As the holidays approach and temperatures drop, it’s time to make sure your home is ready for another Wisconsin winter. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned pro, taking the time to winterize your home can prevent costly damage and make your season a whole lot cozier.

From the roof to the basement, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you protect your home when winter hits.

One of the biggest culprits of winter home issues starts up high: on your roof. Before the first heavy snowfall, make sure all fall debris (like leaves and sticks) is cleared from roof valleys and gutters. If water can’t flow freely through your gutters, it’ll freeze and back up, potentially causing leaks, ice dams, and damage to your roofline.

If you have a leaf filter or guard system, that’s great; however, be sure tostill check your downspouts, especially the elbows, which can easily clog. For steep or hard-to-reach roofs, hiring a professional is often the safest option.

“Cleaning your gutters won’t prevent ice damming entirely, but it can stop a bad situation from getting worse, shared Erik, Owner of Big Fish Contracting on episode 25 of Under Construction: Repairing a Home, Redeeming an Industry.

If you already experience ice damming, this is the time to test or install your heat cable system. However, the better long-term solution is a properly installed roof. At Big Fish, we help homeowners prevent ice dams through the use of ice and water shields, oversized flashing, and ventilation systems specifically designed for Wisconsin winters.

Once snow starts to pile up, roof-raking is an easy way to prevent ice from forming. Use a long-handled roof rake to remove the first few feet of snow along the eaves, especially after heavy storms. This helps prevent melting snow from refreezing at the roof edge—a crucial step in preventing ice dams.

Never attempt to break ice that has begun forming on your roof. Wait for it to fully melt and dry before attempting any repairs.

Your siding shouldn’t need much winter prep, but windows and doors deserve a quick check. If you’re still using plastic window kits, it may be time to upgrade. Modern windows shouldn’t require them for warmth.

Lock your windows, inspect the weatherstripping, and replace screens with storm windows if you have them. These small steps can reduce drafts and lower your heating bill.

• Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off water to exterior spigots to prevent frozen pipes.
• Use calcium chloride instead of salt on concrete surfaces. Salt can erode concrete over time.
• Install plow markers before the ground freezes solid. (Pro tip: If it’s already frozen, drill a pilot hole first.)
• Store lawn furniture and planters, and hang those holiday lights safely. Sometimes, hiring a professional for outdoor lighting is a worthwhile investment. Your safety comes first!

Before you light your first fire of the season, schedule a chimney inspection, especially if you burn wood regularly. 

Once that’s done, stock up on essentials like firewood, cocoa, and coffee, and get ready to enjoy a winter night by the fire!

Winter might slow things down outside, but it’s the perfect time to get ahead on spring projects. Big Fish Contracting is already booking estimates and installations for next season, and getting on the calendar early can help you secure current pricing before material costs increase.

“Winter is a great time to prepare, even if you’re not doing a roof right now,” emphasized Erik. “Getting on the schedule early helps avoid rising costs in the spring.” 

Homeownership comes with a learning curve, but with a little preparation and care, you can keep your home in great shape throughout the winter. From maintaining your roof to checking your windows, these small efforts make a big difference, saving you time, stress, and repair costs down the line.

And if you’re ever unsure where to start, Big Fish Contracting is here to help, because preparing your home for Wisconsin’s winter isn’t just about maintenance. It’s about protecting your peace of mind. Get in touch today.