Part 4 of our Winter-Proof Your Home series.
Your siding keeps winter rain out of your walls, but only if it’s intact and sealed. Charlotte’s cold, wet months and freeze-thaw nights find every crack in stucco, every open joint in fiber cement and every split cedar board. Here’s how to check each type of siding before winter, plus what to do about vinyl that’s faded but otherwise fine.
Stucco: Look for Cracks and Hidden Moisture
Hairline cracks in stucco are common. Wider cracks, bulges, hollow-sounding areas and stains are warning signs that water may be getting behind the surface. Check these spots:
- Below window corners and around doors
- Where stucco meets trim, roofs, decks or the ground
- Around light fixtures, hose bibs and other penetrations
Cracks and impact damage should be repaired and sealed before winter rain works into them. Once repairs have cured, painting the wall gives it an even finish and fresh protection. We install stucco siding and handle stucco repairs. See our residential services.
HardiePlank and Fiber Cement: Keep the Joints and Paint Tight
Fiber cement siding such as James Hardie’s HardiePlank stands up well to Charlotte weather, but it still depends on sound paint, sealed joints and good flashing. Before winter:
- Look for cracked, chipped or loose boards, especially near the ground, downspouts and decks
- Check caulk where siding meets trim, windows and doors, and replace any that’s cracked
- Look for peeling or worn paint on the sunniest walls and on cut board edges
- Make sure gutters and downspouts aren’t dumping water onto the siding
We install HardiePlank and other fiber cement siding, replace damaged boards and paint them. Painting is our core trade, so the finish is part of the job, not an afterthought.
Cedar Siding: Seal and Protect the Wood
Cedar is beautiful, but it needs its paint or stain in good condition to shed water. Split, cupped or soft boards should be replaced before winter. Rot spreads in wet weather and can move into the trim and sheathing. We replace damaged cedar, repair rotted trim with our carpentry crews, and finish everything with paint or stain to match.
Faded Vinyl Siding? Repaint It Instead of Replacing It
Vinyl siding doesn’t rot, but years of Carolinas sun fade its color and leave a chalky film, especially on south- and west-facing walls. If the panels are still firmly attached and not cracked or brittle, you may not need new siding at all. We repaint vinyl siding using a vinyl-safe paint with a PVC additive that helps the paint adhere and flex as the siding moves with temperature changes. As general guidance, choose vinyl-safe colors and avoid going much darker than the original color to reduce the risk of heat warping.
Vinyl repainting is mostly a fair-weather project, since the siding must be clean, dry and within the paint label’s temperature range. If winter arrives first, use the cold months to choose colors and get on the schedule for spring. Learn more about our exterior house painting.
For Every Siding Type: Control the Water
- Gutters: overflowing gutters are one of the most common causes of siding and trim damage. Fine-mesh gutter guards keep leaves and debris out and let only rainwater in. Seamless 5-inch and 6-inch gutters replace leaky ones. See gutters and gutter guards.
- Sprinklers: adjust heads that spray the house.
- Mulch and soil: keep them pulled back from the bottom of siding and trim.
- Wash gently: clean off mildew and pollen with methods suited to each siding type. See pressure washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stucco be repaired in the fall?
Yes. Fall is a good time for stucco repair, before winter rain gets into cracks. Repairs need time to cure before painting.
Can you paint vinyl siding?
Yes, if it’s clean and sound. We use a vinyl-safe paint with a PVC additive and recommend colors that won’t overheat the siding.
Does painting vinyl siding void the warranty?
It can, depending on the manufacturer. If your siding may still be under warranty, check the terms before painting.
Get Your Siding Ready for Winter
SouthEnd Painting & Roofing Contractors repairs and replaces stucco, HardiePlank, fiber cement and cedar siding, and repaints vinyl, across Charlotte, Weddington, Waxhaw, Marvin, Matthews, Wesley Chapel, Monroe, Indian Trail and beyond. Acorn financing is available. Call (704) 522-0000 or request a free estimate.
Winter-Proof Your Home series: Part 1: Overview · Part 2: Rotted Wood & Caulk · Part 3: Roof Repair vs. Replacement · Part 4: Stucco, Siding & Vinyl (you are here)
