Why Checking Exterior Seals Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance

July 8, 2025

Every spring and summer, homeowners across the Grande Prairie region get ready for the changing seasons by cleaning, organizing, and planning outdoor projects. But one important task that often gets missed is checking the seals around the outside of your home.

Exterior seals include caulking and weatherproof barriers around windows, doors, vents, and utility openings. These materials wear down over time, especially after cold winters and dry summers. When seals start to crack or peel, they leave your home open to water leaks, drafts, pests, and even higher energy bills.

This blog will explain what exterior seals are, why they matter, how to check them, and what you can do to help protect your home year after year.

What Are Exterior Seals and What Do They Do?

Exterior seals are the protective barriers around openings in your home’s shell. These include:

  • Caulking around windows and doors
  • Sealant around roof vents and chimneys
  • Weatherproof gaskets around pipes or cables entering the home
  • Flashing and other sealing materials around roofing joints

Their job is to keep outside elements out and indoor comfort in. When these seals are working, they help:

  • Stop rain or melting snow from getting into walls
  • Reduce drafts during winter and summer
  • Block dust, insects, and rodents from finding a way in
  • Improve heating and cooling efficiency by sealing gaps

What Causes Seals to Fail?

In Alberta’s climate, weather takes a real toll on sealants. Over time, caulking and seal materials can:

  • Shrink or crack from temperature swings
  • Dry out from sun exposure
  • Peel away due to moisture buildup or movement in the structure

Once the seal is broken, it can quickly lead to water damage or higher utility costs.

How to Inspect the Seals Around Your Home

You don’t need special tools to do a simple seal check. Pick a dry, calm day and walk around the outside of your home. Look closely at areas where two materials meet; such as where your siding touches your windows or where a vent exits your roof.

Check for:

  • Visible cracks or gaps in caulking
  • Peeling or brittle sealant
  • Signs of water staining or wood rot
  • Drafts near door frames or window edges

If something feels loose or looks cracked, it may be time to repair or replace the sealant.

Areas That Often Get Missed

In addition to the main windows and doors, here are a few spots that homeowners sometimes overlook:

  • Basement windows and window wells
  • Gas lines or air conditioner tubing entering the home
  • Dryer vents and other exhaust points
  • Chimney flashing and roof vent caps
  • Attic fans or roof ridge vents

A little extra time spent checking these areas now can prevent expensive repairs later.

How Often Should You Check Exterior Seals?

A good rule of thumb is to inspect exterior seals twice a year, once in the spring and again before winter. These inspections help you catch small issues before they become big problems.

Some sealants are rated to last 5 to 10 years, but exposure to wind, sun, snow, and rain can shorten their lifespan. Doing a quick walk-around each season helps you stay ahead of damage.

Extra Home Maintenance Tips to Consider

While you’re inspecting seals, it’s a good time to check other parts of your home’s exterior, including:

  • Cleaning gutters and making sure downspouts are clear
  • Checking siding for cracks or missing panels
  • Looking for loose shingles or rust near flashing
  • Testing exterior faucets for leaks after the winter thaw
  • Replacing weatherstripping on doors if it’s worn or torn

These small steps can add up to major savings on repairs, heating, and cooling over time.

A Simple Step That Protects Your Home

Checking your home’s exterior seals is one of those easy maintenance steps that makes a big difference. It takes just a bit of time, but it helps prevent costly problems like water leaks, drafts, or energy loss.

By staying ahead of seal wear and tear, you protect your home’s structure and save yourself time and money in the long run.

If you’re making your spring checklist, be sure to include a full walk-around and take a closer look at the seals that protect your home year-round.