Getting ready for Jack Frost’s arrival can easily send a shiver down any property owner’s spine. A long to-do list for getting your home prepared can seem overwhelming, leaving you asking yourself where you will find the time and resources. However, with some optimism, easy tips and access to a few rental tools, you can winterize your home in just a weekend, leaving plenty of time to enjoy autumn’s splendor.
Prepare Your Lawn And Landscaping
Cold temperatures trigger grass and other plants in your landscape to go dormant. Spend a few hours preparing your landscaping for beautiful greenery next year.
Start by aerating. Renting an aerator is an affordable and efficient way to decrease thatch and provide additional space in the ground for water and oxygen to reach the roots. Find a nearby 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 harsh winters, remember to cover roses and fragile perennials so that they are protected. fort collins home inspection
Winterize Your Deck
The severe winter elements can easily take a significant toll on decking, so it’s important to guard it. With a little bit of time and effort, your patio will make it through winter season unscathed and ready for outdoor fun in early spring.
To keep the structure’s integrity in one piece and wood looking beautiful, clean and seal off your deck before winter arrives. Start by renting a pressure washer at your neighborhood ARA member rental store. The trained rental associate will provide you guidance on safe and efficient operation of the pressure washer. Shortly after you wash your deck, let it dry completely and then apply paint or sealer.
Trim Your Trees
Weak trees and dead branches can crack and fall during the winter season, potentially damaging your house, your vehicle, a power line, or much worse. Be a responsible property owner and cut weak or dead branches in the autumn so you don’t have to worry. fort collins home inspection
A power saw is the most convenient way to deal with dead branches and will take a lot less time than hand sawing. You can rent out a power saw to cut the timber into small logs or pieces for disposing of properly. Chippers can also be rented out for grinding up the wood and using it for mulch in the spring.
Seal Windows And Doors
When temperatures drop, the small cracks in windows and doorways become apparent. Avoid a cold home and high energy bills by caulking your windows and weather stripping doors.
Weather stripping is affordable and simple. Apply the adhesive strip in between the door and frame for a tight seal that confines the amount of air that gets in or leaves when the door is closed. Caulking windows is a simple procedure 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 various other debris that can cause backups and ice dams.
All you need to have is one weekend to prep your house and yard for the cold weather ahead. Plus you’ll get to enjoy the sharp autumn air while you get these quick and simple jobs accomplished.