BASIC WINTER PREPARATIONS
There’s no denying it, fall is upon on us here in Northwest Ohio. The leaves are piling up and temperatures are starting to dip. Homeowners everywhere are preparing their property for the onslaught of another unpredictable Ohio winter. Will we experience a few months of harsh blizzard conditions or end up sporting our best tank top come Christmas? Only time will tell but here at NWO we’re crossing our fingers for the latter.
Regardless of potential outcomes it’s always in a homeowners best interest to prepare for the worst (but certainly hope for the best). Thankfully prepping your home and property for winter doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are five simple projects you can do yourself to get started.
1. Outdoor Gear: It likely goes without saying but putting away all your outdoor accessories is an important first step in cleaning up. If you don’t have an outbuilding you may want to invest in some quality covers for your grill and patio set. Ice and snow can wreak havoc on these items and cause them to deteriorate at a much quicker pace. It’s also wise to give all your seasonal lawn equipment one final cleaning before putting them in storage.
2. Gutters: No one enjoys doing it but gutter maintenance is important. Be sure to clear out any debris from your gutters. Afterwards thoroughly check the condition of both the gutters and downspouts. If they are sagging or seem to be coming unattached you will want to re-secure them. A faulty gutter system is no match for a heavy snowfall and the resulting melt off.
3. Windows: Not surprisingly it is estimated that the majority of a home’s energy loss is commonly due to windows. You can combat this by getting any gaps around your windows caulked up tight. This is especially helpful if your home has older wooden framed windows. Another step you may take is to install any one of the many temporary plastic films available like this one here. Lastly, don’t overlook the benefits of simply upgrading to heavier curtains. While this won’t stop air leaks it will certainly cutback on the discomfort caused by drafty windows.
4. Hoses: Although easily overlooked outdoor hoses may possibly cause problems if allowed to remain attached to the house during winter months. To prevent damage to your pipes be sure to disconnect your hose, close the shut-off valve (if you have one), and proceed to drain the spigot. For additional protection you can invest in an outdoor faucet cover like this.
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5. Stock up: There are few things worse than having to trudge out during a snowstorm to purchase snow removal essentials. Worse yet is finding out everyone is sold out of what you need. Start the season out right this year by picking up your salt or ice melt in advance. Also, remember to do a quick maintenance check on your snow blower or snow plow if you have one.
While this is certainly not an extended list of everything you could do it is definitely a solid step in the right direction. Remember your home is an important asset and keeping up with its needs will benefit you and your family greatly in the long run.
If you find yourself needing help with any project just remember we here at NWO Property Services, LLC are just one quick call, text, or email away.
Brandon McCoy (419) 889-7518
Frank Schneider (419) 615-2543
