As temperatures drop and trees shed the last of their leaves, December is the perfect time for homeowners to prepare their homes for winter. The more proactive you are now, the fewer surprises—like burst pipes, heat loss, or water damage—you’ll face when the deep cold sets in. From rooflines to basements, there are several smart steps you can take to protect your investment and keep things running smoothly throughout winter.
1. Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing
One of the costliest winter problems is frozen pipes—especially those running along exterior walls, crawl spaces, or unheated basements. In December, make sure vulnerable pipes are properly insulated. Outdoor hoses should be detached from faucets, and irrigation systems should be drained and winterized. If you travel for the holidays, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F to keep interior pipes warm enough to prevent freezing.
2. Check Your Heating System
Heating systems work hardest in January and February, so December is the time to inspect and clean them. Replace furnace filters, vacuum vents, and returns, and schedule professional servicing if it hasn’t been done within the last year. It’s also smart to test your thermostat and check for cold spots that could indicate drafts or poor insulation.
3. Inspect the Roof and Exterior
High winds, early snow, and freezing rain can turn minor damage into major leaks. Scan your roof for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or debris buildup. Examine siding for gaps or warping that could let in cold air or moisture. Sealing cracks around doors and windows keeps heat in and energy bills down.
4. Clean Your Gutters—or Skip the Task Entirely with Leafguard
Every homeowner knows that gutters are a silent but critical part of home protection. They carry water away from the roof and foundation, preventing leaks, ice dams, basement flooding, and erosion. Unfortunately, as fall ends, gutters are often clogged with leaves, pine needles, and twigs.
Traditional gutters require seasonal cleaning, and November is typically the last chance to clear out debris before winter storms arrive. Clogged gutters trap snow and ice, which can cause water to back up and even pull gutters loose from the roofline. Homeowners often climb ladders in cold weather to try to fix the problem themselves, which can be dangerous.
This is where Leafguard’s system makes a major difference. Unlike traditional open gutters, Leafguard is a one-piece, seamless gutter system with a built-in protective hood. It allows water to flow in while keeping out leaves, pine needles, and other debris—the result: no clogs, no cleaning, and no maintenance. Homeowners with Leafguard can cross gutter cleaning off their December to-do list.
Because Leafguard prevents blockages, it also reduces the risk of ice dams—one of the leading causes of winter roof leaks. Water can flow freely, even after snow and freeze-thaw cycles, making it a year-round protection system rather than a seasonal fix.
5. Prepare Outdoor Spaces
Store patio furniture, clean and cover grills, and bring potted plants indoors. Check exterior handrails and steps for loose boards or railings—icy walkways require sturdy support. Now is also the time to seal driveways, decks, or stone paths before winter freezes in moisture.
6. Test Safety Devices
Shorter days mean more time indoors with fireplaces, candles, and heating systems running. Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries. Clean chimney flues or schedule a chimney sweep if you plan to burn wood this winter.
A little preparation in December pays off all winter long. Whether it’s insulating pipes, tuning up heating systems, or protecting your roof and foundation, the goal is to keep your home safe, warm, and efficient. And if you’re one of the homeowners with Leafguard gutters? That’s one primary winter task you never have to worry about—no cleaning, no clogs, and no maintenance, no matter how many leaves hit the ground.
