How to Prepare Your Home for Fall and Winter

With cold weather on the way, it is time to start preparing the outside of your home for the winter months. Moisture, snow, ice, and wind can do some real damage. You want to be sure to take the time to prepare and protect one of your largest investments. From cleaning the gutters to getting replacement windows and doors in Portland, OR, here are some steps you can follow to make sure your home is ready for the first cold snap:

1. Clear the Gutters

You should clean the gutters a couple times a year, but most especially before the cold winter hits. This can help prevent water, snow, and ice from building up and damaging your home.

2. Clean the Chimney

Do you have a wood burning fireplace or stove? If so it doesn’t hurt to sweep the chimney before you light up that first fire.

3. Seal the Driveway

Snow and ice are not friendly on cement, and the salt used for deicing is even more damaging. You want to make sure you protect your driveway and patios this winter. Before the weather gets too cold you should seal your cement.

4. Add Mulch to the FlowerBeds

Gardens and flower beds also need extra protection against the cold. To help protect the soil add a fresh layer of mulch to the garden beds. This will also help give you a head start next spring.

5. Install Fresh Lightbulbs

With days getting shorter and nights getting longer you are going to put your exterior lights to good use. You want to make sure they are working well so you can keep your home safe and well lit.

6. Insulate Hose Bibs

To prevent freezing you want to turn off your sprinkler systems and have them blown out by a professional. You should also disconnect your hoses and insulate your hose bibs. You can pick up a few covers at the hardware store. These will keep your outdoor pipes from freezing and bursting over the winter.

7. Prune Back Trees and Shrubs

The weight of heavy snowfall can cause branches on trees and bushes to snap. This is why it is important to trim off dead branches and keep shrubs well maintained. You might also have to shake the heavy snow off of the branches to keep them from bending.

8. Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture

Late fall is a good time to wipe down your outdoor furniture and put it away until next season. You should also store and organize your yard tools. This will make life much easier come next summer.

9. Repair the Roof

Roof leaks are a nightmare in the winter. So if you have noticed any moisture leaks or damaged shingles, you want to have those things repaired as soon as possible.

10. Check Windows and Doors

You should check your windows and doors for air leaks. Seal what you can with caulk or weather-stripping. If that does not solve the problem it might be time for replacements.

If you do need replacement windows and doors in Portland OR, replacement windows and doors do not put it off. The sooner you get new windows and doors installed the sooner you can start saving on your energy bills and protect your home against the cold winter. Call EnergyGuard Windows & Doors today at (503) 554-5500. Looking for more details? Go ahead and find us on the web! You can set up a consultation with one of our design experts, or you can visit us at 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132.