Get Winter-Ready: 3 Essential Tips to Protect Your Property This Season

Hope everyone is enjoying the first few days of November so far! We finished off our last event of the year last weekend and it’s safe to say our 11th Annual Great Burke Mountain Pumpkin Giveaway was a smashing success! We gave away 250 pumpkins, bags of Halloween treats, and got to see so many incredible costume entries this year in our costume contest! A huge congratulations to our winner, Head on a Platter! This original costume took the lead in our community group and had 53 votes, securing the prize. Can’t wait to see everyone again next year!

With November here, winter’s chill is just around the corner. Preparing your home’s exterior for the colder months isn’t just about preserving curb appeal—it’s a critical step in safeguarding your property from the harsh elements ahead. Here are three practical tips to get your home winter-ready and ensure it stays in great shape through the season.

1. Clean Out and Check Your Gutters In fall, gutters can quickly fill up with fallen leaves and debris, blocking the flow of water and leading to ice dams when temperatures drop. Ice dams can cause water to back up under your roof, damaging shingles and potentially causing leaks inside your home. Keeping your gutters clear is essential for preventing water damage during the freeze-thaw cycles of winter.

Tip: Clean your gutters and downspouts thoroughly before the first big freeze. Use a ladder and gloves to safely remove leaves, sticks, and other debris. Flush your gutters with water afterward to ensure everything is clear. Installing gutter guards can also reduce clogs and help you keep up with future maintenance.

2. Seal Driveway Cracks Before Freezing Temps Even small cracks in your driveway or walkways can quickly worsen during the winter months as water enters these cracks, freezes, and expands. This freeze-thaw cycle can cause the cracks to grow, leading to unsightly damage that’s more costly to repair in the long run. Winter-proofing your driveway is a smart way to avoid these issues.

Tip: Inspect your driveway and any paved areas for small cracks. You can use a crack filler to repair minor damage, which will help keep water out and prevent further expansion. This is a simple yet effective step to maintain your home’s exterior and protect it from winter weather damage.

3. Replace Furnace Filters and Test Heating Systems As temperatures drop, your home’s heating system will start working overtime. A neglected furnace filter not only reduces indoor air quality but also makes your heating system work harder than it should. This can lead to higher energy bills and even potential breakdowns in the heart of winter. Replacing your filters and checking your system’s functionality are simple steps that can make a big difference in your comfort and energy savings this season.

Tip: Replace your furnace filters at the beginning of November and check them monthly throughout the winter. A clean filter will improve airflow and efficiency, which keeps your home warmer and may even prolong the life of your HVAC system. Additionally, consider having a professional inspect your furnace and heating system to catch any minor issues before they become major, costly repairs.

Preparing your home’s exterior for winter may require a little extra effort now, but it’s an investment that can prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition. These measures help protect your property and make your home more comfortable for the cold months ahead. If you have any questions about maintaining your home or preparing it for a potential sale, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help ensure your home stays in great shape year-round.