A How to Guide: Home Winterizing

A How to Guide: Home Winterizing

Being native to Kentucky, I have always found it remarkable how well northern communities handle winter weather. A foot of snow? No problem there; in fact, you will find kids standing at the bus stops in single digit weather. It’s not that Kentucky is southern by any means, but we are certainly not used to frigid temperatures nor tons of snow. However, just a few weeks ago we already saw our first snow fall (we typically don’t see the white stuff until late January) so we may really be in for it this year! Which means maybe this year it is a bit more crucial than others to “winterize” our homes. Let’s look at the steps needed for winterizing; you can click here to download a free checklist, so you don’t miss any steps!

Check for and seal air leaks

Along your doors and window frames check for places where air could seep through. Then when it is dark outside, have someone shine a light through the gaps from the indoors out and not anywhere that light shines through. From there seal any leaks with caulking or weather stripping.

Clean out gutters to prevent ice dams

If your gutters are clogged, you run the risk of ice dams forming on your roof. These occur when water backs up (since it can’t drain through) and freezes at the edge of the roof. Ice will continue to build up forming a dam that won’t allow melted snow to drain properly from your roof. Which could lead to leaks and other roof damage.

Insulate your Pipes, especially those on the outside walls of your home

Bursting water pipes can create a lot of damage and cost a lot of money. There are steps you can take that may not be as tedious as wrapping each pipe with insulation. To learn more about steps you can take to protect your pipes, read more here.

Schedule a furnace and chimney inspection

Your furnace will certainly be used all throughout winter so having it inspected will help ensure that it will continue to run and run safely! If you have a fireplace, you will also want to have your chimney inspected to avoid any dangers or damage that could occur from blockages within the chimney or flew. 

Trim back trees

It is no secret that snow and ice piling up on tree limbs can cause added stress to that limb. Consider the limbs that hang over your driveway, near the roof or windows; if they were to break under the pressure of the added weight, could they cause damage to your home or vehicle? If you answer yes, it may save you a lot of headache and expense in the future.  

Remove potential tripping hazards

Sure, you know that big stick is in the driveway now but will you under a couple inches of snow? Be sure to remove any trip hazards that could easily be hidden by snow fall. 

Prep outdoor equipment

Are you ready for the snow and ice? Make sure you know where your shovel, snow blower, window scraper and other winter tools are. While you are at it, ensure they are all in working order. 

Prepare an emergency kit

Should you lose power during a snow or ice storm it can be difficult to travel for needed supplies. To avoid having to travel with bad road conditions, be sure to have enough food and water on hand for a minimum of 3 days. You will also want to ensure you are prepared to stay safe and warm while the power is out.

Reverse your ceiling fan

By setting your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise, you will push warm air down and force it to recirculate through the room.

Don’t worry that you might skip over a step, use our free printable checklist to ensure your home is ready for the cold! Just click here to have your easy to print checklist.