Preparing Your Home for Winter

As fall and winter approaches and the first flakes of snow begin to fall, it's crucial that you get your house prepared to withstand the harsh conditions of the season. Living in Minnesota, we get heavy snowfall, so taking the time to winterize your home can not only save you money on heating bills but also prevent costly damage. I have put together a comprehensive guide on preparing your home for winter in a snowy climate like Minnesnowta!

1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

Before the snow starts to accumulate, take a look at your gutters and ensure they are free from leaves, debris, and other obstructions. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can damage your roof line and cause leaks inside your home! Make sure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation!

2. Check the Roof

Inspect your roof for any loose or damaged shingles. Addressing any roofing issues before winter sets in, can prevent leaks and very costly repairs later. Consider having a professional roofer come to your property to take a look if you're unsure about the condition of your roof. *Make sure to buy a roof rake* Roof rakes can make it much easier to scrape away pesky snow that forms at the base of the roof line -- this prevents ice dams from forming. In some cases, having a heat cable may be beneficial to melt the ice that forms at the base of the roof line.

Find my favorite roof rake here:

https://amzn.to/46EKZtc

3. Seal Drafts and Leaks

Drafts and leaks around your windows, doors, and other openings, can let cold air in and warm air out. This makes your home less energy-efficient and can increase your heat bills. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or sealant to seal these gaps and keep your home cozy! You may also want to consider installing storm windows or doors for added insulation.

Here is my favorite caulk:

https://amzn.to/3ZKArql

4. Insulate Your Attic

A well-insulated attic helps to keep your home warm and can again, reduce heating costs. Check your attic insulation and add more if needed. It's also essential to ensure proper ventilation to prevent ice dams. You can find these materials at your local hardware store (i.e. Home Depot, Menards, Ace Hardware).

5. Service Your Heating Systems

Before the cold weather arrives, have your heating systems inspected by a professional. Both Furnaces and Radiators need to be checked and serviced! Clean or replace filters, check for any issues, and make sure it's running efficiently. If you have Radiators, know that if you have one that feels cold, it could potentially just need to be refilled with water to eliminate any air bubbles that may have formed inside. It is usually a very easy fix!

6. Consider water and pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs and water damage (both inside and outside). Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawlspaces, attics and exterior spigots. Remember to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets. Typically if your outdoor spigots have a blue knob, that means that they are winter proof (wont burst) but I always like to play it safe and still drain them out. If you have sprinklers, you may want to have a professional company come out and blow out all the left over moisture for you.

7. Maintain Your Fireplace

If you have a regular/gas fireplace or wood-burning stove, ensure it's clean and in good working condition before starting any fires. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to reduce the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. You will also want to make sure that any dust, pet hair or cobwebs are cleaned out from the underside of gas fireplace inserts so that the fan can run properly.

8. Trim Trees and Branches

Heavy snow can cause branches to break and damage your home or property. Prune overhanging branches and remove dead trees to prevent winter-related accidents. Any branch touching the house (tops or sides) should be trimmed! Remember that during the winter, after each big snowfall, go outside and give your trees a little shake to help them clear off the heavy wet snow!

Find my favorite tree trimmers here:

https://amzn.to/46o20Il

Winterizing your home can be a big of effort, but the peace of mind and comfort it provides, is well worth it. Be sure to check out my instagram page (@amanda_b_hammond) to watch my videos on some of these preparation items. Stay safe and cozy!