Essential Winter Home Care Tips and When to Call a Handyman for Assistance
- AJ Pearson
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Winter brings unique challenges for homeowners. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can cause damage to your home if you don’t prepare properly. Taking care of your home during winter not only keeps your family safe and comfortable but also prevents costly repairs later. This guide shares practical tips for winter home care and explains when it’s best to call a handyman for help.
Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing
Frozen pipes are a common winter problem that can lead to bursts and water damage. To avoid this:
Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics using foam sleeves or heat tape.
Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the home to keep cold air out.
Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving and reduce freezing risk.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
If you notice pipes freezing or suspect damage, call a handyman immediately. They can safely thaw pipes and repair any leaks before they worsen.
Maintain Your Heating System
A reliable heating system is essential for winter comfort. Here’s how to keep it running efficiently:
Change or clean furnace filters monthly to improve airflow and reduce strain.
Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up before winter starts.
Check for drafts near vents and seal leaks to prevent heat loss.
Keep radiators and vents clear of furniture or curtains.
If your heating system shows signs of trouble like uneven heating, strange noises, or frequent cycling, a handyman or HVAC technician can diagnose and fix the issue.
Clear Snow and Ice Safely
Snow and ice buildup can damage your roof, gutters, and walkways, and create safety hazards.
Use a roof rake to remove heavy snow from the edges of your roof to prevent ice dams.
Keep gutters clean to allow melting snow to drain properly.
Apply ice melt or sand on walkways and driveways to reduce slipping risks.
Avoid using sharp tools that can damage roofing or siding.
For large snow removal jobs or persistent ice dam problems, a handyman can provide safe and effective solutions.
Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Winter weather can reveal weak spots in your roof that need attention.
Look for missing or damaged shingles before snow arrives.
Check flashing around chimneys and vents for gaps.
Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup.
After storms, inspect your roof for damage or leaks.
If you find damaged shingles or leaks, a handyman can repair or replace roofing materials to protect your home.
Improve Home Insulation and Weatherproofing
Keeping warm air inside reduces heating costs and improves comfort.
Add weatherstripping to doors and windows to seal drafts.
Use door sweeps to block cold air at the bottom of doors.
Consider adding insulation to attics, basements, and walls.
Use thermal curtains to reduce heat loss through windows.
A handyman can help with installing weatherproofing materials and insulation upgrades.
Maintain Safety Equipment
Winter increases the risk of accidents and emergencies, so check your safety devices:
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
Keep fire extinguishers accessible and check expiration dates.
Ensure outdoor lighting works well to prevent falls on icy paths.
If you need help installing or maintaining safety equipment, a handyman can assist.
When to Call a Handyman
Some winter home care tasks require professional skills or tools. Call a handyman if you:
Notice frozen or leaking pipes that need thawing or repair.
Have heating system problems beyond simple filter changes.
Need roof repairs after storm damage.
Want to install or upgrade insulation and weatherproofing.
Require safe snow and ice removal for roofs or gutters.
Need help with safety equipment installation or maintenance.
Hiring a handyman saves time and prevents costly mistakes. They bring experience and tools to handle winter challenges safely and effectively.
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