We’ve been enjoying some beautiful fall weather in the Kawartha’s this year. But the changing colour of the leaves is a sure signal that winter is ‘just around the corner’. Now is the time to finish off those outdoor projects and get your home ready for the weather ahead. Here’s a list of some great Fall Maintenance Projects updated for Fall 2021:
Take Care of Your Lawn & Garden
Fall maintenance is an important component of protecting your home – from caulking windows, checking eves and downspouts to yard and lawn projects, a little extra effort can go a long way to preventing damage and keeping your home looking great for years to come.
We’ve had some scorching hot days this summer, and your lawn may need a little TLC. Even if it looks ok, the Fall is the perfect time to overseed and fertilize your lawn. The cool evenings promote growth. Taking care of your lawn now will give it a big boost next spring.
Come into Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre for all your garden supplies, including rakes, hand tools, work gloves, seed, and fertilizer. We’re happy to help you with the right plan for your lawn.
We also rent leaf blowers, seeders, fertilizer spreaders, aerators, chainsaws, wood chippers and more for those big fall cleanup jobs. We have terrific deals on garden equipment right now, or you can rent what you need for just the weekend. And of course, don’t forget extra garden waste bags.
Winterizing Your Home
Once the leaves are down, it’s the perfect time to clean gutters and downspouts. Keep them clear from leaves and check for leaks. Blocked or leaky gutters can cause your home damage in winter. If they block and don’t drain, the weight of frozen water in your eves can cause significant damage. They can also overflow, killing plants or creating hazards around the outside of your home. If your gutters do leak, you can seal them with waterproof silicone caulking. We rent extension ladders to help you with this task.
You will also want to ensure your downspouts are correctly attached and directing any water away from your home’s foundation. Water dumping at your foundation is the number one cause of foundation leaks.
Check your windows to make sure they are ready for the cold season. Cracks in window sills or worn caulking can cause drafts. Not only will this make parts of your home uncomfortable during the winter, but it can drive up your heating bill. Clean and apply a new layer of caulking to your windows to save you money and cold feet this winter. At Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre, we sell replacement windows and can also provide installation services.
While you are making those repairs, do a perimeter check of your home. Look for any gaps that may be appealing to pests looking for a place to stay in winter. We sell expanding foam that is formulated to deter pests from chewing it. Make sure walkways and railings are even and secure for winter safety. Lastly, shut off exterior faucets and put your hoses away. This will protect them from being damaged when the temperatures dip below freezing.
You’ll find everything you need to get your home ready for winter here at Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre. From caulking and silicone to ladder rental
Make Your Home Look It’s Best
If you haven’t already checked it off your summer project list, the good news is, there is still time for a new coat of exterior paint. As long as the temperature is above 10 Degrees. Nothing brightens up a home’s exterior like a fresh coat of paint. You’ll first want to pressure wash its exterior and remove any old loose paint. Come into our Paint center to ask our experts what materials will suit your home.
If painting your entire home seems overwhelming, a new coat of paint on your doors and shutters can also make a big difference. We have Beauti-Tone First Impressions Door & Shutter Enamel Paint, and many other specialty paints designed to refresh your home.
When was the last time you sealed your driveway? Applying a driveway sealer will help prolong the life of your driveway. It is particularly important in cold climates like ours as it helps your driveway resist the damaging freeze and thaw of winter.
We recommend a new coat every three years, although if your driveway is looking worn, another coat can help save you from having to replace it next summer. Once your drive begins to form large cracks or holes, you will have to have it resurfaced. Come in and speak to a team member to learn what will work best for your driveway.
Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre is here to help you with your projects, big or small. Our helpful staff love assisting clients with their projects – big or small. Bring your questions to us! Whatever you are looking for, from tools and equipment to the building of your dream home. Our store has a vast selection of lawn and garden products, paints, lumber, tools, hardware, and more!
Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre, located at 1460 Lansdowne St., West. Peterborough.