It’s far too easy to dismiss the impact of minor damage to the exterior of one’s home. A certain amount of wear and tear – some scuff marks or a little chipped paint here and there – are to be expected, especially here in the Midwest. But a variety of elements take their toll over time, and that can add up more quickly in regions battered by wind, rain, hail and snow each year.
The answer to such concerns is to first assess the quality of your home’s outer shell and then take whatever steps are necessary to improve it. There are multiple benefits to doing so before the winter season arrives:
- Prevent water damage
- Stave off rusting and rotting
- Maintain indoor temperature and reduce heating bills
- Prevent indoor leaks
- Aid routine maintenance to prevent future problems
- Preserve home value
Since a number of different components go into a home’s exterior, there are also multiple measures you may need to take to strengthen and protect the structure where you live.
1. Maintain Siding and Replace Damaged or Outdated Siding in Midwestern Homes
Many Midwestern homes are built with some form of outer protection that clads the blocks or concrete structure underneath. When siding is added, it protects dwellings from a whole range of threats and helps preserve the integrity of the structure. It helps keep moisture out while maintaining the indoor environment to keep inhabitants comfortable year round.
What type of siding does your home have? Some require more maintenance than others. For example, thicker external cladding, made from highly durable materials like fiber cement, typically requires minimal maintenance as long as it was installed properly. However, certain types of wood siding should be treated regularly, the frequency depending on factors such as pests and weather damage.
Because they partner with a range of brand names, a full-service installer like Harris Exteriors will discuss your needs and advise the style that compliments your home aesthetically while providing maximum protection:
- Vinyl
- Insulated
- Cedar
- Aluminum
- Fiber Cement
- Stone Veneer
Fortunately, today’s replacement siding is often stronger and more attractive than what you may have seen in older homes. They have been designed to withstand extreme wind and dings from debris. With more options available, siding added today may last as long as fifty years. Whether the concern where you live stems from humidity, termites, corrosion, or something else entirely, there has probably been a development that can resist those specific threats for lasting results.
2. Inspect and Repair or Replace Rooftop
When it comes to shielding a home against snow and rain, rooftop quality is one of the most important aspects of a home’s exterior, yet the hardest to reach and inspect. There are several steps you can take to prepare your rooftop for the colder months ahead. A little preparation now will also help the water flow off when things thaw next spring.
Four steps to take:
- Have the roof inspected for cracked singles or flashing that needs repair or adjustment.
- Remove debris that has accumulated over the summer.
- Clean any skylights.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
By doing an inspection in hard-to-view places, you can make small repairs so that more serious problems don’t crop up later on.
3. Insulate or Replace Faulty Windows and Doors
Why have perfect siding or a new roof just to allow wind to blow in through cracks in the windows or improperly sealed doors? It’s always a good idea to inspect doors and windows annually – and autumn is a great time to do it. For one thing, those leaks that sometimes appear overhead are frequently caused by a lack of insulation around a window or second-story deck entrance outside.
Properly sealing windows and door frames may be enough to keep out moisture and drafts. However, holding on to those older, outdated windows and doors will do your family no favors in the long run. It’s also a great time to take stock of anything that is past its expiration date and install more modern, well-built replacements.
4. Work with an Experienced, Reputable Contractor like Harris Exteriors in Illinois
A final yet crucial way to protect your home is to partner with a contractor like Harris Exteriors, which boasts a solid track record of success with homeowners in the northern Illinois region. Customers appreciate that we have a history of working with HOA-certified contractors and base our work on decades of industry experience.
A team of specialists at Harris Exteriors is ready to answer all of your questions about the best ways to protect your home this fall and winter. Contact us to set up a consultation today!
