How to Winterize Your Home: Outdoor Maintenance

By Susan M. Keenan

Winterizing your home to survive harsh conditions is easy, not to mention inexpensive. In fact, if you follow the strategies included here, you may save some money in the long run. Remember that a moment to repair may save you an hour to replace.

Outdoor Maintenance Tips

You should always dress properly before beginning any outdoor maintenance. If you will be doing any climbing, be sure that your shoes aren't slippery and that the laces aren't hanging all over the place. Good tread on the bottom of your shoes will make a lot of difference when you are climbing on the roof.

Gather your tools together, including trash bags before you actually begin. Invest in a pair of sturdy work gloves to prevent damage to your hands from sharp objects or splinters.

Whenever you perform outside maintenance on your home, it is always a good idea to let someone know what you are doing. Outdoor accidents, while not common, can be serious. Who knows when the neighbor's dog will decide to chase the neighborhood squirrel and knock down your ladder with you on it?

Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

• To prevent problems that arise from freezing water, turn off the inside valve to each outdoor faucet.
• Once the valves have been shut off, go outside and turn the faucet handle slightly to release any remaining water from the pipes.

Gutters and Roof

• Remove the debris that has gathered on the top of your roof. Use a soft bristled broom to prevent damage to your shingles. Gently sweep all of the debris into small piles in several areas of the roof. Bag the debris for proper disposal.
• Next, clean the gutters by removing any debris. Leaves, roofing grit, feathers, and even trash have a way of finding the gutters for their final resting place. Removing them now could prevent blockage and water damage. First, remove any large pieces by hand. Dispose of these properly. Use a small hand tool, such as a trowel, spade, or dust brush to remove smaller pieces.
• Clean out the downspouts next. Typically, these are found where the gutters meet the corners of your home. Use a pair of tongs to remove any debris within easy reach. Use a flashlight to look down through the gutter to check for further debris. If a buildup exists, you may have to invest in a metal snake to clean it out. Investing in this project can prevent a buildup of water on the roof that seeks a different path of exit, such as your ceiling.
• Repair any fittings now. Minor damage generally involves a simple retightening of the fittings to secure the downspouts and gutters to your home.
• Major damage to the fittings will require replacing them. Measure them for size before going to the hardware store.
• Repair minor damage to the downspouts and gutters. Use a bit of silicone caulk and small pieces of aluminum to repair any small holes or tears. Small holes only enlarge over time and can lead to extensive water damage later.
• Flush the roof with water to completely remove any small pieces of grit or debris.
• Consider covering your gutters with a hardware cloth to prevent any future buildup of debris.

Doorways and Windows

• Check windows and doors to get an idea of the extent of necessary repairs.
• Check for caulk that is beginning to pull away from the surface. Remove the old caulk completely and dispose of it properly.
• Clean the surface area exposed by the removal of the old caulk.
• Allow the area to dry completely. Re-caulk the area.

Wooden Decks: Pool and Other

• Gather large pieces of trash and dispose of properly. Sweep all debris from the deck area and dispose of properly.
• Clean all outdoor furniture. Cover furniture to protect it form the harsh winter weather.
• Clean and put away all pool toys, floats, and accessories including skimmers, thermometers, footbaths, etc.
• Remove and replace any loose deck screws or nails with new ones. Dispose of old ones properly.

Continue to Part 2: Inside Your House >

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