Preparing Your Yard/Property For Winter Storms

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Even before the first frost, you’ll want to give your home and yard a good going-over to take stock of any winter preparation projects you need to complete. You won’t regret making sure both the exterior of your home and its surrounding landscaping are ready for the cold winds, snow, and ice that winter storms can bring. You’ll also enjoy lower energy costs, increased efficiency of your home’s components, and a safer property all around.

The windows and doors of your property are always a weak spot during a winter storm. Some preparation you can do here:

• Check all weatherstripping and replace if necessary to prevent heat loss. 
• Replace screen doors with storm doors and window screens with storm windows
• Repair or replace wooden window frames if you see signs of rot or decay.
• Caulk these areas inside and out if you find any drafts. 

Your yard will be affected by winter weather, of course, so here are some steps you can take to prepare this area for winter weather, too:

• Overgrown branches should be trimmed back from the house and all electrical wires. This will help to guard against loss of power or property damage that can be caused by icy or wind-blown branches during a storm. 
• Aerate and reseed your lawn, and be sure to apply a winterizing fertilizer that will promote deep-root growth when spring comes. 
• Clean and dry your patio furniture and use a heavy covering if it is staying outdoors. You can also bring it into the garage or shed for protection. 
• All your clay planters and pots won’t last well during winter, so they should be emptied and brought indoors. 
• Now is the time to dig up your bulbs, remove loose soil, and label them for spring. Store them in a bag or a box with peat moss in a cool and dry location. 
• Store any hoses to prevent cracks and preserve their shapes so they can be used again next year. Make sure all outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads are drained to guard against burst pipes. 
• Look for decay, insect damage, or splintering in your deck. Taking care of those issues ahead of winter weather will prevent further deterioration. Clean away leaves and dirt from between the boards so that mold has nowhere to establish itself.

Your heating systems - whether they are an HVAC or a fireplace - will need to be in the best condition possible. They will be seeing a lot of use in the coming months! 

• Inspect your fireplace, chimney, and flue system to ensure they are clean of soot or creosote and look for any cracks that could cause a fire hazard. Check your fireplace for drafts. If it is cold even when the damper is closed, the damper itself may be warped, worn, or rusted.

• Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency and improved indoor air quality.

• Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.

• If you have an older thermostat, consider replacing it with a programmable unit to save on heating costs.

• Make sure fans are switched to the reverse or clockwise position, which will blow warm air down to the floor for enhanced energy efficiency and comfort.

• Flush your hot water heater tank to remove sediment and check the pressure relief valve to make sure it’s in proper working order.
  
  

These are just a few helpful hints for you to use in preparing your yard/property for winter storms. If you need assistance with any of your projects, remember that the team here at SERVPRO of Huron/East Seneca Counties is always here to lend a hand. We are experts when it comes to clean up and repair after a weather event of any kind, and our team has the expertise and skills necessary to complete your projects quickly and professionally.