It’s no secret how winter weather in North Penn can be extremely tough on both homes and commercial properties, and this is particularly the case during freeze-thaw cycles and intense snowstorms.
Although many property owners prefer remaining focused on staying warm indoors, this time of year is actually an essential time to pay close attention to what’s happening throughout your home’s exterior.
This is why we recently interviewed the siding experts in Bellefontaine Ohio at Roofs by Warren to get a better concept of how even the smallest of exterior issues can quickly turn into expensive repairs when they’re overlooked until spring.
So, check out the below sections to know more about the types of red flag warning signs indicating that your property needs professional exterior attention long before you incur serious damages later this year!
By far one of the most common wintertime exterior issues is ice dam formation. Ice dams occur when snow melts and then refreezes around the edge of a rooftop, which subsequently prevents proper drainage.
Over time, the backed-up water will build up underneath your shingles—and potentially seep into your home. This is why issues like uneven snow melt, visible icicles hanging from your roof, or water stains near exterior walls are all serious red flags indicating ice dam formation.
And although most icicles seem relatively harmless, they actually indicate ventilation and insulation problems that should be promptly addressed in order to prevent all sorts of interior damages!
North Penn’s persistent freeze-thaw cycles are known to cause asphalt, concrete and paved driveways to shift or crack during the winter season. When water seeps into these types of small cracks, it freezes, expands, and then creates large breaks by the time spring shows up.
If you’re noticing any uneven surfaces, new cracks or slightly sunken areas in your driveway or walkways, it’s a serious warning sign that your property needs exterior hardscaping attention.
These types of issues will negatively affect your curb appeal and potentially even create safety hazards!
It’s also a troubling sign when you notice cold drafts developing near exterior doors and windows, because it’s an indication that your weatherstripping and seals are beginning to fail.
During the winter months, even relatively small gaps will drive up energy bills due to substantial heat loss. That’s why you’ll want to get your insulation or potential air leaks checked out even if you simply see frost or condensation forming on the inside of your windows this season.
Addressing these issues early on might seem inconvenient while it’s cold outside, but it’ll go a long way to improve your property’s indoor comfort and reduce unnecessary heating system strains.
A lot of people forget about how critical their gutters are during the winter in terms of directing ice and melting snow away from your property. That’s why clogged, sagging or frozen gutters often lead to serious dilemmas like damaged foundations, siding and landscaping.
If you’re noticing any ice buildup within your gutters or water spilling over your roof’s edges, it means that your gutter system needs professional repairs or maintenance. Ignoring these warning signs until spring can lead to all sorts of moisture damage that’ll only be more expensive to repair when winter is over!
Moisture, cold temperatures and windstorms typically take a serious toll on exterior finishes here in North Penn.
Warped siding, peeling paint and loose panels are all common signals that moisture has unfortunately penetrated a property’s exterior surface.
And what’s important to remember is that these issues go much further than simply being cosmetic. Exposed areas can often open the door to water infiltration, which can lead to dilemmas like mold, rot and structural damages.
The winter months also just so happen to be when these unforeseen weaknesses become most apparent.
Ice buildup, water pools and damp soil anywhere close to your property’s foundation during the winter season can often indicate drainage issues.
Some common culprits here include clogged downspouts, improper grading, or snow melt simply not being directed far enough away from the foundation. What’s problematic about this type of moisture buildup is that it increases the general likelihood of basement leaks, cracks, and all sorts of long-term structural problems.
If you notice any ice forming or persistent dampness near your foundation, it’s a serious red flag showing that your exterior drainage system might need professional attention!
Heavy snow, strong winds and ice can easily damage or loosen your roof’s shingles during North Penn’s intense winters.
This is yet another serious exterior issue due to cracked, curling or missing shingles compromising your roof’s overall ability to protect your property and family from harsh winter elements.
And even if certain leaks aren’t quickly noticeable, these types of roof damages can worsen over time. That’s why visual inspections are typically needed in order to properly identify problems long before they escalate.
The winter season is usually when even the smallest of exterior issues end up revealing themselves in big ways.
By addressing your property’s red flags as efficiently as possible, as opposed to waiting until spring, you’ll ultimately prevent all sorts of expensive repairs and reduce your maintenance costs.
And by remaining on alert for the above wintertime warning signs, you’ll be better able to protect your investments, improve your household’s safety, and guarantee that your home is ready for whatever North Penn’s season brings in the coming months ahead!
