Winterization tasks may feel like they’re a long way off. After all, we’re only in fall, and the weather hasn’t turned icy yet. But take it from your neighborhood professionals here at Village Ace Hardware—planning can relieve a lot of future stress and headaches. Below, find three simple steps you can take now to protect your home, lower energy bills, and ensure a beautiful lawn next spring. Have questions or need more advice? Give us a call now at 414-961-1143.

Focus on These 3 Winterization Tasks While the Weather Is Nice

Clean Out and Maintain Your Gutters

Clogged gutters are good at trapping water. When the temperatures drop, that buildup could lead to ice dams and foundation leaks around your home.

Here’s what to do:

• Create a safe base to clear the debris with the right ladder and stabilizer
• Flush your gutters with a garden hose to check downspout flow
• Inspect your gutters for cracks, sags, or loose brackets

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ladder safety gear
• Gutter scoops
• Downspout guards
• Heavy-duty work gloves

Take Care of Your Windows

It’s not quite time to turn the heat on yet. But when you do, drafty windows can leak that heated air, forcing your furnace or boiler to work overtime to make up for it. That can cost you in terms of comfort—not to mention your wallet.

Here’s what to do:

• Inspect and replace old, cracked caulking or worn weatherstripping
• Apply temporary insulation shrink film for an extra thermal barrier
• Consider upgrading your windows to new, energy-efficient ones

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Exterior caulk
• Caulk guns
• Weatherstripping tape
• Window insulation kits

Fertilize That Lawn

When the weather gets cold, grass blades will stop growing. But their roots won’t. That’s why fertilizing your lawn now can help build strength to survive the coming freeze and even thrive come springtime.

Here’s what to do:

• Mow your grass shorter than normal on your final cut to prevent snow mold
• Choose a high-potassium, winterizing fertilizer
• Spread that fertilizer evenly before the ground freezes

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fall or winterizing lawn fertilizer
• Broadcast spreaders
• Lawn rakes

Home Winterization Begins Now

Don’t wait for the first frost warning to winterize your home. Instead, avoid hidden home damage by getting started now. Visit our Glendale store to pick up your supplies today. Have questions? Call us at 414-961-1143 or contact us online for more winterization tips.

FAQs

• What are Village Ace Hardware’s store hours?
  • Our hours are Mon-Fri: 7:00am to 7:00pm; Saturday: 8:00am to 6:00pm; and Sunday: 10:00am to 5:00pm.
• Can I rent tools from Village Ace?
  • Yes, we do rent various tools. Please call us with specific requests.
• How do I sign up for the ACE Rewards Card?
  • Sign up at any participating Ace Hardware store or register online at acehardware.com. Or take a form home and return it on your next visit.
• How does the ACE Rewards Program work?
  • Complete an application and receive 1,000 points. Then receive points each time you use your ACE rewards card, along with Instant Savings right in the store. For every dollar you spend at participating Ace Hardware retail stores, you earn 10 Reward points. Once you’ve earned the $5.00 Reward, it will automatically be sent to the address on your account. You can also sign up for the Ace Rewards website to spend your points online. For questions about your Ace Rewards account, call customer service at 1-866-290-5334.