How to Prep a House for Winter
Why winter prep matters
As the crisp Minnesota air sets in and the snow starts dancing, your home needs to be ready. Winter can be tough on a house: cold drafts, moisture, shifting temperatures, and the extra stress on your paint, drywall, and overall indoor environment. Proper winter preparation helps you:
• Save energy and lower heating costs
• Prevent moisture damage, mold or drywall cracks
• Preserve your paint finish and protect surfaces
• Make your home comfortable and cozy when the weather outside is truly frightful
That’s where Ballantine Painting & Drywall steps in: a licensed, bonded and insured professional painting and drywall company serving the Twin Cities area since 1986. ballantinepaintinganddrywall.com+1 Their team brings decades of experience in drywall repair, interior and exterior painting, texturing, popcorn‐ceiling removal and more.
Below is a step-by-step guide to winterizing your home—combining DIY checklist items with when it’s smart to call in the pros (like Ballantine).
Assess Exterior Condition
Your home’s exterior is the first line of defense against Minnesota’s harsh winter elements. A thorough exterior assessment helps you spot weak points before they become costly problems.
Clean & Secure Gutters & Downspouts
Leaves, pine needles, and other debris often clog gutters late in the fall. If water cannot flow freely, it may back up and freeze, creating ice dams and forcing water under your roof or siding. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 6–10 feet away from the foundation to avoid basement seepage.
Inspect Siding, Trim & Exterior Paint
Look for peeling or cracking paint, rotted trim, or gaps in siding. When the freeze–thaw cycle hits, these small flaws can enlarge and let in moisture or cold air. High‐quality exterior paint applied properly helps protect your siding and improves curb appeal.
Re-caulk Doors & Windows
Inspect all exterior doors and windows for gaps in caulking or weather stripping. Cold air slipping in increases heating bills and may lead to condensation on your walls and windows, which can damage drywall or paint inside. Re‐caulking and adding door sweeps are cost‐effective winter prep steps.
Examine Interior Surfaces
Inside your home, your paint and drywall may be taking more wear than you realize—especially in rooms with high traffic or inconsistent temperature.
Check for Drywall Cracks & Tape Detachments
Walls and ceilings may shift slightly in cold weather, leading to hairline cracks along drywall joints. If the drywall tape is pulling away or there are bulging seams, this is a signal that professional repair may be required. A company like Ballantine Painting & Drywall can handle drywall repair and texturing to get walls winter-ready.
Touch Up or Repaint Vulnerable Rooms
Entryways, mudrooms, children’s rooms, and high‐traffic hallways are prone to scuffs, marks and moisture exposure. A fresh coat of paint with a finish designed to hold up in winter conditions (semi‐gloss or satin) helps protect surfaces and brighten things during the shorter daylight hours.
Address Moisture & Insulation Issues
Moisture problems often worsen in winter. Cold, damp basements and poorly ventilated attics can cause drywall damage, mold growth or energy inefficiency.
Inspect Basement Walls & Drywall for Signs of Damp
Look for discoloration, warping drywall or efflorescence (white powdery mineral deposits). These are signs that water is seeping in or humidity is too high. Fixing this early prevents damage to drywall and paint finishes.
Check Attic Hatches, Insulation & Ventilation
Insufficient insulation or blocked vents may lead to ice dams or heat loss through your roof. A properly insulated and ventilated attic helps keep the temperature consistent and prevents structural stress that could damage ceilings and drywall.
Prepare Paint Surfaces for Winter Wear
Proper paint preparation now helps your home look good and withstand winter’s punch.
Choose Paint with Proper Finish & Durability
For indoors, choose finishes that clean easily and resist wear—especially in rooms where snow boots, hats and gloves are tracked in. Outdoors, select paint formulated for colder climate performance. Professional painters like Ballantine have access to high-quality coatings and know how to apply them for longevity.
Schedule Exterior Painting Before Freeze
Winter does not wait. Once temperatures dip and daylight shortens, paint curing becomes more difficult. If your exterior paint is peeling or faded, scheduling a professional exterior repaint in late fall gives the best chance of proper application before winter fully sets in.
Hire a Professional: When & Why
When should you call in the pros—rather than attempt DIY?
Signs You Need a Pro Drywall Painter
• Large cracks, bulging seams or noticeable damage in drywall
• Multiple rooms needing repaint and drywall repair
• Exterior siding or trim with extensive peeling paint
• Desire for a high-quality finish and durable outcome
What Ballantine Painting & Drywall Brings to the Table
Located at 4569 209th Ave NE, East Bethel, MN 55011, Ballantine has been serving the Twin Cities region since 1986. They’re licensed, bonded, insured, EPA certified, and members of the Professional Decorators and Contractors Association (PDCA). Their services include drywall hanging, taping, texturing, interior/exterior painting, popcorn ceiling removal, wall-covering removal, and more. They’re known for attention to detail, reliability and strong customer service.
If you’re thinking: “This might be more than I can tackle,” it’s a smart move to reach out for a free estimate.
Final Maintenance Checklist for Winter
Here’s a handy checklist to follow as winter approaches and throughout the season:
Indoor Checklist
• Replace HVAC filters and ensure system is running efficiently
• Set indoor humidity around 35-45% (too high leads to condensation)
• Inspect door sweeps, seals, and caulking around windows
• Keep boots and wet gear out of high-traffic painted areas
• Monitor rooms for the first signs of drywall cracks or paint peeling
Outdoor Checklist
• Clear snow and ice promptly to avoid excess moisture near foundation
• Inspect exterior after storms: look for paint/trim damage, siding gaps
• Secure downspouts and ensure water is diverted away from home
• If you haven’t yet, schedule any exterior painting or siding repairs
FAQs
When is the best time to schedule exterior painting for winter prep?
Late summer to early fall is ideal. Once temperatures stay above 50 °F and drying time is sufficient, you’ll get a better finish. For Minnesota, aim for early fall before prolonged cold sets in.
How can I tell if my drywall needs professional repair?
Look for cracks wider than a hairline, tape lifting, bulging seams, water stains, or soft spots. These suggest structural or moisture issues that DIY patching won’t fully solve.
Does painting the exterior really make a difference in winter heating costs?
Yes — while paint doesn’t insulate, a well-sealed, intact exterior finish helps reduce drafts, moisture intrusion, and heat loss from gaps around trim, siding or windows. Combined with good insulation, you’ll see benefits.
My basement walls have minor damp spots—do I need drywall repair?
Minor damp spots may be manageable by improving drainage and humidity control, but if drywall is warping, mold is present, or water is recurring, professional repair and finishing would be wise.
What interior paint finish works best during winter?
In high-use areas (entry, mudroom, hallway), a semi-gloss or satin finish is durable and easy to clean. In bedrooms and living rooms, a matte or eggshell may be preferred for aesthetics—but ensure the paint is high quality.
Why choose Ballantine Painting & Drywall instead of a general handyman?
They offer decades of focused expertise in painting and drywall, are licensed/bonded/insured, accredited by the BBB (A+ rating) bbb.org, and have experience handling the unique cold-climate demands of Minnesota homes.
Conclusion
Getting your house ready for winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a practical plan and the right professional help, you can step into the season knowing your home is protected, comfortable and looking its best. From exterior paint and caulking to interior drywall and painting, taking action now saves you time, money and headaches later.
If you’re in the East Bethel / Twin Cities area and need help prepping your home for winter – especially with drywall or painting needs – consider reaching out to Ballantine Painting & Drywall for a free consultation.
Matt Ballantine - Ballantine Painting & Drywall
Post written by AI - Approved by BPDW
