Winter Prep Tips Every Chicago Homeowner Should Know
Introduction
When winter rolls into Chicago, it doesn’t always arrive gently. Cold snaps, ice, and heavy snowstorms move in quickly, often before we’ve had time to finish raking the leaves. That’s why taking care of home maintenance in late fall is so important. A few simple checks now can stop bigger problems once the freezing temperatures hit hard.
Fixing things early in the season can save us time and stress later, especially for those of us living in older homes throughout Lakeview and Lincoln Park. These homes often carry a bit more charm and a few more surprises hidden in walls and crawl spaces. With help from a local handyman, it’s easier to catch small issues that might otherwise slip by until they become full-blown winter emergencies.
Below is a list of the tasks we always recommend before the cold weather sets in across Chicago.
Check and Seal Windows and Doors
Cold air has a sneaky way of slipping in through tiny cracks in windows and doors. It might not seem like much at first, but a small draft can suck the warmth out of a room fast. Sealing those gaps keeps the heat in and helps cut down on energy use through the coldest months.
- Walk around your home and feel near the edges of doors and windows for any chilly air sneaking through
- Replace worn-out weatherstripping around doors and windows
- Use clear or paintable caulk to close up any visible gaps or cracks around the frame
A handyman can quickly shore up drafty spots so your home feels warmer without constantly cranking up the heat. According to our service pages, we can help with weatherproofing entry doors and repairing faulty window locks, which makes a big difference when Chicago winds pick up in winter.
Prep Your Plumbing for Freezing Temps
Frozen pipes are a real headache in winter. When water freezes and expands inside a pipe, it doesn’t take much for it to crack. Repairs after the fact can turn into a major mess. That’s why protecting your plumbing before the deep freeze is so important.
- Wrap any exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces
- Detach hoses from outside spigots and shut off water to those pipes if you can
- Open cabinet doors under sinks along outside walls so warm air can circulate
If your home has tight or hidden spaces, it helps to have a trained handyman check the spots you can’t easily reach. Our website notes that we offer plumbing repairs ranging from leaky faucets to detailed pipe inspections, so you won’t miss any hidden trouble areas before winter arrives.
Get the Gutters and Roof Ready
It may not be the most exciting chore, but clearing out gutters is one of the best ways to prevent ice damage. Packed gutters lead to ice dams, which can wreak havoc on your roof and siding as water backs up behind them.
- Clean out all leaves, twigs, and gunk from gutters before the first snowfall
- Use water to check that downspouts are draining away from the house
- Look up to spot any missing shingles or damage to roof edges
We handle roof and gutter maintenance for Chicago homes, so we know that catching small roof leaks or damaged flashing now will help keep water out before snow piles up.
Tune Up Heating Systems and Replace Filters
When winter hits, our heating systems become the heart of the house. Making sure everything runs smoothly now means we stay warm without unexpected breakdowns later.
- Swap out old furnace filters with fresh ones
- Turn on the heat and test thermostats to make sure they respond correctly
- Clear anything blocking vents, radiators, or baseboard heaters
It’s easy to forget about these parts of the home until something goes wrong. Bringing in a handyman trained to notice small heating problems may catch early signs before they lead to cold nights and expensive fixes.
Prep the Garage and Basement for Winter Use
Garages and basements can get extra chilly and damp once winter settles in. With a bit of prep, we can keep both areas more comfortable and better protected during those long Chicago months.
- Check the weatherstripping along your garage door and replace any worn pieces
- Look over the floor and walls of your basement for cracks that might let in air or moisture
- If the space tends to collect moisture, setting up a dehumidifier can help prevent mold
Our site highlights that we’re experienced in basement remodels and garage repairs, so we spot the common moisture and insulation issues local homeowners face each winter. Whether your garage is used for storage or your basement doubles as a living space, sealing it up before December is key.
Ready for a Warmer, Worry-Free Winter
Chicago winters don’t give us much room to wait around. Getting things checked off early, before the first deep freeze, can make a big difference when snow starts piling up. With help from a handyman who knows what to look for in homes around Lakeview and Lincoln Park, you’re more likely to spot hidden issues before they grow.
By checking windows, plumbing, the roof, heating, and lower levels like garages and basements, you’re setting your house up for a smoother, cozier season. Winter in Chicago may come on fast, but with the right prep, it doesn’t have to catch anyone off guard.
Getting your home ready for winter in Lakeview or Lincoln Park is much easier with handyman services that can catch hard-to-find problems and fix them before cold weather makes things worse. We handle everything from checking pipes to sealing up drafts or tuning your heat so you can feel confident as temperatures drop. At Wrigleyville Handyman and Remodeling Incorporated, we’re here to keep you comfortable and worry-free all season. Contact us today to schedule your seasonal checkup.