Winter Home Survival Guide: Smart Tips for Inside and Out
Winter can be beautiful, but it can also be tough on your home. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice put stress on everything from your roof to your plumbing. Taking a little time to prepare now can save headaches, expensive repairs, and a lot of stress later. Here’s what you need to know to keep your home safe, warm, and cozy all winter.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters aren’t just a place for leaves to gather—they’re your home’s way of moving water safely away from the roof and walls. When they’re blocked, water can freeze and form ice dams, which can damage your roof, siding, and even your ceilings. Cleaning them out and making sure water flows freely is simple but makes a huge difference.
Deck and Exterior Care
Your deck and patio face the brunt of winter weather. Snow and ice can warp boards, crack wood, and make surfaces dangerously slippery. Shoveling snow off carefully and using a sealant on wooden decks can protect them from damage. Make sure walkways and stairs are cleared too, and sprinkle sand or salt on icy patches to prevent accidents.
Keep the Heat In
Drafty doors and windows aren’t just annoying—they can cost you money and make your home colder than it should be. Check for leaks and seal them with caulking or weather stripping. Also, good insulation in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces keeps warm air inside where it belongs. A few small fixes can make your home feel warmer and your heating bills lower.
Protect Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes are a winter nightmare. Any outdoor faucets should be drained, and exposed pipes should be insulated to prevent them from bursting. Inside the house, keeping your home at a steady temperature—even when you’re away—protects your plumbing and saves you from costly damage.
Safety First
Ice and snow create hazards that are easy to overlook. Keep walkways and driveways clear, and treat slippery areas with sand or salt. Winter heating systems also increase certain risks, so make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Staying safe is just as important as keeping your home warm.
Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Changing your furnace filter helps your heating system work better. Checking your roof for weak spots or missing shingles prevents leaks under heavy snow, and trimming tree branches near your roof protects your home from falling limbs. These small steps can prevent bigger problems later.
Winter home maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. With a few thoughtful steps, you can protect your home, stay comfortable, and enjoy the season without worrying about costly repairs. A little preparation now goes a long way toward a stress-free winter.