Winter Siding Woes

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 winter siding woes?

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. 

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. 

Because moisture doesn’t evaporate as quickly in freezing temperatures, condensation can be an ongoing battle. This ever-present moisture continues to freeze and thaw which can cause issues, especially with doors. Given that doors imply exposed hardware, condensation can lead to 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

The harsher winds of winter significantly increases winter siding woes. 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 If your siding is outdated, improperly installed or already damaged, this can leave your home defenseless against ice, snow, freezing rain and extreme temperatures. In addition to the elements, gaps in your siding or flushing can also lead to critters trying to burrow in the warmth of your home.