Month: November 2022

As Canadians, the routine of preparing ourselves for the winter months is one that is all too familiar. Well before the first snow fall, we make sure our fleeced jackets, gloves, and boots are ready to go. But when it comes to prepping the house for those cold and snowy months ahead – well that’s a different story. To help get your home winter-ready, we’ve rounded up some useful tips. 

Cut the draft

Keeping the heat in and the cold out should be at the top of your list when winter-proofing your house. The best way to do this is by making sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. If you feel a draft around a door or window frame, you may want to replace the weather-stripping to ensure a tight seal. 

Empty exterior pipes

To avoid having your water pipes freeze and burst, shut off the water supply to all outdoor taps and faucets until next spring. It’s also important to open the taps and drain them completely once you’ve turned them off. 

Inspect gutters, roof, and exterior walls

Emptying gutters of clogged leaves, dirt and debris can help ensure proper drainage of any rain or melting snow. You’ll also want to make sure your gutters are firmly attached. While you’re up there, inspect your roof for any broken, loose, or missing shingles. Replacing damaged shingles will help avoid any leaks that could happen if the temperature drops with a pile of snow on the roof. If you have a metal roof you may want to consider installing snow jacks. Snow jacks help prevent snow and ice from falling off your roof all at once which can cause damage to your gutters and other objects or people below your roof.

Have your furnace professionally serviced

It’s a good idea to schedule a maintenance check each year to ensure your furnace is in good working order. Doing this not only ensures you’ll stay warm inside, but regular maintenance can also help prevent major problems down the road, saving you more money in the long run. 

While these activities may seem tedious, prepping your home for the winter should be a routine that becomes familiar with time. You will find everything you need to get your home winter ready at all three of our RONA locations – Dutton, Rodney and Springfield.

http://greatlakesrona.com
Your Local Lumber and Hardware Store

_{Article supplied by NewsCanada and edited to fit local advertiser content. This material was supplied free of charge.}

When it comes to home improvement on a budget, the kitchen can feel like a non-starter. Appliances, flooring and countertops are all expensive to switch out, and the amount of work is basically a renovation. But take a second look—you have kitchen DIY options that won’t break your back or your budget. Try wallet- and work-friendly updates to these areas:

Cabinet Colour

Replacing your cabinets is pricey and messy. But you’ll amaze yourself with how much personality a fresh coat of paint can add to your kitchen. Brighten up dark doors to create a bright, clean and airy feel. Take plain white cabinets and drawers, and paint on a layer of mahogany sophistication. Feeling bold? Paint with a bright accent colour like red or blue to really let that part of your kitchen pop. Switch out the hardware to a new metal and you’ll end up with completely new cabinetry.

https://www.rona.ca/en/paint/furniture-and-cabinet-paint

The Lighting

The great thing about swapping your lighting setup is that it will enhance all your other DIY choices. Go with a central hanging light for a classic feel, or a set of track lights to put the spotlight exactly where you want it. Many kitchens have an unused light fixture in the ceiling, so you can even add a second set of lights without having to worry about rewiring or tearing into the ceiling.

https://www.rona.ca/en/lighting-and-ceiling-fans

Your Faucet

DIY that makes an impact doesn’t have to mean everything but the kitchen sink. A new faucet is easy to install, and it can make a surprising difference to the feel of your kitchen. Look for one that matches form with function: a pull-down faucet will let you more easily keep the sink pristine. A timeless design with a modern feel can fit into just about any kitchen.

https://www.rona.ca/en/kitchen/kitchen-faucets

Ready to update your kitchen? Contact Clair, our kitchen and bath designer, at our Rodney location for your next project!

http://greatlakesrona.com
Your Local Lumber and Hardware Store

_{Article supplied by NewsCanada and edited to fit local advertiser content. This material was supplied free of charge.}