Outside The Home Winter Preparedness

By Author: Charley Shimanski
Total Articles: 7
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Before you bring plans for Thank giving, consider some of those winter preparedness ideas. With the official arrival of the fall season, it’s an excellent time to do those chores in and around the home that have been put off for a while as we prepare for winter.

Learning to clean efficiently is the key to finishing most tasks promptly. Keep a clear goal in mind or on paper for the projects or honey-do-lists you may have. A small accomplishment gives confidence and motivation to attain bigger goals. Be realistic in what you can accomplish in the time you have at hand. You may need to break the task list into manageable amounts. You may need to make adjustments as you go. The project may take a few hours or hopefully only few days.

In the garage, make room to park your vehicles this winter. Organize and put away your gardening supplies, bring out snow shovels for easy access. Purchase a few bags of ice melt so you will be prepared. It is a great time to donate some of the junk you have collected that is cluttering your garage.

It is a good time to check your attic, make sure you have at least 6” – 8” ...
... of insulation. Lack of insulation will cause extensive heat loss as it gets colder and possible frozen pipes in extreme winter conditions. Frozen pipes are a leading cause of water damage and flooding in a home and such an event may ruin large portions of your home.

Outside chores can be physically demanding, so be prepared: Inspect screens on doors and windows, all entry and exit doors, garage doors and windows through-out the house for air leaks. Caulk and seal if necessary to keep heat in and old-man winter out. Add weather stripping as necessary. A simple step can save a bundle.

Clean gutters and downspouts of debris and leaves. Be careful when using a ladder and water to hose down the gutters. Keeping clean gutters will keep snow and ice dams from forming and causing water damage to the interior of the home. Check chimney and flues and have them cleaned professionally if necessary. Purchase firewood by the cord instead of the occasional trip to the store. Some folks will deliver to your home which could save you time and money. A clean and properly maintained chimney will prevent possible smoke damage to your home. Pellet stoves can save a bundle on heating costs too with easy Commercial Cleaning options.

Drain garden hoses and disconnect from outside spigots. This prevents the spigots from freezing. Install insulation covers over them which are easily available from a local hardware store. Frozen spigots will burst and cause water damage when turned on in the spring. Clean and store patio furniture, umbrellas, and children’s summer toys. Discard broken or damaged items that you know you will not use the following spring or summer. Wash and clean exterior windows. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but will keep you busy for a few weekends before the freeze sets in.

ServiceMaster by Best is a local franchise and a part of a network of franchisees with over 60 years of experience in the cleaning and restoration in Wichita, KS. ServiceMaster by Best is a leading provider in the Carpet Cleaning Company of air-ducts, Carpet, upholstery, tile and grout, commercial Cleaning and janitorial services along with 24-hour emergency fire, flood and water damage cleanup services. ServiceMaster by Best’s reputation offers client’s peace of mind that comes from knowing every job will be done right the first time every time.