Winter is coming. Is your home prepared to withstand the colder temperatures and snow, sleet, and ice that the season brings?

Before we head inside to the shelter and warmth of our homes when the season turns, there should be numerous tasks on your "to-do list" this fall to ensure your home is prepared to withstand the season. In this post, we'll discuss some home maintenance tips to follow prior to winter. Here's a closer look:

Clean Your Gutters

Ice dams occur when snow melts from the roof and re-freezes once it reaches the gutter. If these ice dams become too big, then there's no way for snow melt to drain, meaning water is likely to get underneath roof shingles and into attics and ceilings of your home. One of the simplest things you can do to prevent ice dams is to clean out your gutters and downspouts so that any roof runoff can properly drain away from your property.

Insulate Your Pipes

If your pipes freeze and aren't promptly thawed, there's a good chance that they're going to burst, and this can result in costly plumbing repairs and home water damage. The pipes most susceptible to freezing are those in basements and crawlspaces, especially those located near the walls of your property. Even plumbing under sinks or within cabinets is susceptible to freezing during cold snaps, as heat isn't likely to circulate in these areas. One easy way to prep your pipes for winter and prevent freezing is to insulate them with thermal sleeves. Such insulation is affordable and easy to install.

Speaking of plumbing and preventing frozen pipes, be sure to shut off the water valve to any outdoor spigots.

Get Your Furnace Inspected

The last thing you want is to be without an adequate heating source during a cold snap this winter. That's why the experts advise having your furnace and chimney inspected and serviced at least once a year. Not only are inspections and tune-ups important for ensuring that your furnace heats efficiently this winter, but they can also check for issues that could contribute to home heating fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Trim Back Any Bushes, Trees

While landscaping is something that many homeowners don't address until spring, it pays to assess any trees or bushes near your house in the fall months, too. That's because the cold weather can make branches harden, meaning they'll cause more damage if they come into contact with your home siding, windows, roof, or other parts of your property. Taking the time to trim back bushes and trees can help prevent such property damage.

Have Your Roof Inspected

Finally, having your roof professionally inspected prior to winter can help identify any small issues before they have the potential to become bigger, more expensive issues later. Things like missing or damaged shingles, worn flashing, mold or mildew growth, or other issues can be caught and corrected before temperatures drop and roofing problems escalate over the winter.