Preparing Your House for Winter

Now that autumn is upon us, we recommend preparing your home for the incoming nasty weather. Rain, wind, thunderstorms, snow, and hail are about to end up at your doorstep.

Tip 1: Prepare for Heavy Rains

Water is one of the most destructive elements to homes. The damage it causes can be obvious or sneaky. For example, the effects of a flood on your home are often evident when you have a pool of water on your main floor, while the impact of heavy rain leaking through your roof isn't always noticeable immediately.

Tip 2. Check for Loose Shingles/Siding

Wind doesn't help the situation either. Any loose shingles or siding can fly off and be very hazardous in high winds. High winds can also cause tree branches to fall, potentially damaging your roof. And wind can come through cracks in your window and door frames, effectively creating a draft that wastes your home's energy and money.

Tip 3. Check Gutters

Snow and ice can pull off your gutters and back up water, which can cause water to leak through your roof. Cold weather drives bugs and critters into your home.

Rainwater Dripping from Roof Edge Into Plastic Gutter

Because of the potential severity of the damage caused by weather events, it is vital to ensure your home is ready to take on the weight and severity of autumn and winter weather. It is also critical to recheck areas after a storm.

Below are important home projects to complete in the fall:

Roof survey, repair, or replacement
Chimney and roof vent survey and repair
Gutter and downspout cleaning, repair, or replacement
Window survey, clean and repair, or replacement
Window screens – remove and store
Door and garage door survey and weather stripping
Exterior and ceiling light survey, replace bulbs
Drain, disconnect, and store hoses
Insulate hose bibs
Cover and/or store outdoor furniture
Siding and trim caulking and repair or replacement
Furnace duct check, and cleaning, and filter replacement
Refrigerator maintenance

Kitchen exhaust hood – clean or replace
Garbage disposal check and maintenance
Survey all interior water sources –
- hot water heater
- laundry room
- kitchen sinks and dishwasher connections and replace fixtures as needed.
Trim landscaping, so it is not touching the siding
Grade dirt/soil/bark away from siding, leaving 4-6" space from siding to ground
Test smoke detectors

We dislike seeing our clients in difficult situations, such as being left without heat or having a leaking roof. We want to ensure you are safe and sound when bad weather comes knocking. To schedule a visit and make any necessary repairs to your home, please give us a call or fill out our online form.

Make us your Personal Home Contractor.

If you would like to learn more about what home projects need to be done at certain times of the year, check out our planners:

Maintenance Plan

Yearly Maintenance Calendar