Is your house ready for winter? (part one)

This post will not be applicable to everyone who reads it, but for those of us who live in a climate where Winter is very much a thing, I figure these posts will be helpful in terms of preparing your humble abode for the approaching frigid weather. Obviously, if you live in a climate that is warm and cozy year-round, you arguably won’t get a whole lot out of these posts, but feel free to read anyway if you wish to educate yourself regardless.

If any of these jobs are beyond your expertise, don’t shy away from asking someone else in your life to help you out. Or, if you’re feeling particularly motivated, there’s always YouTube to offer up a crash course on just about anything.

The following information comes from mrhandyman.com, and these specific tips are for the outside of your home.

“Exterior Maintenance Tasks

  • Clean debris from flat roofs or roof valleys where leaves can collect and hold moisture.
  • Replace your window screens with storm windows if you have them. If you do not have storm windows, it’s still a good idea to remove the screens.
  • Get your chimney cleaned if you rely on a fireplace or a woodstove for heat.
  • Plowing your own driveway? Make sure your snow blower or plow truck is ready to go. Otherwise, hire plow services and don’t forget to mark your driveway!
  • Clean your gutters and downspouts to facilitate water runoff in the spring.
  • Store patio furniture in the garage or garden shed.
  • Drain your garden hoses and store them in the garage or a covered area.
  • Identify tree hazards that could pose a risk to your home or safety from a heavy snow load or strong wind.
  • Place a screen over intake vents to prevent rodents from discovering a warm place to call home,” the web page states.

Check back tomorrow for part two.

Photo by Michelle Kraemer on Unsplash


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