Don’t be fooled by the moderate temperatures here in Portland, it’s getting chillier every passing day. We will have freezing weather before you know it. So, here are a few ways to prepare your home and roof for the upcoming chilly temperatures: 
Prepare the four “P’s.” That is: people, pets, pipes, and plants.
- Be sure you are equipped to handle the cold with coats, long johns, pants, warm socks, and more. Also, if you have elderly neighbors or neighbors who are new to the area, be sure to check in on them.
- Make sure any outdoor pets you have are brought indoors or are given appropriate facilities to weather out the chill.
- Move any cold-sensitive outdoor plants indoors or prune them down as appropriate.
- Disconnect your hose and cover outdoor pipes with insulation.
Ensure your roof is ventilated. Even though it’s cold, your roof still needs a fully operational ventilation system to keep moisture from building up in the winter and causing problems.
Seal up cracks. Locate and seal up any cracks in your home’s window caulking, attic insulation, and other areas. This will help you keep the warm air in and the cold air outside.
Get your ducts, chimney, roof, and gutters cleaned. It’s a great idea to get any area which will see heavy use over the winter cleaned out and ready. Gutter and roof cleaning is a vital action – and is generally easier to do before an actual freeze.
Inspect problem areas. Don’t sit back and worry about any problem area in your home. If you are worried about a leak, get your roof checked out. If you are concerned about your furnace, have it serviced. No matter the problem, don’t just let it go and hope it will take care of itself.
No matter what you do, consider your safety and the safety of those around you first. If any of the above actions make you nervous or are something you don’t think you can properly do yourself, hire a professional.