Prepare your home for winter: essential exterior maintenance tips

Winter can be hard on your house exterior. Small cracks and gaps can turn into far bigger problems when they're exposed to temperature extremes and wet or freezing conditions.

Before winter rolls in, it's time to start thinking about how to get your home ready for the harsh, cold weather. Here are some tips to help you keep your home warm, safe and in top shape through the winter months.

1. WASH YOUR SIDING

Clean your siding thoroughly to remove dirt, mildew and grime. This not only improves the appearance of your home but also helps prevent build-up that can lead to paint deterioration or stains over the winter. If you have Hardie® siding and trim, be sure to avoid a pressure sprayer, which can damage the painted surface. Fiber cement care is easy and doesn't require much pressure or force — a garden hose and a gentle scrub with a soft brush should get the job done.

2. CLEAN OUT GUTTERS

When gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, they can overflow, leading to a variety of issues, particularly during rainy or snowy weather. By regularly cleaning your gutters, you can help protect your home from water damage, ice dams and other winter-related issues, keeping your home in better shape for the long term.

3. SEAL AND PAINT EXPOSED AREAS

Touch up any peeling or cracked paint to protect your siding from moisture damage during the cold months. Wood is particularly prone to moisture damage, and vinyl siding can crack in extreme temperatures. In winter, snow, ice and rain can seep into unsealed areas, causing the wood to absorb moisture. All that extra moisture can lead to swelling, warping, or even rot if left unchecked. If you need to touch up your Hardie® fiber cement siding with ColorPlus® Technology finishes, ColorPlus® Technology touch-up kits are formulated to match your home’s finish and offer resistance to aging and may be available at a dealer near you.

4. INSTALL STORM WINDOWS

Storm windows act as an additional layer of protection, creating an insulating barrier between the inside of your home and the outside elements. By installing storm windows, you can improve your home’s insulation, lower energy bills, and protect your existing windows from the harsh winter weather.

5. TRIM TREES AND BUSHES

Trim back any branches hanging over your roof or near power lines. Ice and snow make the branches heavier, and stormy weather can bring them crashing down. Keep them trimmed and away from anything important to ensure your house, cars, and family stay safe.

6. INSPECT THE ROOF

Inspecting your roof before winter is an essential maintenance task that helps identify and address potential issues before they start to cause problems. Regular roof inspections can prevent leaks, ice dams, and costly damage caused by snow, ice, and rain. Check for missing or damaged shingles and repair them to avoid leaks and more expensive repair costs.

7. SEAL WINDOWS AND DOORS

Sealing windows and doors is a crucial step in winterizing your home. It helps prevent drafts, conserves energy, and keeps your home more comfortable during the cold months. Properly sealing these areas can reduce heat loss, lower energy bills and protect your home from moisture damage. Apply weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors to keep cold drafts out and your heating costs down.

8. INSPECT AND REPAIR DAMAGED SIDING

Siding protects your house from extreme weather, adding another layer of defense against the elements. Make sure your siding is in top shape before the worst of the winter weather arrives. Hardie® siding is designed to stand up to harsh winter weather, but vinyl or wood siding may need seasonal repairs. Check for cracks, gaps or loose siding panels. Repair, re-caulk, or replace damaged areas to prevent moisture from getting behind the siding and causing mold, rot, or water damage during the winter months.

9. PROTECT OUTDOOR FAUCETS

When temperatures drop below freezing, any water left in the pipes connected to outdoor faucets can freeze, expand, and cause the pipes to burst. Turn off and drain exterior faucets or install insulated faucet covers to prevent pipes from freezing.

10. CLEAN THE CHIMNEY

Looking forward to cozy winter evenings around the fireplace? A dirty chimney can cause fires and health risks and just do a bad job of keeping you warm. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned to make sure it’s ready for when those first cold nights arrive.

11. INSPECT ATTIC INSULATION

Attic insulation can help you save on energy costs and keep your home warm during the winter. It also stops the heat of your house from melting snow on the roof unevenly, which can lead to damaging ice dams. There are a variety of insulation options to choose from — each with its own pros and cons. The important thing is to make sure your attic is properly insulated before winter arrives. Check the condition of your existing material and consider installing new insulation to keep the warmth in and the cold out.

12. CHECK THE FOUNDATION

Inspecting your home’s foundation is an important part of preparing for winter. The foundation supports the entire structure of your house, and freezing temperatures can cause a small crack to grow into a big problem. Cracks can cause significant structural issues and require costly repairs. They're also entry points for insects and cold air. Before the freezing weather arrives, inspect the foundation for cracks and seal them to prevent damage during the winter months.

13. CHECK AND REPAIR WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAYS

Inspect your walkways and driveways for cracks or uneven surfaces that could become hazardous when covered with snow or ice. Fill in any cracks and consider applying a sealant to protect them from freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause further damage.

Want less maintenance for your home's exterior?

Owning a house can feel like a never-ending maintenance to-do list. If you'd like to make that list shorter, it may be time to consider switching to Hardie® siding and trim.

When properly installed, fiber cement siding stands up to the elements far better than other options like wood or vinyl. It's engineered to resist cracking, warping and rot— and that means less exterior siding maintenance and lower heating bills for homeowners.

Download this handy Re-Side Guide to see all the options and get started on your journey to less maintenance.