The winter weather is quickly approaching. Depending on which part of the country you live that can mean different things, but for the most part you’re going to need to take care of at least a few things, from personal health to hoe maintenance, before the forecast really begins to change.
There are certain measures even those living in the south, who won’t see the vast amount of snowfall and ice their northern counterparts will, should take.
The Palestine Herald-Press ran a story just this week outlining the various home maintenance tasks that should be taken care of in East Texas homes before the winter settles in, many of which can be just as useful for those living in the similar climate of Alabama. Here are a few tips to help make your winter season a little easier.
- Pipes and Hose Drainage: In order to prevent busted pipes and hoses it’s important to drain them completely. You should also completely disconnect hoses, wrap exterior pipes with insulation, and protect spigots with faucet covers.
It’s not a bad idea to wrap interior pipes if your home doesn’t have central heating of some kind too. - Chimney and Roof Maintenance: A quality chimney is the perfect complement to any southern-style home, but proper chimney maintenance is essential before firing it up this winter. It’s best to have it professionally cleaned if you use it regularly, otherwise the excess buildup inside the chimney can cause a fire.
In addition to the chimney, you should also perform roof maintenance by making sure your gutters have been cleaned out. Depending on the type and amount of trees that surround your home, this should be done at least twice and sometimes even up to four times a year. - Landscape Protection: Warm-weather plants obviously have to be brought inside or at least into a garage or barn to have any chance of surviving the winter months.
Putting more mulch over flower beds is a great way to provide them with an extra ‘blanket’ for the cold. As the writer Lisa Priest suggests, it’s also not a bad idea to have a couple real blankets on the ready for especially delicate plants through extended periods of frost.
There are, of course, plenty of other things you can do to make your winter months a little easier, but if you start with these you’ll be on your way to setting yourself up for success.
