Wind, sleet, and heavy snow are all features of a Northeast Ohio winter that will take a toll on your home’s exterior. Roof damage is always a concern with freezing and thawing cycles that are common this time of year, but don’t forget to check your siding too.
When winter storms blow in, both your roofing and siding are vulnerable to structural damage that can lead to leaks, mold, and rot. Unfortunately, siding damage is harder to see, and overlooking potential siding damage will result in costly repairs to your home and high energy bills as your heat escapes through walls.
The siding on your Wadsworth or Medina County home – aluminum, vinyl, and wood – is as vulnerable as your roof.
- High wind may loosen or peel back siding boards, exposing wood framing and insulation.
- Blowing and falling objects (especially tree branches) can chip and crack siding.
- Gutters and siding may be damaged or torn away by freezing snow melt and icicles.
When it comes to any siding damage, moisture is the biggest issue, often because siding damage is easy to miss. Even a small crack or a single loose panel can allow dampness to begin creeping under the panel and into the insulation and structure of your home. Once moisture gets in, your home is vulnerable to mold, mildew, wood rot, and weakening structure.
To head off additional damage due to missed siding issues, it helps to know what to look for and to take time to look closely. After any storm—winter, spring, or summer—take a walk around your home as soon as possible and take note of any of the following:
- Missing or peeled back siding panels
- Holes, cracks, or broken sections of siding – cracks will usually run parallel, and chips are often at the edges
- Missing caulking, especially around windows
- Signs of wood rot around windows
- Siding panels that appear dented, warped, or rippling – you may need to look from different angles and at different times of day
- If wood siding is painted, check for peeling or bubbling paint
- Signs of rust, especially streaks coming from corners or near gutters
If you even suspect siding damage on your Wadsworth, Ohio, home, contact your expert siding repair and installation team to inspect your home before moisture can seep in and begin to cause more expensive damage to the interior walls. A siding professional can usually repair or replace panels so they blend with your existing siding, providing a finished product that looks like the original installation.
If you need siding or gutter repair due to winter storm damage or an inspection to ensure your siding has not been compromised, contact Total Exterior Systems for emergency service and expert siding repairs and installation. Click here for details on all Total Exterior’s services in Medina County, including roofing, windows, and construction.