Winter galore with siding & Doors
The holidays are approaching and as we start getting ready to settle down with a cup of hot cocoa by a cozy fire, we should also take a moment to make sure our homes are going to stay cozy all winter long. We’ve talked about how our harsh winters can affect our windows and roofing, but what about our often overlooked siding and entry doors?
There are already so many opportunities for Mother Nature to wreak havoc on your siding throughout the year. From the intense summer heat to pesky hail storms, your siding has already been through a lot by the time winter arrives. You could be putting your home in an incredibly vulnerable position if you haven’t checked in on potential existing damage.
Persistent moisture introduced by snow and ice can cause rot to occur and spread quickly. This allows moisture into your home and can cause extensive structural damage inside and out. Wooden siding is more susceptible to rot than other siding materials but that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible occurrence. Heavy snow can also cause the lamination on some wooden siding to wear off.
The powerful winds from a blustery snow storm can loosen or tear off your siding as well as cause debris to ram into the side of your home. If your siding is outdated, improperly installed or already damaged, this can leave your home defenseless against ice, snow, freezing rain and extreme temperatures. You’ll be shivering and dishing out all of your holiday money because your energy bill will certainly sky rocket.
Moisture isn’t the only thing that can sneak into your home as a result of damaged siding. There are lots of fuzzy critters out there that are looking for a warm place to nest and if you have any weak spots or holes in your siding, it can provide the perfect opportunity for animals searching for a home to begin burrowing. No thank you!
Just like your siding, your entry doors can take quite a beating throughout the year. Unfortunately there are many issues that can arise once the temperature drops that can put strain on your indoor heating and put a damper on your home being your sanctuary from the bone-chilling cold. Weatherstripping can be damaged through the wear and tear of any season and can easily result in letting in quite the draft during the winter months. If there isn’t already existing damage, moisture accumulating and freezing on your door’s weatherstripping can cause cracks, tears or missing sections.
Similar to wooden siding, wooden doors are extremely vulnerable to rot. The combination of wind, rain and snow can make the wood become soft and damp. Rotting isn’t just a cosmetic issue, it can affect the structure and stability of your door. It could also invite some unwanted termites inside which if not contained, could cost you thousands in internal structural repair.
Moisture doesn’t evaporate as quickly in freezing temperatures and condensation can be an ongoing battle. This ever-present moisture continues to freeze and thaw which can cause issues with rust, frozen locks and creaky hinges. Wooden doors are more prone to shrink or warp which can lead to improper latching and misalignment. Even the screws in your doors can be loosened over time and can contribute to sagging. Fighting with your door to lock or close properly is not only annoying, but it is also a huge security risk.
Let’s make sure your loved ones are warm and secure during the most brutal of seasons. Schedule a free, no obligation inspection and consultation with us today. One of our siding and door specialists will come out and do a thorough inspection of your home and let you know if you have any damage. If you do, we’ll help guide you through the next steps and go over all of the options we have to help.
Excellent service, finished the job quickly and they exceeded my expectations all around! I highly recommend them.
The Window Store did work on our home post insurance claim from storm damage. I was incredibly impressed with the staff, and workers through this process. They were very transparent, honest, and timely in communications. The work was completed on time and looks great. Thanks again!
These guys were great! Jimbo made it easy to understand the whole process and the workers did a great job.
Very professional for both windows and cabinets. They offered great suggestions for our cabinets and the end product turned out great.