10 Home Repairs You Shouldn't Put Off This Winter

As winter approaches in Southern New Hampshire, the dropping temperatures can quickly turn minor home issues into major problems. What might seem like a small concern in autumn can become an expensive emergency once snow and ice arrive.

After years of serving homeowners in Windham, Londonderry, Hudson, and surrounding communities, we've seen which repairs cause the most trouble when delayed. Here are the top 10 home repairs you should tackle before winter fully sets in.

1. Weatherstripping Around Doors and Windows

Why it matters: Old or damaged weatherstripping can let cold air pour into your home, forcing your heating system to work overtime. This single issue can significantly increase your energy bills all winter long.

Check all exterior doors and windows for gaps. If you can see daylight around the edges or feel a draft, it's time to replace the weatherstripping. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that pays for itself quickly through energy savings.

Pro Tip: The best time to check for drafts is on a windy day. Close all windows and doors, then hold a lit candle near edges and frames. If the flame flickers or smoke drifts, you've found a draft that needs sealing.

2. Furnace Inspection and Filter Replacement

Your heating system needs to be in peak condition before temperatures drop. A furnace failure in January isn't just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous and expensive to fix on an emergency basis.

At minimum, replace your furnace filter. Better yet, schedule a professional inspection to catch any issues before they become problems. Clean filters and maintained systems run more efficiently and last longer.

3. Roof Damage and Missing Shingles

Small roof issues become big problems fast when snow and ice enter the picture. Missing or damaged shingles allow water to seep in, which can freeze, expand, and cause serious structural damage.

Walk around your property and visually inspect your roof. Look for:

Missing, cracked, or curling shingles

Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents

Granules collecting in gutters (sign of aging shingles)

Any visible sagging or irregularities

4. Caulking Around Tubs, Showers, and Sinks

Cracked or missing caulk allows water to seep into walls and floors. In winter, this moisture can freeze, expand, and cause significant damage to your home's structure.

Inspect all caulking in bathrooms and kitchens. If you see cracks, gaps, or mold, scrape out the old caulk and apply fresh caulking. This simple task prevents water damage that can cost thousands to repair.

5. Gutter Cleaning and Repair

Clogged gutters can't properly drain water away from your home. When temperatures drop, this trapped water freezes, creating ice dams that can damage your roof, gutters, and even your home's foundation.

Clean all gutters and downspouts before the first freeze. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your foundation. Repair any loose or damaged sections now, before ice makes the problem worse.

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6. Insulation in Attic and Crawl Spaces

Poor insulation doesn't just waste energy—it can lead to ice dams on your roof and frozen pipes in your walls. If your attic floor is poorly insulated, you're literally heating the outdoors.

Check your attic insulation. If you can see the top of your ceiling joists, you likely need more insulation. Southern NH homes should have at least R-38 to R-60 insulation in the attic.

7. Exterior Faucets and Exposed Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common—and most expensive—winter home disasters. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.

Take these steps now:

Disconnect and drain all garden hoses

Shut off exterior faucets from inside if possible

Drain remaining water from exterior faucets

Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas

Consider installing frost-proof faucets

8. Sticking or Drafty Interior Doors

Doors that don't close properly create drafts and make your heating system work harder. The problem often worsens in winter as temperature changes cause wood to expand and contract.

Fix sticking doors now while the weather is still mild. Adjusting hinges, planing down edges, or replacing worn hardware is much easier before you're dealing with freezing temperatures.

9. Drywall Cracks and Holes

Small cracks and holes in drywall can indicate settling issues, but they also allow cold air to infiltrate your living spaces. Address these before winter to maintain your home's thermal envelope.

Winter's heating and cooling cycles can make existing cracks worse. Repair them now with proper patching and painting to prevent further damage and improve insulation.

10. Chimney and Fireplace Inspection

If you plan to use your fireplace this winter, it needs to be cleaned and inspected. Creosote buildup can cause chimney fires, and blockages can allow dangerous carbon monoxide into your home.

Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned if needed. Check that the damper opens and closes properly, and ensure the firebox is in good condition with no cracks or missing mortar.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

The key to avoiding winter home disasters is addressing small issues before they become big problems. Most of these repairs are relatively inexpensive when caught early but can turn into major expenses if left until winter weather makes them worse.

Southern New Hampshire winters are unpredictable—we can go from mild temperatures to below freezing overnight. Don't gamble with your home's comfort and your wallet. Take care of these essential repairs now, while you still have time.gamble with your home's comfort and your wallet. Take care of these essential repairs now, while you still have time.