How to Prepare Your Home’s Exterior for Winter
A little prep now can save you a lot of time (and money) later.
Winter in Prince George can be tough — not just on us, but on our homes too. Between freezing temperatures, snow, and moisture, your home’s exterior takes a real beating every year.
The good news? With a little preparation, you can keep your house protected, your paint looking great, and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Here’s how to get your home’s exterior ready for winter — straight from your local painting pros at Patch N’ Pour Painting Solutions.
1. Inspect Your Exterior Paint and Surfaces
Start by walking around your home and taking a good look at your paint.
If you see peeling, bubbling, or cracking, that means your paint has lost its protective seal — and moisture could sneak underneath during the winter.
Touching up those areas (or scheduling a repaint before temperatures drop) can help prevent wood rot, warping, and damage when the snow hits.
🖌️ Pro Tip: Fall is the perfect time for small exterior paint touch-ups. Paint adheres best when temps are mild — not too hot or freezing cold.
2. Check Your Caulking and Trim
Over time, caulking around windows, doors, and siding can dry out and crack.
That means cold air — and water — can find its way inside.
Reapply fresh exterior-grade caulk anywhere it’s missing or damaged, especially around windows, door frames, and joints.
This small step keeps your home warmer, drier, and more energy efficient through the winter.
3. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are one of the biggest culprits for winter damage.
When they fill up with leaves and debris, melting snow has nowhere to go — leading to ice dams, leaks, and even paint damage on your siding.
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and draining properly before the first snowfall.
If you notice staining or peeling paint near your eaves, it might be time for a repaint to reseal those surfaces.
4. Protect Wood and Deck Surfaces
Decks, railings, and fences are especially vulnerable during Northern BC winters.
If the finish is worn or faded, moisture can soak in, leading to cracking and splintering once the freeze-thaw cycle kicks in.
A quick re-stain or protective clear coat in the fall will help your wood surfaces last longer and stay looking great come spring.
5. Wash Away Dirt and Grime
You’d be surprised how much dust and mildew builds up over summer!
Before the cold sets in, give your siding a gentle power wash or soft scrub to remove dirt, cobwebs, and pollen.
Clean surfaces not only look better but also help your paint job last longer.
Just be sure to let everything dry thoroughly before temperatures drop below freezing.
6. Plan Ahead for Spring Projects
Fall is also a great time to start thinking about what you’ll want to refresh in the spring — like your home’s exterior paint, deck, or fencing.
Booking early means you can beat the rush once warmer weather returns, and your home will be at the top of our schedule for repainting or maintenance.
Final Thoughts
A little attention now can make a huge difference later.
By taking care of small paint and maintenance tasks before winter hits, you’ll protect your investment and make spring cleanup that much easier.
At Patch N’ Pour Painting Solutions, we help homeowners in Prince George and surrounding areas get their homes winter-ready with expert painting, touch-ups, and exterior care.
Whether you need a quick fix or a full repaint, we’re here to make your home look its best — all year round.
📞 Get in touch today for a free quote or fall exterior inspection!
🎨 Proudly serving Prince George, Vanderhoof, Quesnel, and nearby communities.
