The chilly weather has finally arrived…Burr! The cold winter is a stark reminder to homeowners about last winters frigid temperatures and some areas massive snowfall totals. I hope that most if not all have addressed cleaning out or protecting your gutters & downspouts now the leaves are beginning to drop. If you have chosen not to clean your gutters, you still have time to schedule a cleaning service to come out to clear everything including the valleys on your roof before the seasons first heavy snowfall.

In addition to rain gutter & heat protection, below are a list of things you should consider doing to maximize the efficiency of your home this winter and protect it against severe winter weather damage.

1. Insulate any exposed pipes you have on the the exterior of your home. Go to Ace, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. to find the right solution
2. Check your downspouts and make sure they are draining away from the foundation of your home.
3. Clear or cut any tree limbs that look to be dead or almost on the edge of falling. If you have a tree that needs to be removed…take it out. All it takes is  gusty winds to blow that tree down (hopefully away from your home)
4. Survey around the home for any gaps or holes around pipes and wires that lead into your home or foundation, caulk them immediately. From experience, this is usually near or where cables come into your home and little tiny cracks can turn into big cracks over course of a year or so.
5. Turn off all outside faucets by cut off valve, drain pipes and hoses then store garden hoses away.
6. Make sure all doors and windows are in good working condition, fastening/tightening any loose doors to improve your home efficiency.
7. Check each window to make sure locks and latches are working and that they open and close properly.
8. Take the caulk you used to fill gaps and holes and caulk around the window frames.
9. Make sure outside screens on all windows are locked in the down position and working properly.
10. To prevent ice damming from occurring, inspect your attic and craw spaces to make sure insulation is not blocking ventilation vents in the eaves of your home.
11. Insulate any pipes in crawl spaces that don’t have adequate insulation.
12. Have a professional come out to your home to check your central heating system. Have them clean and/or replace filters as well and make recommendations on how to improve efficiency this winter season.

To find out more about protecting your home and rain gutters from ice damming and water management, visit our homepage to learn more about how Gutter Helmet’s gutter guard protection system and heating system helps protect your home year round.