Getting Your Home in Good Shape for Winter

If you don’t want to feel like you’re living an episode of Survivor when winter comes around, there are a few things you should probably do to prep your property for the coming cold season…

1. Take Care of the Roof (Before You’re Living Under a Waterfall)

Your roof is a really important part of your home, especially when winter comes around. if it is in good shape, it will protect you from the elements, but if it is not, well you could be in for leaks, dampness and maybe even a collapse. So, get up there and check it out. If it doesn’t look great –  tiles are loose or cracked or there are holes in the roof – then call in the roofing experts and get it patched up sooner than later. You don’t want it collapsing under the weight of snow or ending up with a waterfall in your home, after all.

2. Seal Those Drafts Like a Pro

Remember that one room in your house that’s always freezing no matter what? It’s probably due to sneaky little drafts around your windows and doors. Before you crank the heat and start throwing money at your energy bill, take a few minutes to inspect those drafty spots.

A tube of caulk and some weather stripping can work wonders to seal up any gaps. Bonus: sealing drafts will make your home more energy-efficient, which means fewer “why is my heating bill so high?” moments.

3. Gutters: The Silent Heroes of Winter Prep

Gutters. They’re not exactly the most glamorous part of your home, but they’re crucial in keeping your house safe during winter. Clogged gutters lead to all kinds of problems, like ice dams, leaks, and water damage (yikes).

Make sure you clear out any leaves, twigs, and whatever other random debris has found its way in there before the first snow hits. You don’t want water backing up and turning into ice, creating an expensive mess for future you to deal with.

4. Furnace TLC (Because You Deserve a Warm Home)

Your furnace is about to become your best friend for the next few months, so show it some love before you expect it to keep you toasty. Schedule a maintenance check to make sure everything’s running smoothly, from the filters to the vents. Trust me, you don’t want to wait until it’s below freezing to find out your heating system is on the fritz.

5. Prep the Pipes (So You Don’t Have an Indoor Ice Rink)

Frozen pipes are a nightmare waiting to happen. When water freezes, it expands, and that can lead to burst pipes and a lot of unwanted drama. Wrap your exposed pipes with insulation to keep them safe from the cold. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to disconnect and drain your outdoor hoses—frozen water left in there can cause some serious damage.

Getting your home ready for winter involves a little work, but it will be worth it when your home is safe as…well, safe as houses come winter, and you and your family can stay cozy.

Feature Image Source: Pexels CCO License