As winter comes closer, you might dread the sudden drop in temperature and lack of daylight in Portland. However, just as concerning is the possibility of dealing with a damaged property due to freezing winds, blizzards, and melting snow. If your home is not ready for the chilly season, you could experience faulty heating, poor insulation, and messy water damage come spring.

Nobody deserves to put up with any of these homeowner nightmares. That’s why we’re here to help you get your property ready for winter this year. Here are some essential tasks a siding contractor in Portland can check for on a routine maintenance visit.

Check Your Roof

Any Portland siding company will agree that it’s easier to start from the top and work your way down when it comes to inspecting your home.

Your roof is one of the first lines of defense against winter weathering. Ensure your roof is in good condition by inspecting it safely with a ladder and a spotting buddy or hiring a professional to do the job for you. You want to keep an eye out for: 

  • Damaged shingles
  • Broken flashing
  • Missing caulk

If you have an attic, you can also inspect your roof from the interior, search for draft areas or any light that may be coming through from your roof. 

Inspect Attic Insulation

While checking your roof from the inside, you should also look to see if your attic insulation is in a good state. If it’s thin, wet, or even missing in places, heat will escape through your attic. Without insulation, you’re looking at potential moisture damage and cold interior temperatures with increased utility costs.

New or additional insulation will help to improve energy efficiency and keep your home warm.

Clear Out Your Gutters

It’s winter, which means all the trees will shed their leaves and find their way into your gutters. Debris can cause water buildup and potential ice dams, which can damage your guttering system. It’s best to take care of your gutters and clean them early on before they become clogged.

Inspect Your Siding

It takes a lot to wear down Portland siding. Even if a reputable siding contractor in Portland installed it, it does happen. Over time, your siding might have had moisture get trapped within it, causing warping, buckling, or even mold to form. This will cause structural damage over time, so it’s best to take control of the situation before the cold season makes it worse. 

Repaint Your Siding

Every Portland siding contractor will tell you that even if your siding doesn’t look warped, it still needs annual care. The paint on your siding acts as a protective layer against the often harsh weathering. Scratched or damaged paint doesn’t fully protect your siding from damage over time. An assessment from a company that offers siding repair in Portland might just be what your property needs.

Winter Ready

Are you ready to have a nice, cozy winter spent inside by the fire rather than deal with frigid temperatures and potential roof leaks? Keep our guide in mind and inspect your property in early November. 

Assess your exterior and call in a Portland siding contractor to get a second opinion if you notice any signs of damage. Once that’s done, don’t forget to turn off any outside water sources and wrap up your outdoor furniture.