In this Wednesday’s Winterizing Tips to Homesteading we will go up, under and around to keep the winter chill at bay!
For the home, go up and Inspect Roof, Gutters and Downspouts!
- If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from settling inside through your roof. If you have ceiling vents, this will decrease the cold draft coming in from them as well.
- Replace worn roof shingles or tiles to avoid icy build up.
- Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away leaves and debris. If it is rainy and the debris holds water, gutters will get heavy and potentially damaged with ice.
- Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters and extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home to avoid icy build up close to doors and pathways.
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Popular Questions
What does Winterizing Wednesday – Up, Under and Around mean for a homestead?
Winterizing Wednesday – Up, Under and Around is a practical way to inspect a homestead from three directions before freezing weather arrives. Look up at roofs, gutters, chimneys, and tree limbs; check under buildings for exposed pipes, drafts, and pests; then walk around the property to find gaps, standing water, and loose equipment. Make repairs before snow, ice, and frozen ground make routine maintenance more difficult.
What should you check up high during a Winterizing Wednesday inspection?
During a Winterizing Wednesday – Up, Under and Around inspection, examine roof shingles, flashing, vents, and chimney caps for damage or leaks. Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts, and confirm that meltwater will drain away from foundations. Trim hazardous branches near buildings and secure items that could be blown down by winter winds.
How can checking underneath the property improve winterizing preparations?
The “under” part of Winterizing Wednesday – Up, Under and Around includes crawl spaces, porches, sheds, and the undersides of raised structures. Insulate or protect exposed water lines, close foundation openings with durable materials, and remove stored items that could attract rodents. Look for moisture, ice damage, and signs of animal entry so problems can be corrected before temperatures drop.
What should be inspected around the homestead before winter?
For the “around” portion of Winterizing Wednesday – Up, Under and Around, walk the entire property and inspect doors, windows, fences, gates, hoses, and outdoor tools. Replace worn weatherstripping, drain and store hoses, and move fuel, feed, and equipment to protected locations as appropriate. Mark slippery areas, confirm that paths are safe to clear, and keep snow-removal tools accessible before the first storm.