January in Illinois brings some of the harshest weather of the year for your home’s exterior. Between heavy snow accumulation and fluctuating temperatures, your roof and windows are under constant pressure. Use this checklist to ensure your home stays warm, dry, and efficient throughout the coldest months.

1. Stop Ice Dams Before They Start

Ice dams occur when heat escapes into your attic and melts the snow on your roof, which then refreezes at the gutters. This creates a backup of water that can seep under your shingles and into your drywall.

• Clear the Edges: Use a long-handled roof rake to carefully remove snow from the bottom three to four feet of your roof.

• Check the Attic: Ensure your attic insulation is at least 12 inches deep to keep heat inside your living space rather than heating your roof deck.

• Clear Gutter Debris: Even in winter, ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of sticks or ice chunks so melting snow can flow away from your foundation.

2. Boost Energy Efficiency and Lower Utility Bills

If you feel a draft when sitting near your windows, your heating system is working harder than it needs to.

• Window Seal Check: Inspect for condensation or fogging between window panes, which indicates a seal failure.

• Lock Your Windows: Simply locking your windows helps pull the sashes tighter against the weatherstripping to reduce air leakage.

• Leverage Tax Credits: Many homeowners are unaware that energy efficient upgrades made recently may qualify for tax credits when filing in early 2026.

3. Interior and Safety Maintenance

Since we spend more time indoors during January, this is the best time to handle critical safety tasks.

• Test Your Detectors: Check both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly during peak heating season.

• Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set your fans to spin clockwise at a low speed to push warm air trapped at the ceiling back down into the room.

• Inspect for Moisture: Check your attic and basement for any signs of black mold or water stains that could indicate a slow leak from a damaged shingle or pipe.

The Stan’s Care Club Difference

Winter is when a Stan’s Care Club membership truly proves its value. While other homeowners are out in the cold with roof rakes, our members have already had their professional winterization checks. We inspect your roof, attic, and seals so you can stay warm and worry-free.