Mother Nature is fast readying another winter spread, with those long nights and short spells of sunshine inbuilt. The journey through winter will be tough and it will be hard to survive if your shelter can’t stand the fierce weather. You need to be ready, because you have some fall cleanup to do before the chill sets in. With yet another winter closing in, you would want your family to enjoy the time, with the warmth, comfort, less energy bills and household repairs. And, in the meantime, you do not also want to mess up the vacation funds.
An eagle-eye quality check can promise a good winter. That could mean warmer get-togethers beside the fire place and money savings too. We suggest you better start winterizing yourselves, beginning with the outdoors and exteriors of your home. If you have your sweet sensitive plants potted around your yard, move them to the sheltered indoors, so that they survive the plummeting mercury levels. Trim the trees in your courtyard too.
There isn’t any scope for argument when it comes to preparing your home for the winter. There may be times when you know you have problems staring you in the face even when there is a nip in the air, you might even be looking at getting for yourself some home insurance quotes. There are dozens of ways to keep your home warm and secure even when heavy snowing continues outside.
If you have an outdoor entertainment spot complete with brick patios and wood decks on your premises, you need to know that they are prone to weather conditions and need to be sealed. Sealing is simple, if you have a power washer, a scrubber brush and sealant.
Use the cleaner to remove the mildew from the bricks, apply the sealant in cracks and coat it with brick sealant compound to dry for one day and apply the second coat to dry – and that’s it. Also, make sure you seal your driveways and stock up some salt for melting the ice.
Roofs need to be your next priority. Fix the shingles, replace any aged ones. Rain gutters and downspouts need to be cleaned for avoiding water lodging. Splash blocks should be kept some distance away from the foundation.
An extra insulation for the attic will be good for making the warm air stay in low temperature conditions.
The next thing to check up will be the foundation. Of course, cracks are sure to have already formed making your basement float. Fixing them requires only a few usual tools. If you can’t find them, call a professional.
Pipes cracking and bursting due to freezing is another major issue. So, insulate those exposed pipes, get some replacements done, drain the air conditioner pipes and pour some anti-freeze in toilet tanks.
Repair your mechanical equipments like the snow blower, shovel and other tools, in case you suspect a malfunction. Keep them dry.
Moving to doors and windows, it is essential to replace weather stripping and caulk on all penetrations. Any cracked glass, replace them. If you are thinking for a whole window change, storm windows will be an option. Putting plastics on windows also helps growing warm air.
Dealing with the inside, the fireplace will be the primary spot that calls for attention. Clean the furnace ducts and change furnace filters. A digital thermostat will be more accurate for choosing the appropriate temperature.
The chimney should be cleaned and screened for keeping out birds. Stock up firewood and keep in a dry place. If you have smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, buy extra batteries and make sure they are working.
Finally first aid kits, extra food supplies, vehicle check, battery back up for electronic equipments and the like done proper will make you wake up to a better winter. Also, don’t forget to leave the heat on if you are going out when it is snowing outside. Welcome winter in style.
