UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024

As winter approaches, preparing your home for colder temperatures, snow, and ice is essential to prevent damage and avoid costly repairs. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you maintain your home through the winter months.

1. Install Weather Stripping

One of the most cost-effective ways to keep your home warm in winter is by sealing gaps and cracks with weather stripping. It’s designed to prevent air leaks around doors and windows, helping you save on energy costs by reducing drafts. Even small gaps can lead to significant heat loss, making your heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Here’s what to check:

Doors and windows: Apply adhesive-backed foam, felt, or rubber weather stripping to the edges of windows and doors.
Vents and fans: Ensure there’s no cold air seeping through exhaust fans in bathrooms or kitchen vents.
Plumbing and electrical: Look for cracks around areas where pipes or electrical lines enter the home. Use caulk to seal any visible gaps.
Mail chutes: Don’t forget to check any wall openings, like mail slots, for drafts.
Air conditioners: If you have window units, remove them or cover them with insulated covers to prevent cold air from getting through.

2. Clean Your Gutters

Clear gutters are crucial for directing melting snow away from your home’s foundation. Leaves, twigs, and debris can block water flow, and when temperatures drop, trapped water can freeze, forming ice dams. These ice dams can cause damage to your roof, walls, and even your foundation.

Make sure to:

Remove all debris from gutters and downspouts.
Inspect the gutters for damage or sagging sections that could impede drainage.
Ensure that downspouts direct water at least 3-4 feet away from the foundation to avoid pooling around the house.

3. Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof

Ice dams form when warm air from your home melts the snow on your roof. The water then refreezes at the eaves, preventing proper drainage. This can lead to leaks and structural damage.

To help prevent ice dams:

Insulation: Inspect your attic’s insulation. You should have a minimum of 12-15 inches of insulation. Pay attention to any gaps around recessed lighting fixtures, pipes, and chimneys where warm air could escape.
Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation allows cold air to circulate, keeping the attic close to the outside temperature. If your attic isn’t well-ventilated, consider adding soffit vents or ridge vents. A professional can help determine the best type and placement of vents.
Seal leaks: Use foam or caulking to seal leaks in the attic floor, around chimneys, or vent pipes to prevent warm air from rising and melting snow on the roof.

4. Clear Snow with a Roof Rake

Snow buildup on your roof can lead to excessive weight and damage. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, an average roof can handle up to 20 pounds per square foot of snow, but this varies based on roof structure and age. Wet, compacted snow can weigh significantly more, putting your roof at risk of collapse.

Invest in a roof rake and use it after each heavy snowfall to remove snow from the roof's edge. Stand on the ground and use the rake to pull snow downward. Never climb on a snowy or icy roof as it can be extremely dangerous.

5. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, causing them to snap and fall onto your roof, windows, or power lines. It’s essential to trim any overhanging branches before winter hits.

When pruning, ensure:

Branches are cut back at least 6-10 feet away from the roof.
Weak or diseased branches are removed completely to prevent breakage under the weight of snow.
Large trees are trimmed by a professional to avoid damage or injury.

6. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Winter storms can hit suddenly, causing power outages that leave you without heat or electricity for extended periods. Be prepared by stocking up on essential supplies to keep your home safe and comfortable.

Suggested items to have on hand include:

Non-perishable food and bottled water: Stock enough for at least 3-5 days.
Batteries and flashlights: Keep extras in case of power outages.
Portable phone chargers: Ensure you have a fully charged power bank for emergency communication.
Blankets and warm clothing: Keep warm layers accessible to stay comfortable during outages.
A first-aid kit: Make sure it’s well stocked with essentials, including medications.
Extra fuel: If you have a fireplace, ensure you have enough wood or fuel for backup heating.

7. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks for homeowners in the winter. When pipes freeze, the pressure inside them can cause them to burst, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage.

Here’s how to protect your pipes:

Keep your home heated: Maintain your thermostat at a consistent temperature, even when you're away.
Drip faucets: Let your faucets drip slightly during freezing weather to keep water moving through the pipes.
Insulate exposed pipes: Use foam insulation sleeves or heat tape on any pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, garages, or crawl spaces.
Seal gaps: Look for any cracks or holes in the walls or foundation where cold air can enter and caulk them to protect pipes.
Open cabinet doors: If your kitchen or bathroom has plumbing located on exterior walls, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

If your pipes do freeze and water stops flowing from faucets, call a plumber immediately!

For more information on preventing your pipes from freezing, read our blog post on the subject here: Don’t Let Old Man Winter Freeze Your Pipes: Here’s How to Protect Your Home

8. Reverse Ceiling Fans

You can save on heating costs by setting your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in the winter. This helps push warm air that rises back down into the room, keeping you warmer without cranking up the heat.

To reverse your fans:

Most fans have a small switch near the motor housing that allows you to change the direction. In winter, set it to spin clockwise at a low speed.
This will gently circulate the warm air without creating a strong breeze, reducing the need to use your heating system as much.

9. Schedule a Fireplace and Chimney Inspection

Fireplaces are cozy, but they can also be a source of danger if not maintained properly. Chimney fires often occur due to creosote buildup, which can block airflow and cause heat and smoke to build up inside the chimney. Carbon monoxide can also enter the home if the chimney is blocked or damaged.

Be sure to:

Schedule an annual chimney inspection and sweep to remove creosote.
Check that the chimney flue is operating correctly and can close fully to prevent drafts.
Install a chimney cap to keep debris, rain, and animals from entering the chimney.

10. Consider Installing a Backup Generator

Power outages are more common during the winter, especially during storms. A generator can provide peace of mind by keeping essential systems running, such as heating, lighting, and appliances.

When considering a generator:

Portable generators: These are smaller and less expensive but require manual operation. Ensure you use them in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
Standby generators: These are more expensive but automatically turn on during a power outage. They can run for longer periods and power more systems in your home. Check with your insurance provider, as installing a standby generator may qualify you for a discount.

For more information on generators, read our blog: Power Outages: The Inconvenience You Can’t Ignore and the Generator Solution

Bonus Tips for a Well-Maintained Winter Home

Heating System Tune-Up: Schedule an annual HVAC maintenance appointment to ensure your furnace is running efficiently. Change your air filters every 1-3 months to improve air quality and system performance.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test all detectors and replace batteries as needed. These devices are critical for safety, especially in winter when homes are sealed tightly, reducing ventilation.
Snow Removal Equipment: Make sure your snowblower, shovels, and salt are ready for use. If you hire a snow removal service, book them in advance to ensure availability during heavy snowfall.
Car Emergency Kit: Prepare your vehicle for winter by keeping a spare blanket, extra warm clothing, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger in your car. Always keep the gas tank at least half full.

By following these detailed steps, you can ensure your home stays safe and warm throughout the winter. Being prepared now will save you from costly repairs and make winter much more manageable!