RESOURCES

Where Should Homeowners Check Caulking? Look closely at the areas around your home where different materials meet or where gaps may develop. Pay particular attention to: Exterior window trim Door frames Siding transitions Corner boards Exterior trim joints Utility penetrations Gaps between compatible building materials Previously caulked seams Watch for

Where Should You Look? Start with a careful visual inspection of accessible exterior wood surfaces. Pay particular attention to: Window and door trim Fascia and soffits Porch posts Deck boards Railings and stairs Garage trim Areas near gutters and downspouts Wood close to the ground Horizontal surfaces where water may

Common Places to Inspect Walk around the accessible portions of your home and look near: Window and door trim Exterior corner boards Siding and trim transitions Utility and plumbing penetrations Garage-door trim Porch and deck connections Previously caulked joints Painted seams that have opened Take note of cracks, missing sealant,

Signs Your Deck Coating Is Wearing Out Look for: Faded or uneven color Peeling or flaking coatings Bare wood Cracks and splinters Dark or persistently damp areas Worn stair treads Exposed railing tops Loose boards or unstable handrails Loose boards, unstable railings, or structural damage should be evaluated by a

What to Check Before Winter From the ground, look for: Gutters filled with leaves or debris Water stains on siding Peeling paint below rooflines Dark marks around fascia and soffits Downspouts releasing water beside the foundation Areas where water regularly splashes onto painted surfaces Gaps or visible leaks around gutter

Check the Door From Both Sides Look for: Daylight around the closed door Cracked or flattened weatherstripping A worn or missing door sweep Drafts along the sides or bottom Peeling paint on the frame or trim Cracked caulking around exterior trim Swollen or soft wood Water staining near the threshold

Your Minnesota Winter-Ready Checklist 1. Exterior paint Look for peeling, bubbling, cracking, fading, and bare wood on siding and trim. 2. Caulking Inspect accessible joints around windows, doors, trim, and exterior transitions. 3. Wood surfaces Watch for soft, swollen, cracked, or discolored wood that may have absorbed moisture. 4. Small

Inspect Accessible Penetrations Look around accessible areas where pipes, wiring, vents, or utilities pass through a wall or ceiling. Watch for: Visible gaps Missing or deteriorated sealant Water staining Condensation Peeling paint Damaged surrounding material Signs that an opening has changed since the previous season Do not disturb electrical components,

What Should You Photograph? Document accessible areas showing: Peeling or flaking paint Cracked caulking Exposed wood Bubbling or blistering Dark staining Worn deck boards or railings Gaps around painted trim Paint failure near gutters Damaged fascia or soffits Areas where snow or water collects Take one wide photograph to show

Signs Your Exterior Paint May Be Failing Walk around your home and look for: Peeling or flaking paint Cracks in the painted surface Bubbling or blistering Faded or chalky areas Bare or exposed wood Paint separating around windows and doors Dark spots that may indicate trapped moisture These problems are