As summer winds down, many homeowners know that winter is fast approaching. While the fall months still offer warmer temperatures, now is the time to get ready for the harsh weather that the summer can bring.

Preparing the home for winter can help make those cold months a little more comfortable. Various steps taken can ensure a warmer home and lower costs to keep it that way. These steps can also prevent problems that can arise when the temperatures drop.

#1 Seal the Exterior

Protecting the home from the extreme temperatures, snow, and ice that winter can bring is very important. Sealing the exterior of the home can help minimize heat exchange and prevent damage from the wintry storms. Exterior coating can provide homeowners an easy method for accomplishing this task. Homeowners can get more information about how this product can help at their site.

One of the earliest methods for protecting the exterior of a home is paint. Paint can help prevent the natural elements of winter from destroying the exterior of a home. Unfortunately, paint fades, chips, and peels. Not only does this reduce the protection it provides, but it also diminishes the look of a home.

Another method for protection is the siding. Siding can prevent the weather from damaging the home. It can even help prevent heat transfer. The colors also last a lot longer than any type of house paint. Unfortunately, it does not provide the complete protection that exterior coating provides a home.

#2 Inspect the Roof

The winter weather can really wreak havoc on a roof. Small cracks or areas of wear can be vulnerable to water seeping between the materials. When the temperature drops, that water can freeze and expand. This can create larger cracks and damage to the roof. Eventually, the home may face leaks or other issues.

It is important to have a roof thoroughly inspected before the winter sets in. This should be performed by someone who is trained to identify even minor roofing issues. If problems are found, steps should be taken to correct those issues before the winter months.

It may also be a good idea to inspect the fireplace and chimney during this time. It is important to check for any debris or nests on the chimney cap. The mortar and bricks should be inspected for damage. The liner and flashing should also be checked for damage to prevent problems during the winter.

#3 Clear Gutters and Insulate Windows

Autumn brings a lot of fallen leaves. These leaves can easily build up in the gutters. When the winter months come, it can prevent the proper flow of water. Eventually, this can create an ice dam. This can cause damage to the gutters and even allow water to saturate the ground and damage the home’s foundation.

It is important to have the gutters cleaned out at the end of the fall season. It may also be a good idea to check to ensure that all the gutters are in good repair and lined up properly to the downspouts. Worn or damaged materials should be replaced to ensure proper drainage away from the home.

Windows should also be checked during the fall. Windows are the main culprit to allow heat to escape during the cold winter months. Checking the insulation or even replacing damaged windows may be a good idea to prevent costly heating bills this winter.

If the home is in an area that gets extremely cold in the wintertime. It may also be a good idea to ensure that all water pipes are insulated to prevent them from freezing or breaking. These handy steps can help protect a home from many of the issues the winter can bring.