by G. Kunkel

Created on: January 23, 2010   Last Updated: April 01, 2010

Every fall as the days get shorter and the nights get longer homeowners start preparing their homes for winter.  It’s an annual ritual that saves money and prevents expensive home damage.  No matter what weather your home experiences this winter, you’ll be ready with this checklist. Here are some of the best ways to winterize your home:

♦Check for adequate insulation around the home.
Different climate zones in the US have different attic and wall insulation needs. Check with an online zip code-based insulation calculator to see if you have adequate R-value insulation for your walls, attic, ceiling, floors, and crawl spaces.  Properly insulated attics will prevent ice dams.

Home heat is often lost through air drafts. Check caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows for wear.  Repair the weatherstripping if necessary. Fill any outside gaps with expanding foam. Install door sweeps to prevent drafts.

Insulate any exposed pipes containing water to prevent them from freezing, expanding, and bursting.  Use heat tape if necessary to prevent exposed pipes from freezing.

For additional heat retention, install storm windows if you have them. Inexpensive window film can also be used for additional window insulation. For the maximum amount of window insulation, use insulated curtains.

♦Inspect the drainage around the house
Poor drainage around homes is responsible for a great deal of winter storm damage. Be sure to clean the gutters of any leaves, wasp nests, and other debris to allow proper drainage. Check the downspouts for any blockages. Make sure gutter extensions are attached and go well beyond the house foundation. For newer construction homes, make sure the ground is still sloping away from the house.

♦Winterize the house interior
Preparing the interior of the home for winter is just as important as the home’s exterior. Home accidents and winter storms can test your home’s preparedness. Be sure to replace the backup batteries of all smoke alarms. Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups on every level of the home. Install a glass enclosure screen in front of any fireplace to prevent heat loss. Install a protective wire screen in front of the glass screen to prevent small children from burning themselves.

♦Perform exterior house maintenance
Perform exterior home repairs before they become major problems during severe winter weather. Check the roof for missing or loose shingles

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