This past winter was one of the most unexpected on record. Winter storm Fern in late January brought more precipitation than homeowners in Northern Virginia were used to. Snow, ice, and freezing rain pelted homes across the D.C. area, and many people were left with exterior damage.

With spring almost here and summer right around the corner, it’s a great time to address any winter storm damage that occurred over the past few months. But, where do you start? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify signs of exterior damage and understand the necessary corrective actions.

Roof Storm Damage in Northern Virginia

A home’s roofing is very vulnerable to winter ice storms. Ice dams are extremely common in the Mid-Atlantic due to frequent freeze/thaw cycles. They create leaks, structural damage, and material damage that have to be fixed by a roof repair once the weather turns warm again.

Here’s how ice dams form on your roof:

1. Snow falls onto the roof and accumulates.
2. When the temperature rises just slightly above freezing, some of this snow will melt. The snow slides to the edge of the roof. Poor attic insulation can also cause this.
3. When the temperature drops below freezing again, the half-melted snow freezes.
4. Over time, this repeated cycle creates a buildup and forms a frozen dam at the edge of your roof.
5. When the snow continues to melt, it can’t run off the roof because of the dam. 
6. It pools up on the roof and seeps back up underneath the shingles, causing water damage and interior leaks in the home.

This issue is quite common, but fortunately, it can be resolved. A skilled roofing company in Northern Virginia can replace any affected shingles, repair underlying structural damage, or give a homeowner a complete roof replacement.

Types of Roof Replacements to Choose From

If it’s obvious that this past winter was the last one for your existing roof, you’ll have a great opportunity to change your roofing style. There are three popular options in the area:

• Asphalt: Shingles are a classic option in the area. They’re affordable, available in a few different colors, and provide good protection. However, they’re susceptible to ice dams because each shingle layer overlaps.
• Metal: Metal is less susceptible to ice dams because of fewer overlapping panels. It’s a great option for homeowners who look at a roof replacement as an investment. It will last for decades with minimal maintenance required.
• Slate: This premium roofing material is often found in affluent neighborhoods in the area. It’s ideal for families who want a roof that looks sophisticated and elegant, while still providing top-tier protection.

Storm Damage Siding Repair and Gutter Replacement

Siding and gutter damage is another reason why homeowners need repairs after the winter. If the gutters are not cleaned before the winter, the leaves that are stuck inside can trap melted snow, creating the perfect place for an ice dam to form. If the dam gets large enough, the gutters can crack at seams or buckle under the extra weight.

Siding can become damaged during the winter due to high winds. Loose panels can detach, exposing the building wrap and sheathing underneath. This can affect the comfort within the home, and it can make structural components susceptible to weather damage. 

Siding replacements and gutter repairs can reverse any of these issues. If your gutters are broken because of ice dams, they can be replaced and fitted with gutter guards to prevent future clogging. Loose siding panels can be reattached, cracks can be filled, or the siding can be completely replaced for a fresh look. New soffits and fascia can also be installed to provide additional protection, ventilation, and visual appeal.

Window and Door Replacements

Window and door winter damage is one of the easiest-to-spot problems in a home. People spend a lot of time inside during the winter, so they immediately notice when their windows and doors are no longer in great condition. There are a few forms of damage that these components experience:

• Impact Damage: High winds and falling icicles can cause direct damage to the fragile glass on windows and doors. Cracks, chips, and complete glass failure can happen when the doors and windows are hit hard enough.
• Water Intrusion: Have you noticed slow trickles of water on the inside of your window frame or staining beneath the windows? This means that water has found a way past the seals. This can happen with natural age and shrinkage, or it can happen when an ice dam causes water to run down the inside of the home.
• Frame Rot: This can occur in wooden windows and doors. Exterior snow, water, and ice can slowly deteriorate the frame. It’s not a one-time situation, but the result of years of winter wear and tear.

A door or window replacement is typically the most effective way to reverse these damages. The cost and time to repair a window or door don’t usually make financial sense. Replacing them will give decades of future performance. Your contractor will remove the old fixture, repair any water damage that’s developed around the framing, install a new window or door, and seal it to ensure weather tightness.

Winter Storm Damage Repairs for Decks and Porches

Decking and porch damage rarely arises over the course of one winter. It’s much more likely to appear after years of slow wear and tear. Snow, freezing rain, ice, and other precipitation can degrade wooden decks over time, eventually causing them to fail. Wooden decks only last 10-30 years, depending on how much moisture they experience.

Some of the signs that your deck has gone through its last winter include soft spots, loose boards, broken boards, and instability. Ignoring these problems can create a liability. 

The best way to repair winter storm damage to your deck or porch in Northern Virginia is to replace it with composite materials. These decking materials are not made of wood, so you’ll never have to worry about them rotting again. They will be able to withstand every winter for the rest of your time in your home.

How Noverra Exteriors Resolves Exterior Winter Damage in Northern Virginia

Our team sees the same issues appear every spring. Homeowners have leaky roofs, cracked siding, drafty windows and doors, and rotting decks because of the winter. We understand how much of a toll winter weather can take on a property, and we know that you want to get your exterior back into great shape as soon as possible.

We offer comprehensive services to address all types of exterior damage. We have nearly a decade of experience in the local community and are trusted for our gorgeous, long-lasting products and exceptional installation quality. Don’t let winter storm damage stress your family out. Contact us today to get a quote for your spring repair.