Category: Winter

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Top 6 pieces of Equipment to rent in the winter.

Here’s the top 6 pieces of Equipment to rent for DIY in the winter, focusing on tools that will help with your indoor and outdoor projects during these colder months:

1. Power Sanders (Orbital or Belt Sanders)

  • Why Rent: If you’re working on woodworking or refinishing furniture, renting a power sander makes the job faster and more efficient. A belt sander handles heavy-duty sanding, while an orbital sander gives a finer finish. These tools can save you time and effort compared to sanding by hand.
  • Best For: Sanding wood, smoothing surfaces, or refinishing furniture.

2. Tile Cutter or Wet Saw

  • Why Rent: For DIYers installing tile in bathrooms, kitchens, or floors, renting a tile cutter or wet saw provides precise and clean cuts. Wet saws, in particular, are ideal for cutting ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles without breaking them. Renting eliminates the need for buying a tool you’ll only use occasionally.
  • Best For: Cutting tiles for walls, floors, or backsplashes.

3. Carpet Cleaner (Shampooer)

  • Why Rent: Winter can be tough on your carpets with dirt, salt, and snow tracked inside. Renting a carpet cleaner or shampooer helps you deep-clean your carpets and upholstery without the large upfront cost of purchasing a machine. It’s a great way to refresh your home for the new season.
  • Best For: Cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove dirt and stains.

4. Snow Blower

  • Why Rent: If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall, renting a snow blower makes clearing your driveway, walkway, or other outdoor spaces much easier. Renting is perfect if you don’t want to invest in a snow blower you’ll only use a few times each year.
  • Best For: Snow removal for driveways, sidewalks, and large outdoor areas.

5. Portable Heater or Propane Heater

  • Why Rent: Winter DIY projects can be hard to complete in cold, unheated spaces like garages or basements. Renting a portable electric or propane heater can make those spaces comfortable for working. It’s a cost-effective way to stay warm without the expense of buying a heater.
  • Best For: Heating garages, basements, workshops, or any cold workspace.

6. Pressure Washer

  • Why Rent: After winter, surfaces outside your home may need cleaning, especially from dirt, salt, or grime. Renting a pressure washer is perfect for quickly and efficiently cleaning driveways, patios, and siding. Renting saves you from having to store a large machine for occasional use.
  • Best For: Cleaning outdoor surfaces, driveways, siding, or decks after snow and salt accumulation.

These six pieces of equipment will help you take on a variety of winter DIY projects, from home improvement to outdoor maintenance. Renting them ensures you get the right tools for the job without the cost and hassle of ownership.

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Winter DIY repairs.

1. Seal Gaps and Drafts

Cold drafts can drive up heating bills. Check around windows, doors, and baseboards for gaps. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them up. You can also install draft stoppers on doors to keep the heat inside.

2. Insulate Pipes

Frozen pipes can burst and cause major damage. Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape to keep them from freezing, especially in areas like basements or crawl spaces.

3. Clean and Maintain Your Furnace

Before you get into the thick of winter, clean or replace your furnace filter. A clogged or dirty filter makes your furnace work harder and less efficiently. You can also check the ducts for blockages or dust buildup.

4. Install or Replace a Thermostat

If you have an old, manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can help you save on heating costs. These thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures for different times of day.

5. Fix Caulking Around Bathrooms and Kitchens

If caulk around sinks, tubs, or toilets is cracked or missing, it’s a good idea to replace it. Water can seep into these gaps, causing mold or mildew buildup over time. Remove the old caulk and apply a fresh bead for a clean, waterproof seal.

6. Repair Cracked Walls or Ceilings

Winter is a good time to patch up any cracks in the walls or ceilings. Use spackling or joint compound to fill in the cracks, then sand, prime, and paint for a fresh finish.

7. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris before winter hits hard. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool, which could lead to ice dams forming and damaging your roof or walls.

8. Fix a Leaky Roof

While it might be harder to do roof repairs in the winter, if you’re able to get up there safely, check for damaged shingles or areas where water could be leaking through. A temporary patch with roofing tape or sealant can prevent leaks until you can get a professional to repair it in the spring.

9. Add Insulation to Attics and Walls

If your attic isn’t properly insulated, heat can escape, making it harder to keep your home warm. Adding insulation can be a big help in reducing heating costs and keeping your space comfortable during the winter months.

10. Touch Up Exterior Paint

While extreme cold may make outdoor painting challenging, you can still patch up any chipped or peeling spots. Use the right paint that can handle lower temperatures, and be sure the surface is dry before you apply it.

These winter DIY repairs can help make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, and many of them don’t require too much time or expertise!