13 home exterior issues to watch for during the cold seasons
By Vanessa Wolf•Last updated Oct 3, 2023
Last updated Oct 3, 2023
Table of Contents
- 1. Puddles around your home’s foundation
- 2. Eroded or damaged landscaping
- 3. Sagging, bowing, or droopy gutters
- 4. Wood rot, mold, and mildew (inside your home)
- 5. Cracked, warped, rotted, or loose siding
- 6. Constant dripping sounds
- 7. Ice dams on the roof or gutters
- 8. Peeling paint and visible rust spots
- 9. Roof shingle granules in the downspouts
- 10. Basement flooding
- 11. Water stains and paint problems inside your home
- 12. A greenhouse’s worth of plants growing along your roofline
- 13. A moss-clad roof fit for a hobbit
- Protect your home’s exterior with help from Thumbtack pros
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As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, homeowners across the country engage in the annual ritual of preparing their homes for fall and winter. While cozying up indoors is certainly a highlight of this time, it's equally essential to ensure that the exterior of your home is ready to withstand the upcoming weather challenges.
One often overlooked aspect of this preparation is maintaining your gutters, downspouts, foundation, siding, and roof. Neglecting these vital components can lead to a host of problems during the colder months, from water damage to pest infestations.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the telltale signs that your home’s exterior needs maintenance or repair this season.
1. Puddles around your home’s foundation
One of the most obvious signs that your gutters need cleaning is water overflowing from the sides. When leaves, twigs, and debris build up in your gutters, rainwater has nowhere to go and spills over. This extra water can pool around your home's foundation, causing potential damage.
Throughout the fall and winter, keep an eye out for puddles or erosion near the foundation after heavy rain. If you spot either sign, it's probably time to clean those gutters.
2. Eroded or damaged landscaping
A less obvious but equally important sign is eroded or damaged landscaping around your home's foundation. If you notice soil displacement, puddling, or washed-out mulch near your house, it might be related to your gutters.
Faulty gutters or downspouts can deposit large amounts of water around your home's foundation, leading to soil erosion, damaged plants, and even unstable ground. This can ultimately threaten the structural integrity of your home's foundation.
3. Sagging, bowing, or droopy gutters
Do your gutters look like they’re sagging or pulling away from the house? That’s a clear sign that debris has built up and is weighing down the system. The extra weight can cause gutters to detach, making them ineffective — especially as more leaves and debris collect in the fall and winter.
If you notice sagging gutters, it’s time to clear out the debris and make sure they’re properly secured to your home.
4. Wood rot, mold, and mildew (inside your home)
High humidity during the summer can cause mold to grow inside and outside your home. But mold can also appear during the colder months — and it could be due to issues with your home’s exterior.
While mold and mildew may not seem directly related to your roof or downspouts, they can be an early sign of clogged or malfunctioning gutters. When gutters don't direct water away from your home effectively, moisture can collect on the roof and walls, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth inside your house.
A hole or crack in your roof or siding can also let moisture seep in, causing mold and mildew growth inside your home. Water can also cause wood to rot and deteriorate.
If you spot these signs, it’s important to address your gutter and downspout issues promptly. Hire a roofing contractor or gutter repair professional to inspect your exterior.
5. Cracked, warped, rotted, or loose siding
As temperatures change throughout the seasons, your home’s siding can take a lot of stress. Vinyl siding can become brittle and crack. Wood siding can start to rot. Strong winds during a snowstorm can cause tree branches to hit and damage your siding — and you may even notice loose or missing boards.
If these siding issues aren’t fixed, moisture can seep through the cracks and damage your home’s internal structure and systems. Plus, cracks in your siding or roof can let warm air escape from your home, wasting energy and money.
So, regularly check your home’s siding for early signs of damage before major repairs are needed.
6. Constant dripping sounds
As you settle in during a rainstorm, listen carefully. Do you hear a constant dripping sound? This could be a sign that your gutters are clogged and water is trapped, causing leaks.
Ignoring this issue can lead to water damage to your roof, siding, and even your home's interior. If you're hearing more drips than your morning coffee maker, it’s time to give your gutters some attention.
7. Ice dams on the roof or gutters
As winter arrives, the combination of snow, freezing temperatures, and clogged gutters can lead to ice dams. Ice dams form when melting snow can't flow through clogged gutters and instead freezes at the edge of your roof. This ice buildup can damage your roof's shingles and gutters and even cause leaks inside your home.
If you notice icicles forming at the edge of your roof, it’s a sign that your gutters need cleaning before winter sets in. Throughout the winter, make sure you remove excess snow from your roof and keep your gutters clear of debris.
8. Peeling paint and visible rust spots
While your home's exterior may endure a lot of weather, peeling paint and rust spots on your gutters, downspouts, and siding shouldn’t be ignored. These issues can happen when your gutter system isn’t effectively channeling water away from your home.
If left unaddressed, these signs can lead to costly repairs. For example, you may need to replace your gutters and siding. Throughout the fall and winter months, inspect these areas for paint damage or rust spots.
9. Roof shingle granules in the downspouts
When you're cleaning out your gutters or downspouts, take a closer look at what has collected there. If you find an excessive amount of granules from your roof shingles, it could be a sign that your roof is losing its protective layer.
Asphalt roof shingle granules have a sand-like texture and serve two purposes: they protect against UV radiation and add a fire-resistant layer. If you have an older roof, it’s wise to inspect it yourself or hire a roofer to do it for you.
If you notice shingles with a significant amount of granule loss, you may need to consider replacement. These granules provide a vital protective layer, and without them, shingles become vulnerable — which often leads to rapid deterioration.
10. Basement flooding
As you know, your gutter system plays a crucial role in diverting rainwater away from your home's foundation. When gutters are clogged or not functioning properly, water can seep past your home's foundation and cause your basement to flood.
If you start noticing dampness or water in your basement, this could be a red flag that your gutter system needs attention to prevent further water damage.
11. Water stains and paint problems inside your home
The effects of a malfunctioning gutter system aren't limited to your home's exterior. If water isn't properly channeled away from your roof and walls, it can seep into your home's interior.
Water stains on ceilings or walls, as well as peeling paint, can indicate that your gutters are allowing water into your home. Addressing this issue promptly can help prevent further interior damage and mold growth.
12. A greenhouse’s worth of plants growing along your roofline
If you spot tiny saplings or other vegetation sprouting from your gutters or along the edge of your roof, you’re seeing a clear sign of trouble. Nature has found its way into your roof or gutter system, and it’s time to remove it.
Seeds from nearby trees, along with organic debris, often collect in roofs and gutters. When they sprout, it’s not only an eyesore but also a sign that this critical infrastructure may be in disrepair.
Repairing any roof issues or cleaning out your gutters and downspouts can help prevent this from happening.
13. A moss-clad roof fit for a hobbit
While it may be aesthetically pleasing — especially if your name is Bilbo or Frodo — a roof covered in moss or algae is usually a big problem.
Moss and algae thrive in damp environments, which can indicate poor drainage due to clogged gutters and downspouts or other roofing issues. More importantly, moss can hold moisture against your shingles, accelerating their decay.
If your roof has become a green oasis, it’s time for a thorough inspection and cleaning.
Protect your home’s exterior with help from Thumbtack pros
Incorporating regular maintenance into your home care routine can save you from costly repairs down the line. By staying alert and recognizing these signs, you can help keep your siding, gutters, downspouts, and roof in top condition as fall and winter weather set in.
While some homeowners are comfortable using a ladder and toolbelt, others may prefer to leave repairs to the professionals. If you’re not comfortable working at heights or dealing with potentially hazardous conditions, hiring a professional is a smart choice.
Download the Thumbtack app today. With Thumbtack, you can easily connect with local contractors who specialize in roof repairs, gutter cleaning, siding repair, and other important home maintenance tasks. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky roof or clogged gutters, find a pro and make sure your home is ready for the changing seasons ahead.
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