How to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Winter is unforgiving, but your home doesn’t have to be vulnerable. By reinforcing key areas with the Flex Seal Family of Products, you can help protect your property, reduce energy loss, and weather the season with confidence. In this blog, you’ll learn how to winterize your house and the critical areas to focus on before, during, and after winter storms.
Before the Storm: Inspect, Seal, and Reinforce
Winter preparation starts with identifying the most vulnerable spots around your home and taking steps to seal them. Here are some common areas to pay attention to:
Gutters & Chimney
Clogged or leaking gutters can lead to ice dams, which force water back into your roofline. After cleaning out leaves and debris, apply Flex Seal Spray along the seams and joints to help keep them watertight. For chimneys, use Flex Seal around the base and wherever snow collects to stop water from seeping into masonry or flashing.
Roof & Attic
Loose or missing shingles can quickly turn into leaks when snow piles up or ice thaws. Secure any loose shingles with Flex Glue or Flex Tape for a secure hold. Inside the attic, check for small gaps or weak spots in the roof deck. A quick application of Flex Seal Spray or Flex Paste can help prevent drips before they turn into water damage.
Windows & Doors
Frames, sills, and trim are some of the easiest entry points for cold air and water. Use Flex Caulk or Flex Paste in a cartridge around window frames to create a solid, waterproof barrier. These products also work great along windowsills and exterior trim to reinforce seams. Flex Draft Tape can be applied to thresholds and any visible gaps, so you don’t lose heat or let in moisture during storms.
Basement & Foundation
Snow piles and melting ice can put heavy pressure on your basement walls and foundation. To build a strong, waterproof protective barrier, coat basement walls with Flex Seal Liquid. For cracks or small holes in the foundation, apply Flex Paste or Flex Seal Liquid directly into the problem area to keep water from seeping inside.
Exterior Fixtures & Fencing
Outdoor lights, trim, and fencing can loosen under the force of winter winds. Secure these areas with Flex Glue for a strong, long-lasting bond. For wooden fencing, brush on a layer of Flex Seal Liquid to shield against moisture, freezing temperatures, and rot.
Pool Coverings
Pool covers can collapse under the weight of ice or blow away in strong winds. Use Flex Tape to lock the cover in place along the edges. If branches or debris puncture the cover, this super-strong tape can patch the hole immediately to prevent water and debris from contaminating your pool.
Vehicles and Winter Tools
Use Flex Seal Winter Wax on shovels, plows, snowblowers, and more to stop snow, slush, and ice from sticking to your equipment. This makes post-storm shoveling and snow removal faster, safer, and easier by cutting drag, helping blades stay sharp, and shielding against rust and corrosion.
During the Storm: Stay Ready and Control Damage
Once the storm hits, you’ll want quick, practical solutions in case of emergency damage.
NOTE: Do NOT attempt to go outside during an active storm.
If debris or heavy snow causes a sudden opening or leak in your home, grab Flex Tape for an immediate watertight patch. Flex Seal Spray also works fast for smaller leaks inside attics or utility spaces. Just make sure to reapply once the area is dry for an optimal seal.
After the Storm: Inspect and Strengthen
Storm cleanup is the time to find and fix issues before the next round of weather.
NOTE: Follow all local weather advisories and officials for information on the storm, and do NOT attempt to go outside until it is deemed safe.
Keep Surfaces Clear
Spray Flex Seal De-Icer directly on icy steps, walkways, and driveways to help melt ice quickly and reduce slip hazards. Apply it to car windshields, doors, locks, and handles to keep them functional in freezing conditions.
Gutters & Roof
Clear away ice and debris, inspect seams and joints, and apply Flex Seal if necessary. Check shingles for damage and use Flex Glue, Flex Tape, or Flex Paste to seal any new roof damage. For larger roof holes, use a drywall patch or screen, then cover it with Flex Paste to keep water out until permanent repairs can be made.
Flexpert Tip: We recommend calling a roofing professional to evaluate significant roof issues or structural damage.
Basement & Foundation
Check your basement for new seepage or damp spots and seal any cracks with Flex Paste.
Flexpert Tip: Foundation cracks should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent long-term water damage.
Windows, Doors & Fixtures
Seals can weaken after repeated exposure to freezing weather. Inspect each entry point, then apply Flex Caulk or Flex Paste as needed to maintain a tight barrier. Use Flex Glue on any exterior fixtures that loosened during the storm.
Get our FREE Winter Preparedness Guide for more tips on how to protect your home this winter.
