It may feel hard to believe with the warm weather lingering, but winter is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to take a few proactive steps to ensure your home is protected from the elements. A little preparation in the fall can save you costly repairs and a great deal of stress once the cold sets in.
Once the leaves have fallen, take the time to clear your gutters and downspouts of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to ice buildup, which is extremely difficult to remove and can cause significant damage. While you’re at it, check for leaks, loose connections, and ensure that water is draining well away from your home’s foundation. If ice damming has been a problem in the past, consider installing heat cables as a preventative measure.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against winter weather. Do a visual inspection for missing or curled shingles, damaged flashing, or any other warning signs. If climbing a ladder isn’t your comfort zone, a pair of binoculars from the ground works just as well. Addressing even a small leak now can prevent costly damage later.
Before temperatures dip below freezing, disconnect all hoses and turn off the water supply from inside your home. Once shut off, open the exterior hose bib to let any remaining water drain out. This small step is essential in preventing burst pipes. Don’t forget to empty and store your garden hose properly to extend its lifespan.
Drafts and leaks may seem minor but can quickly add to your heating costs. Check around windows and doors for gaps, replace weather stripping if it’s worn, and touch up any caulking as needed. These simple improvements will keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
Extend the life of your outdoor furniture, BBQ, and AC unit by giving them a good clean and covering them for the winter months. A little care now helps protect these items so they’re ready to use when the warm weather returns.
Safety always comes first. Replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, test them to make sure they’re functional, and check the expiration date on the units themselves. If they’re due for replacement, now is the time.
Your heating system will soon be working hard, so give it the attention it needs before winter hits:
A quick visual inspection is always a good idea, and if anything seems off, book a professional service call before the busy heating season begins.
Clogged dryer vents are a common fire hazard and reduce efficiency. Use a dryer vent cleaning kit—widely available at most home improvement retailers—to clear out built-up lint. Just remember to re-tape the duct securely when you’re finished.
Give your lawn a head start for spring. Cut the grass down to about 1.5 inches, rake thoroughly, and overseed with a quality seed and fertilizer blend. These steps will encourage a healthier, fuller lawn when the snow melts.
Taking a proactive approach to seasonal home maintenance not only protects your home but also creates a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe environment for your family throughout the winter months.
And if you’ve been thinking about larger home improvements, fall and winter are the perfect seasons for renovations. Kitchens, bathrooms, and space-maximizing upgrades like built-ins can all be completed without interfering with your outdoor lifestyle.
Browse our work for inspiration from past and current projects. We’d be delighted to meet with you, discuss your vision, and help bring your home renovation goals to life.
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