Sparkling snow and frosty landscapes might look pretty—but they can cause some pretty daunting challenges for homeowners. From frozen pipes and icy driveways to cold and drafty interiors, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can lead to costly repairs for your home. Tackle these 12 projects to make sure you’re not left out in the cold this winter.
1. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air sneaking into your home can hike up heating costs and make your rooms uncomfortably chilly, so look for areas that are leaking air and seal them to stop drafts.
• Carefully inspect windows and doors for gaps or cracks and plug them by adding weatherstripping around door frames and windows.
• Use caulk to seal small cracks around window and door frames.
• Slide a draft stopper under the base of exterior doors to add a protective, insulating barrier.
2. Insulate Attics and Basements
Attics and basements are leading spaces for heat loss in your home, but making sure you’ve got proper insulation in these areas can help slash your heating bills.
• Add insulation to attic floors and seal air leaks to stop heat loss and reduce the risk of ice dams forming on your roof.
• Check ductwork in the basement and attic for leaks, and seal exposed ductwork with insulation.
• Prevent heat loss in the basement by insulating walls with rigid foam board or other insulation.
3. Prep Your Plumbing
If pipes freeze during a cold snap, they can burst and cause expensive water damage. Protect your plumbing system with these steps.
• Wrap exposed pipes with tubular foam pipe insulation.
• Make sure the water supply to outdoor spigots is turned off, and insulate outdoor faucets with a Foam Faucet Cover.
• On extremely cold nights, keep the cabinet doors under sinks open to let warm air circulate around pipes.
4. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
Ice dams form when melted snow refreezes at your roof’s edge, forcing water to back up under shingles.
• Clear leaves and twigs from gutters and downspouts to allow proper drainage; the unique design of this scoop makes this messy job a little easier.
• Add gutter guards to keep debris out of gutters so you don’t have to clean them as often.
• Check that the yard around your home’s foundation is graded correctly to direct water away from your home; if water is pooling around your home, add a Tilt and Drain downspout extender to keep water flowing away from the foundation.
5. Protect Your Roof
Heavy snow and ice can damage your roof, but taking these steps can minimize issues.
• Regularly inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles that could let moisture seep in.
• Trim overhanging branches to prevent them from snapping under snow and damaging your roof.
• Add heat cables to keep melted water flowing through the gutters all winter long.
6. Winterize Outdoor Areas
You might not be using your outdoor spaces in subzero temperatures, but they still need attention to avoid damage from freezing-cold weather.
• Cover or store outdoor furniture to prevent rust, cracking, or other damage.
• Seal wood decks and porches with a weatherproof sealant to protect them from moisture and freezing.
• Stock up on eco-friendly ice melt or sand to safely de-ice walkways.
7. Maintain Your Heating System
A functioning, reliable heating system is essential for staying comfortable when temperatures plummet.
• If you haven’t already, hire a professional to inspect and clean your heating system.
• Replace air filters to increase the efficiency of your unit and improve indoor air quality.
• Optimize energy use by installing a programmable thermostat that makes it easy to set schedules for heating your home.
8. Stormproof Your Windows
Up to 30% of your home’s heating energy is lost through windows—but there are some easy ways to put a stop to heat loss.
• If you have storm windows, install them to provide an additional layer of insulation.
• Add window insulation kits—the clear plastic film creates a barrier against drafts and heat lost so rooms stay warmer.
• Hang thermal curtains to create a physical barrier between window glass and your living spaces so the cold stays out and the warmth stays in.
9. Service Your Chimney and Fireplace
If you’ve got a wood burning fireplace, make sure it’s safe to use before you cozy up in front of a roaring fire.
• Schedule an annual professional chimney cleaning and inspection; the chimney sweep will remove creosote buildup that could cause chimney fires and will make sure the flue and damper are working properly.
• Order firewood and stack it neatly outside your home.
• Make sure you always have a fireplace screen in place to keep embers from escaping.
10. Prepare for Ice Storms
Ice can damage trees, power lines, and your home and outbuildings. Take proactive steps to protect them.
• Stock up on de-icing salt or sand so you can treat driveways and sidewalks ahead of icy conditions.
• Cover shrubs and plants with burlap to shield them from heavy ice.
• Report sagging or overgrown branches near power lines to your utility company.
11. Maintain Your Water Heater
A cold shower on a chilly morning? No thank you. Make sure your hot water heater is ready to do its job.
• Check the temperature to make sure it’s set to 120°F; this temperature is the sweet spot where the water is warm enough to be comfortable while preventing accidental scalding and saving energy.
• Drain the hot water tank and flush sediment and buildup that can affect efficiency.
• Wrap the water heater in an insulation blanket to reduce standby heat loss and cut your water heating costs.
12. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Winter weather can be unpredictable. Prep an emergency kit so you’re ready for anything.
• Stock up on essentials like blankets, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and a first-aid kit in case of a power outage.
• Keep shovels, snow blowers, and scrapers in a place where they’re easily accessible.
• Have a plan B for where you’ll go or how you’ll stay warm if the power goes out.
Feel the Difference All Winter Long
It takes time to protect your home from snow, ice, and freezing—but the peace of mind and cost savings this prep brings are worth it. Whether it’s sealing drafts, insulating your attic, or prepping your plumbing, every small step adds up to a safer, warmer home this season. Get to work tackling these projects now so you can enjoy a cozy, stress-free winter.
