6 ways to prepare your home for winter

As winter approaches, it’s essential to ensure that your home is ready for the cold weather. Preparing your property for winter not only helps to keep your family warm and comfortable but also lets you prevent expensive repairs down the line.

Here are the essential indoors and outdoors maintenance steps to prepare your household for the cold part of the year.

Seal the gaps

Seal any and all cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation and walls to prevent cold drafts and moisture from entering, and heat from escaping. Take your time and be thorough. Do the same for your doors and windows. This will help to keep your home warm and dry during the winter season.

Windows and doors are common areas where cold drafts can enter, reducing your home’s energy efficiency. You can fight them with weatherstripping or caulking. Not only will this keep you more comfortable, it will also save you money on your energy bills.

Insulation, heating, and detectors

Once you’ve prevented the cold from coming in, take steps to keep the heat from dissipating. Check your home’s insulation to ensure that it is up to standard. Proper insulation contributes to both warmth and reduced energy costs. Check the walls, floors, ceilings, and attic and consider renewing or replacing the insulation if you find it inadequate.

Your heating system is also crucial, so make sure that it is in optimum working condition. Do a thorough check and perform any repairs or maintenance necessary. If your heating relies on gas, you should also have a licensed professional check for carbon monoxide leaks.

While you’re at it, ensure that your carbon monoxide detectors and all smoke alarms are in good working condition. Replace any batteries that are low or expired. Perform a test on each alarm to ensure that they are all functioning properly.

Service your air conditioner system

Even if you don’t use your home air conditioner as extra heating during the winter season, it is still essential to check and service it before the cold weather really comes in. Remove any debris around the outdoor unit, clean or replace the filters, and ensure that all components are functioning properly.

A well-maintained air conditioner system can help improve indoor air quality throughout the year and extend the lifespan of the unit.

Inspect your roof

Your roof is your first line of defence against the elements, so it is important to ensure that it is in good condition and ready to resist the winter. Check your roof for any damaged or missing tiles or shingles and replace them.

You can also apply a coat of waterproof sealant for extra protection from water damage. Additionally, consider getting into the attic and inspecting the roof beams form the inside for any signs of moisture distortion, age damage, cracks, termites, etc.

Gutters, garden, and drainage

Blocked gutters and downpipes are prime causes of flooding and other water damage. Reduce the concern and clean everything out; remove the leaves, dirt, twigs, pebbles, and other debris. You can also install gutter guards or French drains to prevent them clogging up in the future.

In the same outdoors line, the cold season can be harsh on your garden. Prune any trees or shrubs that could potentially cause damage to your home during a storm. Remove any dead plants and debris and cover any sensitive plants with frost cloths.

Inspect your yard, driveway, and near the street for puddles out of place or areas that stay wet in a dry spell. Look out for water pooling around your home’s foundation. Keep an eye on areas that look darker, grassier, or feel softer than usual. These are all signs of poor drainage and potential leaks.

Storm preparation

Finally, take steps to keep your home and family safe during extreme weather conditions. Start by purchasing a generator to ensure that you have power in case of an outage. Have a supply of torches, batteries, candles, and other independent light sources.

Likewise, invest in a battery-powered or solar-powered backup for your electronic devices. Keep a radio on hand. In case you lose phone service and/ or Internet access, a radio will be indispensable to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and emergency alerts.

Next, prepare the property itself. Install snow guards on your roof. Keep up with cleaning the roof, gutters, and trees of snow and ice buildup. If necessary, hire a professional. Weatherproof your exterior pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Trim any tree branches that could potentially cause damage or injury should they break and fall.

Keep your vehicles protected from the cold, in good condition, and up to winter code. You’ll need a reliable alternative if public transportation becomes unavailable. Prepare means of contacting local emergency services and make sure all members of the household know how to do so.

A cosy winter

In summary, winter preparation entails more than rotating everyone’s wardrobe. There’s a fair bit of home maintenance to perform, from cleaning the gutters and checking the AC, to inspecting the walls, preparing the garden, and taking extreme weather precautions. It’s a lot to keep track of, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start before the cold really sets in, be systematic, and you can have a safe and cosy winter season with minimal concerns.