Nestled in the heart of New Jersey, Cherry Hill sees its fair share of winter’s severity. And homeowners need to be proactive to compensate for the unpredictable weather patterns and plummeting temperatures that the season brings. As a resident of Cherry Hill, preparing your home’s exterior for winter is not just about aesthetics; it must involve taking the necessary measures to ensure the warmth and safety of your home by preventing potential damage.
What Could Go Wrong?
As picturesque and harmless as winter scenes may appear on a postcard, the snow, ice and dropping temperatures pose real threats. Northeastern winters, characterized by frigid temperatures and frequent snowfalls, can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home. As temperatures oscillate, building materials expand and contract, leading to potential cracks and imperfections. Accumulated snow can lead to water damage when melting, and ice can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in walls or roofs. But the good news is that these problems can be prevented! Here are some tips to consider as you look to prepare for winter in Cherry Hill.
Steps to Prep Your Home’s Exterior
1. Thorough Inspection: Before the first snowflake hits the ground, walk around your property. Look for cracks, holes, or other signs of wear and tear. Even minor damage can quickly become a major issue if water seeps in, freezes, and expands.
2. Cleaning: Dirt, mold, and mildew can actually shorten the lifespan of your exterior paint and stain. Plus, it gets in the way of any fresh coatings you might need to apply. Routine power washing can be extremely helpful!
3. Repairing Damages: Once identified, promptly address any damage. Whether it’s patching up a hole, replacing rotted trim, or fixing a crack, addressing these issues now can save significant time, money, and stress in the colder months.
4. Sealing & Caulking: Caulking is that flexible sealant that fills the gaps around exterior trim, windows, doors, and more. Here’s the thing: it doesn’t last forever… When it gets brittle and breaks down, you need to remove the old and apply new to keep pests, moisture, and drafts outside.
5. Gutter Maintenance: A common oversight, gutters play a pivotal role in winter-proofing your home. Ensure they’re free from debris to prevent ice dams that can lead to roof damage and water intrusion.
6. Weatherstripping: It only takes a minute! Check your weatherstripping and make sure it’s still doing its job.
Choosing the Right Paint and Primer for Cold Climates
A little maintenance goes a long way! Make sure your exterior paint is clean, touched up when necessary, and in good repair. After all, its job is to protect your surfaces, and that’s not an easy job during any time of the year. Our best advice is to trust a professional painter with the job, and make sure that high-quality products are being used that offer the protection and value you need.
Have More Questions About Exterior Painting in New Jersey?
Contact us at Cherry Hill Painting! We’d love to put our expertise to work for you.