In a blink of an eye, winter is upon us, and now more than ever homeowners are looking for easy and affordable ways to maintain their homes as the cost of basic goods and services has increased at a stratospheric rate over the last few months. 

Depending on where you may reside, your home can be exposed to some harsh natural elements, ranging from hail, snow, severe wind, or even flooding. The winter season can present itself with all sorts of surprises, so it’s best to be as well-prepared as possible. 

According to estimates provided by Fixr.com, a platform that offers cost guides and comparisons related to storm damage, homeowners tend to pay on average between $3,000 and $7,000 to make repairs on their homes after a major natural event. 

Though these estimates tend to focus more on storm-related incidents, such as wind or hail damage, other major events such as tree and soil debris, or even heavy snow can rack up a hefty repair bill of more than $5,000 on average.

While there is the possibility of requesting a professional to assist with home repairs and maintenance, it’s often less expensive, and easier than you may think to get the job done by yourself. 

As of 2021, estimates by Thumbtack, a home services website, found that the cost of maintaining a home has risen by 9.3%. What’s more alarming is that some experts predict the cost of home maintenance and repairs to continue climbing in the coming months, even as it looks as if inflation has finally reached its peak. 

Whether you have the expertise, or only recently purchased a home, and want to make sure it's well-maintained and secured for the upcoming winter season, here’s a look at some easy winter home maintenance tips for the average homeowner. 

Inspect windows and doors for leaks

Often we expect leaks to come through holes and openings found in roofs, and while this is a possibility, water damage to window and door frames can be an unseen entrance for unwanted water into your home. 

Start by conducting an inspection of the windows and doors in and around your home. Consider the condition of the frames, whether it’s constructed out of wood, aluminum, or any other type of material. If you notice that the material has started deteriorating, patch it up as soon as possible with adhesive or material-like silicon. 

Look for any cracks or holes that can be present on the sides and at the top of the frame, this will help to give you an overall indication of the condition of your window and door frames. 

Empty gutters and drainage pipes

Right after the last fall leaves have hit the ground, and well before the first snow of the season, try and clear out your gutters and drainage pipes to help the flow of water throughout the winter season. 

Often homeowners will leave the gutters and drainage pipes unattended until the start of spring, but dead foliage can easily clog your drains and pipes over the winter. With clogged-up drains or pipes, excess water from melting snow and rain can easily leak into your roof or other parts of your home. 

Cut down low-hanging branches 

The garden may be unused for several months at a time during the winter but doesn’t mean you should be neglecting it to an extent that it can damage your home. 

Take care of low-hanging branches and overgrown hedges by cutting or trimming them. Do this well in advance, and see how far back you can cut large trunks or branches to ensure they are out of direct contact with your home. 

The best is to always leave a few meters gap between the tree or bush and your home. This gives you a bit of legroom and ensures that in case of severe wind or snow, your home will be out of direct reach. 

Clear out chimneys 

Often, more than usual, chimneys can become cluttered with dead foliage and debris over the warmer months and during late fall. Make sure that you inspect your chimney well before you use it, as to ensure that no flammable materials are stuck at the top of the chimney outlet. 

If you are unable to reach the top outlet part of the chimney, make sure to contact a professional to help and assist you with the removal of any unwanted debris. Never light your chimney before you have not made sure that it’s been properly cleaned and well-maintained. 

Inspect the exterior and interior pipes 

Both older and newer homes are prone to leaking pipes due to rust and old age. During the seasonal change, conduct a thorough inspection of all your pipes, both exterior and interior pipes. 

For exterior pipes, make sure that any holes or leaks have been fixed with a sealant of silicon that is cold and heat-resistant. Any loose hanging pipes need to be fastened against the wall, and if you notice that your pipes are rusted, consider getting the section replaced well in advance. 

The same goes for interior pipes, especially those that run through main living areas. You don't necessarily want to wake up in the middle of the night with gallons of cold water running through your bedroom. 

Homeowners that reside in extreme weather regions may want to research innovative ways through which they can keep their pipes insulated throughout the winter to help keep pipes warmer for longer, helping them to save on electricity. 

Final thoughts 

Preparing your home for the winter may seem like a daunting task, but if you start early, do a thorough inspection of all major components and maintain it throughout the winter season, you’ll end up saving a lot of time and money without having to make any massive replacements.