Contractor's Corner: Preparation For Winter

Avoid snow snafus this season and prepare ahead of time.

Lawn care

Take the leaves you've spent all Autumn raking and put them to good use! Mulched leaves make excellent covering for all garden beds.

Foggs Hardware in Norwich, VT sells Winter Shrub Covers for tree saplings and shrubs if you choose to protect them. Of course, you can also create your own tree and shrub covers, as shown below.

Winter Shrub Cover

DIY Shrub Covers

We also recommend placing reflective posts at the edge of your lawn, near your mailbox, or in other tricky spots to help prevent plowing mishaps. While this isn’t 100% foolproof, it can be a big help during storms or nighttime plowing.

Exterior Home Maintenance

Now's the time to pull out your shovels, roof rakes, gloves, headlamps, and other winter gear. Place these items in a spot that is easy to get to. We also advise having snowmelt on hand- whether you prefer the pellets or rock salt be sure to buy pet friendly products if necessary. I use the Safe Step Sure Paws Magnesium Chloride Pet Friendly Granule Ice Melt.

Don't forget to service your snowblower. Here is a great guide to Snowblower Maintenance and Safety on what to inspect and what to and replace based on usage.

Before the snow falls, we also advise that you clean out your dryer vents.

Lastly, double check the flood lights and other exterior lights have working bulbs. This is an often-overlooked task we regret when it’s 10°F and pitch-black at 6 a.m.!

Interior Home Maintenance

If you heat with a wood stove, chances are you've been stacking and drying wood for months in preparation. Now's the time to stockpile some indoors or in a convenient spot. Log Racks come in all shapes and sizes for indoor and outdoor use and can be an easy storage option.

No matter how you heat your home, ensure all furniture and flammable objects are away from your stove or your heat vents.

Prepare for power outages by getting your generator serviced. Check the batteries in your flashlights, keep extras on hand, and have candles ready.

For drafty windows or doors, I recommend these two weatherization products:

DAP Seal 'N Peel Clear Polymer Door/Siding/ Window Sealant

Frost King White Poly Foam Weather Seal For Doors and Windows

Lastly, while you’re hunkered down for the colder months, consider freshening up your home’s interior. Now’s a great time to touch up trim or cabinets and tackle those rooms you’ve been meaning to update.

It's time for the heavy hitter to hang up his cleats for the season and get to work!