Winter doesn’t exactly creep in. One day it’s cool, then suddenly you’re scraping ice off the car with a loyalty card because you forgot the scraper again. Meanwhile, your house needs to take a battering from wind, rain, maybe snow. Sometimes all in one afternoon.
If you want your home to stay warm and unbothered through the worst of it, a little planning goes a long way. The roof, the pipes, even that weird draft near the laundry door: they all need a bit of attention. No matter where in the country you are, there are things you can do to avoid this fate. From calling out the best roofers in Salt Lake City, Utah to keeping your pipes clear throughout the New England chill, homeowners across the country can help their homes stay in shape over the winter months
Let’s look at six things you can do now, before the ice arrives and you’re trying to do repairs in gloves.
1. Your Roof: It’s Not Just Decorative
Your roof endures a lot. It handles everything from hail to raccoons and does it quietly. Give it a quick once-over, or better yet, get a proper inspection. You’re looking for cracked shingles, loose flashing, or anything that appears to be letting water in when the snow starts melting.
A stain on your ceiling in February isn’t ideal, and you really don’t want to deal with buckets catching drips in the hallway.
2. Drafty Windows? That’s a No
If your curtains move when the window’s shut, you’ve got a problem. Check for gaps around windows and doors. Cold air finds its way in with almost artistic precision.
Seal it up with weatherstripping or a decent caulk. For bonus points, heavy curtains help keep heat in, and let’s be honest, they look kind of dramatic.
3. Gutters: Nobody’s Favorite Chore
It’s not glamorous, but cleaning your gutters is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent expensive water damage. When they clog, water has nowhere to go except over the side and down your walls.
Scoop out the leaves, run some water through the downspouts, and check for any spots sagging like a hammock. If you’re not a fan of climbing ladders, hire someone who is. It’s still cheaper than fixing a flooded basement.
4. Frozen Pipes Are Sneaky
Pipes don’t give you much warning before they freeze. Then suddenly you’ve got a burst and water where it shouldn’t be. Wrap the exposed ones, especially in garages, basements, or crawlspaces, with insulation sleeves. They’re cheap and do the job perfectly.
Leave the under-sink cabinets open during cold nights and let a faucet drip occasionally. A bit of dripping beats drywall repairs every time.
5. Give Your Heater a Fighting Chance
When the cold hits, your heating system’s going to get a workout. Don’t wait for it to fail in the midst of a blizzard.
Get a tune-up, change the filters, and make sure your thermostat isn’t guessing. A basic programmable model can help maintain consistency and save a few dollars on the energy bill if it’s making weird noises or blowing cold air. Deal with it now, not at 3 a.m. in January.
6. That Tree’s Not Looking Too Friendly
Snow-laden branches can snap and cause real trouble. Check for limbs hanging over the roof or near power lines. If they look questionable, call in someone with a chainsaw and insurance.
Even healthy-looking branches can go rogue in a storm, especially if they’re weighed down by ice. Clear them now while the weather’s still tolerable.
Getting your house ready for winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few weekends of work, a couple of calls to the right pros, and you’ll be set. Then, when winter hits full swing, you can focus on the more important stuff, like finding that one pair of gloves you swear you left by the door.
