14 Outdoor Winter Home Maintenance Tips
Scroll
As a follow up to last week’s post on interior winter home maintenance tips, here are some tips to help protect the outside of your property and yard this 2022-2023 winter season!
Outdoor Maintenance Tips
- Check your roof for damaged or loose/missing shingles that may leak during winter storms or from melting snow;
- Prevent ice damming with proper roof insulation and venting, and if prone to ice damming, install heating cables and use a roof rake to rake the snow off your roof;
- Caulk around windows and door frames to prevent drafts and leaks, and apply weather stripping around doors as needed;
- Clean gutters to avoid the backing up of water, leaks, or ice build up;
- Add extensions to downspouts so water runs at least three to four feet away from your home’s foundation;
- Turn off exterior faucets and disconnect and drain the hoses to prevent freezing;
- Inspect outdoor lighting to ensure it’s in good working condition;
- Repair outdoor steps and walkways and check handrails;
- Protect patio furniture by covering or storing indoors;
- Restock your winter essentials, such as salt, ice melt, and of course… shovels.
Yard Maintenance Tips
- If possible, mulch your leaves so that they decompose and nourish your lawn over winter;
- Trim dead tree limbs to prevent them from falling and damaging your home or yard in a storm;
- Protect outdoor pots and put away seasonal tools;
- Shovel snow away from your foundation to protect your home and prevent seepage.
Stay warm this winter!
The Costen Insurance Team