How to Prepare Your Property for Winter: The Ultimate Checklist

December 23, 2024

Winter can be unpredictable, bringing snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that can take a toll on your property. Proper preparation ensures your safety, protects your investment, and saves you from costly repairs. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to prepare your property for winter—and why professional snow and salt maintenance services can make all the difference.

1. Inspect Your Property

Before winter fully sets in, conduct a thorough inspection of your property:

Roof and Gutters: Check for loose shingles, leaks, or clogged gutters. Ice buildup in gutters can cause water damage.
Driveways and Walkways: Look for cracks or uneven surfaces. These can worsen with the freeze-thaw cycle and create tripping hazards.
Trees and Landscaping: Trim overhanging branches that could break under the weight of snow or ice.

2. Stock Up on Essential Supplies

Ensure you have the following items on hand:

Ice melt or salt for walkways.
Snow shovels or blowers for clearing pathways.
Sand or grit for added traction on icy surfaces.

While DIY supplies can be useful, professional-grade deicing solutions and equipment are more effective and safer for your property.

3. Protect Your Driveway and Walkways

Snow and ice can damage concrete and asphalt. Here’s how to minimize the risk:

Apply a protective sealant to your driveway and walkways before the first snow.
Avoid using sharp tools that can chip surfaces when removing ice.
Rely on professional snow removal services to ensure proper care and avoid surface damage.

4. Maintain Safety Around Your Home

Prevent accidents by prioritizing safety:

Install handrails along slippery areas like stairs and ramps.
Ensure outdoor lighting is functional to illuminate walkways.
Use non-slip mats near entrances to avoid indoor slipping.

5. Plan for Snow Removal

Snowstorms can arrive unexpectedly, so having a plan in place is essential:

Schedule regular snow removal services to keep your property safe and accessible.
Mark driveways, walkways, and curbs with stakes to prevent damage during plowing.
Partner with a reliable snow maintenance service for prompt and efficient clearing.

6. Protect Your Outdoor Features

Winter can damage outdoor structures and equipment:

Store patio furniture, grills, and decorations in a sheltered area.
Cover exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting.
Drain and store garden hoses.

7. Don’t Forget Your Vehicles

If you park outside, prepare your vehicle for winter too:

Invest in a quality snowbrush and ice scraper.
Apply a windshield protector to minimize ice buildup.
Ensure tires are winter-ready for added safety on icy roads.

8. Why Professional Snow and Salt Maintenance Matters

While you can handle some winter tasks on your own, snow and salt maintenance is best left to the professionals. Here’s why:

Efficiency: Professional-grade equipment clears snow quickly and thoroughly, saving you time and effort.
Safety: Experts know how to apply deicing solutions effectively, reducing slip-and-fall risks.
Property Protection: Trained professionals use techniques that prevent damage to driveways, walkways, and landscaping.
Peace of Mind: A reliable service ensures your property is always winter-ready, no matter the weather.

Partner with Us for a Stress-Free Winter

At Contract Link, we specialize in comprehensive snow and salt maintenance services tailored to your needs. From deicing solutions to snow removal, our team ensures your property remains safe and accessible all winter long.

Back to blog