Winterization Tips

By Julien Cayton

Summer has come and gone. Bring on winter with all it’s unpredictability! Here are some tips to help you safeguard your home against whatever winter can throw at us.

Vents & Hose Bibs:

  1. Disconnect hoses from exterior faucets, then cover faucets to protect from freezing.
  2. Install insulation blocks in crawlspace vents.  This helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  3. Clear irrigation lines of water.

HVAC/Furnace/Fireplaces:

  1. Change out furnace filters and consider having a professional inspect your heating system.
  2. Chimney flu should be cleaned out.
  3. If you will be burning wood, ensure that you have fire safe and dry areas to store wood.  Check your HOA documents for any community regulations on wood storage.
  4. Inspect or install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Doors & Windows

  1. Check doors and windows for cold drafts.  Seal drafts with caulking, or all-weather sealing strips.
  2. Replace broken glass.
  3. Inspect window and door trims for touch-up paint.

Roofs & Gutters

  1. Clear roofs, and gutters of needles and moss that can impede water from evacuating your roof.
  2. Take time to understand your roof plan and where snow and ice will likely accumulate.  Create a plan early to deal with potential ice dams, snow build up and leaks.
  3. If possible, install heat tape in known locations where ice dams are likely to form.  Heat tape is typically installed before ice forms.

Roads & Storm Drains

  1. Ensure all drainage areas (storm drains, dry wells, dry swales, and French drains) are clear of debris that would prevent proper drainage and water permeating the ground.
  2. Start planning for snow removal.  Where will you pile snow?  Where can you park your car safely off the street?