During winter, temperatures in the Twin Cities drop below freezing often. Add snow and ice to that recipe, and it can really take a toll on your house. No one wants to deal with leaks and other problems in the winter, when it’s so inconvenient, chilly, and costly to address repairs.
This doesn’t have to be you, though! With just a few steps during the fall, you can prep your property to stand up well against snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. And as you do so, your home will not just be protected—it’ll look good too! Here’s what to do:
5 Exterior Areas to Winterize Against Chilly Temperatures
Below, you’ll find a list of exterior features to check and care for before Minnesota’s cold months roll around. Make time in the autumn each year to take these essential steps that protect your home and keep it looking attractive too:
1. Check the Roof
Let’s just be real—during winter, your roofing endures a lot of abuse from snow, sleet, freezing rain, ice, and wind. Heavy, wet snow and ice can sit atop your home for days, leading to leaks in any vulnerable spots. So, your roof is the first thing you should check (and fix, if you have to!) before winter arrives.
Take a pair of binoculars, stand across the street, and scan the top of your house for any trouble areas, like loose, missing or curled shingles, damaged vents, and so on. Debris should be removed, and repairs should be addressed quickly by a professional contractor (who has proper safety equipment).
If your roofing is at the end of its lifespan, a roof replacement will be well worth the investment to keep your home safe from leaks. And remember, a new roof not only protects against moisture—it also provides an eye-catching boost to your curb appeal.
2. Clear Gutters
When temperatures drop below 32 degrees, Minnesota homes are at risk of ice dams, which form at roof edges as snow and sleet melt, then refreeze. These blocks of ice can tear at roofing and allow moisture to sneak underneath shingles, causing costly leaks.
Clean gutters help moisture flow off the roof, preventing ice dams and leaks. So, inspect your gutter system carefully. Remove leaves and debris, and run water through the system to ensure runoff flows easily through it. Repair any leaky spots. Adjust downspouts to point drainage away from your foundation.
If your gutters are worn down from age, consider getting a new drainage system with gutter guards to keep out debris. And here’s a bonus: New gutters help make your exterior look sharp and neat.
3. Care for Siding
Home siding in great condition looks attractive—but it does so much more than that too. It keeps moisture and pests from causing structural damage, and it can help your house stay insulated and cozy when the weather gets cold.
To winterize your siding, first take a walk around your exterior, inspecting the walls for cracks, rot, or other issues like loose lapboards or broken bricks. Rinse away any grime and spots of mold. Anything that appears damaged should be repaired or replaced so that your exterior can resist the effects of snow and ice as winter sets in.
If your siding is aging, consider installing replacement siding that can withstand the Twin Cities’ cold days. You’ll love the added energy efficiency and beauty you get, along with the protection against snow and ice.
4. Seal Windows and Doors
To keep unwanted moisture and frigid breezes from getting indoors, keep your windows and doors airtight (and watertight!). Attach weatherstripping to sides, tops, and bottoms of doors. Check window and door frames to see if you notice visible gaps that can be filled with fresh caulk. These simple steps help keep your home toasty warm and dry.
If you need even more protection and insulation, consider installing storm windows and doors for an extra layer of defense against harsh storms and cold winds. Or, add style, convenience, and coziness to your home by investing in door and window replacements.
5. Trim Trees and Bushes
Winter’s ice, snow, and winds can cause tree branches and bush limbs to scrape along your roof shingles and siding. That’s a problem! Shingles can get pushed aside or lose their protective granules, and siding can get punctured—meaning your home is opened up to moisture getting in and doing damage.
The solution to this is simple: Have your trees professionally trimmed to get rid of dead branches (so they don’t fall and harm your roof!). Prune any bushes that are close to your exterior walls too. This keeps your house secure, and it also makes your landscaping look tidy and attractive.
Make Time Now to Protect Your Home Exterior Against Minnesota’s Cold Winter Months
Now that you know what to look for, set aside a weekend to check your exterior and ensure it’s in great shape. Of course, if you notice signs of damage to your roof, gutters, or siding, it’s time to call on the experts. The sooner you act to make repairs or upgrades, the better off you’ll be once winter hits.
Remember, our friendly, professional team at Iron River Construction is ready to serve you. We’ll answer your questions and guide you to lasting exterior solutions that keep your home safeguarded and free from costly damage—for dozens of winters to come!
