There’s something wonderful about winter. Imagine curling up in front of the fireplace of your new home with some hot chocolate and a good book. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Only if you’ve already ticked off all the items on your home winterization checklist … those cozy, cold-weather vibes only go so far.
If you’re not careful, freezing temperatures can do significant damage to your new home. And there’s nothing like a broken pipe or a leaky basement to kill those winter-wonderland daydreams!
Maria Walley, a top-performing real estate agent in Cincinnati, Ohio, knows all about the toll that winter can take on a home. Her firsthand knowledge, combined with national winter-safe protocols, helped us compile this comprehensive winterization checklist.
Don’t let winter ruin your new home. We’ll guide you through best practices to keep your home functioning as the year-round haven you always wanted it to be.
Get Your Ultimate Home Winterizing Checklist!
Winter is coming! Get ready for cold weather with our comprehensive home winterizing checklist, including exterior, interior, system, and storm-readiness.
Exterior winterization
1. Inspect the roof for loose singles or tiles
If you’re able, break out the ladder and do a visual inspection of your roof. Check for any loose shingles or tiles, especially around vents and at seams where expansion and contraction seem to affect the integrity of the roof to a greater degree.
If you notice any cracked or broken areas, you may be able to fix them yourself using a watertight, tar-like sealant. Otherwise, definitely contact a professional roofer to patch it up.
2. Clean the chimney
While you’re up on the roof, take the opportunity to inspect your chimney. Make sure there are no loose bricks and check that the vent is clear. Look for an overabundance of soot, which could indicate the need for a cleaning.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends chimney sweeping when there is a one-eighth-inch buildup of sooty deposits in the flue. If in doubt, the National Fire Protection Association says it’s best to schedule a yearly inspection for safety’s sake.
3. Clear out gutter blockages
Walley says gutter cleaning is her No. 1 winterization tip for homebuyers. Gutters should be free of leaves and debris in order to function properly. Clogged gutters can lead to foundation issues, basement leaks, or water seepage into the soffits and fascia. Plus, if water freezes in your gutters, the heavy ice could cause them to break away from your home.
“I see it happen all the time — water backs up and comes inside. You start to see spotting and think there are big problems with the house. But in reality, if you take the time to clean the gutters, all that can be avoided.”
4. Install and clean leaf guards
Consider installing leaf guards, especially in sections near tall trees. Choose the type of leaf guard depending on the debris that accumulates around your property: micro-mesh for blocking small debris like pine needles, mesh screens for larger debris like leaves and twigs, or gutter helmets and foam inserts to channel water into the gutter while blocking leaves and debris. If you already have leaf guards installed, clean them regularly to avoid the accumulation of fine debris.
5. Clean dryer roof vents
Don’t put away your ladder just yet! If you’ve got a roof vent for your dryer, now’s a great time to clean it out. Remove all lint to keep air flowing throughout the winter. After all, you don’t want to get up on the roof again when it’s below zero degrees!
6. Store outdoor furniture indoors
Once you’re safely back on the ground, it’s time to take a look at the deck and patio areas. First, pull in all outdoor furniture that could be damaged over the winter. If you have wrought iron furniture, take care not to leave it outside to prevent rusting and corrosion.
7. Store decorative rugs and planters
Decorative rugs and seasonal planters will last you another year if you take care of them during winter. Clean and dry them before storage. For decorative rugs, roll them up and store them vertically in a well-ventilated area.
8. Seal and waterproof the deck
Because of the variety of materials and climates, there’s no real rule of thumb for how often a deck needs to be sealed. To determine if your deck may need to be sealed before the snow falls, spray some water onto the surface. Does it soak in or bead up on top? If water isn’t beading, you’ll want to seal and waterproof the deck in order to prevent winter damage.
9. Read outdoor appliance guidelines for winterization
If you’ve got an outdoor kitchen, now’s the time to pull out those manufacturer guidelines for winterization. Some outdoor appliances can be used safely throughout the colder months, while others will need to be drained of fuel and covered up until spring.
10. Winterize pool and water features
Similarly, pools and water features will need to be winterized according to professional guidelines and your climate. In states that expect freezing temperatures, winterizing pools and water features usually means draining water, adding chemicals, clearing pipelines, and installing a thick cover. States with milder winters can take fewer precautions. Ask your local pros if you need guidance.
11. Drain gas-powered lines
You’ll also want to think through which lawn care items you won’t be using anymore. To avoid fuel freezing in the lines, most gas-powered items will need to be stabilized and drained. Again, consult manufacturer specifications for guidance on your specific tools.
12. Turn off water supply to outdoor faucets
Walley also reminds clients to turn off the water going to the hose spigots. “Typically in the basement, there’s a valve for the outdoor faucets. You’ll want to shut that off so you don’t have a burst pipe.”
13. Keep outdoor hoses and window screens in storage
Before the first freeze, be sure to bring in hoses to prevent them from cracking. The basement or garage is a good place to keep hoses and window screens throughout winter. Removing the window screens can improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce condensation.
14. Stake the driveway
Stake the driveway, so you don’t “lose” it (and can protect your lawn) in the first snowfall. For a single residential driveway, you will need 8-12 stakes, placed every 20-30 feet. For high-snow areas, use stakes every 10-15 feet for better visibility.
15. Switch out seasonal decor
As you store out-of-season decor, it’s time to take out winter-appropriate decor to keep your curb appeal throughout the winter. Aim for a cozy look with holiday lighting, but refrain from flashy, blow-up decorations.
English (US) · 