Home Winterization Checklist: How to Prepare Your Minnesota Home for the Winter
As winter approaches in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, getting your home ready for the frigid weather is essential. The winter months in Minnesota often include heavy snowfall and extended periods of sub-zero temperatures, which can take a toll on your property. Here are a few tips for winterizing your home in advance to ensure that you and your family stay safe and warm this holiday season:
1. Clean Your Gutters
One of the first tasks on your home winterization checklist should be cleaning your gutters to remove any leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have been collected. Otherwise, gutter clogs can trap water, which will then freeze and lead to issues like sagging gutters, ice dams, and potentially even leaks.
2. Trim Back Tree Branches
The winter season in Minnesota often comes with heavy snowfall and ice storms. To prevent tree branches from breaking off and damaging your home during these events, trim back overhanging branches. It’s a simple preventative measure that can reduce the likelihood of needing any costly repairs down the line.
3. Get a Roof Inspection
Your roof is the first line of defense your home has against the elements, which is why it’s important to have a professional roofing company inspect your roof as part of your home winterization. Addressing problems like damaged shingles or leaks early on can help you avoid more extensive damage during the winter.
4. Fix Cracks and Gaps Around Doors & Windows
Drafts can make your home uncomfortable and increase your heating costs exponentially. Weatherstripping your doors and windows with adhesive tape, door sweeps, felt, or caulk is a cheap and effective way to keep things cozy and dry.
5. Insulate Pipes
The last thing you want is to deal with frozen pipes, but this is unfortunately a common occurrence in the Midwest. To prevent freezing, pipe bursts, and water damage, it’s a good idea to insulate your pipes and water heater in advance of the cold weather.
6. Ensure Your Winter Gear Is Accessible
Make sure your winter gear and snow removal tools, such as coats and boots, shovels, ice melt, and snow blower, are readily accessible. You don’t want to be scrambling to find and access these items when you need them most! It’s also a good idea to stock up on snow salt to keep your driveway and walkways ice-free.
Looking to Outfit Your Home With Better Weather Protection?
Hopefully, this has given you some valuable information on how to winterize a house. But what if all this isn’t enough, and you feel that you need a better line of defense to begin with? Well, then, Pure Home Restoration is the name to know. We help homeowners in and around the Lakeville, Minnesota, area prepare for the winter months with home improvement products that are designed to handle the local climate. If you’re looking to upgrade your windows and doors, outfit your home with new gutters, or replace your roof before the winter season, we have your back. Contact us today to receive a complimentary price estimate for whatever project you have in mind. With our experienced team handling your upgrades, you can enjoy a worry-free winter season in a cozy, well-maintained home.
