Winter's Checklist

Another winter is headed our way. It’s about that time again to start cleaning up the yard and putting our summer tools away. Farms have a very big job with this, too. Combines, silos, barns; they all have to be constantly kept up and farmers have to make sure that their livestock don’t catch something from the deep freeze. We want you to have the best winter possible so we put together a checklist for preparing for the winter.

·         Clean and store patio/deck furniture, umbrellas/awnings, and kids’ summer toys.

·         Touch up paint on trim, railings and decks. Use a wire brush to remove flaking paint; prime wood before painting again.

·         Check caulk around windows and doors. Follow manufacturer's recommendations to re-caulk if needed.

·         Inspect external doors and garage doors. Do they close tightly? Install weather-stripping, door thresholds if needed.

·         Wash exterior windows.

·         Drain and store garden hoses. Install insulating covers on exterior spigots. In hard-freeze areas, have sprinkler systems blown free of water.

·         Check gutters and downspouts. Clear of debris if necessary. In cold-weather areas, consider installing heating cable to prevent ice dams.

·         Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned if necessary.

 

As for all the Friendly farmers:

-         Cover up your machinery

-         Cozy up the livestock

-         Set up rat and other rodent traps when the try to hibernate in the barn

-         Stock up on hay and grains

-         Lock up the silo

-         Put rain or snow repellant on leather saddles

-         Put a heater in the barn

-         Start thinking about next year’s finances

 

We really hope this helps everyone! Winter is tough on us and a few tips here and there couldn’t hurt anyone. So enjoy the cool air. And if your ever in need of a quick move, call me and book a meeting today!

 

-Sarah