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Winter-Ready Home Checklist for New England
A simple checklist to get your roof, gutters, attic and foundation ready before heavy snow, from the crews who handle ice dams every winter.
Outside: gutters, downspouts and drainage
- Clean gutters and downspouts after the last leaves fall (pre-Thanksgiving gutter check).
- Extend downspouts so water lands well away from the foundation (Downspouts & Drainage).
- Fix sagging gutters and loose hangers before snow adds weight.
- Drain and disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets.
- Consider snow guards above doors and walkways (snow guards).
Inside: attic air leaks and insulation
The U.S. Department of Energy home energy checklist recommends sealing the biggest air leaks first. It notes the worst ones are usually around plumbing, chimneys and recessed lights, not windows and doors, and suggests bringing attic insulation up to the recommended level.
That matters for your roof too. The University of Minnesota Extension explains that heat leaking into the attic melts snow on the roof, and that water refreezes at the cold edge to form ice dams. Sealing those leaks is one of the best long-term fixes.
During the winter
- Keep an eye on heavy snow on the roof, especially low-slope areas. Roof raking helps (roof snow removal cost).
- Watch for big icicles or ice along the roof edge and water stains on ceilings. These are signs of an ice dam (why ice dams happen).
- Never chip ice off the roof. Steam removes it without damaging shingles or gutters (ice dam removal).
- Follow Ready.gov winter weather guidance for storm alerts and emergency supplies.
Get help before the snow
See all our winter services. Cleaning members get 10% off winter services.
Call (603) 899-2465 to book a free estimate. Phones are answered 24/7.
Winter-Ready FAQ
When should I get my home ready for winter?
Before the first heavy snow. In northern New England that usually means finishing outside work in November.
What’s the most important winter prep for my roof?
Clean gutters so meltwater can drain, and seal attic air leaks so less heat reaches the roof. Together they reduce ice dams.
Should I remove snow from my roof?
Heavy snow on the roof is a common cause of ice dams. Roof raking from the ground or by a crew helps. Never climb onto an icy roof.
Do heat cables prevent ice dams?
We don’t recommend heat cables. Fixing attic heat loss and keeping gutters clear works better, and steam removes ice dams that do form.
Do you offer winter services?
Yes: roof raking, ice dam steam removal, snow guards and winter storm prep across New Hampshire, northern Massachusetts and Vermont.
Reviewed by Chester Aho, Founder. Last updated: November 2026