Winter in the Twin Cities means bundling up in a warm coat and planning for the holidays. It also means keeping an eye out for how snow and ice can affect your home exterior. Here are three ways Minnesota winter can leave its mark on your roof, gutters, and siding.
When you go outside this winter, see if you notice any of these developments:
1. Wind damage to shingles.
Winter winds can definitely be a force. They can cause shingle damage, and that can lead to other issues.
2. Ice dams.
Snow on the rooftop is beautiful. But if those white flakes melt and then freeze again on roof outskirts, this can cause ice dams. Ice dams can also be formed if gutters are blocked and water can’t make its way through. When you have ice dams, water can meander under shingles; this can result in roof problems such as leaks. In addition, ice dams can also harm your gutters. If you see an ice dam, try to get rid of it. Then try to clear away snow from your roof. Too much snow piled up on your roof is something to be avoided, anyway.
3. Damage to siding.
If a tree limb breaks and strikes your home, it could leave a mark on your siding. Sometimes winter winds will even pick up objects and cause dents.
Winter can be imposing in Minnesota, but there are preventative measures you can take. It’s smart to clean your gutters in the fall, keep excessive snow from piling up on your roof, and keep tree branches trimmed and away from your home. You can also make sure your attic is properly insulated – this can help keep extra heat from travelling to your roof and melting snow.
Further, feel free to talk with our friendly professionals at Minnesota Exteriors. We’ve been helping Minnesota families with their homes for 70 years. Whether you live in St. Michael or Plymouth, we’d be happy to discuss how to take care of your home exterior during winter. We’re a third-generation, family-owned company, and we know what it’s like to prepare for snow. We want to make sure your home is ready for the winter, too.