Is your home ready for winter?
Winter in Wisconsin is no joke. We know how harsh it can get with freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and relentless winds that turn your home into a battleground against the elements. Properly preparing your home for the winter season, often referred to as "winterizing," is crucial to protecting your home from damage, saving on energy costs, and ensuring you and your family stay comfortable all season long. At
Badgerland Restoration & Remodeling, we’ve spent over 25 years helping Wisconsin homeowners tackle winter head-on, so we’re here to share some essential tips to help get your home winter-ready and how we, as expert contractors, can assist.
Why Winterizing Is Important
When it comes to protecting your home in winter, think of it like this: a little prevention now saves you from major headaches (and costs) later. Wisconsin’s harsh winters can cause damage to your home’s structure, roofing, siding, and even your plumbing if left unchecked. Winterizing prevents drafts, protects pipes, and keeps your heating system running efficiently. Plus, it helps keep your energy bills from skyrocketing when the temperature drops!
Tips for Winterizing Your Wisconsin Home
1. Check and Upgrade Your Insulation
- Insulation is key to keeping your home warm and your energy costs down. Start by checking your attic, as this is where heat tends to escape most. If your insulation is below the recommended level, adding more will make a big difference. Don’t forget your walls and floors—especially if you have a basement!
- Pro tip: Spray foam insulation can seal even the tiniest cracks, offering maximum efficiency.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
- Drafty windows and doors can cause significant heat loss in your home. Inspect them for gaps, cracks, or worn-out weather stripping. Sealing these with caulking or replacing weather stripping is a cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
- Expert help: If your windows are older and you’re feeling drafts, consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows. As certified Renewal by Andersen installers, we can replace your outdated windows with ones designed to withstand Wisconsin’s harsh winters.
3. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
- Clogged gutters can cause major issues when snow starts to melt. Water can back up and freeze, leading to ice dams that damage your roof and even cause leaks inside your home. Make sure to clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
- What we can do: If your gutters are beyond repair, we can replace them with new, seamless gutters to help protect your home’s foundation and roof from winter damage.
4. Roof Inspection and Maintenance
- Your roof is your first line of defense against winter weather. It’s essential to check for missing shingles, leaks, or any signs of damage that could get worse when snow and ice pile up.
- We’ve got this covered: As GAF Master Elite contractors, we specialize in roof inspections and replacements. We can assess your roof for potential weak spots and handle any necessary repairs to prevent costly issues down the road.
5. Protect Your Pipes
- Frozen pipes are a common and costly issue in Wisconsin winters. To avoid this, insulate any exposed pipes, especially in colder areas of your home like the basement or attic. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and consider installing pipe insulation in vulnerable areas.
- Our advice: For added peace of mind, install smart water leak detectors or heat tape on pipes that are prone to freezing. If you're unsure where to start, we can assess your home's plumbing and recommend the best solutions.
6. Tune Up Your Heating System
- A well-maintained furnace or heating system can make all the difference in staying warm and saving on energy costs. Schedule a professional to tune up your furnace, clean air filters, and ensure your system is operating efficiently.
- We can help: If you’re thinking about upgrading your heating system or need repairs, we can recommend energy-efficient solutions to keep your home cozy throughout the winter.
7. Siding Check and Repair
- The integrity of your siding can make a huge difference in protecting your home from moisture and drafts. Inspect your siding for cracks, warping, or any damage that could allow cold air or water to seep in.
- What we offer: As siding experts, we can replace or repair siding to ensure your home is properly shielded from the elements. From durable vinyl siding to premium options like Norandex Cedar Knolls, we offer a variety of materials to suit your style and needs.
How Badgerland Restoration & Remodeling Can Help
Winterizing your home can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. With decades of experience dealing with Wisconsin winters, our team at Badgerland Restoration & Remodeling knows exactly what it takes to keep your home safe, comfortable, and efficient during the coldest months of the year. From replacing old windows and siding to repairing roofs and installing insulation, we’re your go-to partner for all things winter prep.
Our certified crews specialize in exterior and interior renovations, including roof and siding replacement, window upgrades, and more. Whether you need a full home winterization overhaul or just a few expert repairs, we’re here to help.
Get Your Home Ready for Winter Today!
Don’t wait until the first snowfall to start winterizing your home. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s get your home prepped and ready to take on the Wisconsin winter!
