When winter weather hits Germantown, PA, seasoned locals hit their storage units. It's time to bring home snow shovels and ice hockey gear. As you get ready for our next freeze, make sure your house is ready too with these smart tips for winterizing the homestead.
How to Prep Your Home for Winter Weather
Protect Patio Furniture
Don't let freezing rain and snow damage outdoor furniture. Move patio chairs, tables, umbrellas and grills to self storage. Save unit space by stacking the chairs.
Park Lawn Equipment
Lawn mowers and edgers don't winter well out in the garage. Climate controlled storage units (heated and air conditioned) keep lawn equipment safe until spring. Be sure to properly prep and drain motors before storing.
Secure the Shingles
A little handyman work on the roof can stop rainy weather from leaking into the attic. Secure loose shingles and check flashing around the chimney and vents.
Seal Doors and Windows
Upgrade the weather stripping around all exterior doors. Use your hands to detect drafts around windows and frames. A quick touch-up with the caulking gun keeps winter weather outside.
Don't Forget the Garage
The garage is great for stashing things, but it's not winter-proof like climate controlled self storage. Make sure garage doors close tightly and replace worn-out weather seals at the bottom of the doors.
Check Concrete Surfaces
A tiny crack in concrete can turn into a big problem when it repeatedly absorbs water, freezes and thaws. Seal cracks in your driveway, sidewalks, patio, and porch steps with masonry caulk.
Winterize Wood Decks
Test your deck's seal against the elements by dousing it with water. If a splash beads up, the wood can handle bad weather. If the water soaks in, winterize the deck by cleaning it and sealing it against snow and ice.
Inspect Foundation Drainage
Walk the ground close to your home's foundation. Look for areas that don't drain properly. Adjusting the grade helps prevent water accumulation that exerts pressure on concrete walls.
Check Snow-Busting Supplies
Check your DIY snow removal equipment to make sure everything's in good shape. Stock up on rock salt so that you're ready to break the ice on driveways and sidewalks.
Stay Secure Inside
One you've secured the outside of your home, stay secure inside by testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you need extra room for winterizing supplies, Safeguard Self Storage has space to spare. We're here for you year-round with the best storage units in Germantown, PA, and six more locations across Philadelphia.