by Melissa J Luther

Created on: February 04, 2011   Last Updated: February 15, 2011

Cold, dry winter weather damages more than your skin. It can potentially damage your house and yard, too. This is especially true in areas where temperatures dip below freezing regularly or that get a lot of snow. When spring comes, as your skin starts to repair itself, your home’s winter damage needs repairing as well.

> Inspect the Roof <

* Look for missing, curled or otherwise damaged shingles, and replace as necessary.

* Check the flashing, which provides a moisture barrier around areas like chimneys and vents. Repair minor damage with sealant. Replace badly damaged flashing.

* If you noticed ice dams or icicles over the winter, check those areas carefully and also check the attic for signs of water damage. Fix any interior or exterior damage and replace any wet insulation. You may also consider adding more insulation to prevent similar problems next winter.

> Check You House’s Exterior and Trim <

* Inspect the siding and wash if needed. Look for damaged spots, especially near downspouts on wooden siding. For small cracks or shallow rotted areas, fill with latex or epoxy filler. More badly damaged areas may need replacing.

* Check for erosion in mortar joints and seal if necessary.

* Inspect painted doors, trim and railings. Repaint if necessary. Pick a dry day and stop before dark so dew formation doesn’t prevent proper drying.

* Check doors and windows for cracks and leaks. Replace cracked panes. Recaulk or replace weather-stripping if needed.

* If you stored firewood next to the house, look for moisture or pest damage and repair any problems you find. Consider storing wood slightly away from the house next year.

> Inspect the Deck and Patio <

* Look for rotted or damaged wood and repair or replace. Sand any rough spots that don’t need repair.

* Check all fasteners. Replace loose nails and tighten loose bolts.

* Wash the deck to remove winter’s salt and grime and to prevent further damage. Try to work on a cool, cloudy day so cleaner doesn’t simply dry on the wood.

* Seal the deck with two, even, thin coats of sealant, allowing 24 hours of drying time between coats.

* Check concrete for cracks, which winter freeze and thaw cycles can worsen. Fix with a cement-based patch or have badly damaged pieces professionally replaced.

> Inspect the Yard <

* Look for broken or rotted boards in fences, arbors and pergolas. Repair or replace as necessary.

* Inspect trees and bushes for damaged branches, especially if you had heavy snowfall. Getting rid of these before new growth starts is less stressful for the plant than waiting for warmer weather.

It’s important to take the time to find potential problems while they’re still manageable. If you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer, or the damage is minor, you can do most repairs yourself. For larger jobs, or if you’re not very handy, call in a professional.

Damaged areas of your home will continue to worsen if not taken care of, and eventually the repairs will be much more expensive than if you had done them right away.

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