Prepare your home for winter and avoid costly repairs
Winter is just around the corner, bringing challenges for every home. Cold weather, snow, and moisture can cause serious problems if your home is not adequately prepared. Fortunately, with a few key steps, you can save time, money, and unnecessary worry.
To illustrate the importance of these preparations, here’s Jovan’s story—when he thought everything was in perfect order, only to face unexpected challenges.

1. Jovan’s story: “We thought we bought a move-in-ready home…”
   Last year, Jovan and his family moved into a house they believed was fully prepared for living. “Everything looked perfect—new façade, freshly painted walls, even a renovated roof,” Jovan shared. However, as the first winter days arrived, problems began to surface.
   They first noticed drafts around the windows, which significantly affected heating efficiency. Then, during the first heavy rain, water started pooling on the garage ceiling. The final straw was discovering that the gutters were completely clogged, causing water to run down the façade. “We thought we had a new, secure house but didn’t realize a thorough pre-winter inspection could have saved us from all these issues,” he said.
   In the end, Jovan had to invest extra effort and funds to resolve the situation, but thanks to proper preparation, they faced the next winter problem-free. His experience taught us the importance of inspecting key areas of the house before winter arrives.
2. Check the roof: the first line of defense against winter
   What should you do?
   The roof is the key part of your house that protects you from snow, rain, and ice. If there are damages, such as cracked tiles, loose roof parts, or damaged metal surfaces, water and moisture will find their way inside, leading to serious issues.
   We advise carefully inspecting the roof before the cold days arrive, paying particular attention to:

• Cracked tiles or roof sections.
• Signs of rust on metal parts.
• Loose tiles that may fall under the weight of snow.
  Detecting damages in time allows for easy repairs and prevents larger problems.

3. Suspended ceilings and moisture: hidden issues that can cause high costs
   Even when the roof looks fine from the outside, it doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Jovan experienced this firsthand—his ceiling showed signs of moisture, even though the roof appeared problem-free.
   Suspended ceilings often endure moisture or leaks that are not immediately visible. If left unaddressed, these issues can lead to mold growth or rotting, which can be costly to fix. Therefore, it’s important to inspect ceilings, especially in spaces that are not used daily, such as garages or basements.
4. Inspect the façade: the first line of defense for walls
   The façade is not just an aesthetic part of the house; it also protects against external influences. If you notice cracks or damage to the façade, water can penetrate the walls, freeze, and cause even greater damage.
   What can you do?

• Check for cracks or loose parts of the façade.
• For wooden façades, inspect boards for cracks, holes, or rot.
• Consider temporary protection with weather-resistant paint if a full façade renovation is not possible before winter.

5. Windows, doors, and energy efficiency
   Did you know that older windows with poor insulation can cause up to 40% heat loss? This was another problem Jovan encountered. Drafts through windows and doors made heating the space difficult and increased heating costs.
   Solution:

• Inspect the seals on windows and doors.
• Install additional insulation strips if necessary.
• Consider replacing old windows with energy-efficient models, as this is not an expense but an investment.

6. Gutters and drains: small details that make a big difference
   One of the main issues Jovan overlooked was the gutters. They were clogged with leaves and debris, causing water to overflow onto the façade. This small oversight can lead to significant expenses.
   Before winter, it’s important to:

• Clean gutters and drains of leaves, moss, and dirt.
• Ensure water flows freely and check that the drains are functioning properly.

Preparing your home for winter is key
Jovan’s experience taught us an important lesson—even when everything looks fine, never neglect a detailed pre-winter inspection. Checking the roof, ceilings, façade, windows, and gutters can save you significant costs and stress.
Let’s face this winter prepared! Take the necessary steps and protect your home—because small investments now mean big savings later.