Did you know that cold weather, snow, and ice can damage your home? Luckily, there are some things you can do to protect your home from frigid elements. If you want to know how to prep your home for winter – read on!  

How To Prep Your Home for Winter

Homes can quickly deteriorate if they’re not properly taken care of. It’s essential to prep your property for the winter season to stop damage before it begins. Here are five of our most helpful tips so you’ll know how to prep your home for winter. 

1. Insulate Your Windows

Cold drafts sneaking into your home during the winter can quickly escalate your energy bill. If your windows have any air leaks, you’ll want to install new window insulation before those winter storms come. 

Caulk is a common window insulation material and can significantly help with heat loss. You can also use window insulation film, draft stoppers, and weather stripping. 

Do you need to replace your windows entirely? Zeeland Supply & Lumber can help with that. The partners we work with offer extensive warranties to protect against damage that may happen to your windows. 

2. Trim Overhanging Tree Limbs and Branches

Can you imagine having a tree branch fall onto your car or house? That’s something you don’t even want to think about! 

It can happen if enough snow sits on a limb or heavy winds cause it to break. Plus, overhanging limbs can cause excess water to seep into the roof or siding of your house

Eliminate that possibility for yourself, and ensure any tree limbs or branches surrounding your home are at least three feet away from the house. 

3. Inspect Your Fireplace

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you should give it an inspection before winter begins. First, look at the fireplace from the exterior of your home. During your outdoor inspection, make sure:

  • The chimney has a cap and it’s in good condition
  • No bird nests or debris has built up
  • There are no trees limbs above or within three feet of the chimney
  • Mortar and bricks on the chimney are in good condition
  • The chimney rises at least two feet above the roof
  • The crown (the sloping cement shoulders at the top of the chimney) is beveled
  • The chimney isn’t leaning to one side

When you’re looking at the chimney from the inside of your home, confirm that:

  • The flue damper opens, closes, and seals properly
  • No combustible materials have accumulated in the flue 
  • There are no cracked bricks or missing mortar

Gas fireplaces don’t require as much maintenance, but giving them a once-over is important. You should:

  • Make sure the glass doors don’t have cracks or latch issues
  • Check that the gas logs are correctly positioned
  • Test the igniter 
  • Look for clogged burner holes

4. Check Your Roof

When the first big snow hits, the last thing you want is a leaky roof. Do yourself a favor and inspect your roof before winter to avoid any potential problems. It’s best to get up close and personal with your roof, but if you’re afraid to do that, you can contact a professional or do your best to inspect the area from the ground with binoculars. 

As you work your way around the roof, keep your eye out for these defects:

  • Cracked caulk or rust spots
  • Bulking, curling, or blistering shingles
  • Missing or broken shingles
  • Masses of moss (this could signal that the roof is decaying underneath)

If your roof needs new shingles, the team here at Zeeland Supply & Lumber is here to help. We have an impressive inventory of roofing materials for any project. 

5. Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts

During the fall season, piles of leaves can fall off the trees and accumulate in gutters. This can cause your gutters and drains to back up and overflow, which can deteriorate the exterior walls of your home. Clogged rain gutters and downspouts can also cause ice dams, leading to expensive repairs. So, clean your gutters and remove leaves, twigs, and any other debris. Ensure the gutters aren’t uneven or trapping water, and replace any worn or water-damaged materials. 

Zeeland Supply & Lumber Is Here for You

Do you need to make home improvements to get your house ready for the winter months? Zeeland Supply & Lumber is here to help! Whether you need new windows, doors, or a roof, we’ve got your home winterizing covered! Give us a call today so you can have peace of mind and enjoy your home this winter.

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