Winter is almost here, and with it, a lot of problems you might face as a homeowner. But you can save yourself some time and trouble by preparing your home right now. By doing the work today, you can save yourself tons of headaches, work, and money in the future. From using Flex Paste to cover up cracks to pruning your trees, here’s how to stop common winter problems in their tracks.
Stop Pipes From Bursting
Temperatures are starting to graze freezing at night, but when they hit single digits or even drop into the negatives, you’re at risk for a burst pipe. The result can be a disaster for your home and your wallet with the holidays right around the corner.
To prepare now, grab a few rolls of insulation from your favorite home improvement store. Then, in vulnerable areas like basements and attics, find exposed pipes and make sure they’re insulated. This is a quick and easy afternoon job that could save you thousands and help you avoid disaster.
Seal Off and Repair Cracked Caulk
Have you noticed extra airflow in one of your rooms? Or does your heater need to work double time to bring your house up to temperature? Cracked caulk around windows can make insulating your home nearly impossible in winter.
To prepare, grab some Flex Paste and do a once-over around your house. Cover up any cracks or gaps in caulk or other borders to seal off your home once the frigid weather arrives. Also, you can get window and door seals that stop extra airflow and keep your home nice and toasty. This also helps make your home more energy efficient, which can benefit your wallet in the long run.
Protect Your Flooring From Winter Wear Down
Between water, dirt, melting salt, and boots, your floor sees its fair share of challenges in the winter.
Before all these come in full force, look for vulnerable areas that you can defend early. Get an entryway rug and boot trays for your front door. Update your stairway with new stair treads and risers if your current ones are already worn. You can even replace natural wood or carpet floors with engineered hardwood or LVP that doesn’t contract with temperature and holds up to adverse conditions.
Clear Away Dangerous Tree Branches Before They Snap
When the winds blow and snow builds up, tree branches can snap and break under the pressure. And if your house is underneath them, it can damage gutters, shingles, windows, and landscaping.
Before the weather gets this bad, take a weekend to prune your trees back. With a pruner or saw and a ladder from your local home improvement store, you can not only protect your home from falling branches but also set your foliage up for healthy growth next spring.
Double-Check Your Sump Pump
Your sump pump is the last line of defense between your house and flooding. In the winter, increasing moisture and freezing temperatures can sometimes cause your sump pump to clog or stop working. The resulting buildup can mean winter flooding in your home.
Take time to check your sump pump and make sure it’s working correctly. Ensure you haven’t disabled any alarms that may alert you to flooding. If you need to, replace damaged hoses or the pump as a whole to keep your home free of flooding.
About Menards®
Whether you’re looking for holiday decorations, supplies to winterize your home, or tools to help with your basement remodel, Menards® has you covered. From their unbeatable prices and extensive selection to friendly service and online project guides, Menards® has everything you need to start your project off the right way and finish it on schedule. Whether you’re at one of their stores or just browsing their website, you get access to all your home improvement needs. Order some porch posts to update your home’s exterior, or add some Flex Paste to your cart to cover up leaks before the winter freeze. Menards® helps you Save Big Money® and ensures your home is ready for anything.
Make sure your home is ready for winter with help from Menards® at https://www.menards.com/
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