I know, I know, I know what you're going to say... it really doesn't feel like it's even remotely time to start thinking about prepping for winter. The warm days of a Montana summer are a gift, but they're also a critical window for preparing your home for the brutal winter ahead. Don't wait for the first snow to start thinking about frozen pipes or ice dams. A little effort now can save you a huge headache and a lot of money later. This checklist is specifically designed for Montana homes, addressing our unique climate challenges.
The Exterior Checklist - Protecting Your Home's Shell
Your home's exterior is its first line of defense against the elements. A quick check-up now will prevent costly damage from snow, ice, and wind.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Clean them out completely. Clogged gutters are the number one cause of ice dams, which can lead to severe roof and water damage. Flush them with a hose to ensure proper drainage and check for any leaks.
- Roof Inspection: From the ground, use binoculars to look for any loose, cracked, or missing shingles. Also, check for damaged flashing around your chimney and vents. These are weak points where water can get in during a thaw. If you see any issues, have them repaired before winter.
- Siding and Trim: Inspect for peeling paint or cracks in your siding. These imperfections can let moisture in, causing rot or mold. Now's the time to re-caulk around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
- Landscaping and Trees: Trim any tree branches that are too close to your house or power lines. Heavy snow can weigh them down and cause them to break, potentially damaging your home or causing a power outage. Store away any outdoor furniture, grills, and hoses.
The Interior Checklist - Getting Ready for the Cold
A home's interior systems are what keep you warm and safe all winter long. Don't neglect these crucial items.
- HVAC System: Have your furnace or heating system professionally serviced. A tune-up ensures it's running efficiently and safely. It's also the perfect time to replace your furnace filter, which improves air quality and system performance. I recommend changing your filter upwards of four times a year, especially when you know you are going to be pulling a lot of air through the system, like when things begin to chill off.
- Draft-Proofing: Find and seal any drafts around windows and doors. You can use weatherstripping or caulk to fill small gaps. This simple step can significantly reduce your heating bills. I can personally attest to the draft that was coming through my glass door out to the backyard from my bedroom. A quick weatherstripping session later and I can actually feel the difference!
- Chimney and Fireplace: If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. Creosote buildup is a major fire hazard. Make sure you have a good supply of dry firewood stored at least 20 feet away from your house. My professional plug for the day goes out to my family's firewood business! If you need to stay warm this winter with your wood stove, let me know. I'll get you all set up.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test all your detectors to make sure they're working. Replace the batteries if you haven't already this year. With furnaces and fireplaces running, carbon monoxide safety is a top priority!
The Plumbing Checklist - Preventing a Disaster
Frozen pipes are one of the most common and expensive problems Montana homeowners face. Preventative action is key. On some older homes, the plumbing might actually run through an exterior wall, which in turn can be at higher risk of freezing. This is no longer up to code and is not a standard practice in home building today, but it is always a good time to check where your plumbing may be running within your house!
- Exterior Plumbing: Drain and disconnect all garden hoses. Shut off the water supply to all outdoor spigots from the interior shut-off valve, then open the spigot to drain any remaining water. Insulate exposed faucets with foam covers. If you have large animals that stay outside during the cold months, it's a great time to invest in some trough heaters. I prefer the submersible ones, as my horses always thought it was funny to pull the floating ones out when it was -20ºF in January...
- Insulate Interior Pipes: In unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, or garages, wrap exposed pipes with pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape. During severe cold snaps, consider leaving cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
A little effort now saves big later. By following this late summer checklist, you'll be well on your way to a comfortable and worry-free winter. It's a small investment of time and effort that protects your biggest asset from Montana's toughest season.
Need help with any of these tasks or want a professional's perspective? I would love to connect you to a local expert who can help get you set up for winter.
Rebecca Quackenbush
REALTOR®, SRES
406.580.2307
rebecca@eralandmark.com
1805 W Dickerson St, Ste 1
Bozeman, MT 59715
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