Trim away any trees or bushes
One important thing to do is to have your home free of any potential objects that could damage it. If there are any tree branches hanging near or right over the roof, windows, or driveway, it is recommended to have them trimmed back. Snow and ice can collect and weigh them down in the winter. This can possibly cause them to break. If you have anything in the driveway, such as your vehicle, a broken tree branch can do some damage if it falls on the vehicle.
Install storm doors and windows
If you have storm doors and windows instead of screens, now is a good time to have them replaced. They can provide an extra layer of protection between your home and outside. They also act like insulation and seal in the heat that is in your home and keep the cold air from coming inside. Storm doors and windows can increase the energy efficiency in your home by as much as forty five percent. The storm doors and windows are installed on the outside of the regular doors and windows. If the windows are drafty, installing a storm window can help decrease energy costs as well as cold air leaking in.
Clean out the gutters
Make sure to take the time and clean out the gutters. If there are trees or other things that can get debris in the gutters, they can become clogged quickly. This can make it hard for the gutters to function properly. Clogged gutters can also lead to the formation of ice dams on the roof. Ice dams can occur when water backs up and freezes near the edge of the roof. The ice will continue to build up and eventually form a dam that blocks the path of melted snow from your roof. You can also invest in gutter helmet or gutter heaters that can help prevent this. A buildup of water and snow can lead to leaking inside your roof, which may cause larger issues down the road.
Make sure the home is free of any leaks
If you see any leaks around your home, make sure to have them fixed as soon as possible. Look inside and even outside for any leaks, holes in the wall or roof, or other areas where water could come in. If you notice any leaks, make sure to have it fixed as soon as possible. Also make sure the roofing and siding is free from any holes, cracks or punctures, as leaks can occur from these as well.
