FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM at home NOVEMBER 9, 2017 • AT HOME • THE QUEENS COURIER 47
The savvy homeowner’s 5-point outdoor winterization checklist
As temperatures drop, you’re reminded
that Old Man Winter will soon rear
his ugly head. Before the fi rst fl urries fl y,
it’s important to take some winterization
steps to ensure your home is ready for
whatever the season brings.
Th is fi ve-point checklist will help safeguard
your home against winter’s woes
for another year. For additional winterization
ideas and detailed project plans,
visit Real Cedar.com.
Inspect windows
Inspect each window from the outside
to see if any gaps or cracks are present.
Th ese small openings let in cold air and
are also inviting to small critters looking
for protection from the cold.
If you fi nd some gaps, it’s important
to seal them quickly. Apply caulk to the
openings to prevent cold air from seeping
in, helping to cut down on heating
bills. Plus, you won’t have to worry
about bugs making your home their
hibernation haven. Note: never caulk
above or below the window and door
openings, as this may block moisture
drainage.
Prep the deck
Th e amount of work you have to put
into winterizing your deck depends on
your decking material. For example, a
durable, long-lasting material such as
Western Red Cedar requires the least
amount of maintenance. Th at said, all
decks require some upkeep.
To preserve your deck’s luster, start by
cleaning it with a warm, soapy solution
and a soft -bristle brush. Do not power
wash as this can damage the wood. It’s
important that you remove all dirt and
debris from the surface as well as in
between the boards to improve ventilation.
Next, inspect the deck for mold. If present,
wash the deck with a mild oxygen
bleach solution and leave on the surface
for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Finally, remove anything that might leave
marks on the deck’s surface such as furniture,
planters and mats.
Protect planter boxes
Th e majority of planter boxes are made
with Western Red Cedar. Th at’s because
the wood is naturally resistant to rot,
decay and insects; and therefore, doesn’t
require treatment from potentially dangerous
chemicals that can leach into soil
and plants. But like all garden beds, real
cedar planters need protection during the
winter months.
Start by removing all soil and cleaning
the boxes as you did the deck. Th en,
if possible, store emptied planters in a
garage, shed or under the porch. If you
don’t have the space to store them this
way, then cover them with a water-repellent
tarp to protect from moisture buildup,
but don’t seal the tarp. As with decks,
it’s very important that you allow for
proper ventilation.
Trim trees
Look for weak trees or those with dead
branches, particularly those near your
home. As snow accumulates, the weight
may bring down a tree or branches,
potentially damaging your house.
Eliminate this risk by removing any
dead trees or dangerous branches now
before the fi rst snow. Be safe by using the
proper equipment for tree trimming and
removal, or, consider hiring a pro to do
so. Remember, an ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure, and handling this
issue now could prevent costly damage to
your home down the road.
Clean the roof
Your roof is a large portion of your
home, and it also holds a lot of snow
over the winter. To prevent ice dams and
other roof problems when freezing temperatures
arrive, it’s important to clean
gutters and check your roof for problems
now.
Start by taking all debris out of gutters
to ensure free fl ow for water. Next, walk
around your roof and inspect it for any
damage. Repair loose shingles and make
sure the chimney and vents look intact
and secure. Your roof takes on a lot of
weight from ice and snow during the winter
months and you want it to be as strong
as possible.
A few simple steps now can mean a
cozy, safe winter for you and your entire
family. Add these fi ve steps to your winterization
to-do list for this weekend and
give yourself valuable peace of mind.
Courtesy BPT