If we like it or not, winter is almost here. While all of us on the Connecticut Shoreline are frantically trying to figure out what to do with all of these leaves, these autumn days are numbered. Meaning it’s time to prepare our home for winter. That’s why we sat down with the experts at Ring’s End to share winter projects you can do now to get your home winterized, keeping you cozy on those chilly nights ahead.

Ensure your home is ready for winter and super cozy for those chilly Shoreline winters. Ring’s End has tips on winter safety, insulation, and even a few tips on making your home more efficient and cost saving!

Take time to check your home’s heating and air conditioning system.

Change your filters
Yep, all of that pollen from summer ends up somewhere, so give yourself a fresh start once everything has finally fallen from the trees by changing your home’s air filters.

Routine maintenance by an HVAC contractor
Routine maintenance on your heating can prevent big bills down the line, or worse losing your heat mid-winter! It’s happens - and no one one wants to be left out in the cold!

Protect your pipes with insulation
Have you experienced your pipes freezing? Gas and water lines can freeze up on chilly days, so protect your pipes with insulation to prevent freezing or damage.

Replace windows
Feeling drafty? Did you know that between 12 and 30 percent of your yearly heating bill goes to make up for heat loss through windows? Replacing your windows can make your home more comfortable, as well as, help lower your heating bill. (oh, and they look fabulous)

Apply caulking and foam insulation around windows and doors
Not ready for new windows? Simply blocking out the cold by caulking and using foam protectors around windows and doors can make a big difference and prevent drafts.

Order firewood
Don’t forget to get your firewood delivered for those cozy nights at home. We personally love Medlyn’s Farm in Branford.

Check and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
The holidays often mean more candles, cooking, and fireplaces. So make sure to check and replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Update your thermostat
Did you know on average smart thermostats saved US customers about 10-12% on their heating bills and about 15% on their cooling bills, with an estimated average savings of $131 to $145 a year? Updating your thermostat can keep both your home and wallet more comfortable.

Improve fire safety with fireplace gloves and ash receptacle
Invest in some fireplace safety with fireplace gloves and a galvanized steel locking lid container for fireplace ashes. *Never throw ashes away in a garbage can or you’ll risk setting your house on fire.

Before temperatures drop too much, some quick exterior upkeep can help prepare your home for winter, as well as, prepare your house for a wonderful spring. Yes, this winter will end at some point, this is not Game of Thrones!

Paint, caulk and seal exterior wood
Paint or stain won’t dry correctly when it’s under 40 degrees. So we suggesting painting, sealing, and caulking exterior wood before it gets too cold. This includes your siding, decking and trim.

Seal masonry and hard surfaces
Ever notice how potholes pop up after the winter? Ice and snow can get into cracks and make small problems, big problems. Taking the time to fill cracks and seal any concrete or driveways will help prevent winter damage.

Check drainage
Poor drainage can lead to water build up, and unfortunately during the winter that can mean ice. For your safety, make sure and take a peek at your drainage.

Clean and guard gutters
The leaves are almost done. It’s time to clear and clean those gutters allowing all the upcoming snow melt to leave your roof properly.

Check for deteriorated flashing at the chimney, walls and skylights and around vent pipes
Deteriorated flashing can mean water seepage and damage to your roof. Ensuring your flashing is secured properly will protect your roof from winter weather.

Winterize your lawn with aeration and reseeding as well as a winter fertilizer
Showing your yard a little love now with a winter fertilizer, will pay off big time come spring.

Check the health of your trees and trim overgrown branches back from the house
As we learned two winter’s ago with that big storm, heavy snow can bring down branches and whole trees. It’s best to check the health of your trees and do any trimming before snow begins.

Winter is the around the corner and with that, comes snow. Whether you’re counting down to “washing your hands, your face, and hair with snow” (cough, cough White Christmas reference) or hiding under blankets by the fire and pretending it doesn’t exist, there is some storm prep you should check off your list.

Take inventory of ice melt and shovel equipment
You don’t need to go full prepper, but take account of how much ice melt you have on hand, as well as, ensure your shovels and/or snow blower are in working order. That first snow may come sooner than we think!

Purchase a roof rake
After shoveling we can all attest to how heavy snow is. If your roof is easily accessible, having a roof rake on hand can remove the risk of a cave in or ice dams after a winter storm.

Install heat cables in areas where ice dams occur
Another alternative to a roof rake, is installing heat cables in areas where ice and snow collect on your roof.

Car Prep
Be prepared while on the road. Too often during winter weather we come across accidents or the occasional car in a ditch. Keeping a windshield scraper on hand to will ensure your visibility while an ER kit can help you or someone else in an emergency.

Purchase and store extra batteries in case of power loss
With above ground utilities common along the Shoreline, power outages are a fact of life. Keeping extra batteries on hand are helpful during winter, and all year.

Flashlights and/or LED lanterns
If you’re going to have extra batteries on hand in case of power loss, it’s probably a good idea to have flashlights or LED lanterns to put them in.

Ring’s End is a leading building supply and home improvement company operating out of Connecticut and Southern New York. With over a century of experience delivering premium quality materials and services for professional builders, contractors, architects, and individual homeowners, their company is unmatched in its product expertise and dedication to customer success. They maintain one of the largest and most diverse inventories in the region and work directly with their customers to help them reach their goals and successfully complete any project – big or small.

The job at Ring’s End is simple. They strive to give customers the best possible value for their money on the thousands of products that they offer. From lumber and plywood to design and décor products, Ring’s End has it all. Their team is committed to providing industry leading services, conducting in-store demonstrations, leading continuing education opportunities, and offering accessibility and convenient store locations for all customers. With immense trust cultivated from over 100 years of being in business, their business continues to thrive and aims to meet and exceed all customer expectations.

To better serve their loyal customers, Ring’s End has recently launched an e-commerce website where you can shop online. They have established a large inventory of building supplies and materials including dimensional lumber, engineered lumber, decking, fencing, paint and other tool and hardware items. Ring’s End offers free shipping on orders over $150 and also free instore pickup!

Ring's End

Winter Prep with Ring’s End

INSIDE YOUR HOME

OUTSIDE YOUR HOME

Storm Preparation

More about Ring’s End

Two convenient locations on the Connecticut Shoreline

Winter Checklist