It’s already time to start thinking about winterizing your home before the cold weather hits. These five tips will help you prepare for the season ahead.

Michigan winters can be brutal, so it’s important to take steps now to ensure that your home is ready when the snow starts falling. Here are five things you should consider doing to prepare for the coming months.

Trim Low Hanging Branches Close to the House

If you notice branches hanging low near your home, trim them back. Wet, heavy snow and ice can cause branches to snap in the wintertime, and if they’re hanging close to the house they can really cause some damage. Exterior home repairs in the winter can be difficult and very inconvenient to do yourself.

Check Your Roof.

If you haven’t had your roof inspected recently, do it now. Heavy snow sitting on your roof melts and freezes which can cause buckling and damage to aging shingles. And once winter hits and the snow does start collecting on your roof, make sure to clear ice dams if they develop. Ice dams are strips of ice that cling to your roof right above your gutter line. Ice dams can cause water to back up underneath your shingles, soaking your subroof which then causes leaks.

A leaky roof can lead to water damage throughout your house, which can cause mold growth and other issues.

Clean Out Gutters & Downspouts.

One of the easiest ways to prevent leaks is by cleaning out gutters and downspouts. This should be done at least once per year. You can use a ladder to reach the top of the gutter, then remove debris and leaves with a brush. Be sure to check the bottom of the gutter as well. Take a hose with a high-powered nozzle attachment and flush your downspouts too. You want to make sure that water flows freely down your gutters and your downspouts. Backups in your gutters and downspouts can cause roof leaks too.

Replace or Repair Siding.

If you notice any cracks or holes in your siding, call a professional right away. Cold winter winds will drive snow and rain into cracks and holes in your siding. And when that snow and water freezes and expands it can create substantial damage to your home. Call a professional at the first sign of damage. They can repair your siding quickly and efficiently.

Seal Your Foundation to Keep Pests Out

To keep pests out of your home during the winter months, seal up any openings where water might enter. This includes windows, doors, and crawl spaces. You should also make sure that there aren’t any gaps between the foundation and the house itself.

Contact us if you have any questions. We’re always glad to help.