Before the Snow Arrives: 5 Outdoor Checks That Can Reduce Winter
Mid-September along the Wasatch Front is a useful transition point.
The hottest part of summer is fading, leaves are beginning to change, and winter still feels far enough away that outdoor maintenance is manageable.
That makes this a good time to look around your property for things that could become problems once wind, rain, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures arrive.
This is not about trying to make a home “storm-proof.” No maintenance checklist can prevent every type of damage.
The goal is simpler: identify obvious weak points now, while you still have time to address them.
Here are five areas worth checking before winter weather settles in.
1. Look Up at the Trees Around Your Home
Trees provide valuable shade during Utah summers, but damaged or poorly positioned branches can become a concern during wind and snow events.
Walk around your property and look for:
Dead or broken branches
Limbs hanging over the roof
Branches touching siding or gutters
Cracked or split limbs
Trees that appear to be leaning differently than before
Hanging branches left behind by summer storms
You do not need to climb the tree yourself.
Large branches, trees near power lines, and anything that requires significant climbing should be evaluated by a qualified tree professional.
Why check now?
Snow and wind add stress to branches that may already be weakened.
A branch that looks manageable on a dry September afternoon can become a very different problem when it is loaded with wet snow.
Removing obvious hazards before winter can also help protect:
Roofing
Gutters
Windows
Vehicles
Fences
Outdoor equipment
2. Secure the Things Winter Wind Can Move
Patio season does not end all at once.
That means outdoor furniture, umbrellas, grills, planters, decorations, toys, and other items often remain outside long after summer is over.
Before winter storms begin, take inventory.
Pay particular attention to:
Patio umbrellas
Lightweight furniture
Trampolines
Empty planters
Yard decorations
Temporary canopies
Loose building materials
Garbage and recycling containers
Store, secure, or relocate items that could move during strong winds.
An object does not have to travel very far to damage siding, windows, fences, or vehicles.
A few minutes of preparation can remove unnecessary hazards from the property.
3. Check Where Water Goes Around the House
We have talked about drainage before because it remains one of the most important parts of protecting a property along the Wasatch Front.
You do not need another complete drainage overhaul this week.
Instead, perform a quick winter-readiness check.
After watering or rainfall, look for water collecting:
Next to the foundation
Near basement windows
Around window wells
At the bottom of downspouts
On patios sloping toward the house
In low spots close to exterior walls
Make sure downspouts are still directing water away from the foundation and have not been knocked loose during summer.
The important question is:
When water reaches this property, where does it go?
If the answer is “toward the house,” that deserves attention before rain, snowmelt, and frozen ground make drainage more complicated.
4. Walk the Roofline From the Ground
You do not need to climb onto the roof to perform a basic visual check.
From the ground—or with binoculars if necessary—look at the roofline and exterior for obvious changes.
Watch for:
Missing or visibly damaged shingles
Loose flashing
Sagging or separated gutters
Damaged fascia
Loose siding or trim
Branches resting on the roof
Visible damage from previous wind or hail
If something looks questionable, have it inspected by an appropriate roofing or exterior professional.
Why the roofline matters
Small exterior weaknesses may not create an immediate problem during calm weather.
Wind-driven rain, snow, and repeated winter weather can expose openings that were easy to overlook during summer.
This is a good time to find them.
5. Make a Plan for the First Major Storm
Preparation is not only about maintenance.
It is also about knowing what you will do if damage occurs.
Before winter, make sure your household knows:
Where the main water shutoff is
Where important insurance information is stored
How to safely document property damage
Who to call for fallen trees or damaged utilities
When to stay away from a damaged area
Who to contact if water enters the structure
Never approach downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment.
If a storm creates an immediate safety hazard, contact the appropriate emergency or utility service before entering the affected area.
What to Check After a Storm
Once conditions are safe, take a walk around the property.
Look for new changes such as:
Missing roofing materials
Broken tree limbs
Damaged gutters
Water entering around windows or doors
Ceiling or wall staining
Wet flooring
Damaged siding
Standing water near the foundation
Take photographs before moving or removing damaged materials when it is safe to do so.
Documentation can help you track what changed and may also be useful if an insurance claim becomes necessary.
When Exterior Damage Becomes Interior Water Damage
Storm damage is not always obvious.
A damaged roof, flashing detail, window, or exterior opening may allow water into parts of the building that are difficult to see.
Possible signs include:
New ceiling stains
Bubbling paint
Damp drywall
Wet insulation
Musty odors
Swollen trim or flooring
Water appearing around windows
Stopping the exterior source is one part of the repair.
If building materials became wet, the affected area may also need moisture evaluation, drying, cleaning, and repair.
Simply fixing the roof or exterior opening does not necessarily tell you whether everything inside the structure is dry.
Do Not Wait for the First Snowstorm
September gives Wasatch Front homeowners something winter does not:
time.
Time to trim a questionable branch.
Time to secure outdoor items.
Time to have exterior damage inspected.
Time to correct an obvious drainage issue.
And time to make a response plan before weather creates an emergency.
A short exterior walk-through now can help you enter winter with a better understanding of your property’s weak points.
If wind, rain, snow, or another storm has already caused damage to your home or business, Apex Restoration provides 24/7 property restoration across the Wasatch Front.
Our team handles Water, Fire, Sewer backup, and Mold cleanup, along with repairs and reconstruction when needed.
(801) 513-1137
We Restore. You Recover.