Being a homeowner is great, however, it comes with a lot of responsibility. In this Winter Home Maintenance Guide, we will help you with some important things you need to know to upkeep your home.

Why? It’s believed that for every $1 spent in maintenance, you’re saving $100 in repair.

There are important interior and exterior maintenance to evaluate during the Winter.

Let’s jump right in.

Exterior Winter Maintenance

Turn Off Water Hoses and Blow Out Sprinklers

Everyone knows that water expands when it freezes which is why this step is especially important. You should turn off your water so that the pipe doesn’t bust when temperatures drop below 32.

Additionally, blowing out your sprinkler system will prolong the life of your pipes so they don’t rupture.

A professional company can also help you with this task.

Remove Dead Branches/Prune Plants

Dead branches pose a potential threat to your home. They’re not as strong as alive branches and can sometimes cave under the weight of rain, snow, or ice. As such, they can snap easily and land on plants, outdoor equipment, or even your home.

Pruning plants, on the other hands, is to preserve the life of the plants. This will effectively remove dead branches and prepare your plants to thrive when it becomes Springtime.

Rake Leaves

Removing the leaves will help keep your grass healthy throughout the Winter time. Leaving leaves on your grass can attract pests and prevent your grass from growing back next year.

Not to mention, when leaves stay on cement they can often leave a stain once the snow has melted.

Check Roof and Gutters

You know we had to mention it, but obviously, it’s important to check your roof and gutters. Gutters manage the flow of water away from your home so we encourage you to make sure they’re working properly.

Checking your roof will reveal any impending leaks or potential issues. Most roofing contractors will inspect your roof for free and others will charge a small fee to fix minor repairs.

Don’t get caught with a roof issue in the dead of Winter!

Interior Winter Maintenance

Have Your Heater Serviced

Most HVAC companies will come annually to inspect your heater to ensure it’s performing properly. Oftentimes, very minor maintenance is required during the service.

Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your heater and prevent you from being caught in the dead of Winter without heat.

Check Attic Insulation

We wrote extensively on the importance of attic insulation in our thermostat guide, but it really comes down to preventing moisture in your attic.

You can hire a roofing contractor to inspect for moisture and ensure the flow of air is properly vented. The soffit vents on your roof should be the air intake, while the vents on the top (ridge vent or other box vents) should be the outtake. If your roof is “breathing” properly then moisture shouldn’t accumulate.

No moisture means that you will avoid any mold, deterioration of your roof decking, and water spots on your ceiling.

Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty air can most often seep through your windows and doors. Sealing them before the cold hits will help ensure a warm house and lower utility bill.

Furthermore, you’ll be blocking out extra moisture and any potential critters from entering your home.

Summary of Winter Home Maintenance Guide

We hope that you can take proactive steps in your home maintenance this Winter.

Doing a few things and spending a small amount will pay itself off in the long run.

If you need a roofer to come to check your attic, roof, or gutters then give us a call at (402) 889-3381 to take advantage of our Winterization Package.