With winter fast approaching across the Northern Hemisphere, thinking about how well prepared your home is for the harsh winter weather is an important thing to think about. From ice dams to frozen pipes, freezing temperatures and severe storms can have a detrimental impact on your home. In many parts of the U.S and Canada, winter has most assuredly already arrived, so making any final repairs to your home before the weather gets worse is a good idea. By late fall it is still not too late to inspect your home and address any problems that may compromise comfort and safety during the winter. Here is a look at some of the top things you should address for the final winterization of your home:

 

Gutters and Roofs-

In terms of exterior elements, these two are probably the most important--aside from maybe walls. If the roof isn't in good shape, you could be in for trouble during harsh snowstorms. Inspect your roof through the attic and along the exterior for structural abnormalities. Also, check the shingles for curling and other deteriorations. Water damage and storm damage to the roof during the winter is a real concern and addressing any problems in the roof is the first place to begin. Keeping the gutters clean and free of debris is also important to prevent the accumulation of water, which can lead to ice dams as it freezes. An obvious concern is also the ability of your roof to withstand snow accumulation. Also, make sure that the gutters and downspouts are secured and will hold up against snow and ice.

 

Pipes-

Protecting your home's pipes is extremely important during freezing winter temperatures. One of the leading causes of property damage during the winter is burst pipes. As water expands when it freezes, enormous pressure is put on pipes, which can weaken the material and cause them to burst. Guarding against burst pipes requires monitoring the water flow throughout the winter and attention to the indoor and outdoor temperatures. Insulating pipes with insulation foam can help prevent water freezing inside. Beyond this, you will need to monitor the indoor temperatures to keep temperatures from dropping too much. If you are regularly at home, this shouldn't be a problem.

 

Periodically check for water leaks as well. If you notice any broken or cracked pipes or valves, be sure to repair them immediately. If you have outdoor water systems, make sure you turn off the water at the main supply line. Doing this will prevent underground irrigation pipes from freezing. In general, checking the pipes for damage, regularly running the water, and keeping your home a reasonably warm temperature should be sufficient to prevent burst pipes.

 

Energy and Snow Removal-

During the winter being prepared for power outages and big snowstorms is an important part of preparing your home for the season. This preparation can involve everything from having a generator to use in the event of a power outage to having reliable snow removal equipment. Sometimes this just comes down to having a sturdy shovel. Freezing temperatures can be hazardous in a number of ways, so keeping a contingency generator on hand to power some electrical equipment at home can be a good idea. Preventing frozen pipes and staying warm are your two most pressing concerns.

 

During snowstorms, make sure you begin clearing snow away from the foundation of your house and around other important access areas as soon as possible. Preventing water from accumulating around the foundation is important to prevent damage. You also want to lay ice melt soon after a storm to prevent ice from building up. Taking these precautions will keep your home in good shape during the cold winter.