The cold, wind, rain, ice, and snow can all give you a lot more work to do if you want to take care of your home and protect it from the elements. It can be a lot to deal with by hand, so equipping yourself with the right tools can make all the difference in the world. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most important tools to help you get through winter, as well as some tips on the routine care that you should be giving your home now that the days are shorter and the nights are much colder.

The Right Insulating Products

If your home is feeling a little chilly, it’s important to find out why. You might want to invest in double glazing or insulation at some point, but for the moment, you can look at more short-term solutions to keep the cold out. For instance, heat control window film can seal up leaky windows in the meantime. Meanwhile, door draft stops can prevent those air leaks under your doors from letting in too much cold air. Don’t forget about pipe insulation, which could protect your home’s water pipes from freezing, which can eventually lead to leaks or even bursts. Do a routine check over the home to see where the gaps in its armour are, and invest in the right tools to keep it from being too badly affected by the cold, but be sure to start budgeting for long-term solutions, too.

Grit And Salt Spreader

When the temperature starts to drop below freezing, ice begins to form. Even smaller patches can become serious slipping hazards, and, for that reason, a grit or salt spreader can be a highly valuable tool for making the process of de-icing your driveways, steps, and pavements that much easier. There are handheld models that tend to work wheel ro for smaller areas, as well as wheeled types that reduce the work of spreading over larger properties. You want to spread it early, before the frost starts to form, so that ice doesn’t have the chance to bond to the surface in the first place.

A Good Snow Shovel

If you’re in an area that sees a lot of snow, whether frequently or just in big quantities all at once, then you should make sure that you’re equipped to deal with it; otherwise, your driveways can get blocked easily, and ice can form under the surface of that snow. With the help of a good snow shovel, you can make sure that you’re able to tackle it head-on. A durable blade and ergonomic handle are vital for reducing the strain of clearing it away. The earlier you shovel, the easier it is to keep your home and garden snow-free after the fact. If you have a larger property, or it snows especially often, then a snow blower might also be recommended.

Tools To Reach Your Roof And Gutters

Although it might be out of sight, the top of your home shouldn’t be out of mind. Snow, ice, and rain can affect your roof and your gutters, so they need a little care, as well. With the help of a telescopic roof rake, for instance, you can make sure that you’re able to clear away the heavy snow that can affect your roof. Otherwise, it can strain the materials and eventually cause leaks, especially as the snow melts, freezes, and remelts. You might also want to invest in a gutter cleaning tool that’s able to help you clear out the leaves, twigs, and other debris that can cause clogged gutters.

A Little Extra Warmth

A routine check of your heating appliances can make sure that they’re working as effectively and safely as possible in the home. However, some rooms might still feel a little chilly, regardless of how well-insulated they might be. To that end, investing in a portable space heater could provide the warmth precisely where you need it, usually where your central heating doesn’t quite reach. There are models with thermostats, timers, and automatic shut-off features to keep them safe and energy efficient. You should also consider investing in some electric blankets, which can really up the cosy factor and help you stay warm and comfortable on those coldest of winter days.

A Power Washer

Winter is a very moist time of year, due to rain and low temperatures. This moisture can cause moss, algae, and grime to grow and build up on your patios, driveways, and garden paths, which can make them excessively slippery. This is where a power washer can come in. These are excellent tools for clearing away any mess and leaving surfaces clean and clear, once again. You want to use it before the weather reaches freezing temperatures, as the colder it gets, the bigger the risk of organic growth and dirt becoming icy. Be careful to use the right pressure settings on materials such as wood, too, as a little too much force can cause sme damage. When not in use, store your power washer in a dry place after draining all water from the hoses to prevent damage.

An Emergency Kit For Your Car

It might not technically be a part of the home, but given that your car spends a lot of time on your property and is, generally, an important part of how you go about your life, it’s worth talking about it, as well. The risk of being stranded due to a breakdown increases exponentially in the winter, due to problems cold weather can cause with your engine and battery. As such, make sure that you have a vehicle emergency kit at the ready, which should include not just jumper cables to help you get back up and running, but vital equipment like blankets, a first aid kit, water, and dry food to keep you safe and comfortable while waiting for help.

Taking care of your home in the winter can prevent all kinds of expensive and even potentially dangerous issues from developing down the line. Don’t skip it just because it’s too cold outside.