7 Steps to Winterizing Your Home

Cleaning the Gutters

Once the rains start falling, you will need clear gutters to keep the water flowing. Clean out gutters by scooping out loose debris, washing out the gutter with a hose, and finally flushing out the downspouts. You can also call a company that will come out and flush your gutters. Another option you might consider is installing gutter covers which allow water to flow through, but keep leaves and other debris out, saving you time next year.

Wrapping Pipes

Cold winter months can be hazardous for exposed pipes. To protect your pipes, wrap and insulate them with heating tape. Check pipes for leaks and cracks so that minor repairs can be made now before major damage occurs.

Hanging Tree Branches

Winter storms can pack quite a punch and our trees can suffer the brunt of those high winds and heavy ice. Falling limbs can damage homes, cars or even injure people. Autumn is a good time to check your trees and other landscaping for weak branches. Trim branches that hang over your home or that look like they may snap. If the branches are out of reach you may have to call a tree service.

Insulation

Save money on your heating bills this winter by checking the insulation in attics and basements. Proper insulation keeps heat from escaping and keeps your home warmer. The Insurance Information Institute (III) recommends that attics be kept 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the outside air to prevent snow from melting and re-freezing, which can damage your roof. Well-insulated basements can help keep pipes from freezing.

Chimneys, Furnaces, Boilers and Heaters

Take advantage of the pre-rainy season to have your chimney, boiler or furnace checked. Servicing them once a year can prevent smoke and other damage to your home, and ensures your home stays warm. Make sure to keep your home's temperature at 65 degrees or higher to prevent pipes from freezing.

Windows and Doors

Make sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed by checking the weather stripping. Using weather stripping and calking windows prevents heat from escaping in cold months, and saves you money on your energy bill. This is also the time to put up your storm windows, if necessary.

Homeowners Insurance and Winter Weather

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover winter disasters like ice dams, wind damage or burst pipes.