As winter approaches, homeowners across Charlotte, NC, know that it’s not just about staying cozy indoors—protecting your home’s exterior is just as important.
The harsh winter elements can wreak havoc on your home if you're not prepared. From ice dams to cracked foundations, the damage that winter can cause isn’t something you want to deal with come springtime.
At Vail-Wise Construction, we believe in being proactive to avoid costly repairs, so we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you prepare your home’s exterior for winter.
We’ll walk you through everything from cleaning your gutters to safeguarding your outdoor plumbing, making sure your home stays safe, energy-efficient, and ready for whatever winter throws its way.
Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
When preparing your home for winter, one of the first things to tackle is cleaning out your gutters. Clogged gutters lead to serious problems like roof damage, leaks, and ice dams. When water backs up, it freezes, creating a heavy, icy mass that can tear at your roof and siding.
How to Do It: Start by removing leaves, twigs, and debris that have accumulated in your gutters. Make sure the downspouts are clear and securely fastened so that water is directed away from your foundation. For an extra layer of protection, we recommend installing gutter guards, which help prevent future clogs.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, winter storms cause over $1 billion in insured losses annually. Preventing ice dams by maintaining your gutters can save you from becoming part of that statistic.
Check for Roof Damage
Your roof takes a beating during the winter months. Snow, ice, and wind can turn minor roof issues into major problems if left unchecked. Cracked or missing shingles create weak points where water can seep in and freeze, leading to leaks and further roof damage.
How to Do It: We recommend performing a visual inspection from the ground using binoculars to spot any missing, curling, or damaged shingles. Pay special attention to areas around chimneys and vents, where leaks are more common. If you notice any problems, it’s best to call in a professional for repairs before winter hits.
Did you know that roofs account for over 35% of heat loss in a typical home? Ensuring your roof is in top shape not only prevents water damage but also helps keep your home warm and energy-efficient throughout the winter.
Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts around windows and doors can make your home feel like a wind tunnel in winter. Cold air sneaks in, and your heating bill skyrockets. By properly sealing windows and doors, you can keep your home warmer and more energy-efficient.
How to Do It: Use caulk to seal cracks around window frames and doors. Weatherstripping is another excellent option to seal gaps around doors, ensuring a snug fit. A simple test to check for drafts is to hold a lit candle near the edges of windows and doors; if the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft to address.
Sealing your home properly can save you up to 20% on energy bills during the winter, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Protect Your Outdoor Plumbing
Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s nightmare. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, potentially causing the pipe to burst. The result? Costly repairs and water damage. To avoid this scenario, take time to winterize your outdoor plumbing.
How to Do It: Start by draining and disconnecting garden hoses and storing them indoors. Insulate any exposed pipes using foam covers, especially if they’re outside or in unheated spaces like a garage. If possible, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and use faucet covers for extra protection.
In colder regions, up to 37% of all home insurance claims in winter are related to frozen pipes. A little preparation can help you avoid this costly issue.
Trim Trees and Bushes
Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, causing them to snap. If those branches are near your home, they can cause significant damage to your roof, windows, or power lines. Keeping trees and bushes trimmed is essential for preventing winter storm damage.
How to Do It: Trim back any branches hanging over your roof, windows, or power lines. For larger trees, we recommend calling in a professional arborist, especially if there’s any risk to your home’s structure.
Proper tree maintenance is not only about preventing damage; it’s also about safety. In Charlotte’s winter storms, downed tree branches can cause power outages and create hazards in your yard.
Secure Outdoor Furniture and Decorations
When the wind picks up, unsecured outdoor furniture and decorations can become safety hazards. In addition, exposure to snow and ice can damage grills, patio sets, and holiday decorations if they’re not properly stored.
How to Do It: Store your outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations in a shed, garage, or basement to keep them safe from the elements. If space is limited, use protective covers and secure items with tie-downs. For smaller items like planters, consider moving them indoors to avoid cracking from the cold.
By properly securing your outdoor items, you can avoid damage and save yourself from needing to replace them when spring arrives.
Inspect Your Home’s Siding and Paint
Your home’s siding and exterior paint are your first defense against the elements. If they’re compromised, moisture can seep in, leading to wood rot or even interior leaks. This is especially important as snow and ice can melt and refreeze, causing extra stress on your home’s exterior.
How to Do It: Take a walk around your home and inspect for any cracks in the siding or peeling paint. If you spot any issues, repair them before winter sets in. It’s also a good idea to clean your siding using a pressure washer to remove dirt or mildew.
Well-maintained siding not only protects your home but also adds to its curb appeal. If you’re unsure about your home’s exterior condition, Vail-Wise Construction is happy to offer a thorough inspection.
Check Your Home’s Foundation and Walkways
Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation and walkways. Water can seep into small cracks, freeze, and expand, turning minor cracks into significant damage.
How to Do It: Look for any cracks in your foundation, driveway, or walkways and seal them with the appropriate filler. This not only protects your home but also makes walkways safer for you and your guests. We also suggest using de-icing salt on walkways to prevent ice buildup, but make sure it’s a formula that’s safe for concrete.
Foundation damage is one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner can face. Addressing cracks before winter helps avoid more severe issues in the spring.
Service Your HVAC System and Chimney
Your HVAC system is the heart of your home’s winter comfort, while your chimney provides warmth and ambiance. Making sure both are in working order is essential for a safe, cozy home.
How to Do It: Replace your furnace filters and consider scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up. If you have a fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe ventilation.
A well-maintained HVAC system can improve energy efficiency by up to 15%, keeping your home comfortable without driving up energy costs.
Prepare for Snow and Ice Removal
When the first snowstorm hits, you don’t want to be caught off guard. Preparing your snow removal tools and supplies ahead of time ensures you can handle snow and ice safely.
How to Do It: Stock up on snow shovels, ice scrapers, and de-icing salt. If you have a snow blower, now is the time to service it. Store your snow removal supplies in an accessible place so you’re ready when the snow arrives.
According to the National Safety Council, over 100,000 injuries result from snow shoveling each year. Having the right tools on hand reduces your risk of injury and helps keep your property safe.
Be Ready for Winter with Vail-Wise Construction
Preparing your home’s exterior for winter is essential to protecting your investment and ensuring your family’s safety. By taking the time to clean your gutters, inspect your roof, and secure your outdoor spaces, you’re setting your home up to handle the harsh winter elements.
At Vail-Wise Construction, we’ve helped homeowners across Charlotte and beyond winterize their homes, and we’re here to assist you too. Whether you need an inspection, repairs, or guidance on maintaining your home, we’re ready to help.
Don’t wait until the first snowstorm hits! Contact Vail-Wise Construction today to schedule a thorough inspection and get expert assistance in preparing your home’s exterior for the winter months.