Another Minnesota winter is on its way, and it’s time to prepare your home for the cold, snowy season ahead. Not sure where to start? We can help! Keep reading for five must-do tasks to add to your home winterization checklist.
Inspect the Roof
Your roof is tasked with keeping your home safe from the elements year-round. There are several components of a good roofing system, and if one thing is off, it can put your entire home in jeopardy. Performing a roof inspection before the snow flies ensures your roof is performing at its best. Look for any damaged or missing shingles or flashing and make the necessary repairs.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
The next step to prepare your home for winter is to clean your gutters and downspouts. Gutters can easily become clogged thanks to leaves, twigs, pests, and other debris. Removing debris from inside gutters and ensuring downspouts are angled correctly decreases the risk of ice damming and other hazards during the cold winter months.
Give Tree Branches a Trim
Tree branches around your home can be dangerous during the winter. In addition to contributing to clogged gutters, tree limbs and dead branches can cause significant damage. The more snow that collects on the branches, the heavier they become. Eventually, the branches may break away and crash into your home, potentially damaging siding, roofing, windows, and other areas. Trimming the trees and bushes surrounding your home prevents damage — and as an added bonus, makes it harder for critters to access your home.
Assess Energy Efficiency
Heating your home can be a pricey endeavor, especially in Minnesota where temps often reach negative digits. Sealing cracks and leaks in windows and doors is an easy way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. You should also inspect your attic to ensure it has adequate installation and ventilation. Both play a critical role in keeping your home warm and operating at peak efficiency during the winter.
Test Your Heating System
The absolute worst time to find out your heating system is on the fritz is when you need it. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your heating system is working properly before that first cold snap hits. So, go ahead and fire up the furnace and make sure it’s in good working order. Performing routine maintenance is also a good idea. Give your local HVAC company a call to schedule a tune-up with a trained technician.
While these five tips to prepare your home for winter provide a great starting point, it’s important to be realistic about the tasks you take on. After all, safety is a priority. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to clean gutters or climb up on the roof, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.
Photo by Tracy Adams on Unsplash
