Here’s How to Prepare for Winter Storms

Autumn brings beautiful colours and a bountiful harvest, but it’s also the time to get your home ready for winter. Preparing your home for winter storms can help prevent damage and costly repairs. Here’s some tips on how to winterize your home against the worst mother nature can deliver.

Exterior Inspection

The first step in proper winterization is to find out what needs to be done. Take a walk around your home and jot down any issues you see. Check for loose boards or siding, as well as any openings where water could enter. Inspect all doors and windows and be sure to check for damage to your roof and gutters.

Pipes & Faucets

One of the most important parts of snowstorm preparation is wrapping and protecting vulnerable pipes. As temperatures drop pipes can freeze and lead to flooding and other extensive damage. Use pipe wrap insulation to protect any pipes that aren't covered by your home's existing insulation. Adding extensions to downspouts is another step you should take for proper winterization. This ensures that water is kept away from the foundation of your home.

Ice Damming

Proper attic insulation is essential to avoid ice dams. These occur when heat rises into the attic and warms the roof, causing snow to melt and run down the roof where it freezes in the gutter. This ice dam in turn traps more water on the roof where it can get beneath shingles and cause damage or leaks. You should also make sure your soffit vents are clear so outside air can help keep your attic at an even temperature. When heavy snowfall does occur you can use a roof rake to remove the snow.

Trees, Bushes & Shrubs

Cut down any tree limbs hanging over your roof as ice can cause them to break and fall, resulting in substantial roof damage. You should also trim any overgrown shrubs or decorative trees. Burlap, shrub covers, and other shrub protector wraps will help your greenery survive high winds and ice storms.

Snow Fences

You can also install a snow fence as a windbreak to protect trees and hedges from heavy snow and freezing rain. Make sure your fence is 30 to 40 feet away from the area you want to protect, and perpendicular to the prevailing winds in your area for optimal drift control.

Deicers & Melters

Deicers and melters can be used to melt snow and ice on your driveway and walkways to help prevent slips and falls.

Furnace Maintenance

You want to be sure your furnace is working effectively before the onset of sub-zero temperatures. Have your furnace inspected by a professional technician, and ensure the filters are cleaned or replaced.

Doors & Windows

Windows and doors are particularly vulnerable to winter storms. Replace the weather stripping if necessary, and use caulking to seal any cracks or openings around the frames. You can protect your window glass by covering it with plywood or installing storm shutters. Plastic sheeting and even window film will also help prevent water from entering your home if the window breaks.

Backup Power Source

Harsh winter storms can cause temporary power outages. You should ensure you have alternative methods for powering and heating your home. Consider purchasing a wood burning stove as an extra heating source. An emergency generator is also a good idea for heating as well as lighting, charging phones, and more. If you use oil, gas, or wood heating regularly, be sure you have enough wood, propane, oil, or alternate fuel source for at least a week in case of an outage.

Check & Clean Your Chimney

Your chimney should also be checked before winter sets in. Creosote and soot can accumulate over time, making fires more of a risk. A dirty chimney can also lead to air quality issues inside your home. Various chimney cleaners and other supplies are available for DIY maintenance. You can also have a professional chimney sweep come and inspect, clean, and repair your chimney if needed.

Check Your Smoke and CO Alarms

Emergency heating and lighting solutions can sometimes pose a fire hazard or compromise air quality. Be sure to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO alarms, and test them periodically to ensure they’re working properly.

Food Supplies

It’s always a good idea to keep some non-perishable food items on hand in the event of a power outage. Stock up on items that don’t need to be cooked or heated such as canned goods, peanut butter and crackers, canned meats, and cereals with powdered milk.

Insurance Documents

Review your home insurance to make sure you fully understand the types of damage that are covered vs. what you will be responsible for if damage does occur. If you have any doubts, contact your insurance provider. You might also want to find out how to update your policy to include any damage that isn’t already included.

Winter Storm Checklist

Your snowstorm preparation should also include some emergency supplies to have on hand in case you’re stuck without power or running power for an extended period. Here’s a checklist of essential items:

Winter storms can be brutal, and some damage may be unavoidable. Now that you know how to properly prepare you can minimize the risk to your home, your yard and your family.