Winter is beautiful. However, freezing rain, ice, and snow can damage your home’s roofing, siding, and windows. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can prevent damage. Follow this checklist to protect your building before the season arrives.

How to Protect Your Home From the Elements

1. Seal Wood

Excess moisture from snow and ice can penetrate exposed wooden surfaces and cause decay.

Many homes contain wood trim, decks, window frames, and rails that benefit from fresh sealant each winter. Adding water-resistant sealant to these features also helps insulate your home by preventing cold air and moisture from passing through their surfaces.

2. Trim Trees

Snow and ice can add weight to tree limbs. As a result, long branches can break and fall onto your home, damaging roofing materials, gutters, windows, and siding.

Have a professional trim branches that overhang your house. This will also prevent water damage as snow melts from the trees. 

3. Inspect the Roof

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, but it needs to be in top shape to fulfill its role effectively. Some homeowners only discover they have a roof leak after the first snowfall, when extensive damage has already occurred.

Inspecting your roofing now can prevent water damage in the roof’s structural components. From the ground, preferably using binoculars, look for buckling, curling, or missing shingles, as well as rusted flashing and cracked caulk around vents or the chimney. If you notice any of these warning signs, call a professional for repairs as soon as possible.

If you require roof repair, turn to the contractors at Berry Construction Storm Repair in O’Fallon, MO. This company has served homeowners in the Greater St. Louis area for nearly 20 years. Recognized as the state’s top customer service provider, they offer a 5-year craftsmanship warranty to ensure you’re satisfied with the work. They also provide emergency service when storm damage occurs. Call (636) 294-7663 to request an inspection, or visit their website to learn more about their work.