Winter Siding Damage: Cracks, Warping & When To Schedule Repairs
Winter weather can be tough on every aspect of your home’s exterior, but your siding may take the biggest hit. Between freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and the fluctuating conditions, your siding is at risk of suffering some real wear and tear throughout the coldest months of the year. And because your siding is the first line of defense for your home, you can’t afford to ignore damage to it and put off necessary repairs for long. Understanding the types of damage your siding is at risk of during the winter and when the best time is to schedule your repairs is crucial, and the experts at Kanga Roof are here to explain it all.
Common Types of Winter Siding Damage & the Reasons Behind It
There are different types of damage that your siding can suffer from during the winter, and it’s important to know what they are and what causes them. The most common issues your home’s siding could run into are:
Cracking
Your siding may be vulnerable to cracking during the wintertime due to freeze-thaw cycles. When moisture seeps into any openings or imperfections within your siding and the temperatures drop, that moisture freezes and expands, which puts pressure on the material and often creates cracks. This can continue over the course of the winter because of how constantly moisture is thawing out and freezing up again, sometimes daily depending on the temperatures. And the more this process happens, the bigger the openings get and the more cracks begin to show in the siding, accelerating its deterioration.
Warping & Buckling
Another potential siding issue in the winter is warping/buckling. The temperature swings during this time of the year can cause your siding material to expand and contract, and if your siding was installed too tightly or its fasteners restrict these natural movements, the panels can warp or buckle. Not only does this significantly impact the aesthetic of your siding, but it can also damage the protective barrier that is supposed to keep your home insulated and dry.
Moisture Damage & Mold
Moisture is always going to be a problem during the winter, as snow and ice are often present throughout the season. When this moisture is trapped behind your siding’s panels as a result of cracking or warping, it can cause damage both on its own and in terms of creating the right conditions for mold, mildew, and rot to take effect.
Damage From Heavy Impacts
If major snow storms come around or it’s particularly windy, that of course leaves your home’s siding vulnerable to impacts. When wind speeds pick up, windblown debris may carry into your siding and cause damage. That’s why it’s always smart to move any outdoor furniture and other belongings inside before a big winter storm.
How Your Siding Can Be Affected By Winter Damage
Beyond the fact that you won’t want to deal with damaged siding, there’s also the fact that there are plenty of negative effects that come from winter siding damage. Whether it’s cracking, warping, moisture damage, or impact damage, your siding may suffer from reduced energy efficiency, structural risks, and a hit to its curb appeal.
So, When Should You Schedule Your Siding Repairs?
When the best time to schedule your siding repairs might be will depend on the situation. For one, it’s always wise to have your siding inspected and take care of any necessary repairs before winter begins in earnest. And if you’re having a full siding replacement completed to better prepare your home for the elements, that’s always best left to the spring or early fall, as mild temperatures allow for proper installation. As for your repairs, though, moisture and structural damage issues should typically be repaired immediately. These issues can worsen rapidly as the rest of the winter unfolds, so you’ll want professional work done to stop that further damage and protect your home. And when in doubt, contact your go-to siding company.
Reach Out Today
If you need siding work completed at your home in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, Kanga Roof is the best team to call for a job well done. Contact us today to get your project started with a free quote.