Winter is coming and with it, the cold, snow, and ice. While you may be tempted to hunker down inside until it’s over, there are some essential exterior home repairs that you should do before winter sets in. By taking care of these repairs now, you can avoid costly damage to your home later on. You want to ensure that your home is in tip-top shape before the cold weather hits, so here are some of the most important ones to focus on.

1. Roof

Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home, so it’s essential to ensure it’s in good condition before winter arrives. Check for any loose or damaged shingles and replace them as needed. It would help if you also cleared your gutters and downspouts of any debris to prevent them from becoming clogged with snow and ice.

Older roofs may also need some additional insulation to prevent heat from escaping. If you find any significant damage to your roof, it’s best to call a professional to make the necessary repairs. They can also let you know if your roof needs to be replaced, costing around $7,000 on average.

2. Windows and Doors

Next, check all your windows and doors to ensure they’re properly sealed and insulated. Drafty windows can let in a lot of cold air, so fill any cracks or gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent heat from escaping. You may also consider adding storm windows or upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Depending on the type and size, these can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 per window.

As for doors, ensure they have a tight seal to prevent drafts from coming in. You can also add a door sweep to the bottom of the door to further block any gaps. If your doors are outdated, consider replacing them with newer ones that are more energy-efficient. Depending on the make and style, this can cost around $500 to $1,500 per door.

3. Driveway

You should fill any cracks and holes in your driveway before winter to prevent them from worsening. Extreme cold weather can cause the pavement to contract and expand, which can cause the cracks to deepen and spread. Repairing them now can save you a lot of money in the long run. Depending on the size and severity of the damage, it can cost anywhere from $700 to $3,000 to repair your driveway. But hiring a professional driveway contractor should help you save more with their expertise.

4. Foundation

Look at your home’s foundation to check for any cracks or damage. These need to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. Foundation repairs can be a bit pricey, averaging around $4,500. But it’s essential to get them fixed before winter to avoid even more costly repairs down the road.

Some foundations can also start to settle over time, which can cause cracks. If you notice any sinking or shifting, it’s best to call in a professional to take a look. They can provide the best solution to fix the problem and prevent any further damage.

5. Siding

If your home has siding, it’s important to inspect it for any damage before winter arrives. These can be caused by high winds, hail, or even falling tree limbs. Any cracks or holes should be filled and repaired as soon as possible as they can let in water, which can cause even more damage.

Replacing damaged siding can be quite costly, with individual siding pieces costing around $30 each. But if the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the entire siding. Depending on the size of your home, this can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000.

6. Fences

You also want to inspect your home’s fences for any damage before winter. High winds can cause the fencing materials to loosen and even break. Wood fencing is especially susceptible to damage from moisture and rot, while iron and steel fencing can rust and break down over time.

Check for any loose or damaged boards and replace them as needed. You may also need to add additional support to the fence posts to prevent them from breaking. These repairs can cost around $100 to $300, depending on the extent of the damage. You may also need to hire a professional fence contractor to do the repairs, which can add to the cost.

These are just a few of the most important exterior home repairs before winter. By taking care of these now, you can avoid even more costly repairs down the road. And if you’re not sure how to do the repairs yourself, be sure to hire a professional contractor to do the job right. With their expertise, you can be sure that your home is ready for winter.