While the onset and severity of the cold season vary depending on where you live, it’s a good rule of thumb to review your home and yard’s winter readiness in autumn so you can get a headstart on projects that will keep your abode warm and cozy.
If you decide to DIY your projects, starting now will give you plenty of time to allocate your budget and time. If you’re hiring a pro, it’s a good idea to contact them early and get on their schedule for a service appointment so they can complete any necessary work before the weather turns or supplies run out.
Some of these projects may not apply to you, but all seven deserve your attention, and they can be tackled in any order.
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1. Weatherproof Doors and Windows
Cold air can creep in through small cracks around windows and doors, so be sure to notice where you may need to replace weatherstripping or apply caulking to seal any gaps. Unless you have newer, energy-efficient windows, you’ll be able to apply window film to help keep out the cold. And the very affordable door sweep blocking the gap at the bottom of your door can keep drafts out, too. A good way to find drafts in your home is to turn off your HVAC system, light a candle and walk around your home slowly while watching the direction of the flame. The flame will react to any trace of a draft so you can follow it to the source and then fix the crack or hole with weatherstripping or caulk. The pros at a DIY store can help you decide the best materials for your needs — be sure to take a photo of the work area to them.
2. Clear Rain Gutters
Rain gutters direct rainwater and snow away from your roof to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. But they can’t perform this job when they’re clogged with dead leaves and debris. If you’re going to do this job yourself, try using a telescoping gutter wand to make it easier and faster to clean your gutters. Our recommendation is to use a pro. The average professional gutter cleaning will cost from $80 to $250 for a single-story home and $150 to $400 for two-stories.
3. Inspect Your Roof and Attic
The roof and attic are parts of our homes we “feel” are fine but may not be fine, actually. Fall is the time to climb a ladder (or hire a pro) and make any roof repairs so you won’t have leaks when it rains or snows later in the season. If you have an attic, you may need to replace or add insulation. Attic insulation costs between $1 and $7 per square foot, or around $1,500 for a project that includes labor and materials. If you DIY this repair, make sure you wear gloves whenever you are handling fiberglass insulation.
4. Prepare Your Patio and Deck
If you’ll be seeing snow soon in your area, cover your patio furniture with weatherproof covers or store it in a garage or shed. However, depending on the material, some patio furniture, such as teak, can be left out. If your deck is made of wood, giving it a fresh coat of sealant will add protection from winter’s wet and freezing weather.
5. Have Your Chimney Inspected
A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard, so we recommend hiring a chimney sweep (yes, this is still a profession!) to ensure yours is clear of debris for the season. If you don’t actively use your fireplace in the winter, you can use a chimney balloon to plug up the space and keep out the cold.
6. Protect the Pipes
Frozen water pipes can burst, causing major havoc and costly home repairs. Make a point of knowing the location of your main water shutoff so you can access it quickly in an emergency. Be sure to drain the water from outdoor sprinkler systems and hoses and disconnect hoses from faucets and cover the faucets with insulated covers – you can find them for $10-$20 at home centers. If you’ll be away during the winter, set the thermostat to about 55 degrees F. Programmable thermostats can make this switch easy and they only cost about $100.
7. Clear Access to Snow-Removal Tools
Having the latest and greatest snowblower and deicing agents in your shed is only great if you can get to them when you need them. Before the first heavy snowfall, check the location, readiness and pathway to these tools. You don’t want to be stumbling about in the dark, feeling your way to find them with toes and ears freezing!
When to Call a Pro
Winterizing your home can be a weekend DIY project, but like with many home improvement projects, a professional can probably do it faster and safer. If you come across any issues that could pose a hazard to yourself or your property, call a professional so that you aren’t left out in the cold this winter wishing you’d taken the time to add weatherstripping, caulk or clear cluttered areas in your garage.
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