As the winter season approaches, it’s important to make sure your home is well-protected against any potential siding problems. In Canada, certain weather conditions can cause significant damage to your home’s exterior, so it’s important to be aware of what you should look for and how to prevent any issues from occurring. This blog will provide an overview of five common winter siding problems you should look out for this winter.
- Ice Dams: Ice dams form on the edges of roofs when snow melts and then re-freezes. They create a barrier that blocks water from properly draining off of your roof, which can cause water to pool up in areas around the gutters and siding, resulting in leaks or rotting wood. To avoid ice dams, ensure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated to reduce heat buildup on the roof. You should also clear away debris from gutters and downspouts regularly so that water can drain properly.
- Expansion & Contraction: If temperatures fluctuate significantly during the winter months, it could lead to expansion or contraction of vinyl or wood siding—which can cause cracking or warping of materials. To prevent this issue from occurring, install insulated siding that helps minimize temperature fluctuations and movement in the material caused by extreme weather conditions.
- Sun Damage: Although the sun doesn’t shine as brightly during the winter months as it does during summertime, UV rays are still strong enough to fade paint colors over time if they are not protected with a quality coating product like a primer sealer or protective topcoat finish before being exposed to sunlight. Applying a coat of paint every two years (or more frequently depending on manufacturer recommendations) will help keep your home looking new year-round regardless of how much sun exposure it receives each day.
- Moisture Retention: One of the most common causes of mold growth on siding occurs when moisture is trapped between layers due to inadequate ventilation or improper installation methods—which can often occur in colder climates like Canada where temperatures dip below freezing for extended periods of time throughout the year. To combat this issue, ensure that all seals around windows and doors are properly sealed and caulked annually (or when needed). Additionally, keep an eye out for any signs of condensation inside your home which may indicate that additional insulation is necessary in order to prevent moisture from collecting within walls or exterior surfaces such as siding panels or shingles/tiles on roofs/sidings .
5 Wind Damage: High winds during winter months can damage siding panels if they are not securely fastened into place with durable screws (not nails). It’s also important that all joints between panels are caulked correctly with a high-quality product designed specifically for outdoor use—this will help reduce air infiltration which can lead to drafts inside your home as well as increased energy costs due to lost heat/cooling efficiency during cold months when more energy is used than usual in order maintain comfortable temperatures indoors despite lower temperature readings outside .
These five tips should help you keep an eye out for common winter siding problems while also providing solutions so you can take action quickly should something arise unexpectedly this season! If you’re ever unsure about whether there’s anything else you need to do in order protect your home against these types of issues—or if larger repairs are necessary—consult a professional contractor who specializes in residential construction projects before proceeding with any major work yourself! Doing so will ensure that everything is done correctly and safely so you don’t have worry about any unexpected surprises later down the line!