As winter approaches, now is a good time to get your home ready for colder temperatures, snow and ice. Addressing small repairs and seasonal maintenance can help protect your property and keep your home comfortable throughout the winter.
From clearing gutters to repairing loose siding and sealing drafts, a little preparation can go a long way. This checklist will help you spot common concerns and decide what needs attention before the snow falls.
1. Keep water away from your home
Clear leaves from gutters and downspouts, and check for leaks, loose connections or sagging sections. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation without creating ice on walking surfaces.
Look for pooling water, settled soil or ground that slopes toward the house. Keep soil and mulch away from siding, and check that drainage outlets remain clear.
2. Inspect your foundation and window wells
Look for foundation cracks, crumbling concrete, gaps around pipes and signs of moisture. Check inside the basement for damp areas, water stains or previous repairs that may be leaking.
Clear debris from basement window wells and check their drainage and covers. Keep emergency-exit windows accessible and operational. Have new, widening or horizontal foundation cracks assessed.
3. Seal drafts and unwanted gaps
Check caulking around windows and doors, replace worn weatherstripping and inspect door sweeps and thresholds.
Look for gaps around exterior pipes, cables and vents, along with signs of pests. Use suitable repair materials and keep intended drainage and ventilation openings clear.
4. Repair damaged siding and trim
Inspect siding for loose, cracked, warped, or missing sections. Check corners and trim for gaps, rot or unusual staining.
Look beneath the roof overhang for damaged soffit panels and inspect the fascia boards behind the gutters. Address loose materials and animal-entry points while keeping soffit vents clear.
5. Check your roof before snow covers it
From the ground, look for missing or damaged shingles, bare patches, debris in roof valleys or an uneven roofline. Have a professional inspect loose flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights, along with damaged roof edging.
Mention past ice buildup, bent gutters or ceiling stains during an assessment. Recurring ice dams may require attention to attic air leaks, insulation and ventilation.
6. Look over chimneys and masonry
Check for cracked or flaking bricks, missing mortar and white staining. Have damaged chimney caps, cracks at the chimney top and gaps around flashing assessed.
If you use a fireplace or wood-burning appliance, arrange the appropriate chimney inspection and cleaning before use.
7. Prepare outdoor taps and entrances
Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Shut off and drain outdoor water lines where applicable, following your faucet’s instructions.
Repair damaged steps and loose handrails, check outdoor lights and address water pooling near entrances. Keep shovels accessible and maintain clear exits and outdoor vents throughout winter.
8. Start preparing your winter repair list today
Take photos and prioritize active leaks, drainage problems, loose materials and unsafe entrances.