How to Prepare Your Property for Snow and Ice: Winterizing Essentials

20 September 2025

When the days get shorter and the air takes on that crisp snap, it's a sure sign winter is just around the corner. If you're a homeowner or property manager, you know what that means—it’s time to break out the snow shovel and get serious about winter prep. Let's face it, snow and ice can be gorgeous to look at, but if you’re not ready, they can also cause some serious headaches (and expenses).

So, how do you winterize your property without losing your mind in the process? In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to do—from sealing drafts to preventing frozen pipes—to make sure your home stays safe, warm, and damage-free all winter long.

Why Winterizing Your Property Is a Must

Before we jump into the how-to’s, let’s talk about the why’s. Winterizing isn’t just a fancy term for “doing chores in cold weather.” It's about protecting your investment, staying safe, and avoiding costly repairs.

Think about it—one burst pipe can cause thousands in damage. An icy driveway? That’s a liability waiting to happen. Proper winter prep can literally save you from a freezing nightmare.

1. Start Outside: Exterior Preparations

Clean the Gutters

When leaves pile up in your gutters, they clog things up and cause water to pool. In freezing temps, that water turns into ice dams, which can back up under your roof shingles and leak into your home.

👉 Tip: Clean gutters before the first snowfall, and consider installing gutter guards if you want to make life easier next year.

Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses

If you forget this one, you might find a cracked hose or worse—a busted outdoor faucet.

- Disconnect all garden hoses.
- Drain any remaining water.
- Store hoses in a shed or garage.
- Shut off outdoor water valves if you have them.

Inspect the Roof

Here’s the deal: snow is heavy. If your roof is damaged or aging, it may not stand up to the weight. Look for missing shingles, sagging areas, or signs of leaks.

👀 Pro Tip: Consider hiring a pro for a full roof inspection if you're not comfortable climbing up there yourself.

Trim Tree Branches

That snowstorm could turn a lovely tree branch into a home-wrecking nightmare. Trim any limbs near your home, power lines, or walkways.

2. Interior Essentials: Keep the Warmth In and the Cold Out

Seal Drafts

Drafts are the sneaky little culprits that jack up your heating bill and leave you shivering. Check windows and doors for air leaks.

Try this:
- Use weather stripping or door sweeps.
- Apply caulk around windows.
- Install thermal curtains for extra insulation.

🪟 Ever sat next to a window in winter and thought, “Why is it windier in here than outside?” Yeah, that’s your cue.

Service Your Heating System

You wouldn’t drive your car 100 miles without checking the oil, right? Your heating system needs some love too.

- Schedule a professional HVAC inspection.
- Replace furnace filters.
- Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs.

If you rely on a fireplace or wood stove, get that chimney cleaned. Creosote buildup can lead to chimney fires—definitely not the cozy winter vibe you're aiming for.

3. Plumbing Protection: Stop Frozen Pipes Before They Start

Burst pipes are one of the most expensive (and common) winter mishaps. Water expands when it freezes, and pipes don’t always win that battle.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Look in your basement, attic, and crawl spaces—anywhere pipes might not get enough heat.

You can use:
- Foam pipe insulation
- Heat tape (for extra cold climates)

If you’re going away for the holidays, don’t turn off the heat entirely. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F to keep things toasty enough for the pipes.

Know How to Shut Off the Water

Don’t wait for an emergency to locate your main shut-off valve. If a pipe does burst, turning off the water quickly could be the difference between a mop and a major renovation.

4. Driveway and Walkway Safety

De-Ice Before It’s Ice

Don’t wait for ice to form before you take action.

- Stock up on ice melt or sand.
- Keep a snow shovel easily accessible.
- Consider installing heated driveway mats if you’re in a high-snow zone.

🚶‍♂️ Slips and falls are more than painful—they can be legally messy if someone gets hurt on your property.

Mark Driveway Edges

This is especially helpful if you use a snowblower or hire a plow service. Use driveway markers or stakes to outline paths and avoid damaging your landscaping.

5. Emergency Kit and Power Backup

Let’s be honest—power outages in winter are no joke.

Build a Winter Emergency Kit

Include:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Blankets
- Hand warmers
- A battery-powered radio

Invest in a Backup Generator

Even a small portable generator can be a lifesaver if the power goes out for an extended period—especially if you rely on electric heat.

6. Garage and Shed Prep

Your garage and outdoor storage areas often get overlooked, but they still need winter love.

- Organize and store summer equipment (lawnmowers, garden tools).
- Keep winter gear (snowblowers, salt, shovels) within easy reach.
- Consider insulating the garage if pipes run through it.

7. Final Touches for Peace of Mind

Update Your Insurance

Double-check that your homeowner’s insurance covers winter-related damage like ice dams, frozen pipes, and roof collapse from snow load. It’s better to know now than after something goes wrong.

Schedule Regular Snow Removal Services

If you’re not up for constant shoveling, now’s the time to contract a snow removal service before they fill up for the season.

Trust me, nothing’s worse than calling around during a blizzard and finding every plow is already booked solid.

Quick Checklist Recap

Here’s a handy to-do list to keep you on track:

✅ Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts
✅ Drain outdoor faucets and hoses
✅ Inspect and repair the roof
✅ Seal windows and doors
✅ Service heating systems and replace filters
✅ Insulate pipes, especially in unheated areas
✅ Shovel, salt, and mark driveways and walkways
✅ Prep an emergency kit
✅ Check insurance policies
✅ Schedule snow removal services

The Bottom Line

Winter can be magical… or it can be miserable. The difference often comes down to preparation. Taking the time now to winterize your property can help you avoid major headaches, save money, and stay cozy all season long.

So grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on your fuzzy socks, and start checking off that winter prep list. Your future (warmer) self will thank you.