Top 10 Home Repairs to Tackle Before Winter
Winter may bring cozy nights and holiday cheer, but the colder months can wreak havoc on your home if you're not prepared. Taking care of essential repairs and maintenance now can save you thousands of dollars in emergency fixes later. To make it easy for you, we've compiled a list of the top 10 home repairs to tackle before winter sets in.
1. Inspect and Repair Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements, making it one of the most critical areas to address before winter. Check for:
Loose or missing shingles: These can leave your home exposed to moisture and lead to leaks or water damage.
Signs of sagging: This could indicate structural issues that need immediate attention.
Flashing damage: Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights to ensure a tight seal.
If climbing on your roof isn’t your forte, consider hiring a professional inspector to ensure it's winter-ready.
2. Clean and Repair Gutters
Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to ice dams and damage to your roof or siding. Follow these steps:
Remove leaves, debris, and dirt from gutters and downspouts.
Ensure water flows freely by testing with a water hose.
Repair sagging or broken sections to prevent water from pooling.
Properly functioning gutters direct melting snow away from your home, protecting your foundation and avoiding costly repairs.
3. Seal Doors and Windows
Drafty doors and windows can make your heating system work overtime, leaving you with sky-high energy bills. Here’s how to seal the deal:
Check for drafts: Hold a lit incense stick near windows and doors to spot airflow.
Apply weatherstripping: Seal gaps around doors and windows for an immediate improvement.
Caulk cracks: Use exterior-grade caulk to fill gaps in window frames or areas where siding meets trim.
For an added layer of insulation, consider installing storm windows.
4. Service Your Heating System
Nothing can ruin a winter night faster than a broken heating system. To keep your home warm and cozy, schedule a professional inspection for:
Furnaces or boilers: Make sure your system is running efficiently and replace filters if necessary.
Thermostats: Test and, if needed, upgrade to programmable or smart thermostats for better control.
Radiant heaters: Check for damaged wiring or panels to ensure safety.
An annual tune-up can extend the life of your heating system while keeping your energy costs in check.
5. Insulate Pipes and Water Systems
Frozen pipes are a homeowner's nightmare. To avoid costly repairs, insulate vulnerable pipes located:
Near exterior walls: Exposed pipes in crawl spaces or basements are at high risk.
Attics or garages: These often-overlooked areas can also house exposed pipes.
Invest in affordable pipe insulation sleeves or wraps, and don’t forget to drain outdoor hose bibs to prevent freezing.
6. Inspect and Clean Chimneys and Fireplaces
If you use your fireplace during winter, ensure it’s safe and efficient by:
Sweeping the chimney to remove creosote buildup that can cause fires.
Inspecting for cracks or blockages.
Checking the damper to ensure it opens and closes properly.
A professional chimney sweep can provide a thorough cleaning and inspection.
7. Check Your Home’s Insulation
Poor insulation can lead to heat loss, uneven room temperatures, and higher energy bills. Target areas like:
Attics: Heat escapes most easily through the roof, so adequate attic insulation is a must.
Basements and crawl spaces: Ensure floors and walls are properly insulated to prevent heat loss.
Walls: Adding blown-in insulation can make a big difference in older homes.
Effective insulation helps your home maintain warmth even during deep freezes.
8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The colder months mean an increased use of heaters, fireplaces, and stoves, all of which can raise the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect your family by:
Replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Testing each unit to ensure it works properly.
Installing detectors near sleeping areas, as well as near any gas-powered appliances.
For added safety, have your HVAC and fireplace inspected to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
9. Protect Your Outdoor Spaces
Don’t forget to prep your outdoor areas for winter! Here’s your checklist:
Winterize decks and patios: Clean and seal wood surfaces to prevent cracking or warping.
Store outdoor furniture: Move items like chairs and tables to a sheltered area.
Winterize sprinklers: Drain and shut off sprinkler systems to avoid frozen pipes.
Clearing outdoor spaces now ensures they’re ready for use when spring arrives.
10. Prep Your Driveway and Walkways
Ice and snow can make your walkways treacherous. To minimize hazards:
Repair cracks in driveways or steps where water can pool and freeze.
Apply sealant to protect surfaces from ice damage.
Stock up on ice melt and shovel snow regularly to keep pathways safe.
Also, consider installing heated driveway systems if snow clearing is a persistent issue in your region.
Final Thoughts
By addressing these 10 essential repairs and maintenance tasks, you’ll protect your home from harsh winter conditions while avoiding expensive emergency repairs. Not only will your home be safer and more comfortable, but you’ll also enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is ready to face the coming months.
If tackling this list feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to contact One Call Repair. From roof inspections to plumbing upgrades, we’ll connect you with trusted professionals who can handle the job, so you don’t have to stress. One call is all it takes—get started today!
