Winter may not seem like the ideal time for this task, but actually, the extreme weather conditions in Milwaukee make this season optimal for performing some simple maintenance on your siding. Snow can be beautiful when it first covers your siding, but it quickly becomes filthy. Any built-up dirt not removed in the winter will still need cleaning when spring arrives, so your best option is to take care of it now. Additionally, these wet conditions can encourage mold growth, which requires much more complex and expensive removal methods.
While no one enjoys outdoor chores on frosty days, being proactive in keeping your siding clean during the winter pays off throughout the year. Regular cold weather cleaning ensures your siding is kept in top condition so it can keep defending your family, even during the most frigid temperatures and intense winter storms. Being aware of the common problems that homeowners experience with their siding during the winter can allow you to maintain and protect your siding effectively for winter weather months.
In This Article
Common Siding Problems You May Experience During Winter
Winter siding problems affect different siding materials to varying degrees, but most homeowners commonly experience the same problems:
Water penetration
This is the most frequently occurring winter siding problem. Because water expands when it hits freezing temperatures, snow and ice that build up in your gutters and eaves trough will melt and then penetrate your home’s siding. When this moisture freezes, it causes the build-up of extreme pressure that can result in major, long-term structural issues with your home. Vinyl siding is especially susceptible to this problem because spaces are left under the material to account for contraction and expansion, and moisture tends to congregate in these areas.
Signs of internal moisture can reveal water penetration. Peeling paint or loose wallpaper indicates moisture that has seeped through the walls. This moisture can cause further damage in terms of rotting wood, mold growth, and structural instability. Repairing water damage and removing mold can be costly, time-consuming issues to fix, so contact a professional immediately if you observe signs of water penetration.
Cracks, holes, and dents
As materials freeze, they may be subject to intense pressure that causes them to crack or break. These openings in your siding can allow the intrusion of water, bitter wind, and pest populations. Vinyl, natural wood, and fiber cement siding are susceptible to cracking during extreme temperatures, while engineered wood is less brittle and more resistant.
Snow, ice, and other debris moving at high speed due to winter wind, snow blowing, or even snowball fights in Wisconsin can cause holes in siding, especially vinyl. This issue is rarely found with natural wood and engineered wood siding. Aluminum siding is the only material at risk of denting, also due to physical impact.
Warping panels
Warping panels occur primarily in wood siding but can result in any siding material that sustains significant damage. The main cause of warping panels is the build-up of moisture, making it a symptom of a larger problem that needs to be identified and remedied.
Loosened or missing panels
Winter wind gusts can be powerful enough to dislodge siding panels, allowing cold air and moisture to penetrate behind them and seep into your home. The damage becomes obvious by a flapping noise you can hear from inside the house that seems to be prompted by heavy wind. This problem is most common in vinyl and fiber cement siding. If the panel is only minorly loosened, you may secure it into the original position yourself, but too much damage will make replacement necessary.
Some panels can be impacted so substantially by high winds that they become completely dislodged. Missing panels reduce your siding’s ability to protect your home against the elements and may leave you vulnerable to rotting as well as pest infestations. This also creates a distinct flapping noise. Additionally, overhanging lips of siding panels indicate that they have become loose and should be fixed immediately.
Rotting
This issue primarily occurs in wood siding, especially natural wood. If only a small area is affected and you catch it early enough, you can repair it rather easily. However, dry rot spreads fast and can require expensive, time-consuming repair when this spread is not curtailed.
Preparing and Cleaning Your Vinyl Siding This Winter
Along with being incredibly durable, versatile, and affordable, vinyl outperforms other siding materials by requiring very little maintenance to look great for decades. However, even the toughest surfaces need a little preparation and cleaning to stay in the best condition during the winter. To prepare your Milwaukee home for winter, carefully inspect your vinyl siding for evidence of dislodging, warping, or water penetration. If your panels need to be repaired or replaced, schedule an appointment with a licensed contractor.
The openings where your siding meets the exterior of your home should be checked to make sure no gaps are exposed. These gaps can allow the penetration of moisture and result in energy loss. Examine your gutters, as well, to ensure they are not clogged, damaged, or detached. Proper drainage is essential to reduce leaks, which can damage your home’s structure and the siding. Throughout the winter, keep a lookout for large deposits of snow and ice that could melt and seep into your siding. Make sure to examine spots of consistent moisture exposure for water damage or rot.
Allowing your vinyl siding to accumulate dirt and not removing it over the winter can cause fading and staining of your siding. A layer of accumulated dirt attracts even more debris during winter storms, meaning your siding will continue to get worse throughout the season. To clean your vinyl siding, create a solution of one-part bleach to three parts water and scrub your siding thoroughly using a soft-bristled brush with a long handle. You can use a power washer, as well, but check out your siding manufacturer’s manual to determine the correct pressure setting.
Is It Time for Siding Replacement?
If you’ve found yourself experiencing frequent problems with your siding, or you would like to upgrade your Milwaukee home’s exterior preemptively to prevent future issues, it may be time to consider vinyl siding replacement. This durable, affordable material is energy efficient, easy to install, and available in various styles to suit your unique home. A harsh winter will only exacerbate any problems you have with your existing siding, leading to a longer, more expensive replacement process. Save yourself time and hassle by contacting an expert today to discuss how you can replace your siding this winter.