How to Protect Your Home’s Exterior in Winter

Paint ProductsExterior PaintingHome Maintenance
Written By Dana Leavy-Detrick
Photo of the front exterior of a home featuring white siding, trim, a tan door, and thing black fencing in front.

Preserve the Look & Durability of Your Exterior Paint Job from Harsh Weather Conditions

Winter in New York City can be tough—not just on us, but on our homes too. Between freezing temperatures, snow, and constant moisture, your home’s exterior paint job takes a beating during the colder months. Without proper care, paint can crack, peel, and fade much faster than it should. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your investment and keep your home looking beautiful all year long.

1. Inspect for Damage Before Winter Hits

The best protection starts with prevention. Walk around your home in late fall and check for cracks, peeling paint, or exposed wood. Touch up problem areas right away—small repairs now can prevent larger (and more expensive) issues later.

2. Clean Away Dirt, Salt, and Mildew

Salt from icy sidewalks, dirt blown by winter winds, and excess moisture can all damage your paint job. A gentle rinse with a garden hose (before the freezing temps arrive) can wash away buildup. For stubborn spots, a mild soap solution works well.

3. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear

Clogged gutters lead to water overflow, which can streak down your siding, saturate wood, and weaken paint. Cleaning gutters before winter storms hit keeps water flowing where it should—away from your exterior walls.

Exterior shot of connected homes with white, brown, and light blue siding.

4. Protect High-Exposure Areas

South-facing walls and trim around windows and doors often take the brunt of weather stress. Applying a weatherproof sealant to vulnerable areas can help add an extra layer of defense against snow, ice, and moisture.

5. Mind the Snow and Ice

Snow piled up against your home can trap moisture against painted surfaces, leading to blistering or peeling paint. After storms, clear away snow from the base of your siding and avoid leaning snow shovels or ice melt directly against painted surfaces.

6. Plan for a Spring Refresh

Even with the best preparation, winter will still wear on your home. That’s why spring is the perfect time to inspect your exterior again and schedule touch-ups or a fresh coat of paint if needed.

7. Invest in High-Quality Paint

Choosing high-quality exterior paint with strong weather resistance can make a world of difference. We recommend durable, eco-friendly paints that are designed to handle NYC’s unpredictable climate while maintaining a polished finish.

A hand holding a paint brush and applying white paint to the exterior of a doorframe with tan siding

Top-Rated Winter-Ready Exterior Paints

1. Benjamin Moore Aura (Exterior Paint)

  • Known for exceptional durability, fade resistance, and adhesion across surfaces like wood, vinyl, and aluminum.

  • Designed for low-temperature application—usable down to 35 °F—and includes mildew resistance.

2. Sherwin-Williams Duration (Exterior Acrylic Latex)

  • Duration is our go-to for rich, high-quality interior paint jobs - and its exterior counterpart is similar. Duration is an acrylic latex paint offering superior peel and blister resistance.

  • Self-priming, mildew-resistant, flexible, and able to be applied in just a few hours after moisture / rain, Duration Exterior is ideal for damp winter conditions.

3. Sherwin-Williams Resilience (Exterior Acrylic Latex)

  • Engineered for cold-weather application down to 35 °F, with MoistureGuard™ technology that resists moisture and is faster—curing (roughly 2 hours).

4. Behr Premium Plus Ultra (Exterior Paint & Primer)

  • All-in-one formula known for good adhesion, UV, and moisture resistance—popular among DIYers in cold climates.

5. Valspar Duramax (Exterior Paint + Primer)

  • Offers flexibility through freeze-thaw cycles and resists fading, chalking, and cracking.

  • Can be applied in a wide range of temperatures as low as 35 °F.

6. Acrylic & 100% Acrylic Latex Paints

  • Highly recommended for fluctuating climates due to their strong adhesion, flexibility, and moisture resistance.


A black and white text chart outlining why certain types of exterior paint are beneficial in winter conditions and specific features.
A painter rolls blue paint onto the textured exterior of a home bordering a window

In Summary

Investing in high-quality paint materials that protect your home from harsh winter conditions is a long-term investment in its durability, look, and maintenance - and one that’s well worth it!

To maximize protection of your home’s exterior, opt for paints that:

  1. Apply effectively at temps of 35 °F or lower

  2. Offer fast moisture resistance

  3. Are formulated with 100% acrylic or high-performance resins

  4. Include mildew and UV-resistant additives

  5. Often have self-priming or all-in-one properties for easier application

Top choices for reliable winter protection:

  • Benjamin Moore Aura

  • Sherwin-Williams Duration

  • Sherwin-Williams Resilience

  • Behr Premium Plus Ultra

  • Valspar Duramax

Dana Leavy-Detrick
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