Prepping for the Winter: A Homeowner’s Checklist

While some cities experience mild winters with little effect on the home, the cities and towns that make up Illinois know the damaging effects a bad winter may wreak on their property. However, with proper preparation before the big winter storms hit, you can prevent much of the damage. Here is a little checklist to use to prep your home for the winter, so that damage is minimal and you stay protected!

Windows and Doors

Part of conserving energy during the winter is as simple as making sure the cold air stays outside, and the warm air stays inside! Homeowners should check the sealing on all windows and entryways within the home. If there are any issues with cracked seals or cold air coming in, make sure to use a waterproof sealant (caulk) to fill the gaps. Or, seal along all windows as a precaution if it has been a few years since you last checked. Make sure you install your storm windows before the first big storm of the year to prevent window damage. All of these little fixes will save homeowners on energy costs and pricey repair fees for broken windows.

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Roofing, Gutters, and Drainage

Look for loose or damaged shingles on your roof, or any other debris. These should be fixed immediately, as they may lead to leakage during a storm, or an even bigger roof repair. Roofs are not cheap to replace, so give your roof a thorough check before the winter hits. The same thing goes for your gutters and drainage. As ice melts and water freezes, you want to ensure there is nothing stuck in your gutter that will weigh it down. Ensure all of your drainage systems are in working order, so that there are no emergency drainage issues upon the first big winter storm.

Landscaping

Landscaping might be the last thing you are thinking of as the winter approaches, everything will be covered in snow soon enough, right? While this is mostly true, you are going to want to pay attention to the trees, shrubs and branches near your home. Trim any overhanging branches near your home or near windows to prevent them from breaking and damaging your home. Branches are going to get heavy as snow lands on them, causing them to break. The last thing you need in the middle of a storm is a tree through your roof or window!

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Heating

It is always a smart idea to get your furnace or heating system checked by a professional before the temperatures start dropping dramatically. This preventative measure is an easy step you can take to ensure your heater is in proper working order, or to get any last minute repairs made. If you wait until something does happen to your heater, you may be stuck waiting quite a while for someone to come help you.

With all of that time you will be spending indoors this winter in Illinois, make sure your home is up to your standards. Consider a renovation or some quick updates to your home to keep it looking beautiful for the winter. Contact us today for design tips and to check out some of the beautiful home designs we have created in Orland Park, IL.