How to Prepare Your Home for Winter in Wisconsin

Introduction

Winter in Wisconsin isn’t just cold—it’s punishing. Between freezing temperatures, snow build-up, and relentless winds, your home takes a serious beating. That’s why preparing your home for winter is one of the most important things you can do as a Wisconsin homeowner.

This guide outlines every essential task to winterize your home—before the deep freeze hits. From sealing gaps and insulating pipes to tuning up your furnace and preventing ice dams, we’ll walk through what to check, what to fix, and when to call in help. Let’s make sure your home stays warm, safe, and damage-free all season long.

Why Winter Prep Matters in Wisconsin

Preparing your home for winter is more than a seasonal chore—it's a preventive strategy. When done right, winter prep protects your home from common issues like:

• Burst pipes from freezing temperatures
  
• Ice dams that lead to roof and ceiling leaks
  
• Sky-high heating bills from air leaks and poor insulation
  
• Furnace breakdowns during cold snaps
  
• Dangerous carbon monoxide build-up from heating system issues
  
  

In River Falls and surrounding areas, where winters can last 4–5 months, winter prep is a necessity—not a luxury.

Step-by-Step Winter Preparation Checklist

Exterior Maintenance

Your home's exterior is your first line of defense against winter weather. These tasks will help keep cold, moisture, and ice from causing damage.

• Clean out gutters and downspouts
  Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which cause water to back up under your roof shingles. Remove leaves and debris and ensure water flows away from your foundation.
  
• Inspect the roof
  Look for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or areas where water could enter. Snow will accumulate fast—your roof needs to be sealed and secure.
  
• Trim back overhanging branches
  Winter storms can snap heavy limbs, causing roof and siding damage. Cut back trees that hang near your home.
  
• Seal gaps around doors, windows, and siding
  Cold air finds its way through even the smallest cracks. Use exterior-grade caulk or expanding foam to fill gaps around pipes, vents, doors, and windows.
  
• Winterize outdoor faucets
  Disconnect all hoses, shut off the valve to exterior spigots, and install insulated faucet covers to prevent frozen pipes.
  
  

Heating System and Insulation

Ensuring your home retains heat efficiently is critical during Wisconsin winters. These steps will help you lower energy costs and prevent heating emergencies.

• Schedule a furnace inspection
  Have a professional inspect and service your furnace before the first freeze. They’ll check for leaks, clean filters, and confirm safe, efficient operation.
  
• Replace furnace filters
  A clean filter improves airflow and efficiency. Replace filters monthly during peak heating season.
  
• Inspect your attic insulation
  Heat rises—and if your attic is under-insulated, it escapes fast. Make sure insulation is evenly distributed and deep enough to meet current recommendations.
  
• Install or upgrade weather stripping
  Check all doors and windows. If you feel a draft, replace worn weather stripping or install new door sweeps.
  
• Reverse ceiling fans
  Set ceiling fans to spin clockwise at low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling and helps maintain even room temperatures.
  
  

Plumbing and Water Systems

Frozen pipes can cause extensive and expensive water damage. Take these precautions to avoid winter plumbing disasters.

• Insulate exposed pipes
  Use foam sleeves or heat tape on pipes in unheated areas—like basements, garages, and crawlspaces.
  
• Drain sprinkler systems
  Blow out irrigation lines or have a professional do it. Any water left inside will freeze and crack pipes.
  
• Know your main shutoff valve
  In the event a pipe bursts, you’ll need to act fast. Locate and label your water main shutoff ahead of time.
  
• Open cabinet doors on cold nights
  Especially for pipes under sinks near exterior walls—this allows warm air to circulate and prevent freezing.
  
  

Indoor Safety and Comfort

Winter is a peak season for house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect your household with these important steps.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  Replace batteries and confirm units are functioning. Install a CO detector near every sleeping area and near your furnace or water heater.
  
• Have your fireplace and chimney inspected
  If you burn wood, a professional cleaning removes dangerous creosote buildup and reduces fire risk.
  
• Stock emergency supplies
  Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a small supply of food and water in case of power outages during a snowstorm.
  
• Seal off unused rooms
  Closing doors and vents in rooms you don’t use can help redirect warm air and save on heating.
  
• Place door mats and boot trays at entry points
  This helps prevent slips and keeps snow, salt, and grit from damaging floors.
  
  

Preventing Ice Dams and Moisture Damage

One of the most overlooked winter issues in Wisconsin is ice damming—a condition where melting snow refreezes at the roof edge, causing water to back up under shingles.

To prevent it:

• Keep your attic cool and well-ventilated
  Ironically, a warm attic causes snow to melt unevenly. Good insulation and ventilation keep attic temperatures consistent.
  
• Clear snow from your roof after major storms
  Use a roof rake to remove snow before it can melt and refreeze. Be cautious or hire a pro for high or steep roofs.
  
• Ensure soffit vents are not blocked
  These vents allow airflow to keep your roof temperature stable and prevent moisture buildup.
  
  

When to Call a Professional

Many winter prep tasks are simple and can be done in a weekend. But others—especially on the roof, in tight spaces, or involving HVAC or plumbing systems—are best left to professionals.

Call a handyman or remodeling expert if:

• You notice roof damage but can’t access it safely
  
• Insulation looks inadequate or uneven
  
• Your furnace is making strange sounds or isn’t heating efficiently
  
• You’re unsure how to shut off or drain water systems
  
• You want a full seasonal inspection to ensure your home is winter-ready
  
  

At Do It All Handyman Service, we specialize in winter prep for River Falls homes. From attic insulation upgrades and furnace filter replacements to sealing gaps and outdoor plumbing shutoff, we handle it all—so you don’t have to worry when the snow starts falling.

Conclusion

Winter in Wisconsin is serious—and your home needs to be ready. By inspecting, sealing, insulating, and preparing key systems now, you’ll protect your home from cold-weather damage, lower your heating costs, and enjoy a safer, warmer season.

Don’t wait until the first freeze. Start your winter home prep today—and if you need help, call the team at Do It All Handyman Service for trusted, local support built for Wisconsin winters.