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Cold and snow are just facts of life when you live in Minnesota. But you can prepare for the deep freeze so snow and ice won’t damage your house. With Minnesota’s average yearly snowfall at about 55 inches (more than twice the national average), removing snow and ice from the rooftop is essential. Here are some other tips for winterizing your home.

 

Pipes

Few things are worse than frozen pipes and the damage a burst pipe can cause. When the thermometer dips below 32 degrees, the plumbing must work extra hard to operate efficiently. Wrap exposed pipes in foam insulation. Open access panels and cabinet doors for warm air to flow inward. Remove hoses from outside faucets and check the water shut-off valves to be sure they work properly. Set the house thermostat at 68 degrees or higher.

 

Downspouts, Gutters and the Roof

Clearing out fallen leaves, twigs, bird droppings, and trash from the gutters is crucial, especially before the snow flies. Take a garden hose, leaf blower, or pressure-washer to sweep out the gutters. Damage from ice or hail isn’t always easy to spot. It’s a good idea to have a professional roof inspection to check out shingles and chimney flashing. 

 

Windows

The best way to keep cold air out and warm air in is with energy-efficient windows. If it's not possible to replace the windows, seal them by scraping off and replacing old caulk. Place weather stripping around the perimeter of the glass and frames. Weatherstripping windows and doors can save you up to 20% on your power bill. 

 

Crawl Space

Periodic inspection and cleaning out the crawl space is a task to add to your winter checklist. Clear pathways so you can attend to unexpected busted water pipes and gas lines immediately. Seal all cracks in the basement to keep moisture and mold at bay. Close vents that send air to floorboards. 

 

Winter Yard and Property Care 

It’s time to put away the lawn mower and set the snowblower in an easily accessible location. But before you pack up the mower, drain the tank. Leftover gasoline may oxidize and form damaging deposits.

 

Add these chores and winter lawn care tips to the list:

 

• Turn off and drain automatic sprinkling systems.
• Remove dead vegetation from the gardens and shrubbery beds. Apply pre-emergent herbicides to help prevent weeds from popping up in the spring. Trim back large tree limbs, so they don’t hit the house, windows, or electric line.
• Stock up on driveway salt and firewood. Place snow shovels where they’re easy to reach.
• Flush out the water heater to remove sediment from the tank.
• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

 

Bring Plants Inside

It's time to move plants back inside. Although light and humidity vary, most house plants can’t tolerate temperatures below 45 degrees. Below that, house plants will go into shock, and then their leaves wilt and drop. Before bringing plants indoors, check foliage for insects — aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and the like. Spray the leaves with water and apply a dose of neem oil. 

Fireplace

Before building that first fire of the season, have your fireplace inspected. You want to check for bird nests or creosote buildup that can make fires dangerous.

There’s nothing like curling up by a cozy fire, drinking a mug of hot chocolate, and enjoying a good book … but only after you finish those winter chores.

Alexia Jones owns a landscaping company that specializes in repairing and winterizing sprinkler systems. Her expertise includes sustainable lawns and landscapes and efficient irrigation systems.