Sacramento winters bring rain, wind, and the occasional cold snap. Small fixes now prevent leaks, outages, and emergencies later. Use this guide to keep your home safe, warm, and dry—with simple steps you can do today and pro help when you need it.
Quick Start Checklist
- Test smoke and CO alarms; replace batteries
- Set water heater to 120°
- Replace furnace filter; clear supply/return vents
- Seal door/window drafts (weather-strip + caulk)
- Clean and flush gutters; add downspout extensions
- Wrap exposed pipes and cover hose bibs
- Make a mini outage kit (flashlight, power bank, meds)
1) Safety First: Alarms, Heat, and Emergencies
- CO & smoke alarms: One on each level and near bedrooms. Press “test.” Swap batteries now.
- Space heater rules: 3-ft clearance, tip-over shutoff, no extension cords. Turn off when you sleep or leave.
- Water heater: 120°F prevents scalds and saves energy.
- Know your shutoffs: Find and label the main water and gas shutoff.
Need a guided review? A home inspection company can assess safety items and send a photo report.
2) Stop Drafts Fast (Comfort + Lower Bills)
- Feel for cold air at doors, windows, baseboards, outlets.
- Weather-strip doors and operable windows.
- Caulk small gaps (≤¼").
- Seal attic hatch edges and recessed lights with approved gaskets
Next step: Boost comfort for years by upgrading insulation and sealing gaps.
3) Keep Water Out: Roof, Flashing, and Gutters
- Clean gutters/downspouts; flush with a hose.
- Check flashing at vents, skylights, and chimneys. Replace cracked boots or loose counter-flashing.
- Add downspout extensions 4–6 ft from the foundation.
- Trim branches that drop debris or rub shingles.
See issues? Get help at Roof & Gutter Repair.
4) Prevent Dry Rot (Fix Moisture, Then Wood)
- Look for soft sills, peeling/rippled paint under eaves, musty smells near decks or ledgers.
- Stop the moisture source first (leak, overflow, bad flashing).
- Replace damaged wood; prime bare wood before painting.
Permanent fixes: Dry Rot Repair.
5) Drainage Basics for Big Rains
- Grade soil to slope away: ~6" drop over 10'.
- Clear area and French drains; test outlets.
- Add splash blocks or extensions at every downspout.
- Keep sandbags ready if you have known puddle zones.
6) Protect Pipes from Cold Snaps
- Wrap exposed copper/PEX; cover hose bibs.
- Use heat tape where needed (follow instructions).
- On freeze warnings, let a distant cold-water faucet drip.
- If a pipe bursts: shut the main, cut power to affected circuits if needed, call for help.
Water inside? Fast response at Water Restoration Services.
7) HVAC: Safe Heat, Fewer Breakdowns
- Replace furnace filters now; set a reminder every 1–3 months.
- Program smart thermostat schedules.
- Keep returns and registers open and unblocked.
- If you smell gas, hear grinding, or have uneven heat, schedule a safety check.
For lasting comfort, pair tune-ups with Insulation & Air Sealing.
8) Indoor Air & Fireplace Tips
- Run bath and kitchen fans while cooking/showering and for 20–30 minutes after.
- Aim for 35–50% indoor humidity.
- Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use; have chimneys inspected/cleaned.
9) Simple Outage Kit
Keep one tote you can grab in the dark. Update it every 6 months.
Essentials
- LED flashlight or headlamp + spare batteries
- Battery lantern for room light
- Phone power bank (charged) + car charger + cables
- Basic first-aid kit + needed meds (3–5 days)
- Bottled water and simple snacks
- Printed emergency contacts and insurance info
- Multi-tool, work gloves, duct tape, plastic sheeting, painter’s tape
- Rain ponchos and rubber boots
Nice to have (storms & cleanup)
- Small tarp, zip ties, utility knife
- Microfiber towels and zip-top bags for small leaks
- Hand-crank/NOAA weather radio
- Warm blankets and chemical hand warmers
- Wet/dry vac (store with cleanup gear, use once power returns)
Pro tip: Keep sandbags (or empty bags and a local fill plan) if your yard puddles. Never use grills or generators indoors.
Sacramento Winter FAQ
When should I start winter prep?
Now. Late September–October beats the first big rain.
What single upgrade helps most?
Air sealing + attic insulation. Fewer drafts, lower bills.
How do I know my roof is storm-ready?
Look for clogged gutters, lifted shingles, cracked vent boots, or ceiling stains. If you see any, book an inspection.
Are gutter guards worth it with oaks/pines?
Yes—fewer clogs and safer overflows. You’ll still rinse them, just less often.
Can I paint over soft or stained wood?
No. Fix the leak first, replace/repair wood, prime, then paint.
Ceiling stain during a storm—what do I do first?
Move valuables, place a bucket, photograph the damage, and call us. We can tarp, trace, and repair before it spreads.
Will insurance cover storm leaks or water damage?
Often sudden/accidental damage is covered. Document with photos and dates and start mitigation. We provide photo reports and line-item estimates.
Do small repairs need permits?
Many like-for-like fixes don’t; structural, electrical, or major roof work may. We’ll advise based on scope.