Winter weather might be nice to look at, whether a crisp blue sky through bare trees or a fresh snowfall. But you want to keep that cold air outside and keep your home toasty warm. When you know how to prep your house for winter, you can keep the cold weather where it belongs… outside.
A little advance cold weather prep for your house will impact your home heating bills for the better. The right preparation also provides comfort and coziness for your family. These steps will show you how.
Step #1: Scan Your Roof
How to prepare your house for a winter storm and cold temps starts with your roof.
No matter how new or old your roof is, take some time to scan your roof surfaces for damage. Missing or damaged shingles signal the start of something much more serious. High winds, brittle temperatures, tree debris, and, of course, rogue animals can potentially damage your roof.
Anything less than perfect should be addressed before it deteriorates. Winter roofing issues can quickly become problematic or even catastrophic.
If you don’t work in the roofing industry, you may not be familiar with early signs of deterioration, indications of hidden damage, or warnings of bigger problems at hand. That’s why we recommend that you bring in a local, trusted, proven roofing professional to inspect your roof at least once a year and especially before winter sets in. A professional roofer will climb on your roof, check the entire surface, and show you photos of what they’re seeing on your home’s roof. Their expert eyes uncover issues obscured from the ground.
Step #2: Clean Your Gutters & Inspect Siding
Gutters create a necessary layer of protection below the roof and around your home. Clean your gutters before the winter weather hits, so melting snow and ice drain easily. Snow that melts and then freezes along your gutters and roof line can form what’s called an ice dam. And ice dams on clogged gutters can cause costly roof damage, including both stress and damage to your drainage system.
While cleaning your home’s gutters, carefully examine the exterior siding on your home. Take note of any damage to siding or other exterior finishes.
- Gutters, downspouts, siding, or trim pulling away from your home
- Holes and/or tears in your gutters, downspouts, siding, or trim
- Downspouts and diverters not properly positioned to redirect water
- Mold or moisture damage on gutters and siding
Be sure to address both gutter and siding issues before winter weather hits to preserve your home’s health and integrity all winter long.
Do you need to get your roof evaluated for the winter?
Schedule your FREE, no-obligation inspection with ProCover Exteriors TODAY!
Step #3: Cover Exterior Faucets
Every part of your home that’s exposed to the outdoors needs attention before winter. Exterior faucets require protection from cold weather, especially as temperatures drop into the teens and twenties here in central North Carolina. Water lines for exterior supply lines generally run into the house. These exterior pipes can burst and cause expensive damage to basements and other interior spaces.
You can quickly install a simple winter spigot cover to prevent cold air from entering pipes through the outside. Be sure to check for leaks and drain the water from the line before you install a cover.
BONUS: Freeze-proof outdoor faucets provide a permanent option, though they may require professional installation.
Step #4: Check for Door and Window Drafts
When it comes to windows, cold air leakage can easily make your heating system work harder than necessary. Drafty windows can also be a huge drain on your heat and your wallet. It’s important to methodically inspect these areas. Here’s how..
- Grab a notebook or open a notes app on your phone to keep track of findings.
- Start with your front door.
- Use the back of your hand to feel for drafts. (The back of your hand is more sensitive than your palm or fingertips.) Any change in temperature or cold air flow must be addressed.
- Note any issues or check off as sealed.
- Repeat with all exterior windows and doors.
Most issues can be fixed with an extra seal around your doors and weather stripping offers a simple, effective method to stop air leaks. However, there may come a time when weather stripping is no longer enough and you may need to consider modern, energy-efficient replacement windows. ProCover is your source for window replacements too – whether you need new windows for your whole house or one room or one window at a time.
Cold Weather Prep for House and Home Beyond One Winter Season
You have plenty to think about as a homeowner. Plan ahead to ensure your home is in great shape for the harsh winter months. An ounce of winter weather prep each year can save you plenty of dollars and hassle in the years to come.
Know what to do before a winter storm to get ahead of potential problems. If you’re unsure, check with experts like ProCover Exteriors to help you know what to do to prepare your house for winter.
These simple, effective steps will best prepare your home for shelter and protection this winter. Know that you can always call professional exterior home help to get the job done.
Worried that you’ve missed something on your home’s exterior?
Call ProCover Exteriors for your FREE consultation!