Are You Ready for Winter Storage. Get Ready It’s around The Corner…
Most homeowners will approach winter hoping for the best but fearing the worst. However, that’s the wrong approach. The right one is to take proactive steps.
Your home has several parts which are vulnerable to the weather both on the outside and inside. When you prepare for the worse, it makes alleviating stress easier when temperatures hit sub-zero. In this article, we will look at five home maintenance tasks you should do now before winter sets in.
Your Lawn’s Winter Preparation
You will want to pay some attention to your lawn before it goes under a thick blanket of snow. If the shrubs and brushes are under your home’s roofline, use a wood cover to protect them. You can both make and buy these A-frame protectors which are generally made from wood slats and hinges.
Even though the lawn may disappear during the winter, it is still under there. So, make sure to feed your grass so that once the snow melts in spring, it can bounce right back. That’s why some late fall treatment may be all that’s required to start enjoying that lush green grass again.
Don’t damage your car this winter!
A Furnace Inspection
You shouldn’t wait until the winter to start before switching on the heating system. Ideally, test and ensure that it is ready to keep you warm a month before when winter sets in. Make sure the furnace is inspected and serviced.
Filters should be replaced regularly and consider installing filters on every hot air register, which reduces debris and dust. Make sure to test and clean the fireplace, pellet stove, wood stove, or anything else you use for heating. Preventive maintenance will help to reduce costs and ensure efficient heating.
Roof Preparation
Ask yourself, can the roof handle a foot of snow this year? If it is over a decade old, then you will want to get it inspected by a professional. If you see cracks, broken shingles, etc., those indicate that your roof requires professional attention right away. Make sure to check the flashing around the vents. If anything appears damaged or seems to be pulled away, it has to be fixed.
Also, check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear of all debris. That way the melting ice will clear quickly without causing flooding on the roof.
Fixing Drafty Windows and Doors
If your home is inefficient at insulating hot air, your bills will skyrocket because the cost of ensuring comfort is higher. Draft is the no.1 reason why your home is cold despite running the heating all day long. Check all your windows and doors for drafts. You’ll also want to check less frequented areas like the spare bedroom and basement. Once drafty spots are found use weather stripping or some quality caulk to seal them off.
If you have a room that’s not frequently used like a store or bedroom, that room can be sealed off completely. Simply use a draft stopper which can be either made at home or purchased for next to nothing.
Put Away Stuff You Don’t Need
If you live in the part of the US where winter lasts for a good five months if not more, then make sure that you make space for winter-related stuff in your home by clearing away summer items. You will want to store away summer clothes, pedestal fans, and other stuff that’s not used during the winter. If you have a small home, then a personal storage solution should be worth considering. That way, everything you want to store away is kept safely away from the home.
Some people may also want to consider storing away large items like their convertible, bicycle, moped, etc. which aren’t generally used during the winter. Make sure that all items are cleaned thoroughly, wrapped properly, and then stored away in your personal storage. So, when the time comes, they are ready to use right out of storage.
Conclusion
Many people overlook the importance of preparing for winter. However, if you prepare for the cold months, it is possible to avoid a lot of the hassle and issues associated with the season. That said, above are only some of the most important considerations. There are several other things you should be taking care of before winter starts. If required, make a list and work through the list at least a month before winter like perhaps in August or September would be the best time to start preparing.
