The winter months are a time of year when keeping up with home maintenance tasks is crucial. Some homeowners forgo home repairs during the cold, wet months assuming home projects can be put off until spring arrives. It’s important to remember that the rainy months we see in Olympia and Tacoma can prey upon weak spots in your home if left unattended, and you may have serious issues that will need to be addressed immediately. 

It’s no surprise that the winter months are hard on homes, especially in Tacoma and Olympia. Homeowners must deal with rain, snow, frost, and more. If you’re wondering how to prepare your home for the winter season then this information will be a great guide. We’ll discuss the outdoor maintenance you’ll want to consider before winter sets in as well as what interior updates you can accomplish over the next few months.

Roof Inspection

Your roof is one part of your home that is easy to neglect simply because we don’t look at it every day. For older homes especially – your roof has gone through some wear and tear protecting everything inside. That means your roof could be vulnerable to the elements during the winter months. 

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for winter is to have a professional roof inspection. A good roofing contractor will look for any leaks, damage, or potential problems and give you a plan of action to fix them.

A thorough check-up of your roof will go a long way in protecting your home from harsh weather conditions. Since roofs are constantly under stress from rain, snow, and more, you will want to make any necessary minor repairs before they become major issues. While focusing on your roof, consider cleaning the gutters, especially if they haven’t been cleaned yet this year. Clogged gutters can result in water accumulating in areas where it can cause damage like wood rot and can be costly.

Exterior Inspection

While outside, make sure to have your inspection include exterior surfaces exposed to precipitation and direct sunlight. During the winter months, these exterior surfaces are especially vulnerable to water damage and rot. It’s important to inspect them annually for cracks, warping, peeling paint, and more. If you notice any damage, have it fixed as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.

Look for cracked, splitting, or peeling paint as well as cracked sealants, loose hinges, and rusted hardware. Be sure to reseal around the perimeter of doors and windows where they meet the frame. This will prevent water and wind from entering your home and damaging the wood.

It may seem counterintuitive to consider exterior projects first during the winter months, but if your home is left unprotected from the elements, any interior work may need to be postponed or redone as it is susceptible to water damage and consequently may impact other interior parts of your home.

Interior Inspection

Once your exterior inspection is complete and any necessary repairs have been made, turning to your home’s interior is the next step. If you made repairs on the exterior or noticed that water was accumulating outside, it is smart to check different areas indoors for any signs of water damage. 

Water stains on ceilings or floors are a common indicator that unwanted substances are entering your home from the exterior. You may also notice soft spots or paint damage to your ceiling, especially near windows or the roofline. 

Damp, humid areas especially in basements can be another indication of a water issue. The most concerning of these types of issues are mold and mildew. If any of these are seen in your home, contact your local contractor to have these necessary repairs made immediately.

Mold and mildew are common issues that can occur in homes during the winter season. This is because of the excess precipitation which causes moisture to build up, creating an environment where mold can thrive. If you notice any signs of mold in your home, it’s important to take action right away. Mold can cause health problems, so it’s best to get rid of it as soon as possible. 

Emergency repairs can be costly, that’s why having routine maintenance checks in and around your home are so important. At Flying Colors Painting, we provide an extensive range of services for our clients. From exterior repairs and sealing to interior updates, we are known for being able to help homeowners protect their homes. To schedule an estimate and get started on home updates, contact us today.