with snow can be worse than the flakes themselves — it’s not just the weight of the snow that can cause problems. The weight of snow can cause roofs and siding to buckle, holes to form in shingles and even icicles to be formed. These are all potential sources of water damage to the home. Water seeping through cracked or missing shingles or ice dams causes far more serious damage over time.
Tips to Prevent Siding and Roof Damage During Winter
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, ice, or freezing rain, one of the first things you should do is make sure your siding and roof are in good shape and prepared for the winter. With the right preparation and maintenance, you can keep your siding and roof in good condition this season to avoid costly repairs next spring. Here are some tips to help you ensure your home’s exterior is protected against the elements during the winter:
Prevention is The Key: Inspect Your Roof Before Winter
First, make sure that you check your roof for any signs of leaking or damage before winter sets in. A simple way to do this is by walking around your house and looking up at your roofline — if you see a puddle or any other indication that rainwater may be infiltrating your home, there could be a problem with your roof. Of course, if you notice any obvious signs of damage — such as missing shingles or a rusty or otherwise damaged flashing — it should be addressed immediately before they turn into a bigger problem come winter.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are a leading cause of water damage to homes in the winter. Gutters are designed to collect rainwater and direct it away from your house. When they get clogged with leaves and other debris, water can’t properly escape and instead freezes and backs up toward the roof and drips through holes in the roof.
To prevent this problem, you need to clear your gutters of debris. That includes leaves, needles, twigs and other tree debris that fall during the year. All these items can clog up your gutter and allow water to back up under your eaves instead of flowing down and away from the house. You’ll also want to clean out the downspouts, which are often forgotten about when it comes to winterizing your home but are important for draining away water – including melted snow and ice buildup – away from the foundation of your home.
Inspect Your Sidings for Damage
Homeowners who are in the process of getting their houses ready for winter should take an extra few minutes to look into their siding. Torn and damaged sidings can be a real pain come winter because they let water get into the walls and cause all sorts of problems.
Make sure to check all the places where your siding meets the roof, windowsills, gutters, around doors and electrical outlets—anywhere water could seep into your walls and cause wood rot or mold. If there are any gaps or cracks, talk to a contractor about sealing these areas with weather-friendly silicone caulk before freezing temperatures hit. This way you’ll know for sure that water won’t get inside once the temperature drops.
Clear away snow and ice from your siding and roof
The first step to keeping your home’s exterior in good condition is to prevent snow from piling up on your roof and siding. Any accumulation of snow can cause water to leak into your home or freeze and expand, creating damage to your siding and roof. You don’t have to shovel every inch of snow that falls, but it’s important to clear off any areas where snow tends to pile up — around windows, doors, chimneys and vents. Don’t wait until there’s a foot of snow on your roof before getting out there with a shovel — it’s better to remove small amounts of snow regularly than risk large accumulations later on.
Insulate your attic
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you’re probably familiar with ice dams. These are thin sheets of ice that form on the roof’s edge and push water back into your attic. Not only is this annoying, but it can cause serious damage to your roof’s shingles and the entire house.
To avoid this potentially devastating problem, you should take steps to insulate your attic and keep heat inside. This will help melt any snow that falls on your roof before it can freeze and cause an ice dam.
Keep Your Exteriors Safe During Winter
Winter is certainly a tough season for you to keep your interiors safe while you are dealing with the harsh weather. When you want them to stay in good condition all year round, call a professional who will make sure that all of your exteriors are protected so that when the spring comes around everything will look as good as new! When it comes to professional advice for your LA home, call Louisiana Landsource for vetted contractors like Louisiana Roof crafters.
Whether you need information on how to care for your Louisiana home or general information about real estate, reach out to Louisiana Landsource. If you’re looking to sell your home or buy land for sale in Louisiana, start your search right here at Louisiana Landsource.