Areas Of The Home HGTV's Mike Holmes Suggests Inspecting During Winter

When the temperatures drop, it's tempting to stay cozy indoors and put off your to-do list — but winter isn't the time to ignore the parts of your home that need a little extra attention. To enjoy the season without the hassle of unexpected home repairs, it's best to tackle a few routine inspections now to prevent future issues. The good news is that HGTV star Mike Holmes is here to help keep you prepared with some expert advice. In a recent blog post, he shared the areas that are crucial for checking out before the season sets in: exterior maintenance, sealing, and attic insulation.

Knowing how to prep your home for cold weather is a key step in protecting your property and keeping your home comfortable through the winter months. Simple tasks from checking your roof to inspecting your attic can help you stay equipped to prevent costly damage and maintain a safe, warm space this season. Following the advice from Mike Holmes ahead of time can help you get your home winter-ready and avoid those seasonal headaches.

Preparing your home's exterior for winter is essential for staying warm and avoiding costly repairs. On the HGTV blog, Mike Holmes shared his must-do tips for home inspections ahead of wintertime, with his top recommendation being to check your roof. There are plenty of savvy tips for winterizing your roof, but it all starts with a thorough inspection. Before the snow arrives, check your shingles for any red flags like missing parts, buckling, or curling. While you're inspecting the roof, check the deck for any damage that could lead to future issues when the first snowfall hits. The roof is your home's first line of defense against harsh weather, so it's important to get on top of repairs as soon as possible.

Another important part of exterior maintenance is checking for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Holmes suggests using caulking and weatherstripping to seal up any areas where cold air might sneak in, and keeping an eye out for any existing damage to your current caulking. If you notice spots where the caulking is worn out, you'll want to replace it before the temperatures start to drop. This will help you keep warm inside while also cutting down on extra heating costs.

Making sure your attic insulation is in good shape is one of the best ways to make sure your home stays warm and energy-efficient during the winter. This insulation is essentially a barrier between your home and the outdoors, so, by reinforcing it, you can be sure that you're not losing any heat that could escape through gaps. In the HGTV blog post, Mike Holmes stresses the importance of upgrading your attic insulation before the colder months set in, and suggests having a foot or more of blown-in insulation to make sure you have enough coverage. Adding a vapor barrier can also help seal the attic from the rest of the house, while good ventilation allows moisture to get out and avoid potential damage.

It's also helpful to consider signs you need to replace your home's insulation, like varying temperatures throughout your house or visible damage to the insulation since you last checked. Addressing these problems now can improve your home's warmth and energy efficiency as temperatures go down. By taking these steps, you'll create a more comfortable, well-protected home that's ready to handle the challenges of the winter months ahead.