Now is probably the time you’re making plans for the holidays—arranging travel, finding gifts for loved ones, and getting in the festive spirit. But now is also the perfect time to make a plan to keep your home safe this winter.
Cold weather, ice, and snow can do real damage to your home if you don’t prepare. Take the time to do some maintenance and winterize your home to make it more comfortable and safe in the coming months.
- Insulate windows. Reducing drafts can lower your home’s energy costs by up to 30% per year. You can get inexpensive supplies like weatherstripping, rope caulk, shrink film, and draft stoppers at a hardware store.
- Trim tree branches. Any tree limbs or branches hanging over your home should be cut back to at least 3 feet away from your house.
- Inspect and repair your fireplace. In addition to your own visual inspection, you may want to have an expert inspect your chimney inside and out. Check that the roof flashing is tight against the chimney.
- Check and repair the roof. Do a visual inspection or hire a professional. Check for cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing; shingles that are buckling, curling, blistering, missing, or broken; cracked rubber boots around vent pipes; and masses of moss and lichen, which may indicate the roof is decaying underneath.
- Clear out and repair gutters and downspouts. Clogged rain gutters or downspouts can damage your home’s foundation or cause ice dams during a freeze. Make sure the gutters aren’t sagging or trapping water, and tighten gutter hangers and downspout brackets.
By taking the time now to prepare your home for winter, you can prevent a headache—or serious damage—later on.