Winter is Coming: 7 Things to Do Now Before the First Snowfall

Get Your Home Ready for Alaska’s Harshest Season

The mountains are dusted with snow, the temperatures are dropping, and it won’t be long before Anchorage is blanketed in white. While it might still feel like fall at lower elevations, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for winter — before the first big snowstorm hits.

At Taylored Restoration, we know how quickly a small issue can become a major winter emergency. These simple but important steps will help you protect your home and avoid costly damage during the coldest months.

1. Clear Your Gutters & Downspouts

Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, which lead to water backing up under your roof and into your home. Clear out leaves, pine needles, and debris now, while everything’s still dry and accessible.

2. Check Your Roof (or Have It Professionally Inspected)

Look for loose or missing shingles, soft spots, and signs of wear. If your roof is aging or questionable, schedule repairs ASAP — snow and ice will only make problems worse.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors make your home less efficient and harder to heat. Replace worn-out weatherstripping and apply caulk around visible gaps to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.

4. Disconnect & Drain Outdoor Hoses

Leaving hoses connected can cause the pipe inside to freeze and burst. Drain and store hoses, and shut off outdoor faucets at the source if you have a frost-proof valve.

5. Inspect and Protect Pipes in Vulnerable Areas

Pipes in crawlspaces, attics, or near exterior walls are at higher risk of freezing. Add insulation sleeves or heat tape where needed. A frozen pipe can turn into a flooded home overnight.

6. Test Your Heating System

Don’t wait until it’s below zero to find out your furnace isn’t working. Turn on your heat now, check for unusual noises or smells, and replace filters. If needed, schedule a professional tune-up.

7. Stock Up and Make a Winter Emergency Plan

Make sure you have snow shovels, ice melt, backup batteries, and flashlights on hand. Now’s also a great time to test your sump pump, carbon monoxide detector, and smoke alarms.

Taylored Restoration is Here to Help

Whether you need last-minute repairs, preventative inspections, or expert advice on winter readiness, our team is standing by. And if something goes wrong this winter — from frozen pipes to roof leaks — you already know who to call.

Let’s make this winter safe, warm, and disaster-free — the Taylored way.