Winterizing your home exterior means sealing drafts around windows and doors, checking the roof, and clearing the gutters before the cold sets in. Snow and ice can damage a house or make existing problems worse, so an hour or two of inspection in the fall helps keep heating costs down and avoids expensive emergency repairs in January.
Find and Seal Gaps to Keep Out Drafts
Small gaps around windows and doors lead to high winter heating bills. On a breezy day, run your hand around the frames and feel for moving air. Look for cracked caulk outside and flattened or missing weatherstripping inside.
If you find gaps, fresh caulk or new weatherstripping may be all you need to keep cold air out and warm air in.
When sealing is not enough
If your windows or doors are old, damaged and inefficient, sealing will only do so much, and they may need to be replaced. Energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows and new entry doors and patio doors close tightly and insulate far better than worn-out units, which keeps the house warmer and the utility bills lower.
A storm door is another way to cut drafts at the entry. It adds a second barrier in front of the main door and protects it from snow and wind.
Inspect the Roof
Loose or damaged shingles leave a roof open to trouble. When snow sits on the roof, moisture can work its way beneath the surface and damage the supporting structure and the insulation. If water reaches the attic, it can ruin whatever you have stored there.
You may be able to spot some problems from the ground, such as missing or curled shingles, but many issues are not obvious. A roofing contractor can go up, carry out a thorough inspection, find what you would miss and make the repairs.
Clean and Inspect the Gutters
In Connecticut, autumn leaves end up in the gutters. Clean gutters in good condition carry water away from the house and protect the roof, siding, foundation and landscaping. Gutters clogged with wet leaves cannot do that.
When it rains, water backs up and can damage the roof. When snow on the roof melts and cannot drain, it refreezes and forms ice dams, which can damage the roof, strain the gutters and even pull them down.
Cleaning the gutters after the leaves have fallen is a critical part of preparing a house for winter. If you are not comfortable on a ladder or do not have the time, hire someone to do it. If the gutters are damaged, have them repaired or replaced before the first snow. Gutter guards reduce the amount of debris that gets in, so the gutters need cleaning less often.
More Steps for Winterizing Your Home Exterior
Walk around the house and look at the entrances. Test the railings on the front and back steps, because icy weather is when people rely on them most. Check that outdoor lights work. Put away or cover patio furniture, and retract fabric awnings for the season.
Consider the landing at your front door as well. A door canopy keeps snow and freezing rain off the top step, which means less shoveling and less ice where you stand to unlock the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I winterize the outside of my house?
Mid to late fall is ideal, after most of the leaves have dropped and before temperatures stay below freezing. Caulk needs mild weather to cure properly.
How do I know if my windows need replacing or only sealing?
If the frames are sound and the draft comes from a gap you can caulk or weatherstrip, sealing is enough. Fog between the panes, rotted or warped frames and sashes that will not close tightly point to replacement.
What causes ice dams?
Ice dams form when melting snow cannot drain off the roof and refreezes at the edge. Clogged gutters are a common contributor, which is why clearing them before winter matters.
Get Help Before the Cold Arrives
Harsh winter weather causes headaches for Connecticut homeowners, but many of the problems are avoidable. If drafty windows or doors are on your list, contact Aladdin or call (203) 776-9996 to get an estimate for replacements while there is still time to install them.