How to Protect Your House From the Winter Elements

The winter months can bring freezing temperatures and snow. Read this article for tips on how to take care of your house in the winter months.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Time
• Patience
• Awareness

Instructions

1. The steps. If it snows where you live, then be careful about the ice accumulation on your front steps. First you should shovel the excess snow from the steps. Then, buy a large container of salt and distribute liberally on the steps. If your front steps are still a sheet of ice, then take an ice pick and try to chisel some of the ice away. If your steps are still a sheet of ice, put an obvious warning sign out and consider using a different entrance to your house. Walking out of your house and slipping down icy steps seems like a good way to break an arm.

2. 

   The Driveway. You must regularly have the snow removed from your driveway. If there is a lot of snow accumulation in your area, then pay a set price for the season to have a plow regularly remove the snow from your driveway. If snow fall is minimal, then buy a shovel and remove the snow every time it falls. If you allow snow to accumulate in your driveway and cover your car, the snow will eventually ruin your car.

3. The Roof. Regularly remove snow from the roof of your house. Tons of snow that accumulates on the roof may cause the roof to cave in. If you are not sure how to safely remove the snow from your roof then do not hesitate to hire a professional to remove the snow.

4. The Porch. Remove snow from the porch. Snow is really heavy and you do not want the snow to cause your porch to sag or collapse.

5. The Windows. If it gets cold where you live, then be aware of condensation forming on the inside of the windows. Make sure the window-sills stay dry on the inside. If you allow your window-sills to get wet frequently, then be prepared for rotting wood. You may want to consider buying double-pane windows to reduce condensation.

6. The Door. The cold temperatures will probably make the wood on the door shrink. Be careful, the door will probably swing shut faster in the winter than in the summer. Also, watch out for any drafts of air by the door. Fix any area that allows cold air in the house.

7. The Entry-Way. If it snows where you live and you have wood floors, than put a mat in the entry way to prevent water damage to the floor. Regular accumulation of water in the door-way will eventually cause severe damage to your wood floors.

8. The Pipes. Be careful. If it gets really cold outside and you do not run the water in your house very often, your pipes can freeze. If your pipes freeze, your pipes will break. If it is cold outside, especially at night, then turn on a faucet to a "trickle". You will be wasting very little water and the running water will prevent your pipes from breaking.

9. A Generator. If you are in a storm prone area, consider having a generator in case of a power outage. If the power goes out for a long time you may want to be able to generate some heat and some light.

10. Extra Supplies. Unless you live in a desolate storm-ridden area you do not need tons of supplies. If your area experiences at least some snow fall and low temperatures, then buy some extra water, food, tissues, first AID supplies and flashlights for about a week.

11. Be Aware. A harsh winter can be very tough on a house. Be aware of any changes and have all problems tended to immediately.