Winter is Coming: Your Essential Home Winterization Checklist for Lane County
Winter is Coming: Your Essential Home Winterization Checklist for Lane County
As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to fade, homeowners in Lane County know what's next: winter. With its characteristic rain, freezing temperatures, and potential for icy conditions, our local climate can be tough on homes. Neglecting proper winterization isn't just uncomfortable; it can lead to costly damage like burst pipes, energy waste, and structural issues.
At Shew Family Contracting LLC, we believe in protecting your investment year-round. Our handyman and contracting services are here to help you get your home ready for whatever the Oregon winter throws its way.
Here’s your essential checklist to ensure your home is buttoned up and ready for the cold season.
1. Gutters & Roof: Your First Line of Defense (and Shew Family Expertise!)
- Clean Gutters: Clogged gutters are winter's worst enemy. They cause water to back up, leading to ice dams, foundation damage, and fascia rot. [Shew Family Contracting LLC offers professional gutter cleaning!]
- Inspect Roof: Look for loose, cracked, or missing shingles. Repair these proactively to prevent leaks when winter storms hit. [We can inspect and handle minor roof repairs.]
- Moss Treatment: If you have moss, treat it now to prevent it from holding moisture and damaging your roof through the winter. [Ask us about safe moss removal and prevention!]
2. Exterior Plumbing: Prevent Frozen Pipe Nightmares
- Disconnect Hoses: Remove all garden hoses from outdoor spigots. Drain them and store them away.
- Turn Off Outdoor Water: Locate the shut-off valve for exterior faucets (usually in your basement or crawl space) and turn it off. Open the outdoor spigot to drain any remaining water.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap any exposed pipes in unheated areas (crawl spaces, garages, basements) with foam pipe insulation.
3. Windows & Doors: Seal Out the Chill, Seal in the Heat
- Inspect Weatherstripping & Caulking: Check all windows and doors for gaps or cracks where drafts can enter. Reapply caulk or replace worn weatherstripping as needed. [Shew Family Contracting LLC can help with caulking, weatherstripping, and even door/window repairs!]
- Seal Drafts: Use draft stoppers for doors and consider temporary window film for particularly drafty windows.
4. Heating System: Efficiency and Safety First
- Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up: Have a professional HVAC technician inspect and service your furnace. This ensures it runs efficiently and safely.
- Change Filters: Replace furnace filters monthly during peak heating season to improve air quality and efficiency.
5. Landscaping & Yard Prep
- Winterize Irrigation: Have your sprinkler system blown out to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Trim Trees: Remove dead or weak tree branches that could fall on your roof or power lines during winter storms.
The Shew Family Contracting Advantage
Winterizing your home can feel like a daunting task, but you don't have to tackle it alone. At Shew Family Contracting LLC, our family-owned team is dedicated to helping our neighbors in Lane County prepare their homes for the colder months.
From gutter cleaning and roof maintenance to exterior repairs, weatherstripping, and general handyman services, we're your reliable partner for a cozy, safe, and efficient winter.
Don't wait until the first freeze hits. Be proactive and secure your home against winter's challenges!
Ready for a worry-free winter?
📞 Contact Shew Family Contracting LLC today at
(541) 912-0306 or visit our website to schedule your home winterization services!
