How to Prepare Your Home’s Exterior for the Upcoming Winter Season?

As winter draws near, now is the perfect time to enhance your home’s exterior and ensure it withstands the challenges of the colder months. Enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal and improving its protection against harsh weather conditions depends on how proactive you are. 

Unsure about what proactive steps you should take? No need to look elsewhere. Here’s a breakdown of six essential steps that, if taken, will help you transform your home into a winter-ready sanctuary. Let’s continue to read on… 

1. Protect Your Roof with Snow Guards

First off, select the most effective snow guard type to prevent heavy snow from sliding off and causing potential damage. These devices, once installed professionally, will help retain accumulated snow on your roof. They reduce the risk of ice dams and protect your gutters and landscaping below. Furthermore, ensure that they can withstand harsh winter weather. 

2. Install Outdoor Lanterns

As the days grow shorter, the need for strategically installing outdoor lanterns becomes more pressing. To enhance your home’s curb appeal and ensure safety around walkways and entrances, it’s prudent to browse multiple brands that offer high-end, weather-resistant fixtures. 

Before choosing, make sure they provide ample illumination. Additionally, solar-powered or LED lanterns are top-notch, eco-friendly choices. The best part? These lanterns require minimal maintenance. 

3. Seal Doors and Windows

Before the winter season approaches, another essential task is to inspect doors and windows for drafts. In case you find any, address them immediately. Otherwise, they can lead to significant heat loss and increased energy bills. 

Also, look for cracks or gaps in frames. Consider using weatherstripping or caulking to seal any openings. Don’t forget to add storm windows, which will provide an additional layer of insulation against the cold.

4. Clean and Maintain Gutters

Clogged gutters can result in ice dams. They pose a threat to your home’s roof and foundation. So, it’s better to be proactive than reactive. 

Clear gutters of leaves, twigs, and debris to ensure proper drainage. What’s more, you should install gutter guards. Once done, they will minimize future buildup and reduce maintenance costs. 

5. Prepare Walkways and Driveways

Ensure safe access during winter. But how? It’s as simple as repairing any cracks in your walkways and driveways before snow sets in. 

You need to apply sealant to protect these surfaces from freeze-thaw cycles. Most exterior designers and maintenance experts advise investing in a quality snow shovel or a snow blower. If you do so, this will ensure efficient snow removal when the time comes.  

6. Store Outdoor Furniture and Equipment

Looking to prolong the lifespan of your outdoor furniture and equipment? If so, store them in a garage or shed when winter hits. In case indoor storage isn’t an option, use protective covers to shield them from snow and ice. This wise stance will not only protect your investments but also keep your yard looking tidy throughout the season.