The first snow has fallen across many parts of the country, and your home may be feeling the seasonal strain. Wintertime can be tough on your home, causing pipes to freeze, roofs to leak and other hazards. Fortunately, it’s not too late to take a few measures to minimize any harm to your home. Here are a few things you can do right now to protect your home:

1. Clear Gutters and Check for Ice Dams
If snow and ice are sitting on your roof, be on the lookout for ice dams. The heat from your home can cause ice and snow to slide down your roof and refreeze along the eaves, which might cause leaks. If you see ice or snow accumulating along the edge of your roof, you can:
- Dislodge snow with a roof rake. Pull the snow off your roof while being careful not to damage shingles or gutters.
- Use ice melt. Don’t chip at the ice and risk roof damage. Calcium chloride ice melt is ideal here, as it’s gentler on your roof than rock salt.
- Remove debris from gutters. Gutter blockage can worsen ice dams.
2. Insulate Pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause water pipes to burst, burdening you with expensive home repairs. If you haven’t already, be sure to protect your pipes:
- Drip your faucets. Keeping a little water running through the pipes during freezing temperatures can help prevent damage.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes.
If a pipe does freeze, you can gently unfreeze it with a hair dryer, helping it to thaw. Do not use open flames.
3. Seal Any Drafts
You want a warm and cozy home, but not a sky-high heater bill – that’s why it’s critically important to inspect your windows and doors for potential leaks where cold air could seep into your home. If you find any leaks causing a chill, you can:
- Add draft stoppers to doors.
- Insulate windows with film. This material helps reduce heat loss from your home.
- Repair doorframes and window frames with caulk. You can also apply weather stripping to visible gaps.
4. Prevent Ice on Driveways
Ice can create slippery surfaces on your driveway and walkways, which can be dangerous. To keep your driveway safe:
- Shovel snow regularly. Don’t put this off – waiting can result in more difficult shoveling due to packed-down layers.
- De-ice regularly. Use calcium chloride to melt ice safely.
- In a pinch, create traction. If you’re having trouble getting out of – or into – your driveway due to frozen surfaces, you can use sand, gravel or cat litter to create some traction for your tires.
5. Monitor Your Heating System
Your heater is your home’s MVP during the coldest time of year, so you’ll want to make sure it’s in tip-top shape:
- Change your air filter. If it has been 3 months or more, it’s a good idea to swap out the filter, which improves the efficiency of your heater.
- Listen for any issues. If your heater is making a strange noise or seems to be straining to do its job, that could be a sign it’s time to call up a professional to get a repair.
You can also make use of a space heater in rooms you frequent often – but be sure to never leave a space heater unattended, as it could become a fire hazard.
6. Look After Your Landscaping
Snow can weigh down on tree branches, hurting your trees and potentially causing property damage. If you see excessive snow on your trees:
- Knock snow off with a broom or rake. Be sure to position yourself so that the accumulated snow doesn’t fall on you.
- If snow hasn’t yet fallen in your area, you may have time to cover plants and bushes with tarp.
7. Care for Outdoor Areas
Prevent outdoor property from sustaining damage from the snow:
- Clear decks or patios of snow. Letting snow sit on these outdoor spaces might cause structural damage.
- Bring patio furniture into a covered area. That, or cover them with tarps.
- Check outdoor faucets. Make sure they’re switched off, disconnect water hoses, and cover faucets with foam insulation.
8. Be Ready for Emergencies
It’s a good idea to be prepared in case a power outage occurs:
- Stock up on essentials. Make sure you’ve got batteries, flashlights and blankets.
- Make a plan to stay warm. Do you have a backup generator? If not, can you and your loved ones travel to a safe and warm place?
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These protective measures are especially relevant when you’re trying to keep warm.
We at Newrez wish you a safe winter season! If you’re considering buying a new home, our mortgage experts are ready to answer your questions and help you find the perfect loan for your circumstances.