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How to Prepare your Property for Winter

October 2017
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Don’t let these warm fall temperatures fool you! Before long, the mercury is going to start to fall, and snow and ice are going to create a winter wonderland. Love it or hate it, winter is on its way, and there are certain things that you should be doing now to prepare your property for winter.

To help you get ready for the change of season, we’ve put together a list of things you should be doing to prepare your property.

1. Prepare your lawn

Once covered with snow, homeowners tend not to think very much about the grass below. But before the snow hits is an ideal time to start thinking about the coming spring season. Rake up any leaves and if your yard has any bare patches in it, till up the soil a bit and overseed it. Late fall is also a good time to add fertilizer to your entire yard.

2. Repair the roof and clean out the eavestroughs

Winter can wreak havoc on a home’s roof – especially if there are already minor problems to begin with. The fall is a great time to have a roof inspection and replace any damaged or missing shingles.

You should also make sure that leaves and debris are cleared out of your rain gutters in order to avoid possible ice dams once the temperature dips below zero.

3. Put away lawn tools and summer furniture

Don’t let the elements rust and wear away items such as lawn mowers, garden tools and patio furniture. Instead, make sure they are washed down and then kept in a dry space such as a shed or garage. For soft items such as outdoor rugs, or cushions, you may even want to bring them inside the house.

4. Trim your trees

Trees can add an element of beauty to your property, but when they become overgrown or diseased, they can be a hazard. The added weight of the snow and ice can cause limbs to break and damage property.  Inspect your trees for any branches that appear to be dead or dying and have them removed before winter – especially if they are hanging over your house.

5. Turn off the water

Freezing temperatures can damage pipes, so before the cold weather hits it is important to turn off the water going to outside spigots. If you have an underground sprinkler system, you should make arrangements for a professional to come and blow out the system.

6. Get a chimney inspection

If you live in a home with a functioning chimney, it is important to have the chimney inspected. This will help ensure that it is clean and safe before using it, reducing both your chances of having a fire as well as reducing the likelihood of toxic particles in the air.

7. Proper house drainage

Check the slopes to make sure everything is properly draining away from your foundation to avoid freezing expansion and contraction in the areas around your house.

Winter can be an enjoyable time of year, but it can also be rough on your property. Help to make the season a little easier on your home by taking steps now to make sure you are prepared.