Preparing your home for Seattle’s wet, chilly winters is all about proactive maintenance. With over 150 rain-soaked days a year, the Pacific Northwest’s unique weather can accelerate wear-and-tear on roofs, siding, gutters, and more. Follow this insider checklist to safeguard your home, improve energy efficiency, and avoid costly repairs down the road.
1. Clear and Secure Your Gutters & Downspouts
Seattle’s autumn leaves and winter storms can clog gutters in no time, causing overflow that damages fascia boards, siding, and foundations.
- Remove Debris: Scoop out leaves, needles, and gunk from gutters and flush with a hose until water runs free.
- Check Downspouts: Ensure downspouts direct water at least 3–5 feet away from the foundation. Add extenders if needed.
- Inspect for Leaks & Sagging: Tighten fasteners, seal seam joints with gutter sealant, and replace any sections that have rusted through.
2. Inspect Your Roof & Flashing
A leaky roof is one of the fastest ways to turn winter rains into a headache.
- Visual Check: From the ground, scan for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
- Examine Flashing: Look around chimneys, vents, and skylights for rusted or loose metal flashing. Reseal with roofing cement or replace damaged sections.
- Clean Moss & Algae: Gently remove moss with a soft-bristle brush and apply a moss-inhibiting treatment. Avoid pressure washing, which can damage shingles.
3. Seal Windows & Doors to Keep Drafts Out
Cold drafts not only make your home uncomfortable but drive up heating bills.
- Weatherstripping: Replace worn or missing foam tape and V-strips around doors and operable windows.
- Caulking: Re-caulk gaps between window frames and siding, and around exterior door frames. Use a high-quality, paintable silicone-latex caulk.
- Storm Windows & Doors: If you have storm panels, install them before the rains start—or consider adding them if you don’t.
4. Service Your Heating System
Your furnace or boiler will be working overtime once temperatures dip—make sure it’s up for the task.
- Professional Tune-Up: Schedule an annual inspection and cleaning for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump.
- Replace Filters: Swap out disposable filters every 1–3 months; clean permanent filters as directed by the manufacturer.
- Test Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors: Replace batteries and verify proper operation.
5. Insulate & Protect Pipes
Frozen pipes can burst and create havoc inside your walls.
- Pipe Insulation: Wrap vulnerable pipes in unheated spaces—crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls—with foam sleeves or heat tape.
- Drip Faucets: On the coldest nights, let a trickle of water run from faucets served by exposed pipes to keep water moving.
- Locate the Main Shutoff: Make sure everyone in the household knows where to shut off the water supply in an emergency.
6. Upgrade Attic & Wall Insulation
Proper insulation keeps warm air in and cold air out, reducing strain on your heating system.
- Inspect Attic Insulation: Check for consistent coverage—install additional batts or loose-fill insulation to reach R-49 if you’re below R-38.
- Seal Attic Bypasses: Use spray foam or caulk to close gaps around wiring holes, dropped soffits, and attic hatches.
- Check Wall Cavities: In older homes, consider blown‐in insulation to boost performance without opening walls.
7. Prep Exterior Surfaces & Siding
Seattle’s damp winters can lead to wood rot and paint failure if surfaces aren’t properly protected.
- Power Wash & Repair: Clean siding, trim, and eaves with a gentle wash; repair any cracked boards, rotted fascia, or damaged stucco.
- Touch Up Paint & Stain: Seal small cracks and repaint trim and doors to lock out moisture. Re-stain decks, fences, and pergolas with water-resistant finishes.
- Check Caulk Lines: Re-caulk vertical seams and butt joints on vinyl, fiber-cement, and wood siding.
8. Maintain Your Deck, Patio & Walkways
Slippery surfaces increase the risk of falls when rain turns leaves and algae into slick hazards.
- Sweep & Scrub: Remove debris and use a mild detergent with a stiff brush to clean decks and stone pavers.
- Re-Seal Wood: Apply a water-repellent deck sealer or stain to prolong the life of the wood.
- Repair Grout & Pavers: Refill gaps and reset any shifting pavers or loose stones on walkways.
9. Trim Trees & Shrubs
Overgrown branches can damage roofing and siding in windy storms.
- Prune Dead Limbs: Cut back branches that hang over the roof, gutters, or power lines.
- Clear Away Climbing Vines: Remove ivy or vines from siding and fences to prevent moisture-trapping mats.
- Mulch & Protect Roots: Apply a fresh layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to insulate roots and retain moisture.
10. Stock an Emergency Winter Kit
Sometimes Mother Nature throws Seattle a curveball—be ready for power outages and extended storms.
- Essential Supplies: Flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, and a battery-powered radio.
- Portable Heater & Fuel: A safe, vented propane or kerosene heater can make a big difference during a blackout (follow all safety guidelines).
- Snow & Ice Gear: Even Seattle sees occasional snow—have rock salt or sand on hand for traction, plus sturdy shovels and snow rakes for clearing driveways and roofs.
Final Checks Before Winter Hits
- Walk your property perimeter to identify any areas where water pools or runoff accumulates—redirect flow if necessary.
- Test your sump pump and consider adding a backup battery-powered unit for stormy conditions.
- Clean and store summer tools, then bring out rain gear, roof rakes, and gutter cleaning kits for easy access.
By following this comprehensive checklist, you’ll fortify your Seattle home against winter’s wettest challenges—saving you time, money, and stress. When you’re ready to tackle larger renovation or weatherproofing projects, trust the pros at HandyCraft Seattle.
Ready to Revitalize Your Home?
Contact HandyCraft Seattle today to schedule your free consultation and receive a detailed renovation proposal. Enhance your home’s comfort, style, and value with expert interior and exterior renovations at handycraftseattle.com or via our Contact page at https://handycraftseattle.com/contact/.
📞 Call us at (425) 891-8916 to get started!
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