Residential: Get your Home Ready For Winter
As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, it’s time to prepare your home for winter. A few simple steps can help prevent winter damage and keep your home warm and cozy throughout the season.
Start winterizing your home in the fall. Before temperatures drop significantly, use this checklist to get ready:
1. Inspect and Repair the Roof
Start your winter maintenance by inspecting your roof for any signs of damage. If you’re uncomfortable with heights or accessing the attic, consider hiring a professional to inspect and repair any issues. If you’re planning to turn off the heat for an extended winter vacation, installing heating cables along the roof’s edge can prevent ice dams by melting snow and ice, reducing the risk of water damage.
2. Check Attic Insulation
In homes with a cold attic, the attic floor should be well insulated to prevent heat from rising into the attic space. Over time, insulation can settle or leave gaps, reducing its effectiveness. Check your attic insulation for bare patches or thin spots and add more insulation if needed to maintain consistent warmth inside your home.
3. Clean and Repair Gutters
Clear gutters of debris to prevent water build-up and potential damage. Clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks, foundation cracks, and other issues. Regular gutter maintenance is a simple yet effective step to protect your home from water damage.
4. Clear Off Deck
Remove patio furniture, planters, and other items from your deck or patio to prevent weather-related damage. Store these items indoors or cover them securely. Disconnect and store your grill and propane tank safely to avoid potential hazards during winter storms.
5. Prepare Your Lawn
Although you won’t see your lawn during winter, prepping it beforehand can protect it. Fertilize and aerate the lawn to strengthen the roots and prepare it to grow back healthy in spring. Choose a fertilizer that suits your specific lawn type for the best results.
6. Turn Off Exterior Faucets
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and faucets before the first freeze. Unless you have frost-proof hose bibbs, shut off the water supply to these lines to prevent pipe bursts and water damage due to freezing.
7. Seal Gaps in Windows and Doors
Check window and doorframes for gaps or damage that could let in drafts and moisture. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal small gaps but consider replacing damaged windows if necessary to prevent heat loss and moisture issues.
8. Cover Windows
For added insulation cover single-pane windows with transparent shrink film insulation, available in hardware kits. This creates an additional barrier against drafts while still allowing natural light in, helping to keep your home warmer and reducing heating costs.
9. Heating System Maintenance
Ensure your heating system is ready by performing essential maintenance:
- Change furnace filters
- Complete a furnace tune-up
- Check for duct leaks
- Clean ductwork and registers
- Confirm your thermostat settings
- Check temperature and pressure on boilers
- Clean radiators and flush boiler systems as needed. Additionally, make sure you have functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if your heating system uses natural gas.
