6 Things to Do Outside Now to Prep Your Home for Winter

So far we've been blessed with beautiful fall weather in our neck of the woods. It makes it hard to believe that winter is coming up fast. Right now, October and November, is the perfect time to take care of some important things outside to prep your home for winter:

1. Clean and Fasten Your Gutters
   Clean your gutters and downspouts to check them for proper drainage capabilities. Is the water draining properly away from your walls? Are they properly fastened to the house? Consider investing in leaf guards. You should also plan to give your gutters one final cleaning at the end of the leaf-falling season. This prevents any icicles and ice dams from forming from water overflow, which can cause major water damage and leakage within windows and any other undetected wall cracks.
2. Check Your Roof and Wall Vents
   Take care of any vent, skylight, and chimney leaks now before the hazards of winter. Replace any worn caulking and loose roof shingles.
3. Check Your Windows and Doors for Cracks
   Replace weather stripping or caulk along any faulty seals that can lead to valuable heat escaping outside or the cold coming inside. To find cracks, use a lit candle to follow the edges of your windows or doors, and then marking the places where you see any flickering of the flame or movement of the smoke. Most importantly, replace any cracked window panes.
4. Check Siding and Paint
   Inspect the outside walls of your home for cracks and holes. If necessary, do some caulking or replacing of trim. Caulk and paint should always be replaced when the weather temperature doesn't fluctuate too much for it to dry properly in order to really last and work its best.
5. Safeguard Your Outdoor Equipment
   Properly store away any equipment you use regularly to keep them safe from cold weather damage. Check to see that your snow shovel is close at hand and in good and usable condition. Spraying it with Pam© or WD-40© keeps them rust free and the snow from sticking. Also drain outdoor faucets and garden hoses of excess water to prevent them from freezing and cracking.
6. Protect Cold-Sensitive Pots and Plants
   Put select plants and pots that are sensitive to the cold into a sheltered area. You can also wrap the pots with newspapers and cover the soil with straw to protect the roots from the cold.

Most of these projects can save you significantly in energy and future repair costs. Consider using a professional for anything that is dangerous, is in extreme heights, or requires experience.

The urgency to complete these tasks will vary depending upon your location on this earth. Once the first snow storm hits you will feel more confident that all is snug, safe, warm and sound.

For Further Reading Try These Links:

Green Your Home For Winter: The Quick List

New Home Week: Winterizing Your Home In One Day