Take it outside

Only a couple of weekends left before the weather outside is too cold to inspire you to get out there and prepare the exterior of your home for the winter. Here is what we do around my house, hope it helps.


Windows

Wash your windows with a mixture of vinegar and water. Pour equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle and start your streak free cleaning process. For tough areas use undiluted vinegar and let it soak in while you wash another window,  go back after a few minutes and the dirt should come right off. If need be, polish with a lint free rag.

Rain Barrels

Don't forget to empty out your rain barrel before the water inside has a chance to freeze. Treat all your trees and shrubs to a generous drink before winter and use the water to nourish plants rather than dumping it out.
* Once the rain barrel is empty clean it with warm water, a stiff bristle brush and some vinegar (won't leave a toxic residue inside the barrel).
* If your barrel has dettachable fittings, remove any made of brass, plastic or rubber as they may crack during freezing temperatures. Place the fittings in a reusable container or bag that can be stored in the barrel for winter.
* Replace/add downspouts so that the water front your gutters can flow away from your foundation walls.
* Store your rain barrel in the garage, shed, or upsidedown under a tarp.
Taking care now will ensure your barrel will be ready for filling come the rainy spring months.

Gutters and Downspouts

Clean the gutters and downspouts around your house, sheds and garage. Making sure that your gutters can carry water to the downspouts without overflow due to leaves and debris, will protect you from large ice dams and backup onto your roof.
*  If the temperature has already dropped in your area and frost/ice has started to form, ladders, gutters, tools and the ground surface may be slippery so take extra care when up high.

Paint

A quick walk around your property to look for peeling/chipping paint, can save you $$$ of water damage come spring.
* Take your exterior paint cans to your local paint retailer and have them reshake the cans. This will evenly mix the paint so you will be ready for touch ups and repairs.
* Scrape off any loose paint, fill holes and cracks and sand surfaces to ensure good paint adhesion. Remember that most paints require a temperature above 10°C so get out there and start painting!

Furniture 

Clean your seasonal furniture, umbrellas, planters and toys and either cover them with breathable waterproof covers or put them all away for the season in the garage or shed. Taking the time to store your outside posessions properly will keep them looking great year after year, saving you money and keeping them out of the landfill. Many manufacturers make retail ready covers that fit most outdoor items when storage is at a premium.

Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, either gas or wood burning, consider having a seasonal inspection to ensure it is working properly. Everyone loves the smell of a fire burning on a crisp cold day but a dirty chimney or blocked exhaust can cause attic/roof fires and produce deadly carbon monoxide gas to accumulate in your living space. Take the time and make sure that you and your loved ones are safe.

Pool

Hopefully you have already closed up your pool for the season, if you have yet to do it now is the time. One important thing to remember with all the wind and rain we have been having this fall is to check the water bags, bricks or blocks that are holding down your winter cover, as they may have been displaced since last you looked. It is too easy to say goodbye to summer days and not look in the back yard again until spring, but by checking the pool from time to time before and during the winter months will save yourself $$$ and loads of frustration and waste water come spring.

Holiday Lights

Halloween is over and the winds have died down for now. Why not spend this weekend putting up your holiday/Christmas lights early. Frozen hands in December make the job ten times harder and a lot less fun. Jump start the season...but remember to TAKE THEM DOWN no later than the last week in January. Christmas lights that are left up all year devalue your property and look out of place.