West Tennessee doesn’t get the harsh winters of states further north, but it gets enough — freezing temps, ice storms, and damp cold that finds every gap in your home’s envelope. A few hours of prep now can save you from emergency calls in January.
Exterior Checks Before It Gets Cold
Gutters and downspouts should be clear before the first freeze. Clogged gutters back up, freeze, and can pull away from the fascia or push water under shingles. Make sure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.
Caulk and weatherstripping around doors and windows keeps cold air out and your heating bill down. Run your hand along the frame on a windy day — if you feel a draft, the seal needs attention.
Exterior faucets need to be shut off from inside and drained before the first hard freeze. A burst hose bib in the wall is an expensive surprise in February.
Wood rot and damaged trim should be repaired before winter. Water gets into cracks, freezes, and expands — turning a manageable repair into a much bigger one.
Inside the House
- Check under sinks for any slow drips — cold temps make existing leaks worse
- Look at the caulking around tubs and showers — winter is a good time to recaulk before more moisture intrudes
- Inspect your attic for any daylight coming through or signs of past moisture — both are problems that winter will make worse
Doors and Windows
Sticking doors that you’ve been tolerating all summer should get addressed in fall while the wood is at a more cooperative size. Same with windows that don’t seal fully when closed.
Storm windows and doors (if you have them) should be checked for fit and any damaged weatherstripping replaced.
When to Call Before Winter Sets In
If you’ve been putting off repairs — a soft spot on the porch, a door that won’t latch right, trim that’s pulling away from the house — fall is the time to get them done. Winter makes deferred maintenance more expensive, not less.
Brasfield Residential Repair serves Atoka, Millington, Munford, Covington, Dyersburg, and surrounding West Tennessee communities. Call 901-715-6485 to get repairs done before the cold arrives.