It's that time of year again: Time to get your home in order before winter hits

Here is my go-to list on what we need to do to properly winterize our homes. I won't bother so much with the why's, so let's get straight to it. Obviously if you are not much into D.I.Y, hire a handyman to do the simpler tasks. They will thank you for the work... I hope. Meanwhile, condo or apartment dwellers can rejoice in the fact that the majority of these tasks will not apply/will be covered by the association or mgmt company.

1. Insulate Windows and Doors

  • Caulking and Weatherstripping: Inspect windows and doors for gaps, and apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks.
  • Storm Windows and Door Sweeps: Install storm windows or temporary plastic film over windows, and add door sweeps to prevent drafts or under the door draft stoppers that can be installed in a flash. 

2. Check and Insulate the Attic

  • Attic Insulation: Proper insulation in the attic prevents heat loss, helping keep the home warmer and lowering heating costs.
  • Attic Ventilation: Ensure attic vents aren’t blocked to avoid ice dams and maintain proper air circulation.

3. Maintain the Heating System

  • Furnace Inspection: Have a professional inspect and clean the furnace, and as always be sure replace filters when needed. Typically home inspectors recommend changing them every 3 months. 
  • Thermostat Upgrades: Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to optimize heating efficiency.

4. Inspect and Service the Plumbing

  • Pipe Insulation: Wrap pipes in unheated areas (basements, attics, and garages) with insulation to prevent freezing.
  • Outdoor Faucets and Hoses: Drain hoses and disconnect them from faucets, and shut off outdoor water supply to prevent pipes from freezing. This is perhaps the most important task of all. For instance, I have never been at a home inspection when an inspector doesn't bring this up. 

5. Gutter Maintenance

  • Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams and water damage. Gutter guards work but they are not fool proof since over time leaves or the like can break down and create deposits/increase build-up. 
  • Downspout Extensions: Ensure downspouts are clear and positioned to direct water away from the home’s foundation. Proper grading, of course, to prevent water from sitting is the ultimate preventative. 

6. Inspect the Roof

  • Roof Inspection: Check for loose or damaged shingles that could allow water to seep in and freeze.
  • Chimney and Fireplace Cleaning: If your home has a fireplace, ensure that it’s clean and has a working damper. 

7. Seal the Basement and Foundation

  • Foundation Insulation: Seal cracks in the foundation or basement walls to prevent drafts and water leaks.
  • Basement Window Covers: Unless they are already weatherproof, cover basement windows with insulated covers. 

8. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  • Test and replace batteries in smoke and CO detectors, as homes are typically more enclosed in winter, increasing the risk of CO buildup. The typical reminder strategy is to replace in accordance with day light savings time. 

9. Landscape and Yard Prep

  • Trim Trees: Cut back branches close to the house to avoid damage from falling limbs as a result of snow or ice. 
  • Snow Removal Supplies: Rather than wait for it to snow, ensure there’s adequate supply of salt, shovels, or a snowblower on hand to keep walkways safe and guard against potential supply shortages and or inflated prices.  
  • Free your lawns from dead leaves by way of a rake or a leaf blower -- your lawn and your back will thank you come spring, and as always be considerate of your neighbors when it comes to potentially disruptive activities/noise pollution. Continue mowing until the temps consistently remain in the 50's during the day and 40's at night since that is when grass goes dormant. Until then, be sure to water your lawn once or twice per week, depending on the conditions, with about one inch of water. 
  • If you are especially particular about your lawn, you should consider aerating it by making holes in the surface to facilitate the transfer/flow of oxygen and nutrients as well as to stop the soil from compacting into an impenetrable layer which of course has an adverse effect on drainage and growth. Ideally, cool season aeration should be done at this time of year (fall) in tandem with over-seeding and can continue into November, as long as the turf is green. The alternative, of course, is to go with more hardscaping/less lawn. Lawns are not especially good for the environment after all and they take a lot of work.

  • Delicate or half-hardy plants should be brought inside or at the very least to a sheltered spot, but make sure you check them for pests/insects in order to prevent any infestations indoors. For plants that will remain outside, consider increasing the amount of mulch or using garden cloches for added protection.

  • Ideally, homeowners should ensure that all entry points are properly sealed with plywood, cement or hardware cloth to secure the home against mice or the like.
  • Store or cover your yard furniture with weather-resistant covering. 

10. Exterior Preparations

  • Paint and Seal Wood Surfaces: Prevent moisture from getting into wood trim or decks or fences by applying a protective sealant. For metal fences make sure they are free of rust and or consider freshening them up with a new coat of paint. 
  • Exterior Lighting: Make sure outdoor lighting is functional for safe entry and exit, especially during shorter winter days.

11. Summary

THE POWER OF MAINTENANCE: For most of us maintenance is about as interesting and sexy as running on the spot -- all that work to go nowhere, as it were. While the pay-off might not be immediate, like the planting of a new tree, for instance, it functions like insurance. The less you do to protect your investment, the greater the expenses will be down the road, both immediate (winter comfort) and over the home's lifespan. In the end, a home is the biggest purchase many of us make in our lives, 'treat it' with the respect it deserves. 

As always, thank you for reading and feel free to comment or like the post!

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