Niagara winters can be hard on your home.  Now is the time to put your garden to bed before the snow arrives!  Prepare for the cold weather ahead by following some homeowner seasonal tips we’ve put together.

EAVESTROUGHS:  Get up there and clean out the debris!  Consider using mesh guards to keep debris from clogging the system.  Proper drainage is important to prevent any foundation damage.

WEATHER STRIPPING:  Replace worn weather stripping and caulking around doors, windows, electrical boxes and utility entry points.

ROOF:  Fix small leaks before they develop into structural and financial disasters!  Take a good look at the roof to spot any missing, curled or broken shingles. They are all indicators to get some roof repair done.  Don’t forget the chimney! Check for damaged flashings and cracks.

DRIVEWAYS & SIDEWALKS:  Surfaces can buckle in freezing temperatures.  Take care of cracks wider than 1/8 inch, uneven surfaces, loose steps and rails, and asphalt that may be disintegrating.

OUTDOOR PIPES:  Close the shutoff valves to outside faucets to avoid bursting pipes.  Inexpensive foam covers can be used to further protect the faucet and pipes.

FURNACE:  Clean or replace the filters to increase the air quality and heating efficiency.

LAWN:  Mulch, mow or rake all clippings into the garden and apply a good quality 12-3-18 fertilizer to give your lawn a head start for spring.  Fertilizing now will encourage root strength and discourage other weeds from intruding.

COMPOST:  Empty your bins and use the compost as a protective layer for your gardens.  Put your fall leaves into your composter now to build up for next season.

Get out there & check off the list of tips before the outdoors becomes a winter wonderland!