There truly is no better or more beautiful place to spend a winter than in the Treasure Valley here in Idaho. With the trees and beautiful snowcapped mountains all around us, it feels like a winter wonderland. But, with the winter beauty, comes the cold and moisture, which may cause issues for your home. In today’s blog, we’re going to cover some of the best ways in which you can get your home prepared for an Idaho winter, no matter what comes your way so that you can spend less time worrying about your home and more time enjoying the idyllic winter scenery. 

Exterior Maintenance Tips to Get Ahead of Winter Damage

• Clean and inspect your gutters

• • • As the leaves come raining down in the fall, they can not only stack up in your yard, but can also clog up your gutters something fierce. Make sure that your gutters are clear of leaves and mud before winter really sets in because it is much easier if you do. 
    • Clogged gutters can lead to unsightly issues like:
      • Ice dams
      • Roof leaks
      • Foundation seepage
      • Siding or overhang damage

• Inspect your roof for trouble spots (before the snow arrives)

• • • You don’t want to be caught flatfooted this winter when it comes to your roof. Here are the things you should be looking for before the snow arrives
      • Loose or missing shingles
      • Check for cracks or leaks around chimney flashing and vents
      • Look for soft spots or dents on your roof deck
      • Ensure that all of your ventilation entrance points are free and clear of obstructions

• Seal gaps and cracks around your home

• • Cold air can be sneaky and it really wants to get into your home during the winter months. Here is how you can stop it before it starts. Walk around your home and look for areas that feel drafty or have gaps and get them sealed as soon as possible.
    • Window frames
    • Door frames (especially under the door)
    • Exterior faucet housings
    • Electrical outlets
    • Dryer vents
    • Sliding glass doors
    • Doggie doors

Indoor Maintenance Tips To Help You Get Prepared For Winter

• Get your heater or furnace tuned up and inspected for the winter
• Wrap your water pipes in unheated areas
• During bouts of extreme cold, let your faucets drip to help improve water flow
• Test and inspect your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Deep clean carpets and floors ahead of the winter traffic (especially if you are hosting for Thanksgiving or Christmas, etc.)
• Make sure that you have plenty of ice melt on hand and that your driveway shovel is in good working condition. Stock up on ice melt now before the winter rush so that you don’t get caught empty handed!

For The Road

Taking time to get your home ready for winter can make all the difference in the world. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have fun and stay safe out there!