How Do I Prepare My Home for Fall & Winter Weather?
Seasonal change brings more than just colder nights and shorter days. For homeowners, it’s a signal that your house may need attention. A little prep in the fall can help you avoid major issues once temperatures drop, and in many cases, it can save you thousands in unexpected repair bills.
In this blog, the local home remodeling experts at 5stone walk through what fall and winter prep should look like, how to handle it, and what happens when it’s ignored.
Outdoor Plumbing and Irrigation Systems
Protect Your Pipes Before the Freeze
When water freezes, it expands. If that happens inside a pipe, the pressure can cause cracks or full-on bursts, often behind walls or under slabs. Outdoor spigots, hose bibs, and irrigation lines are especially vulnerable.
Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and store them in a dry place. Then shut off interior valves that serve exterior faucets. Open the outdoor spigots to drain any water that remains. Add insulated faucet covers for another layer of protection.
If you have a sprinkler system, draining it is just as important. Systems can be blown out with compressed air or drained manually, depending on the setup. Be sure to insulate exposed backflow preventers and above-ground valves.
The Cost of Skipping This Step
If pipes freeze and rupture, water damage and pipe replacement can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. That doesn’t include repairs to drywall, flooring, or potential mold removal.
Seal Windows and Doors
Small Gaps Add Up to Big Heating Costs
Over time, the seals around doors and windows begin to wear down. Cracks in caulking, gaps in weatherstripping, and poorly fitted frames all let cold air in and warm air out. Not only does that make your home feel drafty, it also forces your furnace to work harder.
Walk through your home and feel around the edges of windows and doors. If you notice cold air movement, it’s time to reseal. Caulk any visible cracks and install new weatherstripping where needed.
What Ignoring Drafts Might Cost You
An inefficient home can add $300 to $1,200 per year in unnecessary heating costs. Over a few years, ignoring drafts becomes much more expensive than the time it takes to seal them.
Gutters and Roof Readiness
Clean Up Before Ice and Snow Arrive
Falling leaves and seasonal debris clog gutters quickly. When gutters are full, water can back up under shingles, overflow near the foundation, or freeze and create ice dams.
Clear out all debris and check that water flows freely through downspouts. Look for roof damage like missing shingles or signs of wear near vents and flashing.
Repairs Caused by Inaction
Clogged gutters can lead to interior leaks, wall damage, and even foundation problems. Repair costs often range from $1,200 to $8,000 depending on how far the water traveled and what materials were damaged.
Heating Systems and Fireplaces
A System You’ll Rely On All Season
Your HVAC system does its heaviest lifting in winter. Before the cold sets in, have a professional inspect the unit, change air filters, check for carbon monoxide, and verify that the system is ready for a full season of use.
For homes with a fireplace, a chimney cleaning helps prevent fire hazards. It’s also smart to check the damper and make sure no animals or debris are blocking airflow.
When Heating Systems Fail
Replacing a furnace can cost between $4,000 and $7,000. If it fails during a cold snap, temporary heating and emergency service fees add even more stress and cost to the situation.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A Simple Test for Serious Safety
This may be one of the easiest and most important checks to make before winter. Push the test button on your smoke and CO detectors. If they don’t respond, change the batteries. If the unit is outdated, replace it entirely.
Cold weather often means more time indoors with fireplaces, space heaters, and gas appliances. All of these increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure or house fires.
Interior Pipes and Insulation
Check What’s Hidden, Too
Even indoor plumbing can freeze if it runs through exterior walls or uninsulated areas. Inspect pipes in basements, crawlspaces, and garages. Use pipe wrap or insulation sleeves to protect vulnerable lines. Also flush and service your water heater if it hasn’t been checked in a while.
Trees, Lawns, and Hardscapes
Exterior Prep Isn’t Just About Plants
Fall is a good time to prune trees and shrubs, especially those near your roof or power lines. Heavy snow and ice can cause limbs to snap, and any overhanging branch is a potential risk to your home or car.
Fertilizing your lawn and reseeding before winter gives grass a strong root base for the spring. Fall is also a good time to inspect your driveway or concrete walkways for cracks that may worsen with freezing temperatures.
Tree Damage Can Add Up
If an ice-covered branch falls on your roof or siding, repairs can range from $500 to $2,500. Structural damage, especially near entryways or gutters, can cost even more.
Why Preventative Care Matters
The cost of skipping fall maintenance isn’t just financial. A small issue can turn into a big disruption. Emergency repairs, displaced routines, and avoidable property damage take a toll. Most of these problems are preventable with seasonal checks and small fixes.
Simple actions like sealing a window or insulating an exposed pipe can save money and stress once winter sets in.
A Final Note on Fall and Winter Prep
You don’t need to overhaul your whole house to get ready for cold weather. A few small steps now can prevent a lot of frustration later. The goal is to keep the warm air in, the water out, and your home running smoothly when the temperature drops.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with the basics. Check the places where cold air sneaks in or water might back up. Give your heating system a once-over, and make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Even just walking around your yard and looking up at the roof or tree limbs can tell you what needs attention.
Taking a little time now means fewer surprises in January, and a lot more peace of mind when the weather turns. If you would like a consultation regarding a kitchen remodel in St. Louis, a full home renovation in St. Charles, or anything else, get in touch.
