A Home Inspector’s Guide to Preparing Your Home for Fall in the North Lake Tahoe Region

At 7,000 feet in the North Lake Tahoe region, fall is more than just a season—it’s the most important time to prepare your home for winter. Between heavy snow, intense UV exposure, and strong Sierra winds, small maintenance items now can prevent costly repairs later. This guide highlights key steps every homeowner should take to get winter-ready, based on years of inspection experience in our unique high-alpine environment.

Remember to download our Lake Tahoe Area Fall Home Prep Checklist at the bottom of the article.

1. Fortify Your Roof & Gutters

• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams this winter—clogged systems plus trapped snow are a recipe for water damage

• Inspect roof and flashings for cracked, missing, or curling shingles. High UV exposure at altitude accelerates wear, so don’t skip this

• Check attic insulation and ventilation—improper heat flow leads to snow melt and refreeze at eaves, forming dangerous ice dams

2. Seal, Trim & Weatherproof

• Inspect windows and doors for drafts; replace weatherstripping and caulk gaps to boost warmth and reduce energy costs

• Check CO detectors and smoke alarms, swap batteries, and test them—winter heating increases fire risk.

• Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent them from collapsing under snow weight or being ripped off by gusty winds

3. Protect Pipes & Water Fixtures

• Shut off and drain exterior faucets and hoses, then insulate pipes prone to freezing. Frozen exterior plumbing = costly repairs

• Insulate vulnerable interior pipes, especially those running along exterior walls or in unheated spaces

4. Service Interiors & Safety Systems

• Get a pro to inspect and clean your chimney/fireplace, crucial for safe heating during colder months

• Schedule your furnace/HVAC maintenance and replace filters, so your heating is ready before the freeze

• Flush the hot water heater to eliminate sediment and extend its lifespan—fall is the ideal time

5. Prep Outdoors & Safety

• Stock up on winter essentials—shovels, ice melt, emergency lighting, blankets—power outages are real up here

• Test snow removal tools (snowblower, etc.) ahead of time so you’re not surprised by storms

• Inspect walkways, stairs, railings, and repair cracks to prevent ice-related surprises

Why It Matters at 7,000 ft in North Lake Tahoe

Living at high altitude means homes face unique challenges. Heavy snow combined with intense UV exposure accelerates roof wear, making regular inspections and maintenance critical.

In addition, powerful Sierra winds can bring down branches.  Make sure your service entrance conductors have at least 18” clearance from branches.  The utility company will trim - just call.

This is where local expertise matters most. Homeowners in North Lake Tahoe deal with conditions—deep snowpack, dramatic temperature swings, and limited winter access—that can turn small oversights into expensive problems. Guidance from professionals who understand the region ensures your home is truly ready for the season.

Download the Lake Tahoe Area Fall Home Prep Checklist below:

Fall Home Prep Checklist flyer.pdf

Download PDF • 1.73MB