How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

You’ve worked hard to find and afford a home that you love, now it’s time to make sure it is
prepared for the New England winter. Here are some tips that will ensure your house stays safe
from damage before it starts to snow, so you can rest easy in the cold weather!

Start from the Outside

A good way to begin your winter preparations is to clean your gutters and downspouts to make
sure drainage areas are free of leaves and debris from the fall. This way you won’t have to
worry about water overflowing and damaging your roof! If you know how to inspect your roof
safely, this is also a good time to do so. If not- I would always recommend hiring a professional!
Replace any shingles that are curling or cracking, and check the flushing around windows or
chimneys for gaps- they should be filled before any snow arrives. Use a screwdriver to test any
wood trim around windows, doors, railings, and decks. If any of it is rotted, it is best to replace
them before the winter months make the damage worse. If you do not have the time for the full
replacements you would like to do, bringing caulk outside with you is a good way to fill any holes
or rotted wood that you are worried about, as well as any window or door molding that is not
fully sealed.

Prevent Freezing

If your plumbing is not equipped for the winter, your pipes could freeze and leave you with a big
mess and a hefty bill. Your exterior spigots should be turned off and fully drained, as well as any
garden hoses you may have been keeping outside. Any water pipes in your exterior walls
should be wrapped in heating tape to save energy and prevent them from freezing up and
potentially bursting. This is especially important if you live in an older home or have not had your
plumbing inspected in a while.

Stay Safe and Warm

If you use your fireplace, even if just occasionally, you should have it cleaned out before the
winter to prevent any pests from getting in and lower the risk of a chimney fire. Similarly, your
firewood should be kept at least 15 feet from your house to keep termites at a safe distance! To
stay warm, consider getting a tune-up on your heating system, the last thing you want is to lose
heat in the middle of a snowstorm. Finally, reverse the directions of your ceiling fans so they can
help get the heat moving from the tops of your rooms and keep your whole house warm all
winter long.

Taking the time to do these simple things can save you a lot of stress in the coming months, and

potentially prevent damage to your home! Though it may seem tedious, you will have peace of
mind in knowing that you and your house are safely prepared to enjoy the beautiful winter
months without risk. Contact me today if you are looking to buy or sell a home