Winter is Coming: How to Prep Your Siding for Cold Fronts in Central Texas

Cold fronts are on their way. Even in Central Texas, fast temperature swings, strong wind, and winter rain can wear down your siding. Fall and early winter give you a perfect window to get ahead of problems, protect your home, and keep your exterior looking sharp.

Here is why that matters and what to look at first.

Inspect for cracks, gaps, and warping

Let’s start with the basics. Walk around your home and look closely at:

  • Seams between siding boards

  • Corners and edges

  • Areas around doors and windows

  • Trim details and transitions

Winter is Coming: How to Prep Your Siding for Cold Fronts in Central Texas

Even small cracks or gaps can let water in. When temperatures drop, trapped moisture can lead to rot, swelling, and hidden structural trouble. If you see boards that bow out, pull away, or look uneven, flag those spots for repair or replacement.

Watch for peeling or fading paint

Next steps. Scan your siding for:

  • Peeling or blistering paint

  • Chalky residue when you rub the surface

  • Noticeable fading on the sunniest walls

Faded or failing paint is more than a cosmetic issue. It often means the surface has taken years of UV and weather abuse. That weakens protection over time. Repainting or replacing damaged panels now helps seal your home against winter moisture and keeps curb appeal strong in Austin, San Antonio, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and nearby cities.

Clean off dirt, mold, and mildew

Before temperatures dip, give your siding a gentle wash.

  • Use a mild detergent and water

  • Skip harsh pressure settings that can damage boards

  • Rinse from top to bottom

Removing dirt, mold, and mildew helps keep moisture from sitting in small crevices. That reduces the risk of water freezing, expanding, and opening up tiny cracks as the season shifts. Clean siding also helps you see real issues instead of just surface grime.

Check caulking and sealant

Here is another quick win. Look at caulking around:

  • Windows

  • Doors

  • Vertical trim joints

  • Utility penetrations

If you see cracked, dried, or missing sealant, scrape it out and reapply a quality exterior caulk. Tight seals help cut heat loss, block drafts, and keep wind-driven rain from getting behind your siding when the next cold front hits.

Inspect gutters and downspouts

Healthy gutters protect your siding.

  • Clear out leaves and roof grit

  • Make sure downspouts discharge away from the foundation

  • Confirm joints are tight and not leaking

Winter is Coming: How to Prep Your Siding for Cold Fronts in Central Texas

If gutters overflow during heavy winter rain, water can spill down your walls, saturate siding, and soak the framing behind it. A simple gutter cleaning can prevent stains, swelling, and long-term moisture damage.

Plan a siding upgrade before prices go up

Here is where timing really pays off. James Hardie has announced a major price increase coming soon, so scheduling your siding project now helps you lock in current pricing.

Upgrading to new Hardie fiber cement siding in the fall or early winter can:

  • Protect your home before harder weather hits

  • Improve energy performance going into colder nights

  • Clean up old damage before it grows into bigger repairs

For Austin and Central Texas homeowners, this window is often the best time to make a siding change while crews can still work comfortably and material lead times stay manageable.

Why James Hardie siding works for Central Texas

James Hardie fiber cement siding is designed with local climates in mind, including Central Texas. That gives you:

  • Strong resistance to warping, cracking, and moisture damage

  • Low maintenance performance that holds up in heat, wind, and winter fronts

  • Non-combustible materials for extra peace of mind

  • Dozens of Sherwin-Williams ColorPlus finishes that look sharp for years

  • One of the strongest warranties in the siding industry

JP Exteriors is the number one siding replacement company in Austin. Founded in 1994, JP Exteriors was the first James Hardie certified contractor in Austin and was the highest volume Hardie installer in 2023, earning the James Hardie Presidents Club Award.

Why work with JP Exteriors

When you prep your home for winter, the installer matters as much as the product. JP Exteriors brings:

  • James Hardie Service Excellence Award recognition as one of only 20 contractors in the nation to earn this honor

  • Presidents Club Award status that reflects top performance and happy customers

  • Over 25 years serving Austin and Central Texas with siding, windows, doors, and full exterior remodeling

  • An A+ rating with the BBB and 350+ five star Google reviews that show real homeowner trust

  • Flexible financing options, including same-as-cash plans and low-interest terms

  • Quick approval and affordable monthly payments

  • Referral rewards for homeowners who send friends, family, and neighbors our way

You get a local team that understands Central Texas weather, James Hardie products, and how to keep projects running smoothly from inspection to final walkthrough.

Next Steps

Thinking about selling your Austin home? Let JP Exteriors help you boost curb appeal and resale value with modern, energy-efficient doors.

Referral Rewards and Next Steps

Thinking about upgrading? Now is the perfect time. Texas storm season can strike at any time, and replacing siding early prevents water damage, energy loss, and costly repairs.

When you refer a friend or neighbor for siding, roofing, or window replacement, you can earn up to $250 through the JP Exteriors Referral Program.

Check out our recent blog: How to Add Curb Appeal Fast with a New Front Door