In cold climates, siding repair slows down in winter. Vinyl gets brittle, days are short, and homeowners stop looking at the outside of the house. But winter doesn't have to be dead. Here's how a one-man repair business keeps going.
Repairs you can still do in the cold
Vinyl becomes brittle in cold weather, so it cracks more easily when you unlock, bend or nail it. You can still work carefully:
- Warm the panels before installing (keep replacement panels in a heated truck or garage).
- Unlock gently with the zip tool; go slow.
- Leave the right expansion gaps. Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for gaps at J-channel and corners, and remember that siding cut in cold weather needs a bit more room to expand in summer.
- Don't nail tight. Nail in the center of the slot and leave a little play so the panel can move.
- Pick your days. A sunny 35-degree afternoon is a lot better than a windy 10-degree morning.
Storm and emergency calls
Winter windstorms and ice still blow off siding and soffit. Being the one guy who answers in January earns customers for life. Temporary fixes (securing loose panels, covering exposed sheathing) can turn into a full repair in spring.
Winter-friendly work
- Soffit and fascia and critter-proofing (animals look for warm attics in winter).
- Gutters and ice dam issues, if you do that work.
- Interior handyman jobs for past customers, if you offer them.
- Quotes for spring work: homeowners plan in winter; get on their list early.
Use the slow months
- Update your Google Business Profile with the season's best photos and ask past customers for reviews. See Google Business Profile for siding repair.
- Visit referral partners: property managers, realtors, inspectors. See realtors and home inspectors.
- Restock and organize the truck for spring.
- Run your numbers: which jobs paid best last year?
- Learn something new: a related skill that fits winter.
Plan for the money
Seasonal income means saving in the busy months to cover the slow ones. Know your monthly costs and set money aside every summer week.
Inside Siding Pro Academy, members share what works in their market for keeping the schedule full year-round.
Photo: from a real Siding Pro Academy repair job.
