It’s that time of the year again–when you get to enjoy fluffy snow, sparkling icicles, and cozy nights. While these may make for a winter paradise, they can also produce drafts, leaks and ice dams. To keep your home structurally sound, it’s important to take preventive measures.

Winter Maintenance

Exterior Source, your exterior home improvement specialist, discusses what should be on your maintenance list to prevent costly problems:

Stopping Drafts

Drafts coming into your home through openings around your windows can make you less comfortable. This can also cause your utility bills to increase. Check if the caulking and weatherstripping around your windows are causing the issue and fix them, if necessary. If you still feel the cold breeze coming in, however, consider replacing your windows instead.

You can count on us to install durable and energy-efficient units from Sunrise® to help stabilize your indoor temperature. This way, you can enjoy a cozier home without the high energy costs.

Avoiding Ice Dams

While winter in Virginia is milder compared to other areas, ice dams can still form on your home. To keep this from happening, make sure that your attic has proper insulation and ventilation. Additionally, regularly clean your gutters as clogs can exacerbate the formation of icicles on your roofline. To ease the hassles of gutter upkeep, we suggest installing LeafGuard®. This block leaves, twigs and other debris to maintain unimpeded water flow.

Addressing Leaks

With your home’s constant exposure to snow, humid air and dropping temperatures, it’s common to experience leaks, especially on your roof. Pay attention to warning signs like water stains on your ceilings and walls, broken or damaged shingles and loose flashing. Have an expert like us resolve the problem immediately if you notice any of these.

Exterior Source is the company you can rely on for your home improvement needs. We specialize in various services,, including roof and gutter repair. Get in touch with us at (804) 275-5323 in or (757) 464-2060 in Tidewater to discuss your project.