Many of us are glad for spring to arrive and the winter snow to melt away, but what about the damage the winter snow has done to our homes? How do you check your home for winter damage? Winter snow can freeze pipes, leaving lasting damage, or even result in roof damage. Shingles might be loose or completely removed, often meaning you’ll need a roof repair. There are a lot of problems that can result from winter, so it’s important you check for damage as soon as possible.
Leaky Doors and Windows
Knowing how to check your home for winter damage is vital, because, unfortunately, the freezing temperatures of the winter can cause pipes to burst, which may lead to leaks around the house. You may start to notice leaks coming through the ceiling or walls, possibly causing mold to form if it goes untreated for too long. This may be something you can catch in the winter before things get too bad, but with pipes freezing during these times, the damage could be present for a while before it’s noticed.
Fluctuating temperatures in the winter can also cause window damage. The caulk may pull away and cause a draft to come in through the cracks. Not only can window damage cause a higher electricity bill, but it can also cause leaky windows and doors. Melting snow on the outside of a window can leak through the cracks, causing wood damage or mold to appear.
The best thing to do when it comes to window damage is to reapply caulk to the cracks. You may need to pull away any rotting wood or remove mold, but be sure to cover it up before any more damage can occur.
Ice Dam Damage Gutters
Another thing that can be difficult to deal with is the wear and tear ice can cause to gutters, typically forming from an ice dam. A gutter moves rainwater away from your house, so if the gutters are clogged, it can cause rainwater to fall off all sides of your house, which can then cause water damage. Clearing out the ice with a deicing agent or a heated gutter cable is the best way to prevent your house from sustaining any type of damage from melting ice or rainwater. Here are a few ways on how to check your home for winter damage when it comes to wear and tear on your gutters.
Signs of Gutter Damage
- Cracks: Even small cracks can pose a big problem for your gutters. They’ll often lead to larger cracks and more issues in the future, such as damage to the fascia boards, shingles, and foundation of your home.
- Peeling paint: This may not seem like a huge concern to some, but it’s a sign your gutters are wearing out. They may be old and in need of replacement, so it’s best to get the issue fixed before the gutters inevitably give out.
- Pooled water: Gutters are meant to drain water, not cause it to pool and grow mildew. This can often be fixed by simply cleaning the gutters of ice or melting snow and other debris, but it can also be a sign of wear and tear. If cleaning the gutters doesn’t work, you may need to replace them or find out what else is causing the problem.
- Gutters are pulling away from the house: Gutters are not meant to pull away or sag off a home; they’re meant to be strong enough to drain large amounts of water. A storm can sometimes damage a gutter, but it’s even likely to happen in the winter. Snow and ice can weigh a lot, and your gutter may not be able to withstand the weight of it all. Luckily, this type of damage is easy to catch early on, even without a ladder.
- Rust: Rust is never a good thing, especially when it comes to something as important as a gutter. A small portion of rust may be fixed, but if it gets larger, then it’s probably time for a replacement.
- Water damage: This is another one of the most obvious signs your gutters are in need of repair or replacement. It means your gutter is already leaking or unable to withstand the weight of the water it takes in on a regular basis. As soon as the winter is over, you’ll need to clear out the ice and snow and get the gutter repaired/replaced as soon as possible.
Leaks and Damage to the Roof
Heavy snow, ice, and winter winds can cause roof damage. Shingles may tear apart from your roof, and water from melted snow and ice could potentially leak through, causing obvious water damage to your ceiling. This can be dangerous, potentially causing flooding or the risk of something falling off your roof. For a free inspection to keep your home safe, and find out if you need a roof repair, reach out to the experts at Advantage Construction. We’ll make sure you know how to check your home for winter damage.
Siding Damage
Siding damage can be caused by the snow and ice that comes along with the winter season. It can create ice dams, drafts, leaks, and cracks in the siding of your home. Like with damaged caulk on windows, this can lead to a higher energy bill and destructive water damage.
A few common signs of siding damage you can look out for include:
- Missing or dislodged siding: Winter storms can tear away the siding of your home. The siding of a house is intended to prevent heat loss and moisture, but you no longer have that protection once the siding has been dislodged or removed.
- Peeling paint: In most cases, the siding will only need to be repainted once every 8 – 10 years, but if it needs to be repainted more often than that, then you may have some structural issues. The same can be said if the paint on the inside of your house is peeling. This can mean the siding is working properly to block out moisture.
- Warped siding: Siding can appear warped if it’s become a victim of water damage. If you notice a part of your siding is warped, you should get it inspected immediately so no further damage to your home can occur.
Advantage Construction Is Here for Your Roof, Gutter, and Siding Needs
Figuring out how to check your home for winter damage can be hard. Though winter can be a beautiful time of the year, it doesn’t erase the problems it can cause. Have Advantage Construction conduct an inspection of your roof, gutter, or siding if you believe it may have been damaged by the snow, ice, or winter storms. Sometimes, it’s hard to spot, so having a professional on the job is the best course of action to take. Whether you need a roof repair or work on your gutters, contact Advantage Construction today to manage your winter damage needs.
