Winter in Lake Tahoe brings breathtaking snow, freezing temperatures, strong winds, and changing mountain conditions. Preparing your home before the first major storm can help prevent costly damage, improve energy efficiency, and keep your household safe throughout the season.
At Incline House Cleaning, we have seen it all while raising our families through many of the region’s most legendary winters. And with the Super El Niño coming our way, now is the time to spend time preparing your home for what (may) be on the way!
To get you ahead of schedule while the weather is still spectacular, here are some top tips to prepare your home for the Winter months to come.
- It’s all about the roof: Begin with the roof and gutters. Heavy snowfall can place significant weight on a roof, especially when several storms arrive close together. Have a professional inspect the roof for damaged shingles, loose flashing, or weak areas. Clean gutters and downspouts so melting snow and ice can drain properly. Extend downspouts away from the foundation to reduce the risk of flooding and ice buildup. If your home has a chimney, have it inspected and cleaned before using a fireplace or woodstove.
- Keep things cozy inside: Service heating equipment before cold weather arrives. Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace, boiler, heat pump, or other heating system. Replace air filters and test thermostats to ensure they are working correctly. Clean fireplaces and check that firewood is dry and stored safely away from the house. Never use outdoor heaters, grills, or generators indoors, since they can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms on every level, and replace their batteries.
- Protect the plumbing system from freezing temperatures. Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and other unheated areas. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and shut off outdoor water supplies if possible. Repair dripping faucets and leaks before winter. During extreme cold, let a small amount of water run from vulnerable faucets and open cabinet doors beneath sinks so warm air can circulate around pipes.
- Prepare for deep snow.Lake Tahoe’s snow and ice can make driveways and walkways hazardous. Arrange for snow removal in advance, whether you plan to shovel yourself or hire a service. Keep snow shovels, ice melt, traction material, and emergency supplies readily available. Avoid piling snow against the house, vents, or fuel tanks. Trim weak or dead branches near the roof, driveway, and power lines because heavy snow and wind can cause them to fall.
- Fill the draft gaps. Weatherproof the home by inspecting doors and windows for drafts. Replace worn weather stripping and apply caulk around gaps. Close storm windows if available, and make sure attic insulation is adequate. These improvements help retain heat and lower energy costs.
- Get ready to “Camp In!” Prepare for possible power outages or being snowed in. Store drinking water, nonperishable food, prescription medications, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a battery-powered radio.
- Don’t forget about your car. Keep vehicles equipped with winter tires or suitable traction devices, and maintain an emergency kit in each car.
- Sign up for a Property Maintenance service in Incline Village. If your home will be vacant, now is the time to secure a contract with a professional property maintenance firm that will watch over your investment. We always recommend Sun Bear Realty & Property Management. They have been taking care of vacation homes in North Lake Tahoe for over 30 years.
- Let a pro prepare your home for the holidays! Before you know it, we will all be ringing in the holidays with company coming to enjoy all the festivities. This year, leave the fuss of getting your home ready for the holidays to us! Contact our team at Incline House Cleaning. We are offering a $50 credit for new clients and a free estimate, too!
