Prep Your Minneapolis Home Exterior for Winter & Add Curb Appeal

Did your exterior maintenance to-do list get off track this fall?  There is still time to get some of those tasks done so your home is winter-ready.  We’ve got some must-do basics, but also some tips to add to the appeal of your home. You may not be hosting any gatherings this holiday season but chances are people are going to be driving by your home. With so many activities on hold right now, we’re hearing that going for a drive around neighborhoods to look at Christmas decorations is a big thing. And whether you’ve gone all out Clark Griswold style on lights or you’ve kept yours modestly tasteful, you still want your home to look its best.

Winter Prepping for Your Home Exterior

• If you didn’t do it in late fall, cleaning out your gutters on a warmer day definitely should be at the top of the list.  Clogged gutters can lead to all sorts of problems once the snow starts falling in big amounts.
• Add attic insulation and ventilation.  Both for the life of your roof as well as your utility bills, your attic space should stay consistently cool and dry.   Proper air flow as well as insulation that keeps the heat in floors below from migrating into the attic will go a long way towards both.
• Got window wells?  Clean out debris and add covers.  Grates or screens will help keep gunk out, but they need to be easily removable, especially if the window wells are at egress windows.
• Check windows and doors for air leaks.  Add weatherstripping where needed.  Or consider adding storm doors to your exterior doors for even more protection.

Add to Your Home’s Exterior Curb Appeal

• Focus on your front door.  The front entry area is what draws someone’s eye first.  Even little touches can make a big impact.  Check out our Pinterest board for some holiday door decor ideas, including wreaths and swags.
• Ramp up your exterior lighting.  And we don’t mean just by stringing holiday lights.  Your front door should be well illuminated all year long.  If you’ve got an overhang that covers your front door area, pendant lights work well.  Otherwise sconces with bright bulbs will do.  Many people use just one light, but installing matching sconces on each side of the door adds even more appeal.
• Add evergreen foundation plants.  While it’s likely too cold to put in permanent evergreen shrubs, you can invest in potted mini-trees or other evergreens that can later be put in the ground in the spring.
• Paint something in a vivid color.  ‘Tis the season for hollyberry red!  If you’ve got an older wood front door, paint it!  Red is the most popular color for front doors, all year round.  Or consider painting your mailbox.   Make sure you choose a paint that’s rated for exterior use.
• Add shutters or window boxes.  Even if you recently had replacement windows installed, adding to their look with elements such as shutters or window boxes can really set them apart.  Plus window boxes will give you another spot to decorate. (Here again, you can turn to our Pinterest site for inspiration).

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home remodeling contractor.  We specialize in exterior services such as energy-efficient replacement windows and exterior doors.  We’re based in Savage, but we serve the entire Minneapolis metro area and surrounding communities. 

 

 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.