Check Gutters and Downspouts
Water that accumulates around a home during winter can cause foundation damage as it freezes and thaws. Before the first frost comes, clean leaves and other debris from the gutters and downspouts, check for leaks and extend downspouts so they carry water at least 10 feet away from the house.
Common mistake: “Don’t clean the gutters too early in the fall, before nearby trees have finished shedding their leaves,” says remodeling expert Michael DiMartino.
Disconnect Garden Hoses, Sprinklers and Outdoor Faucets
Many outdoor water systems fall victim to the first freeze, bursting as the water inside of them expands into ice. To prevent this:
- Disconnect hoses from bibs.
- Install spigot covers, if you don’t have frost-free models.
- Drain garden hoses.
- Turn off and drain the sprinkler system.
“It’s also a good idea to put the hoses and other garden equipment in a shed, so they’re covered and out of the elements,” says Tripp.
Protect Exposed Plumbing
Freezing water can split plumbing pipes. Then, once temperatures rise, the water leaking out can cause significant damage. To prevent this, use foam insulation sleeves, insulation tape or heat tape around pipes that run through unheated areas, such as garages, crawls spaces, basements, attics and exterior walls.
“Also, look for gaps around windows, doors, foundations and where pipes enter the home, and seal them properly, since cold drafts can make vulnerable plumbing even more susceptible to freezing,” says plumber Tim Fancher. As a bonus, this will also help keep mice and spiders out.
Pro-tip: know where your main water shutoff is, says Fancher. If a pipe does burst, quickly shutting off the water will help mitigate damage.
Prune Trees and Prep Lawn
Frost can cause weak trees limbs to fall, potentially damaging your roof or car, so trim trees before the winter season begins. That will also keep dead leaves from accumulating on your roof.
While you’re at it, prune shrubbery and cut back perennial plants. “Before the frost comes is also a good time to put in your winter fertilizer,” says Tripp. “Blend on your lawn and in your flowerbeds so that it will percolate down into the soil over the winter.”
Check Windows and Doors
Cracks or damaged seals can let in moisture, which will cause further damage, plus invite cold drafts. Before the first frost, caulk any gaps and fix damaged weather stripping. “This will also save you a lot of money on your heating bill, plus keep moisture and mold out of your house,” says Tripp.
Also, fogging between your window panes is often a sign that the window seal has failed, and the window may not be insulating your house as well as it once did, says DiMartino.
Inspect Your Roof
Any damage to your roof will likely get worse once temperatures drop. Before the first frost, visually inspect your roof for missing, loose or damaged shingles and signs of water intrusion. Also, check the attic for moisture.
Pro-tip: “If you notice moisture in the attic or leaks in the home’s living spaces, it could be a sign that the roof needs to be repaired or replaced,” says DiMartino.
Tune Up the HVAC
A freezing evening is no time to have the furnace fail. That could lead to burst pipes and even jeopardize your family’s safety. Home improvement expert Eric Goranson recommends hiring a pro to inspect your system every year, plus tune it for maximum efficiency.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to winterize your air conditioning system. “It’s not completely necessary to cover the outside condenser unit, but it’s a good practice to cover it or wrap it to protect it from frost,” says Tripp.
Safety check: Before using your furnace or fireplace in the fall, check your chimney for debris like spiderwebs and bird nests, which could cause it to not vent properly, or even catch on fire.
Get Your Car Ready for the Cold
Cold weather can reduce your battery’s cold cranking amps, making it hard to start on the first cold morning, says Goranson. Before the first frost, test your battery, check your tires and windshield wipers and bring other neglected maintenance up to date.
Pro-tip: Run a Top Tier fuel through your vehicle at least once a month. “Those have cleaners in them that help keep your engine’s fuel system clean,” says Goranson.
Winterize Lawn Care Equipment
Drain fuel or put fuel stabilizers in gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers and blowers, before stowing them in the shed. “The best trick I was ever told, which has worked for over 30 years, is to drain the fuel out of your landscape equipment, then start it up and let it run until it’s completely out of gas,” says Tripp. “That gets all the fuel out of your carburetor so that it does not varnish or gum up, and it will start in the spring every time.”
For electric-powered equipment, charge the batteries to the manufacturer-recommended levels, then leave them in a temperature-controlled space.
Check the Garage
If your garage isn’t insulated, chances are there are items in there that won’t fare well when temperatures drop. Especially check the storage instructions on paints and other liquids, plus battery-powered equipment. Also, don’t forget to check the seals on your garage door.
Pro-tip: Move shovels and ice melt to a place where they’re easy to access, leave a clear walking path through the garage and designate somewhere to put wet boots and tools, says garage expert Alan Bernau Jr. “You want to be able to use the garage in winter, not just cram everything into it,” he says.
About the Experts
- Eric Goranson is a DIYer, interior designer and the host of Around the House, the national home improvement radio show and podcast.
- Todd Tripp is a retired general contractor and has been a home improvement expert on JustAnswer.com since 2023, where he helps homeowners with repair and maintenance questions.
- Tim Fancher is service manager at Smith’s Plumbing Services in Memphis, Tennessee, and has 15 years of experience in the industry.
- Michael DiMartino is senior VP of installations at Power Home Remodeling, headquartered in Chester, Pennsylvania, where he’s worked on houses and educated crews for two decades.
- Alan Bernau Jr., is a garage expert at Alan’s Factory Outlet. Over two decades, he has helped more than 100,000 home and business owners design and install long-lasting, fully customizable structures.
The post Don’t Get Caught Off Guard by First Frost Again — Bookmark This Checklist for Next Year appeared first on Family Handyman.
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