The winter months are tough on a house. Thankfully, with a bit of preparation, you can ensure that your home is up to the task of keeping you and your family cozy and comfortable.

Plunging temperatures and inclement weather can strain your heating system, your roof, and your plumbing. The last thing you want is to have to deal with major maintenance issues when it’s cold outside. To stay warm and stress-free all winter long, here are five steps you can take to properly prepare your home.

Clean the gutters

Though cleaning the gutters may not be anyone’s favourite chore, it is the most effective strategy for preventing ice dams. Gutters that are clogged with leaves and other debris will not allow snowmelt to properly drain from the roof. The meltwater will then freeze and create a buildup of snow and ice, potentially causing roof damage and roof leaks. A thorough gutter cleaning before the deep freeze truly sets in is a must.

Inspect your roof

While cleaning your gutters will help your roof withstand the winter, not even the cleanest gutters on the block will be able to prevent roof leaks if your roof has sustained too much wear and tear. During the fall it’s a good idea to perform a roof inspection either from a ladder or from the ground with a pair of binoculars. Look out for any obvious signs of damage such as cracked or missing shingles or damage around roof protrusions. If your roof looks like it could use some repairs, then you should contact a local roofing company.

Disconnect all hoses and sprinklers

One of the easiest ways to prevent burst pipes on frigid winter nights is to disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain water from the faucets. If any water is left in the faucets, then it can freeze and damage the pipes as it expands.

Have your heating system inspected

Your heating system will have to work extra hard over the winter to keep your home at the desired temperature. It’s a good idea to schedule an annual inspection by an HVAC professional to ensure that everything is working properly and that you won’t be left without heat on a freezing day. At the very least, you should call an HVAC professional if you suspect that your heating system is in need of repairs.

Seal drafty windows and doors

Finally, no matter how well your furnace or heat pump works, your home will still feel cold if you have drafty windows and doors. Adding weatherstripping around exterior doors, sealing windows, and caulking any gaps and cracks around windows and doors will keep your home warm and your energy bills down.

Being a homeowner comes with its share of maintenance tasks but staying on top of these tasks is the easiest way to protect your investment. Getting your home ready for the winter will increase the lifespan of your roof, your plumbing, and your heating system, so take the time to do it right.