Getting your home ready for winter is more than just a chore; it's an investment in your property's longevity and your peace of mind.

As winter approaches, preparing your home's exterior becomes crucial to protect it from harsh weather conditions. Winterizing your home not only helps prevent damage but also improves energy efficiency, potentially saving you money on heating costs. A well-prepared winter home exterior can withstand the challenges of cold temperatures, snow, and ice, ensuring your property remains in good condition throughout the season.

To get your home ready for winter, you'll need to focus on several key areas. This includes inspecting and repairing your roof, sealing windows and doors to prevent drafts, protecting pipes and faucets from freezing, and preparing your yard and landscaping for the cold months ahead. By following a comprehensive winter preparation checklist, you can address potential issues before they become major problems. Taking these steps will help you maintain a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient home during the winter months.

Inspect and Repair Your Roof

To prepare your winter home exterior, start by examining your roof. This crucial step helps prevent water damage and improves energy efficiency. Here's what you need to do:

Check for damaged shingles

Inspect your roof for signs of wear or damage. Look for cracked, torn, or curled shingles, which can let water seep under and rot the wood sheathing. If your roof is over 20 years old and most shingles are damaged, it's time for a replacement. However, if the roof is in good condition, you can handle minor repairs yourself.

To fix a cracked or torn shingle:

1. Apply roofing sealant under the crack
2. Press the shingle down
3. Apply a second bead of sealant on top
4. Spread the sealant with a putty knife
5. Camouflage the repair with granules from the gutter

For curling shingles, apply roofing sealant under the corner and weigh it down with a brick for 24 hours.

Clean gutters and downspouts

Cleaning your gutters is essential to prevent ice dams and water damage. Aim to clean them twice yearly, especially before winter. Here's how:

1. Use a ladder and wear gloves
2. Remove leaves and debris
3. Flush the gutters with water
4. Check for leaks and mark them
5. Seal any leaks you find
6. Consider installing gutter guards

Seal Windows and Doors

To prepare your winter home exterior, it's crucial to seal windows and doors. This step helps prevent drafts, reduces energy costs, and improves overall comfort. Here's how to effectively seal your windows and doors:

Caulk gaps and cracks

Caulking is an easy and cost-effective way to winterize your home. To get started:

1. Choose the right caulk: Opt for exterior-grade silicone caulk, which is long-lasting and can be applied in temperatures as low as -20°F.
2. Prepare the surface: Clean and dry the area around windows and doors. Remove old caulk or peeling paint with a putty knife.
3. Apply the caulk: Use a caulking gun to apply a continuous bead around the exterior perimeter of windows and doors. Also, seal the crack between the interior trim and the wall.

Install weatherstripping

Weatherstripping acts as a barrier against drafts, moisture, and noise. To install:

1. Choose the appropriate material for your doors and windows.
2. Clean the surface thoroughly.
3. Measure and cut the weatherstripping to fit.
4. Install along the sides and top of doors, as well as around window frames.

For doors, consider adding door sweeps to the bottom to further reduce drafts.

Add storm windows and doors

Storm windows and doors provide an extra layer of protection and insulation. They can help:

• Reduce heating and cooling costs
• Protect against bad weather and debris
• Preserve historic architecture

When choosing storm windows:

• Decide between interior or exterior installation
• Consider permanent or temporary options
• Install before winter for maximum benefit

Remember, while storm windows are less energy-efficient than new windows, they're often more budget-friendly and suitable for historic homes. By implementing these measures, you can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort during the cold winter months.

Protect Pipes and Faucets

To prepare your winter home exterior, it's crucial to protect your pipes and faucets from freezing temperatures. This step helps prevent costly damage and ensures your plumbing system functions properly throughout the cold season.

Insulate exposed pipes

Insulating exposed pipes is essential to prevent freezing and potential bursting. Focus on pipes in unheated areas such as exterior walls, garages, attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Here's how to insulate your pipes effectively:

1. Use foam pipe sleeves: These are easy to install and ideal for long, straight pipes. They come in various diameters to fit different pipe sizes.
2. Apply ordinary insulation: Cut insulation into strips and wrap it around pipes. This method is cost-effective but requires more effort.
3. Insulate entire cavities: In extremely cold walls or floors, fill the entire cavity with insulation for maximum protection.

Drain outdoor faucets

Draining outdoor faucets is crucial to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply valve: Locate the valve in your basement, crawl space, or garage.
2. Remove hose connections: Detach all hoses and store them indoors for the winter.
3. Open the faucet: Let it run until the water trickles to a stop, removing excess water and buildup.
4. Close the faucet tightly: Ensure it's completely shut off.
5. Install insulation covers: For extra protection, place insulation covers over your outdoor faucets.

Install frost-free hose bibs

Consider installing frost-proof silcocks, also known as frost-free hose bibs. These devices offer several advantages:

1. No seasonal shut-off: The shut-off point is located inside the building, preventing freezing.
2. Easy installation: Use threaded adapters for simple installation and future maintenance.
3. Improved durability: Replace old rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses to prevent splitting and potential flooding.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes and faucets, ensuring your home's plumbing system remains functional throughout the winter months.

Prepare Your Yard and Landscaping

Trim tree branches

Winter pruning has several benefits for your trees. It causes less stress as trees are dormant, allowing for quicker healing. With leaves gone, it's easier to spot and remove damaged or diseased branches. This practice also reduces the risk of pest infestations and diseases. Winter pruning shapes trees accurately, avoiding interference with structures and promoting desired growth. It's also safer, as it removes potentially hazardous branches before severe winter weather hits.

Clean up leaves and debris

While it may seem counterintuitive, leaving some organic matter can benefit your yard's ecosystem. Leaf litter and plant stalks provide shelter for overwintering beneficial insects and insulation for cold-sensitive plants. However, if you must clean up, wait until spring temperatures consistently reach above 50°F. Use a sturdy rake and a tarp for efficient leaf removal. Consider using a leaf blower with mulching capabilities for hard surfaces. Remember to rake in the correct direction to avoid spreading leaves to already cleaned areas.

Winterize sprinkler system

To protect your sprinkler system from freezing temperatures, it's crucial to winterize it properly. Start by shutting off the main water valve and any backflow preventers. Turn off the automatic timer or set it to "rain mode." Next, drain the system using one of three methods: manual draining, automatic draining, or blow-out draining. Finally, insulate above-ground components with foam covers or insulation tape. By taking these steps, you'll prevent costly repairs and ensure your system is ready for spring.

Winterizing your home's exterior is a crucial task that has a significant impact on your property's well-being and your comfort during the cold months. By focusing on key areas like roof maintenance, sealing windows and doors, protecting pipes, and preparing your yard, you're taking important steps to shield your home from harsh winter conditions. These efforts not only help to prevent damage but also contribute to improved energy efficiency, potentially leading to cost savings on heating bills.

The steps outlined in this guide provide a solid foundation to tackle the challenges that winter weather can bring. Remember, while some tasks might seem daunting, the payoff in terms of a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained home is well worth the effort. So, roll up your sleeves and start preparing – your future self will thank you when you're cozy inside your well-winterized home as the snow falls outside.

FAQs

How can I winter-proof the exterior of my home?
To prepare your home's exterior for winter, start by trimming any trees that overhang your house or vehicles to prevent damage. Clean out the gutters to ensure proper drainage. If you have a pool, winterize it and check its cover; run the pump when temperatures drop below freezing to prevent pipe freezing. Additionally, locate your water shutoff valve in case of emergencies.

What steps should I take to winterize my home?
To effectively winterize your home, begin by checking and cleaning the gutters. Protect your pipes from freezing, and seal any cracks in the walls or foundation to keep the cold out and the heat in. Prevent slips by ensuring walkways and entrances are clear and safe. Install an emergency release on your garage door if applicable. Maintain a cozy indoor environment with proper insulation and have your heating system professionally checked. Lastly, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly.

What are the necessary steps to close a house for the winter season?
When closing up a house for winter, start by shutting off the water at the street level to prevent any leaks or bursts. Pay attention to your water heater and consider draining it. Open the lowest faucets in your property to drain the remaining water from the pipes, and then drain the entire system. Pour biodegradable antifreeze into each drain to protect the pipes. Finally, seal the toilets with tape and place signage to prevent use during the closed period.