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Fall is in full swing, which can only mean one thing: The bitter cold of winter is coming sooner than you think!

Preparing the exterior of your home, including the roof, gutters, and windows, is essential for a cozy and safe winter inside. However, the siding of your home is just as important.

Here are some siding maintenance tips to prepare your home for the winter weather!

Clean Your Siding

You may think to yourself, “It’s going to be below freezing all winter, so why do I have to clean my siding?”

Well, cleaning your siding provides plenty of benefits to your home’s exteriors during all parts of the year. For starters, cleaning your siding will wash away any dirt, grime, and mildew that has clung to your home. Leaving this debris on can result in serious damage to your siding as the weather warms up, leading to costly repairs.

You can clean your siding simply by applying warm, mildly soapy water with tri-sodium phosphate with a soft-bristle brush. You can also make use of a power washer, but if you don’t have experience with one, it’s best to stay away from this method, as it may puncture your siding.

Inspect Your Siding

This tip can be completed while you’re cleaning your siding. Look for any signs of siding damage, such as cracks or dents, which are the main culprits to water damage.

You can also look for signs of water damage near your windows and other moldings where cracking in the caulk may occur. Reapply caulk to seal up any intrusion where water may seep in and damage to your siding.

Additionally, look out for any cracked, chipped, or peeling paint on your siding, as this is a further sign of damage.

Repair Any Siding Damage

Entropy is inevitable. However, repairs will negate entropy! When you find any cracks, dents, or chipped paints, it’s best to repair them right away. Doing so before winter will seal up any places where moisture or cold weather can seep into your home.

If you have wood siding, consider re-painting it every five years, regardless of the damage, to ensure it stays shielded and strong during the cold winter months.

Trim Plants and Trees

If you have bushes or trees that are too close to your house, trim them back so they’re not touching your siding. This will prevent them from rubbing against your siding during windy days, thus protecting it from additional damage.

Pest Inspection

While inspecting your siding, check for pests such as insects or rodent nests. If you find any, remove them immediately and seal off the entry points. If you need help making these repairs, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals.

Paint and Seal if Needed

If you have wooden siding, you may want to paint or seal it before winter arrives. Check for peeling or chipped paint and repaint these areas to protect them from winter elements. If your siding is unpainted, apply fresh sealant to give your siding an extra layer of protection.

Seals and Caulk

Check your seals around windows, doors, and other openings in your siding. If you see any damaged seals, replace or repair them to prevent drafts inside your home. You may need to caulk any gaps or cracks in the existing caulking as well to maintain a weatherproof barrier.

Contact Trinity Exteriors for Siding Maintenance in the Twin Cities Area

If you find any damage to your siding that needs to be addressed before winter, call Trinity Exteriors for fast and convenient service in the Twin Cities metro area.

We have been serving the Twin Cities area since 2007 and have been an Angie’s List Award Winner 12 times! Check out our gallery for previous work we’ve completed.

Request a free estimate online or give us a call at 952-920-9520 today!