Porches are an extension of the home.

Jean Allsopp

Luckily, there are ways to get more use out of your porch in the winter.

Use these steps to winterize yourscreened-in porchand make it a cozy getaway all season long.

A screened-in porch with a stone fireplace and chairs

Credit:Jean Allsopp

Brie Williams

1.

Clean It Out

Before prepping your porch for winter, give it a deep clean.

Sweep out any dust and dirt, andwipe debris off screensand surfaces, includingporch furniture.

Screened in porch with a wood fireplace

Credit:Brie Williams

Shake out and wash allpillow and cushion covers, towels, and blankets.

Seal All Cracks

Weatherstrip oruse waterproof caulkto seal any cracks or openings in your porch.

check that to pay close attention to theseals around windowsand doors.

Porch with two rocking chairs and Christmas decor

Credit:Jessie Preza

Even if the cracks are small, they allow cold air to sneak in.

So when in doubtreseal!

First, cut the sheeting to the size of your porch screens.

Use hook-and-loop tape, such as Velcro, to attach the sheeting to the frame of your screens.

Pull the sheeting taught to ensure the cold stays out.

An alternative to vinyl sheeting, vinyl curtains or tarps are also good options for winterizing screened-in porches.

Simply hang the curtains or tarps with tension rods over the screened areas of your porch.

Jessie Preza

5.

Decorate for the Season

Trade in your summer decorations forwarm, cozy accessories.