Checklist for Winterizing Your Home’s Exterior in Colorado Springs

We’re about a month into fall— it’s a great time to think about winterizing your home. Specifically, we’re going to talk about preparing your siding for the cold months ahead. You may not give your siding much thought when thinking about seasonal changes, beyond giving it a pressure-washing in the spring or summer, but since it spends its life outside in the elements, you shouldn’t neglect it.

Winterization of your siding will enable you to keep it looking its best, reduce energy waste, keep your heating bills lower, and keep the winter out. It will also force pests looking to warm up inside to keep moving!

What to Know about Your Siding

James Hardie siding

If you have James Hardie siding, your siding has been Engineered for Climate®. James Hardie studied the long-term effects of climate on siding to create the most durable siding for different regions of the country.

James Hardie Siding used on homes in Colorado Springs can withstand extreme temperature shifts, including freezing winter weather. It’s resistant to whatever Mother Nature throws at it and will keep heat in, and cold and pests out.

Vinyl siding

If you have vinyl siding, it’s important to know that while the siding is fairly durable, it’s still vulnerable to the elements and to temperature changes. It can expand and contract during the year as the temperatures fluctuate from hot to cold and back again, so you’ll want to keep an eye out to see if there are areas where it looks like the siding has changed in appearance or placement.

There is a small gap between the back of the siding and the surface of your home, and it is possible for water (and snow), dirt, debris, and pests to get into the gap and cause damage of varying kinds and severity. You’ll want to find areas as soon as possible so that you can have them fixed before winter arrives.

When You’re Ready to Begin the Winterization Process

Step #1: Take a Walk

Take a walk around your home and inspect the siding for cracks, gaps, or other weak spots. These can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, can let pests and cold air in, and warm air out. Keep an eye out for chipped or flaking paint.

Step #2: Seal Any Gaps

If you noticed any gaps around windows, doors, vents, or trim, make sure that you caulk them. Also replace any old caulk that is splitting, drying out, or flaking.

Step #3: Prepare for Repairs

If you find extensive damage, including large holes, you should contact a professional siding company to schedule an inspection of the area and then have the company make the needed repairs. A professional siding company is experienced in siding installation and replacement, and knows the right way to deal with problem spots so that they are fixed correctly the first time.

Attempting to fix holes or other damage yourself may cause more destruction (and expense) in the long run, as well as injury. If you want a professional company to do a full inspection of your home for peace of mind, they’d be able to do that, too and then follow up with any necessary next steps.

Siding Pro can help! Get a Free Quote from SidingPro for your next siding project. We look forward to working with you.