Winter Checklist: Tips for Keeping Your Outdoor Space Cold Weather-Ready

Winter weather can bring the joy of cozy indoor nights – but it can also bring homeowners major headaches. From pipe bursts to frozen fountains, there’s a world of trouble that can unfold if you don’t use a thoughtful winter checklist to prepare your outdoor spaces well in advance. With some simple maintenance tips, you can cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy all your favorite seasonal activities knowing your house is best protected from potential damages. Whether it’s putting protective covers over your outdoor furniture or simply turning your fans in the other direction, there are many ways to protect your house throughout the winter, prevent expensive repairs and lower your energy bills. Check out these winter home maintenance tips to get started!

Gutters are an essential part of a home’s drainage system. However, while gutters are great at catching and draining water, they also collect all kinds of other debris. During the fall and winter, pine needles, leaves, and dirt can get caught in your gutters. The resulting build-up of debris can weigh your gutters down and cause them to break. Debris can also prevent proper drainage – a potential disaster if water gets trapped and freezes. Some gutter cleaning steps to add to your winter checklist include:

When fall starts to come to an end, clean your gutters. Scoop out any dirt or accumulated leaves and toss them.

Give your gutters a thorough rinse down and check for any cracks or signs of drainage issues. Specifically, check your basement and attic for mildew and water stains– both can signal a draining problem. If you see signs of water damage, consider extending your gutter’s downspout to direct water further away from your house.

Regularly check the forecast throughout the winter. Before a storm, take a few minutes to spread some salt on your gutters to prevent any water from freezing.