Prepare Your House for Winter Weather

Winter weather is coming and it’s important to take these steps now to protect your house from the elements. Cold temperatures mixed with snow and ice can cause frozen pipes, ice dams, and even water leaks. I’ve compiled a checklist to help you prepare your house for winter weather:

Start With Clean Gutters (clean out those fall leaves)

• It’s best to make sure your gutters are cleaned out in the fall, after the leaves have fallen from the trees. Once winter arrives, check your gutters once again to make sure they are clear of debris. You may even consider installing leaf guards to keep leaves and other dirt and debris from your gutters.

Disconnect and store your hoses for wintertime

• Make sure hoses are disconnected from faucets. Wrap them up and store them indoors over winter to make them last longer. Then, be sure to place covers over your faucets to help prevent freezing.

Doors and Windows

• It’s a good idea to inspect all doors and windows. You will want to look for areas that warm air can escape. If you find any areas, caulk or apply weatherstripping. Double-paned windows also help to improve energy efficiency to prepare your house for winter weather.

Heating System

• Be sure to replace your filter in your furnace on a regular basis. We try to change ours every 3 months.

• You may want to try running your heater before the cold weather arrives. This way you can make sure it’s working properly before you need it.

• Make sure your HVAC is free of snow to prevent freezing. This will help to make sure the unit is able to function properly.

Roof & Chimney

• Before winter arrives, check your roof for any damaged roof shingles or loose gutters. You may even want to have a contractor inspect this for you.

• If you have a wood burning stove, be sure to clean your wood stove and chimney before wintertime.

• If you have excessive snowfall, remove snow from your roof to prevent your roof from getting too heavy. This is especially important on shallow pitched roofs.

• Watch out for ice damming on your roof, this can lead to water leaks when the snow starts to melt.

• Don’t let snow build up in your gutters, this too can lead to ice damming.

Around the Exterior of the House

• Remove snow around the perimeter of your house so that when it melts it does not seep under your foundation.

• Keep fire hydrants clear of snow so that emergency personnel can easily find it.

Supplies to Buy For Winter Maintenance

• A good snow shovel will make it easier to clear pathways from your house when winter weather arrives.

• If you have a shallow pitched roof, you may also want to consider purchasing a roof shovel to make it easier to remove snow. A roof shovel can also help remove snow in areas where you may have ice damming.

• Always keep extra supplies on hand (flash lights, warm blankets, hand crank radio, extra food & water) for extreme weather.

Did you find these tips to prepare your house for winter useful? Don’t forget to also prepare your garden for winter with these tips! Is there anything else you would include on this list? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you!

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