Even though the holidays are here and cold weather is making its way toward New England, it’s still a great time to tackle those outdoor projects that you pushed to the backburner this summer. Some of these projects will help you get a step ahead of springtime projects, while others can even help you save more energy throughout the upcoming years.
1. Get Ahead on Springtime Landscaping Projects
While winter isn’t officially here yet, springtime will be here in the blink of an eye. Believe it or not, winter is a great time to prep your old flowerbeds for the upcoming spring season.
You can spend some of this time clearing out old flowerbeds that are littered with leaves and weeds. Once these are cleared out, you’ll have a lot less hassle on your hands when you’re ready to go in the spring.
This is also a great time to get some inspiration for your new flower garden. Turn to Pinterest for some great gardening ideas and pin the type of flowers that you want on your own custom board.
2. Clean Your Gutters
While this isn’t one of the glamorous (or fun) outdoor projects to tackle this winter, it’s important to check this off your list to prevent ice dams. Ice dams form on roof slopes and gutters when water and/or snow accumulates and freezes. This can lead to leaks in your ceiling and leave you footing the bill for costly water damage.
Take some time to clean out your gutters from autumn leaves—it’ll save you tons of hassle and headache.
3. Protect Your Deck
As you find yourself reminiscing about the hours spent on your deck this summer, now is the time to protect it against the elements. Snow and ice can certainly take its toll on your deck, and it’s prime time to start cleaning to prepare for the winter ahead.
Use a bleach-free cleaner to get rid of BBQ stains and loosen dirt. If your deck has faded, consider stripping it before applying a sealer to protect it from rain and snow. A water-repellent finish is very important to protect against the harsh elements of winter.
4. Upgrade to Energy Efficient Windows
This is a major project to tackle, but it’s necessary if your windows are very old and outdated. Winter weather forces most homeowners to turn up the HVAC system, which can result in a lot of lost energy. Say goodbye to single pane windows, skip the high energy bills and upgrade with energy efficient windows that keep your home more comfortable throughout the brutal New England winter. Choose windows that use today’s top technology for energy savings, including triple pane windows with argon or krypton gases.
Do you need help with your outdoor projects this winter? Contact Stephanie for more information about winterizing your home at svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com or by calling 978-304-0495. You can also download our free Winter Ready Home Guide!
