How to Check for Outdoor Damage After Winter Storms

Snow storms are getting worse. And while we may enjoy waking up to a thick blanket of snow every now and then, with each extreme weather phenomenon, the odds of winter outdoor damage to your home increase.

In turn, that means knowing how to check your home for outdoor damage becomes essential to protecting your family (and your wallet). Identifying minor issues before they become major problems is often a less expensive (and damaging) path for all.

So, as we transition from fall to winter, be on the lookout for a wide variety of indicators of outdoor damage. If you’re not sure what to look for, we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through what to keep an eye out for, as well as some quick tips that can help prevent the damage from getting worse.

Start With a Roof Inspection

Roofs are always a concern after any major winter storm. Depending on the weight of the snow, your roof’s structural design, and the material your roof is made of, heavy snowfall could lead to structural damage. 

Getting onto your roof after a snowstorm can also be an issue. So, we wouldn’t recommend climbing up a ladder to do your inspection. However, you may be able to ask your neighbors to view your roof from their second floor. A pair of binoculars can also help in this situation, too.

When inspecting your roof, check for missing shingles, cracks, and damage to your chimney, such as lifted flashing. You may also want to survey your gutters for dark specks or spots, as they could indicate shingle wearing.

Inspect Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters should move melting snow off your roof and away from your home’s foundation. However, ice and accumulating debris (such as fallen leaves or twigs) can lead to potentially damaging clogs. 

You’ll notice an issue when melting snow doesn’t flow through your gutters or downspouts. Some debris accumulations can also be visible from ground level.

Another indicator of winter storm damage is gutters that are sagging or pulling away from your house. That’s a sign they’re holding too much weight or there’s structural damage.

When it’s safe, try to clean your gutters thoroughly and get started on any gutter repairs. To prevent clogs in the future, consider installing gutter guards. 

Examine Exterior Walls and Siding

Yo-yoing temperatures that drop below freezing can wreak havoc on your walls and siding. You may notice cracks or gaps in siding or exterior walls, and repairing those issues as soon as possible can help prevent water damage, structural damage, or even a pest infestation.

Between the moisture and darker days, you may also notice organic growth on your exterior walls, such as mold and mildew. Wet & Forget outdoor products (such as our concentrate or Xtreme Reach™ Hose End) can help clear up these stains and prevent them from returning for up to a year or more.

Minor cracks in your exterior walls or siding can be fixed by caulking them. Larger issues may require professional assistance to repair.

Assess Windows and Doors

To check for winter outdoor damage to your windows and doors, first feel around the edges for cold air coming in. This could be a sign that the window or door seals are damaged.

Also, check for warped frames or condensation between the double-pane glass. You could experience water damage if you notice these issues and don’t fix them quickly.

Re-caulk any visible gaps to prevent unnecessary moisture from working its way inside your home. Replacing your window or door weather stripping can also provide better insulation. 

Survey the Driveway, Walkways, and Patios

Freezing temperatures can also cause your driveway, sidewalk, or concrete patios to crack. A minor crack here or there may not be a major issue, but time is often the only thing stopping them from becoming a much more significant concern. 

Cracks in your concrete can also quickly lead to mold and mildew growth. Once organic growth takes hold and establishes a safe harbor beneath the surface, it becomes more difficult to remove.

Again, Wet & Forget outdoor products can help remove mold and mildew stains and prevent them from returning. Applying earlier in the fall can help protect your driveway, sidewalk, and patios through winter.

Examine Fences, Decks, and Outdoor Structures

While outdoor structures are typically constructed with durability in mind, there’s still only so much they can take before they become damaged. Untreated wood structures may rot from moisture, causing a potential safety issue. And metal structures may rust due to the excess moisture.

When checking for damage, ensure these structures remain stable and sturdy. Check for damage or rusting to nails or fasteners or soft spots. If you notice any damage, make sure to rope off or otherwise secure the area to limit the possibility of personal injury until you’re able to make repairs.

Check Landscaping and Trees

After heavy snow, you’ll notice more sagging or broken tree branches in your yard. While this in and of itself could be dangerous, if the weakened branches are over your roof, power lines, or other structures, you could face a much more serious issue.

If you notice a sagging branch that could cause damage once it falls, call a tree trimming company immediately. Depending on where the tree sits, your local municipality may have an emergency tree trimming service to ensure the issue is resolved safely and quickly. 

Additionally, check your bushes, shrubs, and other outdoor plants after every winter storm. Winter burn can damage these plants and make them weaker come springtime. Pruning dead branches can help encourage new growth once the harsh season is over.

Review Outdoor HVAC Units and Plumbing

Winter storms can also wreak havoc on your HVAC system. Debris, rust, and ice can all have a major impact on your heating and cooling system’s functionality. During winter, any issue with your home’s heating system could lead to major issues in your home.

So, if you notice any built-up snow or debris around your HVAC unit, make sure to clear them. Ideally, there should be around 18 inches of free space around your unit.

While you’re checking your HVAC unit, also inspect any outdoor faucets for leaks. Freezing temperatures cause water to expand, which can lead to cracked or burst pipes. 

To prevent the issue in the future, install insulated covers for your outdoor faucets. 

Know What Outdoor Damage to Look for After Winter Storms

A thorough inspection of outdoor surfaces can help prevent major issues. Not only will that keep your family and home safer, it will also save you from potentially expensive repairs further down the road.