10 Ways to Prepare your Home and Yard for Fall & Winter

The seasons are changing and cold weather is heading our way. Cooler temperatures can have harsh effects on your home and yard. It's important to prepare in order to prevent and minimize damage. Some tasks may require a professional, but there are many you can do yourself.

Here are 10 ways to prepare your home and yard for fall and winter before the cold hits:

1. Clean your gutters

Falling leaves and heavy snowfall can wreak havoc on your gutters. Clear gutters of leaves and debris to prevent clogging and ensure proper drainage. Check all downspouts and add additional drainage extensions as needed to direct water flow away from your home. Improper drainage can lead to basement and lawn flooding.

2. Check for foundation cracks

Cracks in your foundation can result in basement flooding, insect infestation and structural damage. Inspect the outside of your foundation for any suspicious cracks. Cold temperatures can make these cracks worse. It's important to spot them before they become a serious issue. If you find cracks, contact a professional to ensure the problem is fixed correctly and prevent further damage.

3. Inspect your roof

Leaky roofs are always a problem, but they are even more difficult to deal with during cold winter months. Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles before they are covered with leaves and snow. Contact a professional to repair any damage.

4. Trim branches and prep your yard

Winter ice storms and heavy snow cause branches to break. Trim overgrown branches away from electrical wires and your house to prevent damage or power outages. Clear your yard of leaves and branches before mowing a final time. Then, aerate your lawn to help water reach the roots instead of flooding your yard.

5. Winterize outdoor pipes

Allowing water to run through outside pipes when it's chilly outside can cause them to freeze and burst. To prevent a plumbing disaster, first remove and drain all hoses. Then, shut off exterior faucets and open the outside faucet to drain water from pipes and valves. If your home doesn't have shut-off valves, Styrofoam faucet covers will help prevent damage. If you have an irrigation system for your yard, follow the manufacturer's instructions for shutting it down.

6. Check furnace and air ducts

Before the temperatures dip each year, have your furnace inspected by a professional. This is also a good time to clean your furnace by removing sediment build-up, which can cause it to run less efficiently. Next, use the annual inspection as a reminder to replace the air filter. Finally, check your air ducts to make sure they are properly insulated and seal any leaks—well-insulated ducts can save you more than $120 per year on your energy bill!

7. Caulk air leaks

Air leaks around window and door frames, between trim and siding and where pipes enter your home let heat escape and moisture in. Sealing these areas will keep energy bills down and prevent water damage, including mold and mildew.

8. Inspect, clean and repair your fireplace

Blocked or damaged fireplaces are fire hazards and can cause carbon monoxide leaks. Inspect your fireplace for cracks, birds' nests, branches and leaves blocking the flue. Make sure the flue opens and closes properly. Call a professional to repair any damage. You should have your fireplace professionally cleaned every other year.

9. Add outdoor lighting

Fall and winter are the darkest seasons. Installing outdoor lighting along pathways and porches will help prevent falls. Check all existing lights and replace any dead lightbulbs. Purchase ENERGY SAVER bulbs to save money and make your home more energy efficient.

10. Home safety check

Fall is a great time to complete a home safety check. Test and replace batteries as necessary in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors. Inspect your fire extinguisher for damage and check the pressure gauge to make sure it is charged. If you don't have a fire extinguisher, purchase at least one and store it near your kitchen. If your fire extinguisher is more than six years old, replace it. Review your fire escape plan and discard old newspapers or other potential fire hazards.

Cold temperatures and winter weather are harsh on your home and yard. Taking these preventative measures will help keep your family and home safe, healthy and dry this fall and winter.

To find out how NV Waterproofing can help you prepare your home and yard for winter – and help prevent wet basements and other water damage – visit nvwaterproofing.com or call 1-703-690-3889.

Disclaimer of Liability
The information in this blog is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute the provision of legal, engineering, architectural, professional or healthcare advice. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. The information is provided “as is,” with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.