# Prepare Your Home’s Exterior for a Cold and Brutal Winter

- Link: https://mycoastalwindows.com/prepare-homes-exterior-cold-brutal-winter/
- Published: 2016-11-29T19:30:05-05:00
- Author: Jeremy Wood

 

![A house sits quietly under a blanket of fresh snow](https://mycoastalwindows.com/
wp-content/uploads/2025/01/winter.webp "A house sits quietly under a blanket of 
fresh snow")

A house sits quietly under a blanket of fresh snow

The frigid New England winter is fast approaching, so it’s important to prepare 
your home now before temperatures drop further. Fortunately, several simple winter
home maintenance tasks can help you avoid major headaches later on.

Before the snow arrives, take time to inspect key areas of your home to ensure they
can withstand upcoming storms.

## **Take a Close Look at Your Windows**

Check for gaps between your siding and window frames. Over time, these areas may
wear down and require a coat of silicone caulking to seal up drafts. Older windows
may need glazing putty to reinforce the seal along the pane. Additionally, a sheet
of shrink plastic can add extra protection against the elements.

If you find yourself working overtime to reinforce your[ windows](https://mycoastalwindows.com/windows/),
it may be time to consider new replacements. Improvements in new window designs 
provide a stronger barrier against the cold and can lower energy costs considerably.

## **Don’t Forget Your Door**

Inspect all of your [exterior doors](https://mycoastalwindows.com/doors/) for spots
of daylight shining through. If light can get through your door, so can cold air
and that can cost you a lot of money in energy bills.

Apply weather stripping to any doors that don’t pass the light test and inspect 
for gaps that need sealed with silicone caulking. Inspect your door’s glass panes
and address them as you would [windows](https://www.youtube.com/@CoastalWindowsExteriorsBeverly).
If your doors are too old to stand up to another winter, [call Coastal Windows](https://mycoastalwindows.com/contact-us/)
to discuss Energy Star winning ProVia fiberglass doors to keep out the draft without
the hassle.

You can also check this article for some information [how to save your trees or shrubs during winter](https://mycoastalwindows.com/tips-saving-trees-shrubs-harsh-winter/).

## **Go Clean Your Gutters**

Gutters are easy to overlook until they cause a problem. Clogged or ill-fitting 
gutters can cause water back up, leaks and dangerous ice dams which can be catastrophic
for your [roof](https://mycoastalwindows.com/roofing/), [siding](https://mycoastalwindows.com/siding/)
and home—making them an important focal point for [winter home maintenance](https://mycoastalwindows.com/promotions/).

Clean dirt and debris from your gutters (consider gutter guards to simplify this
task in the future).

Inspect gutter sections for wear and tear. Also, check downspouts and ensure they
extend at least 3 feet from your home to prevent basement and foundation water damage.

## **Inspect Your Roof**

Taking a few moments to [inspect your roof](https://mycoastalwindows.com/10-signs-its-time-to-replace-your-roof/)
now is far easier than trying to repair leaks and damage under a foot of snow. Replace
loose or missing shingles to keep moisture away. Check for damaged flashing seals
around vent stacks and chimneys that can lead to leaks. Any weakness in your roof
now will be far worse under heavy melting snow so address it head on before the 
leaks start.

If your home inspection reveals potential problems, it’s not too late to get your
home ready for the New England Winter and you can download our [Winter Ready Home Guide](https://mycoastalwindows.com/promotions/)
for a wealth of tips to get your home through winter. Contact Stephanie at [svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com](https://mycoastalwindows.com/prepare-homes-exterior-cold-brutal-winter/svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com)
to answer your questions and discuss your needs and options for exterior winter 
home maintenance.

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