14 Easy Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Here's a hard truth. Being a homeowner is like 75% fighting water.

You might think winter gives you a break. Less rain. Lower humidity. Fewer storms.

And sure – that part's true. But winter brings its own trouble, especially in the Midwest. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and constant freeze-thaw cycles. And spoiler alert: those still involve water.

We have good news though. A little preperation goes a long way. With the right steps, you can avoid expensive emergency repairs and keep your home protected all winter long.

From maintaining your gutters to sealing concrete and checking basement systems, here are the answers to the most common questions you may be asking yourself as you get your home winter-ready.

Gutters: How to winter-proof your gutters

Clogged gutters

1. Clean your gutters before winter

Clean gutters prevent blockages that can cause winter water damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Debris like leaves can clog gutters, causing water to overflow and freeze, leading to ice dams and roof leaks.

2. Make sure your gutters & downspouts are draining properly

Run water through your gutters to check for proper water flow. If you notice pooling or slow drainage, there could be a blockage or a low spot that needs attention. Fixing these issues now helps prevent ice buildup when the temperatures drop. 

Make sure downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation and walkways. While the standard is to extend downspouts 4 feet from the home, we recommend extending them at least 10 feet to ensure water doesn’t find its way back to your foundation.

3. Inspect the gutter brackets

Inspect and tighten any loose gutter brackets and fasteners. Gutters that aren’t securely fastened won’t support the weight of snow and ice, which can lead to gutter damage or detachment.

Basements: How to protect your basement from water

1. Test your sump pump

Test your sump pump before winter to ensure it’s functioning properly. A working sump pump is critical for preventing basement flooding caused by snowmelt or winter storms.

2. Prevent the discharge line from freezing

Yes, frozen discharge lines can cause water to back up into your basement, leading to significant water damage. Inspect your discharge line for any potential freezing issues, and consider solutions we offer to protect against freezing. 

3. Insulate rim joist  

Rim joist insulation plays a big role in your home's energy efficiency. If your insulation is over 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more efficient material to help reduce heat loss and keep your home warmer.

4. Shut off the sprinkler system

Drain and shut off your sprinkler system before the first freeze. Water left in the lines can freeze and cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs in the spring.

Thrasher's Sedona Dehumidifier

5. Adjust your humidifier and dehumidifier

Turn on your furnace's humidifier to maintain proper indoor humidity levels, and adjust your dehumidifier settings to match winter's lower humidity. This helps keep your home comfortable and prevents moisture-related issues. 

6. Clean out window wells

Debris in window wells can block drainage, causing water to pool near your foundation. When snow melts, this water can seep into your basement. Clearing out window wells before winter can help prevent leaks. 

7. Grade soil for proper drainage

Proper soil grading ensures that the ground slopes away from your home, preventing water from seeping into your basement. Make sure the soil isn’t piled above the siding level to avoid moisture problems during winter thaws.

Concrete: How to protect your concrete from the freeze-thaw cycle

Thrasher's SealantPro Concrete Sealant

1. Seal all concrete cracks

Sealing concrete cracks before winter prevents water from seeping in, freezing, and expanding. The freeze-thaw cycle can worsen cracks, leading to long-term damage to driveways, patios, and sidewalks.

2. Shovel snow quickly

Snow and ice left on concrete surfaces can erode and weaken the material over time. Regularly shoveling snow from driveways and walkways helps prevent ice buildup and protects your concrete from damage.

3. Use a penetrating sealant

Use a penetrating concrete sealer, rather than a topical one. Penetrating sealers bond with the concrete, providing long lasting protection from moisture, salt, and other winter elements. This ensures your concrete stays intact throughout the season. 

If you need professional help, call Thrasher

Winterizing your home can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Thrasher, we’re the experts in protecting homes from the harsh winter elements. With 50 years of experience, we’ve seen it all—from basement flooding to damaged concrete—and we know how to prevent these issues before they start.

Whether you need help with installing gutter guards, sealing cracks in your concrete, or ensuring your sump pump is ready for winter, we provide precise repair and genuine care for every project. Don’t leave your home vulnerable this winter, call Thrasher and let our team ensure your home is fully prepared to withstand the cold, ice, and snow. We’re here to keep your home safe, warm, and worry-free.

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