Preparing Your Home’s Exterior for Winter

Nov 01, 2021

Now that the temperatures have changed and colder weather is right around the corner, now is the time to check your home’s exterior to make sure that you and your home are ready for winter. Scott Cline, J&B Construction owner, provides suggestions on what you should do before temperatures head below freezing.

Roofing and Gutters

Closely examining your roof prior to severe winter weather is crucial in order to ensure its structural integrity. Some signs of roof damage are obvious, such as an active leak or large patches of moss or algae, while other signs can be more subtle, such as warped or missing shingles. “When in doubt, have a professional perform a roof inspection to evaluate the overall condition of your roof,” Scott said.

It’s also important to trim back tree branches that are hanging over your roof. “In fact, it’s recommended to maintain a minimum distance of three feet between your home and any neighboring tree branches,” he explained. “Not only can stray tree branches break during severe weather and land on your roof, causing damage, but they also carry excess water during storms, which can overwhelm your home’s roofing, gutter, and even your siding systems.”

Speaking of trees, it’s important to clear leaves and other debris from your gutters and downspouts during this time of year. Clogged gutters can create ice dams or cause foundation damage, and both require extensive (and costly) repairs. “As you clean the gutter system, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for sagging gutters or areas where water is trapped as these issues will need to be resolved in a timely manner to ensure proper drainage and to avoid any further damage,” said Scott.

Windows and Doors

If you’re feeling cold drafts in your home, it’s likely stemming from your home’s windows and or doors. To verify this, you can simply trace your hand along the perimeter of each window and door in your home. If you feel cold outside air coming in, you can confirm that a draft is present. “Drafts in a home are not only a nuisance, but they also noticeably increase your home’s energy bills,” Scott said. “Therefore, it’s important to examine the weatherstripping around all windows and door frames in your home. Be sure to replace any weatherstripping that’s failing.” Caulk can also be used inside and outside of the home to ensure gaps are sealed and the heat remains inside the home.

In addition, it’s beneficial to examine the framing that surrounds windows and doors. “For instance, any evidence of rot or decay would require immediate replacement,” he said. “Keep in mind, it’s advised to replace windows and doors every 15 to 20 years. Additionally, all window and door screens should be swapped out for their storm window/door counterparts.”

Siding

Siding is another exterior element that should be thoroughly checked as cold weather approaches. If you notice any damage to your siding, especially any cracks or gaps where cold air or moisture could enter, it’s important to repair or replace the siding as soon as possible in order to maximize energy efficiency and prevent further damage. “When it comes to minor wear and tear, caulk can be used to seal up small cracks or gaps, while foam sealer is needed to fill larger gaps,” Scott said. “Severe damage will require replacement. If you have any doubts about the condition of your siding, be sure to hire a professional for an accurate assessment.”

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Enjoy Peace Of Mind

The only complaint I have is when I have J&B do my roof in another 30 years or so, is Dave their sales man (a great guy) would not guaranty I could get the same great crew I had this time. They did a fantastic job. Much better than the last roofing company did. A nice bunch of guys. Did a very nice job cleaning up. I'd give them 10 stars but 5 is the limit. If you need a roof done this is the company you want to do it. One more point I need to make. The guys that did the chimney flashing are artists. I went up on the roof when they were done and was very pleased with not only the roofing job but the sculptured sheet metal work. It's kind of a shame it's on the roof and not hanging on the family room wall :). You get the point. Hire em. You'll like em.

Dave H

We live in a historic designated neighborhood and recently had our 30 year wood shingle roof replaced with another wood roof and new gutters. From Day 1 of the project to the final day, the entire team was responsive, professional, and very competent. When some minor changes were proposed by us they quickly and effortlessly complied. After going through this experience with J&B, I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a roof and gutter replacement, whether it be a simple or complicated project.

John Lamb

J & B did an amazing job from start to finish. The initial meeting at my home took place exactly at the time that was agreed upon and Scott was thorough in his explanations and transparent about costs. When the time came to begin the project, the team that showed up was friendly, professional and timely in getting the project done. The cleanup afterward was such that it looked like they hadn't been there at all. The roof looks great, there were no surprises and Scott came by to inspect the work and explain the warranty upon job completion. I would highly recommend them.

Kenneth Simons

My neighbor had their roof replaced and I was really impressed with the speed, carefulness and quality of the work I saw. Asked her for her experience and she told me she would highly recommend J & B. I called Scott to set an appointment. He showed up on time and was very thorough in his assessment, also letting me know about some other issues and advise on where to get help. J & B is a fantastic company to deal with - their people are incredibly careful about the work they do, clean up and leave the property in the same condition as when they started, were careful about plants and the house, and work very efficiently. The office staff is great about following up, checking in and very responsive to anything that comes up. I was happy with the price charged. If you are looking to replace your roof, you should be calling J & B to get the job done.

David W.

We had work done by the J&B team at a commercial property and were very pleased with the whole process. Their estimator met us onsite and communicated with us every step of the way. They went over the scope in detail and the work performed exceeded what we were expecting. They found some additional concerns during the installation that were quickly addressed and communicated to us and to our surprise, there was not an additional charge. Our tenants reached out to share how respectful the employees were during the installation and how clean everything was left afterwards. As the project was wrapped up, we were walked through the completion paperwork and provided the warranty information. Very impressed with the professionalism of this company and would not hesitate to refer their services or use them again in the future.

Jessie C.