If you live in the Big Easy, you probably know that our idea of winter isn’t exactly what you’d expect. Even though it’s been years since our last snowfall, there are still plenty of steps you can take to get your home ready for the chillier months. Need some help winter-proofing your New Orleans home? Here are four tips you won’t want to miss.
Wrap Exposed Pipes
Even in New Orleans, exposed pipes can easily burst if temperatures dip too low. If you’re looking to avoid costly repairs, there are a few easy steps you can take to show your pipes some TLC.
While it might be tempting to just wrap exposed pipes with rags or duct tape, there’s a more stylish way to keep them safe. Head to your local hardware store to pick up some insulated pipe covers. They’ll look a lot better, but more importantly, they’ll also protect you from any potential water damage. Be sure to wrap the entirety of the pipe, including elbows and turns, to create an effective seal.
Keep the Heat In
Nobody likes a draft, especially during the winter! There are a few small repairs you can make to banish the cold away, and they’re often easy and inexpensive to do yourself.
Start out by inspecting any doors, windows, or other outside access points. Do you feel air coming in where it shouldn’t be? If so, it’s time to take a closer look and make a few changes. Installing weather stripping on your doors and adding caulk near your windows can do wonders for your home, and it can also help keep the warmth in.
Clean Your Gutters
We all love New Orleans’ stunning oak trees, but they can create quite a mess after they’ve shed their leaves! Avoid leaky roofs and foundation damage during the rainy season by cleaning your gutters as soon as possible. Getting rid of excess debris will help improve the flow of rain water and keep moisture away from your home.
If you’re up to it, you can even clean your gutters yourself. Be sure to use a stable ladder, have a bucket ready, and start near a downspout. You can even buy a handy gutter vacuum, which can attach to a leaf blower and remove any light debris without a ladder.
Prep Your Lawn for Spring
Let’s face it—there’s just something drab about a yellow lawn. However, we’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s actually a way to keep your grass green all throughout the winter! If you don’t mind doing a little extra mowing, overseeding your yard with winter rye will do the trick.
Wondering how it works? Although this specific type of grass is temporary, it thrives in cooler conditions and can protect your lawn from any winter frost. Be sure to mow it regularly and add fertilizer to get your yard looking fabulous!
Need Help Winter-Proofing Your New Orleans Home?
Winter-proofing your New Orleans home doesn’t have to be hard, especially if you have the right tips from local experts. If you’re looking for more info on what it’s like to live in the Big Easy, just reach out to the Nugent Freeland Team today. We’re here to help you buy or sell your NoLa home, and the answers you need are always just a phone call away.