Farmhouse Upgrades Just in Time for Winter

Every farmhouse is a dream come true in the summer, but the moment winter hits, it's easier to feel left in the cold. If you want to be as prepared as possible for this season change and aren't sure where to start- this is the article for you. These are nine upgrades that will help prepare your property for winter.

Gutter Guards to Cut Down on Work

The last thing you want to do is spend your last days before winter climbing into your roof, and fishing leaves out of gutters. Not only is it hazardous, but it's a time waster, and if you avoid doing it, you could have to deal with roof damage if it freezes in the winter.

Gutter guards allow the leaves and debris to drive away and leave your roof.

A Roof That Can Handle It

Speaking of: your roof should be strong and reliable. How old is this part of your property? The older your roof is, the more likely it needs to be repaired or updated. Look for signs of wear and age, like curling shingles, discoloration, leaks, and other issues that can spiral out of control in one winter. You don't want to have to swap your roof last minute. Plan ahead.

Drainage to Pull Away Extra Moisture

Moisture is the worst thing that can happen to any property. If your farm has standing water, it's a good idea to build small trenches or ditches that will guide it down and away from your house. Otherwise, installing a sump pump in your basement is a must.

Updating and Working on Your HVAC System

How old is your HVAC system? You don't have to replace the entire system, but take the time to ensure it's up to date and able to handle the whole home. From heating basement spaces to regulating and turning them off when it's not needed, pay attention to what it's costing you.

Invest in a smart thermostat! These allow you to set schedules for the heat to turn on and off and will allow you to control the temperature of your farmhouse from anywhere in the world.

Paint to Bring in the Warmth

Color allows us to affect the mood of an entire room, so it's a good idea to pick a color that makes sense to you. In the winter, we miss the sunlight, so using warm pastel colors, like light warm orange, can give a room that sunny and nice feeling that we're missing so much.

Green is the most popular color right now, so consider painting rooms this hue! It replicates how plants make us feel, allowing us to release endorphins and feel more connected to our surroundings.

Replacing and Repairing Windows

How old are your windows? If they're leaking air, causing your HVAC system to work in overdrive to get barely comfortable, it's time to consider replacing or repairing old windows before they cost you even more.

You can even complete a partial window replacement, so you don't have to think about paying and waiting for every window to get swapped out. If most still function well, there's no need to waste them.

Heating Floors Throughout the Home

There's nothing as harrowing in the winter as getting up and feeling your feet touch the cold, hard floor. Never again. Instead, invest in heated resilient flooring that will allow you to enjoy getting out of bed.

A heated shower floor is an exact treatment that will make getting up in the morning worth it and will give you the opportunity to feel comfortable and confident.

Fixing Cracked Cement

Cracked cement is a big issue when winter finally rolls around. When water gets into a crack, it's not terrible on its own: but when the second cold arrives, it's dangerous. Water will expand as it freezes into ice, and if your driveway or sidewalks have even a slight crack, then moisture will find it.

This will lead to replacing the entire portion of concrete and being unable to save it due to the deep problems. Repair and seal cracks as soon as you notice them.

Better Siding and Protection From the Elements

Siding is your home's main defense from the world around it. Unfortunately, it's not much protection if you have cheap or older siding, and you could see damage and mold.

Check your siding for signs of age. The average siding material lasts only twenty to thirty years, so it's a good idea to know the signs. Whether looking at fiber cement siding vs. vinyl, both show age by cracking, warping, and discoloration. This can lead to moisture getting under the material, causing rot and mold.

Farmhouses Need to Handle Any Weather

Regardless of where you are, your farmhouse will see a lot of rough weather, and it needs to be ready for anything. Consider some of these upgrades to protect your property before winter snaps in.