It’s time to winterize your home!

Winterizing Your Home: A Checklist for the Outside

Winter is coming, and it's time to start thinking about winterizing your home. This means taking steps to protect your property from the harsh effects of cold weather. Winterizing your home can help to prevent damage to your home, save you money on energy bills, and keep your family safe.

Here is a checklist of things you can do to winterize your home on the outside:

1. Clean and repair gutters.

Gutters are essential for directing rainwater away from your home. If they are clogged with leaves and debris, they can overflow and cause water damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping.

2. Remove hoses and cover faucets.

When temperatures drop below freezing, water in your hoses and faucets can freeze and burst. To prevent this, disconnect your hoses from the house and drain any remaining water. Cover your faucets with insulating covers.

3. Store patio furniture and grills.

Patio furniture and grills can be damaged by snow and ice. Store them in a garage or shed to protect them from the elements.

4. Clean patio and deck.

Sweep away leaves and debris from your patio and deck. This will help to prevent ice from forming and making your walkways slippery.

5. Bring plants inside.

If you have potted plants outdoors, bring them inside before the first frost. Tender plants will not survive the cold weather.

6. Inspect your roof.

Look for any loose or damaged shingles. If you find any, have them replaced before winter weather arrives.

7. Trim tree branches.

Heavy snow and ice can cause tree branches to break and fall on your home. Trim branches that are hanging over your house or roof.

8. Seal up cracks and openings.

Caulk or weatherstrip any cracks or openings around your windows and doors. This will help to prevent cold air from entering your home.

9. Insulate your hot water pipes.

Wrap your hot water pipes with insulation to prevent them from freezing.

10. Check your driveway and walkway for cracks.

Repair any cracks in your driveway or walkway before the winter weather arrives. This will help to prevent ice from forming and making your walkways slippery.

Additional tips:

• Install a programmable thermostat so that you can lower your heat when you're away from home.

• Consider installing a chimney cap to prevent animals from nesting in your chimney.

• Have your furnace inspected and serviced before winter.

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for snow and ice storms.

By following these tips, you can help to winterize your home and protect it from the harsh effects of cold weather. Call EverClean to see what items we can check off of your list!