To me in cold New England, winter is already here! But if we go by the calendar, we still have a few weeks until the first day of winter. I’ve been a homeowner for almost 20 years, and I’ve had a lot of problems that could have been prevented- from frozen pipes to ice dams to drafty windows. So I work hard to protect my house from weather-related problems each season!
Here’s my list I use to prep my house for winter. Most of them I do myself, but I also call for help for the big things!
- Turn off outside spouts
- Drain sprinkler system
- Remove attached hoses and store away
- Clean leaves and dirt out of lawn mower
- Clean gutters; check gutters and downspouts for proper fastening, and re-secure if loose or sagging
- Divert water away from house – add extensions to downspouts so that water runs at least 3 to 4 feet away from the foundation
- Repair loose shingles on roof
- Clean, dry and store patio furniture
- Mulch leaves when you mow – I mow my leaves instead of raking them so that they will decompose and nourish my lawn over the winter. The trick is to cut the leaves, while dry, into dime-sized pieces that will fall among the grass blades.
- Wait to prune trees, shrubs and most plants until late winter when they’ve been long dormant and just before spring growth begins. (You should consult a master gardener about your specific plants and region.)
- Check handrails on exterior stairs and repair, if needed
- Inspect outdoor lighting and replace bulbs, if needed
- Restock ice melt, shovels, car scraper, and sand
- Clean Chimney
- Service furnace
- Seal cracks and air leaks – caulk doors & windows
- Replace screen doors and windows with storm doors and windows
- Install foam-insulating sheets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls to reduce outside airflow
- Reverse ceiling fans
- Ensure all vents and openings are covered to prevent insects, birds, and rodents from getting in
Stay warm and safe!!!