Winter Home Prep Checklist for New England

New England winters are no joke. Ice dams, frozen pipes, heavy snow loads, and bitter cold can cause thousands of dollars in damage if your home isn't prepared. Use this checklist to get ahead of winter.

Roof & Gutters

Inspect your roof for missing, cracked, or curling shingles

Clean gutters and downspouts — clogged gutters are a leading cause of ice dams

Check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents

Trim overhanging branches that could break under snow load

Consider heat cables for ice dam-prone areas

Exterior

Inspect siding for cracks, gaps, or loose panels

Seal gaps around windows, doors, and where utilities enter

Check caulking and replace any that's cracked or peeling

Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior water supplies

Cover or store outdoor furniture

Attic & Insulation

Check attic insulation — R-49 or higher is recommended for New England

Ensure proper ventilation — balanced intake and exhaust prevents ice dams

Seal air leaks around recessed lights, plumbing stacks, and attic hatches

Check for moisture or signs of previous leaks

Heating System

Service your furnace/boiler — annual tune-ups prevent mid-winter breakdowns

Replace air filters

Bleed radiators if you have hydronic heating

Test your thermostat and consider a programmable or smart model

Emergency Prep

Know your shutoff locations for water, gas, and electrical

Stock de-icing salt and snow removal tools

Have a backup heat source and flashlights with fresh batteries

Know who to call for emergency roof and ice dam service

Don't Wait

The best time to prepare is before the first frost. Many of these tasks — especially roof repairs and insulation upgrades — should be done in fall when contractors are available and weather cooperates.

Need help preparing your home? Contact Peak Exteriors for a pre-winter inspection.