Fortunately, winterizing your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, there are a few simple things you can do to get your home ready for the cold weather. From improving your windows and doors to cleaning up your yard, here’s what you need to do to get your home ready for winter.
Winterizing Your Home
One of the best ways to prevent drafts and conserve energy in your home is to make sure your windows and doors are well-insulated. Quality glass experts at Smitty’s recommend high-quality windows not only for their beauty but for their functionality as well. You don’t have to sacrifice the look you want for a window that will help regulate the temperature in your home. Whether you choose sliding windows or fixed ones, when correctly installed they can make a world of difference.
For windows new and old, Inspect them for cracks or gaps that could let in cold air, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking. You can also install storm windows or replace old windows with more energy-efficient models. The same goes for doors; look around the jamb for any gaps that may be compromising function. You can also add a draft snake along the bottom of your door(s) to block drafts that come inside.
Other things you can do to help protect your home against the cold include:
- Change the furnace filter
- Clear out rain gutters
- Fireplace and chimney inspection
- Install a smart thermostat
- Insulate any exposed plumbing pipes
- Store outdoor equipment in the shed/garage
If you have trees that drop debris on your room in autumn, be sure it’s cleared before the snow accumulates. Debris left on the roof can easily rot when trapped under the snow, damaging your roof and making it more susceptible to leaks. You can also install warming heat roof cables near your gutters to prevent ice damming this winter.
Cleaning Up Your Yard for Winter
Clearing dead vegetation, turning off sprinkler systems, and making sure your outdoor space is clean and safe are all important parts of preparing your yard for winter. Dead leaves can provide shelter for pests or diseases that could harm your lawn, so be sure to remove them before snow accumulates and call Pest Control Experts in case infestation is already happening.
Winter Lawn Treatments
If you are faced with a diseased lawn, you can treat it with fungicides before the snow sets in. Although the lawn goes dormant in freezing temperatures, the fungus doesn’t go away. Either have a lawn care company treat with a liquid systemic fungicide, or try one of the following yourself:
- BioAdvanced Lawn Fungicide
- Bio Fungicide
- Dr. Earth Final Stop Disease Control Fungicide
- Vinegar (with salt and soap)
Do you have potted plants outdoors that could overwinter inside? Either bring them in while they’re still in bloom or trim them back and store the bulbs in a box with sawdust until spring.
Winter Pest Prevention
When the weather drops outside, many pests look to your home as a refuge. You can prevent an onslaught of creepy crawlers in your house by scheduling insect control services. Utah-based lawn maintenance company Lawngevity offers pest control services to customers that includes seven applications throughout the year to curb pest problems. Be sure you’re staying on top of insect control year-round to keep your home bug-free. You may notice that there is one type of pest you see a lot of during specific seasons. Cockroaches are more than likely to come into your home during the winter as they are seeking warmth and shelter, so the need for Cockroach Control at this time is essential.
If you have small children or pets in your home, look for a lawn care or pest control service that uses non-toxic products that are non-toxic. Or, source products yourself and apply them around your home as needed. Some great options are insecticidal soaps and oils:
- Diatomaceous Earth, Food Grade
- Double-Sided Sticky Tape Traps
- Neem Oil
In winter, you should also trim back any dead branches on trees or shrubs to prevent them from falling and damaging your property when laden with heavy snowfall. Tuck in all your garden beds with a thick layer of mulching material, which will not only serve as protection for any bulbs over winter, but as a haven for helpful pollinators until the weather is consistently above 50 degrees in the spring.
Making Your Outdoor Space Warm and Inviting
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all winter! There are plenty of ways to make your outdoor space a warm and inviting place to spend time. The easiest way would be hiring a handyman in Myrtle Beach, or anywhere you’re located, and tell them your plan or ask them for advice. Once you’ve deadheaded your garden, it can be a bit depressing to spend time outdoors throughout the winter since you may miss the greenery and the calming sounds of your water features. So, why not spruce up your space so it’s a haven year-round?
Cottonwood Landscapes knows a thing or two about making an outdoor space cozy in climates with rough winters. They install permanent outdoor fire pits and fireplaces to help turn backyards into usable “rooms” no matter the season. A firepit is a great way to create a focal point in your yard and provide warmth on chilly nights. You can also warm up your patio by adding a roof, heating lamps, and cozy weather-resistant seating.
Remember to add visual and tangible warmth to your outdoor space with textiles such as canopies, blankets, and pillows. Bring color back into your garden with lighting, evergreen plants, and outdoor rugs. Here are some other suggestions for making your outdoor space warm and inviting all winter long, literally and figuratively:
- Hot tub
- Heated flooring
- Insulated curtains
- Outdoor speakers
- Portable fire pit
- Portable heated blankets
- Twinkle lights
If you’re going to take the plunge to overhaul your backyard, consider consulting the experts such as those at Cottonwood Landscapes. A team of designers can help take what’s in your head and turn it into a reality.
Getting your home and lawn ready for winter doesn’t have to be a chore. By taking some time to insulate your windows and doors, clean up your yard, and make your outdoor space cozy, you can enjoy the colder months while staying warm and comfortable at home. So what are you waiting for? Start preparing for winter today!
