--- title: How to Prepare Your Home's Exterior for Winter description: Our homes need help when it comes to preparing for winter. Read on to learn how important it is to protect your investment and keep your home happy in the winter! image: https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/tracy-adams-ljrQbQoOqhk-unsplash.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/how-to-prep-your-homes-exterior-for-winter#maincontent) [ «  Learning Center ](https://brushandrollpainting.com/learning-center) # How to Prepare Your Home's Exterior for Winter January 3rd, 2022 3 min read By [Bill Carlson](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/admin) ![](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tracy-adams-ljrQbQoOqhk-unsplash.jpg?width=5839&height=3893&name=tracy-adams-ljrQbQoOqhk-unsplash.jpg) Are you ready for winter? Cold and snowy weather always comes out of nowhere, but we can always be better at preparing for it. And homes need our help when it comes to moving into a new season.  Nebraska winters can be tough on a home, but there are several things you can do to help protect your investment. Take advantage of any nice weather to walk around the exterior of your home and complete these seven crucial tasks to help keep your home safe from the elements and save you thousands of dollars in potential repairs down the road. Read on to see how to protect your investment and keep your home happy! ## 1. Disconnect hoses Locate any hoses that are hooked up to your house and disconnect them. Leaving hoses connected to the spigot allows the water inside to freeze and expand, leading to your pipes breaking. If you have a pool, shut down the system and prepare it for winter. Get last-minute pool work done in the fall if you need to.    ## 2. Check sprinklers, blow out, and turn off Outside water faucets are vulnerable and unprotected from the elements, so ensure that your sprinklers are blown out and turned off before wintertime. They can freeze over, and water left in the sprinkler lines can also expand, just like the hose line, and this damage can be costly. Disconnecting your hose/sprinklers could save you hundreds of dollars in damage, repairs, or replacing broken lines in the spring.  You can do a basic line drain by shutting off the water valve to your outside spigot and going outside to open the exterior spigot valve and let the water drain out of the line. If water freezes, it has room to expand without bursting. Don't turn on the water until next spring.    ## 3. Check around your home for cracked caulking Wood has to be protected from the elements or else it will deteriorate fast. Go around and look for cracked caulking. Make sure to seal up any caulking that doesn’t seem to be on your home well. Be sure to use clear caulking; that way, you don’t need to repaint the area. Don’t use siliconized caulking - it can be bad for the paint. ![](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20170910_115111-jpg.jpeg?width=392&name=20170910_115111-jpg.jpeg) If you leave lousy caulking up over winter, it can very easily lead to water damage throughout your home. Water from snow can get in the cracks and start to rot the wood. We recommend using Sher-max caulk, which comes in white & clear coloring. ### ![](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Caulk-jpg.jpeg?width=370&name=Caulk-jpg.jpeg) ## 4. Pressure wash your home If possible, use a pressure washer to wash the exterior of your home 1-2 times per year. You can rent a power washer, or hire somebody to come out and do it for you, for a reasonable price. The wood on decks is pressure-treated or rot-resistant.  Pressure washing your home can help extend the life of the paint you have on your home. It also helps show more damage that you have, like lousy caulking or peeling paint. ## 5. Check for peeling paint Peeling paint seems like something you would want to leave alone, but that can damage your home. After the power wash, walk around and check for peeling paint. Use a putty knife or a 5-in-1 to scrape the peeling paint off. After the scraping, you’ll want to prime it and then put another coat of paint over top of it. ![](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PeelingPaintVictoria-e1581537559360-jpg.jpeg?width=395&name=PeelingPaintVictoria-e1581537559360-jpg.jpeg) Peeling paint on your home allows water to penetrate behind the paint and rot the wood. Peeling away some of the paint and correcting those areas will stop the wood from rotting. Repairing rotted wood costs homeowners anywhere from $800-$1,200.   ## 6. Take care of your lawn Yard care is always essential, but before winter, it’s vital! Now is the time to aerate your yard, rake away all leaves, Remove furniture from the lawn, etc. If you don’t spend time on your lawn before winter, the snow and temperature can harm your lawn come springtime. Leaving things on the grass can kill the grass, which is a pain to fix in the spring!   ## 7. Cover or put away furniture The best way to protect furniture is by putting it away in a garage or a shed. If you don’t have free space to house your furniture, cover them with quality furniture covers. ![](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Montlake-Lifestyle-Large-jpg.jpeg?width=489&name=Montlake-Lifestyle-Large-jpg.jpeg) Even outdoor weather-resistant furniture has a hard time in Nebraska winters. Taking care of it will help it last longer and could save you up to thousands of dollars!   At Brush & Roll Painting, we know that home painting is a serious investment. We also believe that any paint job is only as good as the prep. If you want a quality paint job that will stand the test of time, give us a call at (402) 932-9764 or [schedule an estimate online](https://brushandrollpainting.com/schedule-an-estimate/).   [ Bill Carlson ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/admin) Bill is the owner and operator of Brush & Roll Painting. Bill Carlson is a second-generation painter. He grew up working with his father’s painting and restoration company. After graduating from Bennington High School, he served in the US Navy, traveling with the boxing team. While this was a great opportunity to see the world, it also made him realize how much he loved his little world here in Nebraska. He settled back into the painting industry, working with his brother. It wasn’t long before Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to start his own business. Always one for a challenge, he longed to prove to himself that he could be as successful on his own as both his dad and brother were. Topics: [ Exterior Painting ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/exterior-painting) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles [![Exterior of house in Omaha, NE with a ladder against it in the process of being painted by Brush & Roll Painting.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Havens%20during%201.jpg?width=1280&height=721&name=Havens%20during%201.jpg) ### 9 Things To Do Before Exterior House Painting July 6th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/9-things-to-do-before-exterior-house-painting-omaha) [![Caulk on the outside of a home before painting in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6018.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_6018.jpg) ### Why Your Exterior Caulk Is Cracking After One Year June 22nd, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-your-exterior-caulk-is-cracking-after-one-year) [![Kitchen cabinets freshly stained a darker color in a kitchen with oak cabinets in Omaha Nebraska.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kreis-after-2.jpg?width=1280&height=960&name=Kreis-after-2.jpg) ### What Paint Project Makes the Biggest Difference in a Home? June 15th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/what-paint-project-makes-the-biggest-difference-in-a-home) [![Room with freshly painted cool off white walls inside a office in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1000068190.jpg?width=4000&height=1868&name=1000068190.jpg) ### Why Are There So Many Shades of White for Paint? June 8th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-are-there-so-many-shades-of-white-for-paint) [![Painter taping off trim in a hallway before painting walls in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_8410.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=IMG_8410.jpg) ### Does Prep Work or Paint Cost More for Painting in Omaha, NE? June 5th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/does-prep-work-or-paint-cost-more-for-painting-in-omaha-ne) [![Brush & Roll Painting painters shirt with phone number 402-932-9764.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_8637.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=IMG_8637.jpg) ### How to Know If a Painter Is Insured and Legit June 1st, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/how-to-know-if-a-painter-is-insured-and-legit-omaha) [![White paint being rolled onto a wall inside or outside of a home in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size%20(7)-1.png?width=800&height=418&name=Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size%20(7)-1.png) ### Should You Water Down Paint Before House Painting? May 27th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/should-you-water-down-paint-before-house-painting-omaha) [![Brick mason fireplace inside a home before being painted or limewashed white.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-May-20-2026-01-57-20-6955-PM.png?width=800&height=418&name=Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-May-20-2026-01-57-20-6955-PM.png) ### Painting Over Masonry: How Long to Wait Before Painting Brick or Stone May 20th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/painting-over-masonry-how-long-to-wait-before-painting-brick-or-stone) [![Exterior of house in the rain in Omaha, Ne after being painted.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size%20(2)-Sep-20-2024-01-43-26-0356-PM.png?width=800&height=418&name=Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size%20(2)-Sep-20-2024-01-43-26-0356-PM.png) ### Can Rain Ruin Your New Exterior House Paint? May 13th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/can-rain-ruin-your-new-exterior-house-paint) [![Brush & Roll Painting painter applying paint to exterior of house in Omaha, Nebraska.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_8718-1.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=IMG_8718-1.jpg) ### Is Your Painter Rushing Your Painting Project? May 11th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/is-your-painter-rushing-your-painting-project) [![Exterior of house faded from sage green paint with a chalky white faded paint in Omaha area.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ott%20Before%2010.jpg?width=4546&height=3132&name=Ott%20Before%2010.jpg) ### Why is Your Exterior Paint Fading on One Side of Your House? May 4th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-is-your-exterior-paint-fading-on-one-side-of-your-house) [![Room inside a home in the process of being painted after new window installation in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Klemmensen-during-3-1.jpg?width=1280&height=721&name=Klemmensen-during-3-1.jpg) ### Should You Paint Before or After Replacing Windows? April 22nd, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/should-you-paint-before-or-after-replacing-windows) [![Grey exterior siding painted in Omaha, NE with white trim and garage doors and black accents.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Joens%20After%201.jpeg?width=5712&height=4284&name=Joens%20After%201.jpeg) ### Exterior Painting in Omaha: What This Home Cost and Why April 20th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/exterior-painting-in-omaha-what-this-home-cost-and-why) [![Wood siding painted a brown greyish color in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size%20(1)-Mar-27-2026-02-08-12-9646-PM.png?width=800&height=418&name=Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size%20(1)-Mar-27-2026-02-08-12-9646-PM.png) ### Should You Paint or Replace Wood Siding in Omaha, NE? March 27th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/painting-vs-replacing-wood-home-siding-in-omaha-ne) [![Painter moving a ladder outside of a house exterior being painted in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_8656.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=IMG_8656.jpg) ### Can You Paint the Exterior of a House in the Winter in Omaha? March 18th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/can-you-paint-the-exterior-of-a-house-in-the-winter-in-omaha) [![Living room walls painted a light blue color and ceiling painted white with white trim inside of a home in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1000013362.jpg?width=2048&height=1153&name=1000013362.jpg) ### Why Do Painting Quotes Vary So Much Between Painters? March 11th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-do-painting-quotes-vary-so-much-between-painters) [![Sage green painted house with lots of white caulk in gaps and in sunken nail holes before re painting the home in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6023.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_6023.jpg) ### What a $8,000 Exterior Painting Project Includes in Omaha, NE February 13th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/what-a-8000-exterior-painting-project-includes-in-omaha-ne) [![Brush & Roll Painting painter looking at kitchen cabinet painting photos with a homeowner at a home show at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A7301978.jpg?width=5791&height=3734&name=A7301978.jpg) ### Are There Painters at Omaha Home Shows? February 6th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/are-there-painters-at-omaha-home-shows) [![Room with freshly painted white walls, trim, and ceiling and boxes and totes in the middle of the room.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jan-30-2026-04-37-16-0691-PM.png?width=800&height=418&name=Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jan-30-2026-04-37-16-0691-PM.png) ### How To Prepare Your Home To Sell With Painting January 30th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-to-sell-with-painting) [![Benjamin Moore technical data sheets for Regal select and Element guard exterior paint.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4253.jpg?width=3703&height=2777&name=IMG_4253.jpg) ### How to Use a Paint Technical Data Sheet January 23rd, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/how-to-use-a-paint-technical-data-sheet) [![White painted exterior home with black trim.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ehlers%20after%201-1.jpg?width=5476&height=3651&name=Ehlers%20after%201-1.jpg) ### 16 Popular Neutral Exterior House Paint Colors in 2026 January 12th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/light-exterior-home-paint-shades) [![Exterior of beige house with white trim in Omaha, NE with a red front door.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/front%20door.jpg?width=4928&height=3264&name=front%20door.jpg) ### 2026 Front Door Paint Color Trends in Omaha, NE January 9th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/front-door-paint-color-trends) [![Benjamin Moore photo illustrating the 2026 color palette.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-01-12%20at%203.08.01%20PM.png?width=1326&height=806&name=Screenshot%202026-01-12%20at%203.08.01%20PM.png) ### 2026 Paint Color of The Year January 1st, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/color-trends-of-the-year) [![Backside of a house with exterior that has been painted a dark brown with a redish tone. The windows have dark black trim and the down spouts are beige. The home is in Omaha, NE painted by Brush & Roll Painting.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Media%205-B8BA198A-DCAE-4D2D-859A-AAA38F180869.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=Media%205-B8BA198A-DCAE-4D2D-859A-AAA38F180869.jpg) ### Exterior Paint Warranty & Maintenance: How to Keep Your Home Protected December 29th, 2025|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/exterior-paint-warranty-maintenance-how-to-keep-your-home-protected) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bill Carlson", "url" : "https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/admin" }, "dateModified" : "2022-10-04T18:34:12.059Z", "datePublished" : "2022-01-03T21:26:23.000Z", "headline" : "How to Prepare Your Home's Exterior for Winter", "image" : [ "https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/tracy-adams-ljrQbQoOqhk-unsplash.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/how-to-prep-your-homes-exterior-for-winter", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/logo-1.png" }, "name" : "Brush & Roll Painting" } } ```