February Maintenance - Midwest
Still cold, still dark, but spring is coming. Get ahead of the thaw.
February is the home stretch of winter. You’re tired of it, your house is tired of it, but there’s still work to do. These tasks will set you up for an easier spring.
This Month’s Focus
1. Check for Ice Dams
If you see thick ridges of ice along your roof edges, you’ve got ice dams. They can force water under your shingles.
- Look for icicles hanging from gutters (bad sign)
- Check attic for water stains on rafters
- Consider roof raking if snow is deep
Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 30 minutes inspection
Something not working right? Diagnose roof issues →
2. Inspect Weather Stripping
Open your doors and windows during daylight. See light around the edges? That’s where your heating money is going.
- Replace worn door sweeps
- Add foam tape to drafty windows
- Caulk obvious gaps
Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 1-2 hours
3. Test Garage Door Safety
Cold weather can affect garage door sensors and springs. Test the auto-reverse function:
- Place a 2x4 flat under the door
- Hit close—should reverse when it touches the wood
- If it doesn’t, something needs adjustment
Difficulty: 🔧 | Time: 10 minutes
4. Clean Dryer Vent
Lint buildup is a fire hazard and makes your dryer work harder. February’s a good time to tackle this since you’ve been running it constantly.
Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 30-45 minutes
5. Order Seeds and Plan Garden
Not exactly maintenance, but if you have a garden, now’s the time to plan. Seed catalogs should be arriving.
The Bottom Line
February is about finishing strong on winter maintenance and starting to think about spring. The thaw is coming—make sure your house is ready for it.