As the days get shorter and the air a little cooler, we can all feel the winter season drawing near. You know what that means! It’s time to start preparing our home for that harsh cold weather, icy conditions and a whole lot of snow. Let’s get started!
Clean the gutters:
Clogged gutters can prevent the draining of any rain or melted snow. This is why it is necessary to get rid of any fallen leaves, twigs or dirt. Cleaning your gutters will also avoid any future household leaks.
Inspect around your home’s exterior:
Start by inspecting the roof, as well as all of the windows and doors for leaks. Make sure you roll up all of the garden hoses and turn off any outdoor faucets. Ensure the downspouts are draining away from your home, to prevent from any water damage. Finally, bring in your plants to a more controlled temperature.
Prepare your fireplace:
With the help of a flashlight, make sure there is no buildup (i.e. birds’ nests, cobwebs etc.) inside the chimney. You must also ensure that the damper opens and closes tightly. Clean out last year’s ashes and remember to stock up on firewood and kindling!
Stock up on your outdoor tools:
We recommend stocking up on bags of salt and sand, for those extremely icy days! Shovels, snow blowers and car brushes should also be kept close by. You wouldn’t want to be caught off guard during that very first snowstorm of the season, right?
Winterize your garden:
Any overgrown bushes should be properly trimmed and kept away from any electrical wires. Next, you should get rid of any leaves from your trees or shrubs, or better yet, use them as mulch! Oh, and don’t forget to wrap your shrubs to protect them from the cold!
Store your patio set:
There is no way your outdoor furniture is surviving the harsh winter weather. Therefore, we strongly suggest you either store it in your shed or wrap it securely.
Seal your driveway:
No one wants to go through the hassle of asphalt repair or pavement replacement. Seal coating will help you avoid having to go through all of this ordeal. It is well worth your time and money!
Garage cleanup:
Winter gives you a reason to clean up your messy garage and make space so you can use it to store your car away on those really cold days.
Now that your home is prepared for the upcoming winter, you can sit back, put your feet up and enjoy the warmth of the flickering fire.
