Preparing for Jack Frost’s arrival can easily send a shiver down any property owner’s spine. A long to-do list for getting your house ready can seem overwhelming, leaving you asking yourself where you’ll find the time and resources. But, with some positive outlook, easy suggestions and access to a few rental tools, you can winterize your home in just a weekend, leaving plenty of time to enjoy fall’s splendor.
Prepare Your Yard And Landscaping
Cold temperatures cause grass and other plants in your landscape to go dormant. Spend a few hours preparing your lawn for gorgeous greenery next year.
Start by aerating. Renting an aerator is an affordable and efficient way to decrease thatch and supply additional space in the ground for water and oxygen to get to the roots. Locate a local American Rental Association (ARA) member store close to you by going to RentalHQ.com. After aerating, spread a high quality winter fertilizer to provide your grass the nutrients it needs to grow strong. If you live in an area with severe winters, remember to cover roses and fragile perennials so that they are secured. Find Out More
Winterize Your Patio
The severe winter elements can take a significant toll on decking, so it’s important to protect it. With a little bit of time and effort, your deck will make it through winter season unharmed and ready for outdoor fun in early spring.
To maintain the structure’s integrity in one piece and wood looking beautiful, clean and seal your patio before winter arrives. Begin by renting a pressure washer at your local ARA member rental store. The qualified rental associate will give you guidance on safe and efficient operation of the pressure washer. After you clean your patio, let it dry completely and then apply paint or sealant.
Trim Your Trees
Unstable trees and dead branches can break and fall during winter, possibly damaging your house, your car, a power line, or worse. Be a responsible property owner and cut weak or dead branches in the fall so you don’t have to stress. More Material
A chainsaw is the easiest way to deal with dead branches and will take much less time than hand sawing. You can rent a power saw to cut the timber into small logs or portions for disposing of correctly. Chippers can also be rented out for grinding up the timber and using it for mulch in the springtime.
Seal Windowpanes And Entrances
When temperatures drop, the small leaks in windowpanes and doorways become apparent. Avoid a cold house and expensive electricity bills by caulking your windows and weather stripping doors.
Weather stripping is affordable and effortless. Put the adhesive strip in between the door and frame for a tight seal that restricts the amount of air that enters or exits when the door is closed. Caulking windows is a simple process as well when you have a caulk gun. If you need a tall ladder to reach second story windows, consider renting it since you’ll most likely use it infrequently. While you have the ladder, clean your gutters of fallen leaves and other particles that can cause backups and ice dams.
All you need is one weekend to prep your home and yard for the cold weather ahead. Plus you’ll get to enjoy the sharp fall air while you get these quick and easy duties done.