When winter arrives, it can be hard to keep out the cold drafts. Just as you have to do things to make the inside look and perform well, the outside needs some attention. Protecting your yard items is important if you want to save money on future repairs. To save on these costs, we offer four things you can do to upgrade your home and make it ready for winter.
Wind shutters
Shutters come in a variety of designs, shapes, and sizes. You can use these additions to enhance the style you love. You can also use new shutters to create a whole different theme. With new shutters, the drafts in your home will go away. When you want to block out the cold of winter, you can use the shutters to reduce energy loss while making a statement with your new design.
Photo by aamodt / plumb architects
Patio covers
To protect your deck and outdoor surfaces, it is an excellent idea to cover these items during cold weather. Stopping water penetration is the primary goal. Any moisture can freeze and expand causing small parts to bust and wear down. Using patio cover kits is one way to fortify your favorite lounge chairs or picnic table.
Photo by Phoenix Patio Systems (Patio Partners)
Shrub protectors
Your bushes and plants can get too cold in the winter months. To stop the damage, it is helpful to use plant covers to protect your favorite foliage. Bush covers can minimize the damage to the outermost parts of the plant. You can also use these items to protect small trees, flower beds, potted plants, and other greenery that is susceptible to winter freezes. The best time of the day to cover the plants is before it gets dark and the temperatures drop.
Photo by KD landscaping and snow plowing buffalo
Sprinkler covers
While this chore does not seem like a big deal, covering the heads of the sprinkler can save you from high replacement costs in the spring. To extend the life of this equipment, it is important to drain the sprinkler system manually before the first freeze of the year. To get all the air out of the system, it is important to use an air compressor to spray out the sprinkler lines and heads before you cover them for the year.
You can use decorative sprinkler plates to cover your yard to match your shutters. By getting patio covers in the same color, you can coordinate the style. With a little time, you can decorate your home and protect it during the winter.
Author Bio
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here