Seal exterior wood trim and paneling
All exterior wood surfaces need to be sealed or painted so they’re protected from rain, sleet and snow. You’ll also want to treat exterior wood to ensure it lasts during extreme temperatures. Check for wood that needs replacing and tackle that task first. Then seal doors, window casings and paneling.
A good carpenter can take on this job, but many homeowners prefer to do small tasks like this themselves. Whether you want to seal wood yourself or hire a professional to do it, keep an eye out for cracking paint and chipping wood. These are signs that extensive winterization is necessary.
Clear out your chimney
Winter fires indoors are a cozy delight. Keep safety a priority by clearing out your chimneys. Having them cleaned and inspected by a licensed company is the best course of action. A chimney sweep can tell if it’s safe to use the fireplace and alert you to problems that need to be addressed.
Winterizing also means storing firewood in a location where it will stay out of the elements and be convenient. You won’t be able to build a safe and warm fire with rotted wood.
In addition to these ways to prepare your home for winter, shut down the sprinkler system, make sure trees nearby are healthy, audit for energy efficiency and winterize your lawn.