With fall in full swing and winter right around the corner, it’s time to start preparing your DIY habits for winter. Out with the lawnmowers and outdoor fire pits. In with the holiday lights and leaf rakes.
Cold weather brings a unique set of challenges for every project, no matter if you’re a general contractor or a weekend warrior. You’ll have to deal with a new set of circumstances. From preparing your home with high-quality batt insulation to planning projects according to the weather, here are five things to keep in mind when taking on a project in winter.
Take Extra Safety Precautions
Safety should always be at the top of your priority list, especially when the weather gets cold. There are a whole range of steps you can take to ensure you stay safe while working. Including:
• Double-checking that every ladder is secure.
• Testing every surface for ice or moisture.
• Reviewing weather forecasts before starting outdoor projects.
• Wearing warm, layered clothing.
• Not rushing any projects.
Fall and winter can bring inclement weather. Stay prepared so your projects stay on track and you stay safe.
Adjust to Fewer Daylight Hours
Throughout the summer, you get used to working well into the evening with ample daylight. The sun can stay up until eight or even nine at night. As we get further into fall and winter, that won’t be the case.
Plan for fewer hours of daylight. Check the sunset time every day and plan projects accordingly. You might have to cut out after-work projects entirely or add a floodlight to your gear list. Weekend afternoons will be the sweet spot for your projects this time of year.
Stay Flexible with Outdoor Projects
While summer projects tend to work according to schedule, cold weather makes your timeline much harder to predict. Adjust your expectations and schedule—plan for the weather daylight hours and increase preparation time—so you don’t try to cut corners to meet your deadlines.
Opt for Indoor Renovations
One straightforward way to beat the cold is to put your outdoor projects on hold while the cold fronts persist.
Swapping outdoor tasks for indoor ones is a great choice when the weather cools down. Renovate your staircase with new stair treads and a fresh handrail. Give your bedroom a fresh coat of paint. Redo the flooring in your kitchen.
Giving your interior a makeover can help cure any cabin fever blues caused by the change in seasons.
Switch to Maintenance Mode
While you’re in level-up mode during summer, cold weather usually means it’s time to slow down and enter maintenance mode.
Like a bear hibernating, now is the time to conserve your energy and keep everything running smoothly as opposed to fighting the cold trying to make huge changes. Repair cracks and leaks. Clear out your gutters. Find spaces that need new insulation. Patch holes in the wall. Then, when the weather warms up again, you’ll be ready to start your significant undertakings.
About Menards®
This fall, it’s time to get all your DIY home-improvement projects done the right way, with help from Menards®. While you’re doing the work yourself, Menards® will be right there by your side, providing supplies and tools at great prices. Whether you’re shopping at one of their 300 stores or browsing their website, there’s a wide selection for you to choose from. From painting supplies and lighting solutions to raw lumber and electrical systems, they have anything and everything you need for your next project. It could be porch posts and deck stain for an exterior remodel or Flex Paste for some repairs. Either way, you Save Big Money® when you shop at Menards®. They’re the best companion for every DIY undertaking on your schedule.
Get all the supplies for your cold-weather projects at https://www.menards.com/
Original Source: https://bit.ly/3QwKAUs
