Home Maintenance: Why You Should Check and Seal Around Windows, Doors, and Wall Penetrations Before Winter

aaronwest241
6 days ago
3 min read

As temperatures drop in Western Pennsylvania, your home’s exterior seal becomes the first line of defense against water intrusion, pests, and energy loss. Small cracks or gaps may seem harmless, but over time they allow moisture, drafts, and insects to find their way inside — leading to expensive repairs and higher utility bills.

Every fall, it’s a good idea to walk around your home and inspect the seals around windows, doors, and any penetrations through the walls (like pipes, vents, or cables). These simple checks can save you hundreds of dollars in damage prevention.

🧱 What Happens When Exterior Seals Fail

Water Intrusion

Water is relentless. Once it finds a gap, it can seep behind siding, brick, or trim — leading to rot, mold, or foundation damage. Cracked caulk, missing mortar, or open utility penetrations often go unnoticed until staining or swelling appears inside.

Green and black pipe protrudes from a brick wall with crumbling mortar. Dried leaves and stems surround the base, suggesting neglect. — Example of exterior wall penetration improperly sealed

In the photo above, an exterior pipe penetration is missing proper sealant. This small gap can allow rainwater to enter and saturate wall materials — a common cause of hidden moisture problems.

Pest Entry

Rodents and insects need only a small opening to make their way indoors. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, and wasps or ants can follow cracks along window frames or trim boards.

Red and dark brown bricks with rough texture and visible mortar lines. A prominent vertical crack runs through the center. — Example of gaps pests can enter your home from

Sealing gaps helps keep pests outside where they belong — and prevents them from finding warm hiding spots in your walls when winter sets in.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort

Even narrow gaps around windows and doors can create cold drafts and drive up heating costs. Air leaks force your furnace to work harder and make rooms near exterior walls noticeably cooler.

Fingers closely examine a gap between a red brick wall and black metal trim. Textures and colors are highlighted in natural light. — Example of deteriorated caulking

Properly sealed joints not only save energy but also improve indoor comfort by maintaining consistent temperatures throughout your home.

🔍 What to Look for During Your Annual Walkaround

Take 15–20 minutes each fall to visually inspect your home’s exterior. Look for:

Cracked or peeling caulk around windows, doors, and siding joints
Gaps where utility lines or pipes enter the wall
Missing or crumbling mortar between bricks
Rust forming on lintels above windows and doors
Cracked glass block windows or deteriorating sealant
Separation between trim boards or siding panels

🧰 Don’t Forget the Lintels

Lintels — the metal supports above doors and windows — are especially vulnerable to rust. As rust expands, it can push against surrounding brick or mortar, creating cracks that allow water to penetrate even deeper.

Close-up of a red brick wall with visible rust on the metal lintel and peeling white paint on the wood beneath, suggesting decay. — Example of a rusted lintel

When you see early signs of rust, the best approach is to sand, prime, and paint the lintel with a rust-inhibiting metal paint. This simple maintenance step prevents corrosion from spreading. If rust is left untreated, the lintel can eventually deteriorate to the point of failure and require full replacement — an avoidable and costly repair.

🛠️ How to Reseal and Protect

If you find cracks or gaps:

Remove old caulk using a utility knife or scraper.
Clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and moisture.
Choose the right sealant — exterior-grade silicone or polyurethane is best for flexibility and weather resistance.
Apply a smooth bead of caulk using steady pressure and overlap corners where materials meet.
Inspect annually and touch up as needed.

For larger cracks in mortar or brick, or if you see structural separation near lintels, consider professional evaluation to ensure the issue isn’t related to settlement or corrosion.

❄️ Home Maintenance: Why It’s Especially Important Before Winter

As temperatures fluctuate, materials expand and contract — widening cracks and pulling caulk away from surfaces. Fall is the ideal time to reseal because temperatures are moderate and sealants cure properly.

Taking time now helps prevent:

Water freezing inside wall gaps
Increased heat loss and energy bills
Pest infestations during cold months
Costly moisture damage and decay come spring
Rust expansion on exposed metal lintels

🏡 Protect Your Home Year-Round

A simple exterior inspection each year can help you stay ahead of hidden problems.

At Keystone Castle Inspections, we help Pennsylvania homeowners identify moisture vulnerabilities, energy losses, and home maintenance issues before they lead to major repairs.

👉 Schedule a Property Health Inspection or call/text 412-204-6149 to prepare your home for the season.