Stay Ahead of Winter Problems Before They Cost You
Cold weather in Roanoke, Franklin County, and Smith Mountain Lake can be brutal on homes. Freezing temps, heavy rain, and strong winds push your home’s systems to the limit. Every year, homeowners lose thousands fixing preventable damage that started small but spread fast.
This checklist will help you get your home ready before winter hits full force.
1. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors
Even a tiny gap can let cold air in and send your energy bills soaring.
Walk your home and check for drafts around doors and windows. If you feel cold air, re-caulk or replace the weather stripping.
Pro tip from Wohlford Contracting: Shine a flashlight from outside at night while someone watches inside. If they see light, cold air is getting through too.
Quick Fixes:
- Add door sweeps and new seals.
- Use insulating film on older windows.
- Check the threshold under exterior doors.
2. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes can burst, flood your home, and ruin drywall and flooring. It’s one of the most expensive cold-weather disasters you can face.
Focus on pipes in unheated spaces like garages, crawl spaces, or exterior walls.
Do this now:
- Add foam insulation sleeves to exposed pipes.
- Disconnect garden hoses.
- Drain outdoor spigots and shut off valves.
- Keep indoor heat consistent at 55°F or above, even when away.
Wohlford Contracting’s crews see the aftermath of pipe bursts every winter. A few hours of prevention now can save thousands later.
3. Check Your Roof and Gutters
Leaves and debris clog gutters fast. When snow or ice melts, the water has nowhere to go, and it can back up under shingles or seep into soffits.
Clean and check:
- Remove leaves from gutters and downspouts.
- Make sure downspouts drain at least 5 feet from your foundation.
- Look for cracked shingles or loose flashing.
If your roof is aging or shows wear, book an inspection now before snow covers it. A quick repair in November can stop leaks all winter.
4. Inspect Your Attic and Insulation
Your attic is the front line in fighting heat loss. Poor insulation means warm air escapes through the roof, driving up heating costs and causing ice dams.
Check that insulation covers the entire attic floor evenly. If you can see the tops of ceiling joists, you likely need more.
Also check for signs of moisture or small leaks around vents and chimneys. Mold and rot start quietly in winter and show up as expensive repairs later.
5. Test Your Heating System
Don’t wait until the first cold snap to find out your furnace is struggling. Schedule a professional checkup to make sure your system is ready.
Change filters, clear vents, and make sure all rooms are heating evenly.
If your HVAC is older, have a technician test for carbon monoxide leaks and efficiency.
At Wohlford Contracting, we often coordinate with trusted local HVAC partners during major remodels. A tuned system protects both comfort and structure.
6. Seal Cracks in Your Foundation and Exterior Walls
Walk around your home and look for cracks, gaps, or separation near siding, foundation lines, or vents.
These let water in. When temperatures drop, that moisture freezes, expands, and causes bigger cracks.
Use exterior-grade sealant or mortar patching to close any gaps before the first freeze.
If you notice consistent settling or large cracks, call a local contractor to inspect. Early attention prevents costly structural repairs later.
7. Protect Decks, Porches, and Outdoor Structures
Outdoor wood surfaces take a beating in winter. Moisture seeps in and freezes, splitting boards and weakening fasteners.
Clean and reseal decks and porches before freezing weather. Store or cover outdoor furniture, grills, and tools.
If your deck boards or rails are already soft or discolored, it might be time for a rebuild or resurfacing. Wohlford Contracting offers custom deck repair and replacements that hold up to Virginia winters.
8. Check Your Basement and Crawl Space
Moisture control down low keeps your whole home healthy. Look for water stains, damp insulation, or a musty smell.
Add a vapor barrier if needed and make sure sump pumps are working. Keep crawl space vents clear of debris.
If you notice water pooling near foundation walls after rain, add gutter extensions or grading to redirect runoff.
9. Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms can knock out power fast. A few small steps now make it easier to stay warm and safe:
- Test flashlights and stock batteries.
- Keep bottled water and nonperishable food.
- Check your generator if you have one.
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is in case pipes freeze.
10. Schedule a Professional Home Checkup
Even the most careful homeowners miss things. A quick walkthrough with a professional can catch weak spots early.
Wohlford Contracting offers pre-winter inspections for homeowners across Roanoke, Salem, Franklin County, and Smith Mountain Lake. We look for insulation gaps, drainage issues, and small maintenance fixes before they become big headaches.
Our motto says it best:
“A job well done is a job worth doing.”
Stay Ready, Stay Warm
Preventive maintenance protects your investment, keeps your family comfortable, and saves money year after year.
If you need help preparing your home for winter, our team is ready. From roof repairs to full remodels, we handle it all with local pride and craftsmanship.
Questions? Contact Wohlford Contracting today.
