Prepping your exteriors for the cooler months

It’s that time of the year again! The time when our gardens start to be used less and less and the weather starts getting cooler, wetter, and oftentimes harsher. Now is the time to make sure your exteriors are prepared to handle the autumn and winter months ahead.

Below you’ll find some tips to help make sure your home is secure and ready for the elements that Mother Nature is sure to throw its way.

Store garden furniture: Make sure any garden furniture, when not in use, is properly stored. Ideally, furniture should be kept in a dry and covered area (like a shed), but if this is not possible we recommend covering items with a tarpaulin and positioning them in as dry a spot as possible and on a flat, hard and dry surface. Give furniture a gentle cleaning and drying before storing so that dirt and grime don’t have a chance to settle.

Inspect exterior walls for damage and repair: Take time to look at your exterior walls and ensure that there are no holes or cracks. If there are, make sure to repair these promptly. Our Ready Mixed Masonry Filler works great for this. It’s easy to use and ideal for outdoor repairs to brick, render, stone and most other building materials. It’s important to fix any damage before it turns into a much larger problem.

Check for draughts around doors and windows: Make sure there are no gaps around doors, windows, or other openings where air can escape or enter the home. If you find any draughts, caulk/seal inside and outside as needed. This will help keep your home warm and cosy through the colder months and save you on heating bills!

Inspect windows for damage: Make sure your windows don’t have any cracks or broken glass. Seemingly small damage can lead to larger issues down the line so it’s important that any broken windows are replaced ASAP. Additionally, now would be an ideal time to clean your windows for the months ahead with our PVC-u Cleaner or PVC-u Restorer. We recommend doing this at least seasonally (and as needed), to rejuvenate the look of your windows and keep them in great shape.

Preserve wooden trim/frames: Make sure the wood trim/frames on your exteriors are secure, well maintained and protected from decay. If need be, make replacements these in order to maintain structural integrity. Our Exterior Trim products are exceptionally tough and long-lasting, offering years of hardwearing protection for your exterior wood and metal.

Clean your garden: Give your garden a general clean up. Bring fragile elements (such as ceramic planters) indoors or store in a safe location. Clean soil from planters.  Make sure all garden elements are secure and that they won’t get damaged or blow away during harsh weather. Clean away branches and any leaves to help your grass stay healthy. Tend to your flowers and plants as needed.

While your autumn checklist will vary depending on your own home and its unique needs, the above tips should give you a decent start in the right direction. For everything you need for your exteriors, visit your local Sandtex stockist.