Preparing Your Home for Winter

Winter is coming! To help you protect your home from the elements, make sure you’ve completed this winter checklist in advance. This can help you maintain your home’s value and hopefully help to avoid any potential headaches or hazards down the road.

Paint, Seal and Caulk Wood Trim

Check all wood trim surrounding exterior doors and windows for rot, cracks and chips. Apply paint, seal and caulk all trim to keep damage from occurring. Plus, ensure all entrances to the interior are sealed off to save on energy costs and insect invasion.

Protect all Ground Surfaces

Apply a sealer to your concrete patio or asphalt driveway to prevent cracking during the winter.

Check Drainage and Gutters

Check to see that all drainage is working smoothly and that all water is being moved away from the home instead of gathering in pools by your foundation. Also check your drains and gutters to see that they are free of leaves or debris.

Shut Off Outdoor Water Features

Avoid frozen pipes by shutting off all outdoor water features, such as fountains or waterfalls. If you have a sprinkler system or pool, make sure they are shut down for the winter as well.

Maintain Trees

Trim any tree branches that are hanging close to the house to prevent them from falling on the roof or providing a passageway for pests to enter your attic.

Store or Cover Outdoor Furniture

To avoid trapping moisture, wait for a warm and dry day to wipe off and cover outdoor furniture to protect it from rain or snow. Consider storing furniture in a shed or garage for further protection if you have the space.

Prepare Your Lawn

Early spring and late fall are crucial times to care for your lawn. Mow, aerate and fertilize your lawn in the fall so it will thrive when the temperature rises in the spring.

Happy winter! I hope you have a cozy and stress-free winter in your home.