Preparing For Winter: How to Protect Your Home (And Roof!)

The weather conditions of the winter months can put your home to the test. Freezing temperatures, melting snow, and the buildup of ice can all cause wear and tear to your home’s exterior and roof. In some cases, that damage can even spread to the interior of your home.

Fortunately, if you start preparing for winter before the temperature and snowfall, your home will be able to withstand the winter season without trouble. Read on to see which simple maintenance tasks you should prioritize!

Talk to an Arborist about Preparing for Winter

Depending on the layout of your yard and landscape, it’s probably a good idea to talk to an arborist about trimming back trees around your home. Overhanging branches represent a real and present danger, as they can become loaded with snow and ice and snap off.

Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

You should also take a look at the seal around your windows and doors. You want to make sure that the weatherstripping around the edges is still in good condition to seal out exterior air, as otherwise, your heating bills will skyrocket over the holiday season.

Older windows and doors that are physically damaged and no longer close properly should be replaced. If the issue lies with the frame, talk to a professional contractor about your options. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to fix the issue with spray insulation and caulking instead of replacing the window or door entirely.

Clean Out Your Gutters

One of the most important things that you can do as autumn comes to a close is to clean out your gutters. Debris that collects in your gutters and downspouts will prevent water from draining properly as snow melts during the winter.

If there’s a sudden thaw in the middle of the winter, that water could sit on your roof and refreeze, creating ice dams that further restrict the flow of water off of your roof. Both of these situations are dangerous for your home, as they increase the risk of a leak developing.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

In a very similar vein to the above point, you may want to schedule a roof inspection before the snowfalls. Professional roofers will be able to look at your roof and address openings that could lead to pest infestations or leaks during the winter. They’ll also be able to take a look at your chimney, vents, and other installations to see if they need repairs.

Do Winter Preparation Now to Save Money Later

Preparing for winter is an important part of home maintenance. Failing to follow the above tips year after year may save you money in the short run, but will increase the cost of your energy bills and repairs in the future.

For more information on what you can do to keep your house in good condition, check out the “Houses” section of our site!