Last week we offered five easy chores for securing your home for winter. This week we’d like to extend that to-do list to your outbuildings.  These are quick and easy chores and taking care of them now will make your winter much easier and safer.

1. Winterize Watering

Does your livestock drink from heated  buckets, troughs or automatic watering systems when the temperatures turn cold? If so, you’ll want to check this equipment now to be sure everything’s in working order. Examine cords for cracks and heating elements for proper connections. Now is also a good time to drain lines that might freeze in winter and store any hoses you might have around the barnyard.

2. Trim Trees and Clear Dead Branches

Just as you want to protect your home from windblown and fallen branches, so you should do the same for your barns. Wisconsin’s snow, ice and wind can be hard on trees. When winter-laden branches fall on your buildings, they become damaging and expensive.

3. Tidy Your Yards

Clear your driveways, barnyards and yard of any items that could get buried under the snow or entangled in a snow blower.

4. Replace Broken Windows and Repair Doors

Livestock need ventilation even in winter, however they appreciate getting out of the cold, driving winds. Solid windows and well-fitting doors will protect not only your animals but also your barn structure. Oil the tracks on your doors so they slide easily, even in Wisconsin’s snowy drifts.

5. Inspect Building Roofs and Rafters

Winter snows are often heavy. Check for loose panels on metal sheds. Check barn rafters for cracks and brace any that may not hold up to the added weight of snow.

Any questions on how to prepare your outbuildings for winter? Call Forward Mutual at 920-161-6616 or contact us here.