With the colder months coming we should think of ways to prepare our houses to meet winter. We not only have to think of the colder weather but the effects of ice, snow and other elements on the structure.

Something as simple as caulking around windows, doors, trim, and gaps in siding can cut down on drafts and water infiltration. Putties are available for larger holes and exterior wall penetrations such as plumbing and electrical lines.

If you have an asphalt driveway it is recommended that you seal it before the ground freezes. If not, water may infiltrate small cracks, freeze, expand and cause greater damage. For larger cracks a thick sealant in a caulking tube should be used.

Cracks in concrete, brick or block should also be filled or sealed to prevent further damage. This includes sidewalks, foundations, driveways, veneers, chimneys and chimney caps. Small cracks in concrete can be filled with a polyurethane caulk or a masonry sealer. Larger cracks may be filled with hydraulic cement. This is waterproof cement that will create a permanent bond. There are hydraulic cements available for coating concrete such as a concrete cap on a chimney. This prevents water from being absorbed into the concrete that will reduce the chance of freezing and cracking.

Another common problem associated with winter in colder climates is ice damming. This situation can occur in several areas. Ice damming occurs where ice is allowed to build up, and under force pushes against or under another area. Gutters are probably the most common place where this occurs. Snow melts from the roof and freezes in the gutter. As the ice mounds in the gutter the ice may push under the shingles and onto the roof sheathing (plywood, OSB. etc.) and remain there until it melts. This can cause a leak in your ceiling or soffit overhang. If this condition is allowed to continue rot can occur to the sheathing, frame, fascia and wooden soffit. There are preventative steps that can be taken.

Drip edge is probably the easiest and least expensive. F-Style Drip edge is a metal strip that comes pre-bent in 10-12' sections. It goes under the shingles about 2", overhangs the edge of the roof into the gutter about 3/4" and comes down over the fascia about 1" and has a lip for a positive run off. This creates a seal to the edge of the roof and greatly reduces the chance