As the weather gets colder and winter sets in, it pays to prepare your home for the season. Poor insulation and slick pavement can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even dangerous in cold temperatures. To fix these problems, take a trip to your local hardware store. Here are three industry-approved ways to make the season easier on your property.

5 Hardware Essentials to Pick Up for Winter

1. Driveway Salt

Your driveway and other areas of pavement in your yard need plenty of salt to keep ice at bay. Without it, these surfaces won’t be safe for walking. You can get bags of salt and walk-behind or handheld salt spreaders at your local hardware store.

2. Draft Guards

While you can fill the cracks under your doors with rolled-up towels, a much more effective and convenient option is a draft guard. These slide onto the bottom edge of a door and significantly reduce airflow from outside.

3. Caulk

For gaps around windows and doors, caulking is an easy fix. A caulk gun will help you apply an even coat to every crack and gap, creating a durable, waterproof seal against the weather.

4. Insulating Window Film

Much of the heat lost from your home escapes through window glass, as this is one of the thinnest and most vulnerable points in a home’s outer wall. To slow this process, invest in transparent, insulating window film.

5. Furnace Filters

The more efficiently your heater runs, the more you save on your energy bill. Unobstructed airflow is essential to reaching peak performance, so don’t forget to clean your old, clogged air filter consistently. If your heating fixture uses disposable filters, make sure to change them out regularly!

A few simple, inexpensive items from the hardware store can make a major difference in the comfort of your home this season. Keep your driveway safe and your house warm with these must-have winter products.

Ideal Supplies has provided Ludlow, KY, and the greater Cincinnati area with trusted hardware for over 50 years. Whether you’re a professional contractor or preparing for a small DIY project, this hardware store has everything you need—from lumber to landscaping supplies to paint and tools. For more information, contact them today at (859) 491-6666, or check out their bargains page online.