Leaves are almost done falling, which means winter is just on the horizon. Here are some tips on to help winter-proof your home after they fall, from preparing windows for winter to considering how your yard plays a role.
Preparing your home for winter
- Clean your gutters, and clear out your downspouts to ensure good drainage for remaining rains and snow fall.
- Mulch your lawn to rid your landscape of the leaves. If leaves are kept on your lawn prior to snow fall it can suffocate the grass, if you mulch the leaves up, they act as a natural mulch for your lawn, trees, and shrubs.
- Cut your lawn’s grass lower to the ground to help promote new growth come spring.
- Make sure you aerate your lawn. This will help your soil breath and prevent heavy thatching. Fall is the best time to do this!
- Clean your dryer vents. We recommend this at least once a year. Once at the end of spring and once at the end of fall is ideal.
- Check the seal on the flashing around your windows and doors. You lose a lot of heat through your home from a poor seal in your door or window more then any other point of entry in your home. Make sure to caulk, wrap, or rubber foam seal doors. We also wrote an article on preparing windows for winter.
- Inspect your trees for any diseases, and even dead branches. During the winter months they could fall causing damage to your property.
- If you haven’t yet, turn on your heat and inspect your furnace. If there is any issues it is best to handle it now before those 10-degree days.
- Check all water spigots for leaks or sealant issues. If not taken care of before a deep, this could cause burst pipes and water damage inside and outside of your home.
- Drain your sprinkler system, known as “blow out“. This will prevent any damage to your system throughout your property and ensure a seamless transition come spring and summer.
- Clean out your roof vents to help prevent ice damming this winter. Use a leaf blow or air compressor to clear away any insulation that may be covering the vents.
These are just a few of many items that can help winter-proof your home and ensure its longevity.
