OCTOBER 2017
HOME GUIDE MAINTENANCE
5 Home Maintenance Projects to Do This Fall ....................2 Light Up Your Home This Fall .........................................3 Preparing Your Fireplace or Stove for the Season .............. 4 Protect Your Roof and It Will Keep Protecting You ............ 4 How to Care for Tools Properly ........................................5 Your Lawn in Autumn................................................... 6 Prep Your Plants for Winter ............................................7 The Fall Home Maintenance Guide is a special advertising publication of The Billings Gazette. OCTOBER 2017
HOME GUIDE
General Manager Dave Worstell
E MAINTENANC
Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Arcadea Scott Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Knatterud Access the Fall Home Maintenance Guide at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections
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HOME MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
TO DO THIS FALL
By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings
W
hen stores start selling Halloween candy – a full two months before the haunted day – it’s a good reminder to start thinking about how to prepare your home for the upcoming change of seasons. It may seem too early to focus on fall maintenance projects, but preparing for the chilly weather now will enhance and protect one of your biggest investments: your home. The best part is that many of these projects can be done at little or no cost, and they can help you save money on your energy bills. Here are five projects to tackle before the leaves start to fall:
the Gaps Around 1. Caulk Your Home
Heated air can escape from gaps that develop where building materials meet. Some of the most common areas include where exterior siding meets windows and doors, around roof and foundation lines, around chimneys and where pipes protrude through walls or roofs. Check those locations to see if any gaps have formed and if so, apply the appropriate caulk or sealant.
2.
Check Ceiling and Roof Insulation
Heat rises, which means heat from your home also can escape through any vulnerable areas of the roof. The most efficient way to stop that heat loss is by installing ceiling and roof insulation with an R-value of approximately 49. The R-value refers to the ability of any material to resist the passage of heat.
Your 3. Weatherproof Windows and Doors
Ensure that your storm windows and doors are effectively keeping warm air in and cold air out. Look for any cracks around glass, sashes and window frames. Apply adhesive foam weather strips to the top and bottom window rails, or nail felt weatherstripping where window sashes and frames
make contact. Newer homes are much more likely to have double or triple-paned windows, which can dramatically improve energy efficiency.
a Close Eye 4. Keep on the Gutters
Gutters and downspouts can easy become clogged over time, even if they have guards intended to keep out debris. Regularly inspect and clean gutters thoroughly, paying special attention to elbows and bends in the downspouts. Keep hangers fastened securely and plug any holes or cracks. You can also touch up any sections showing signs of rust with rustproof paint.
5.
Augment Your Heating Unit
Consider replacing an older or inefficient heating unit with a gas or oil furnace, or a heat pump with a high efficiency rating. If your system already is efficient, be sure to inspect it regularly and change filters monthly. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that can help save you money by automatically adjusting temperatures at times while you are sleeping or when no one is home. Performing routine home maintenance projects like these can have an immediate impact on lowering your energy bills and maintaining the safety of your family. They also offer the long-term benefits of prolonging the life of your home and enhancing its value. For more tips on home maintenance, visit HBABillings.net or contact the Home Builders Association of Billings at 406-252-7533.
Light Up Your Home This Fall By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings The days are slowly getting shorter and the lights in your home are gradually getting more use. Lighting is an afterthought for many home owners, but it can completely changes the look and feel of any room. The style of fixtures you choose, where you place them and the type of bulbs you use can all affect the mood and functionality of your home. By applying a few simple concepts, you can light up your home in a way that is useful, stylish and efficient, all at once! Think of lighting in layers: Ambient lighting creates a base layer to establish the tone of the whole room. Task lighting illuminates a certain area to address the room’s specific function. Accent lighting draws attention to the decorative features that you love most.
ceiling lights. The number of lights, their direction and a dimmer switch make it easy to customize the amount and intensity of light. Pendant lighting comes in many different shapes and sizes and is a great way to create ambient light with fixtures that Ambient Lighting make a statement. You can suspend mulFor an inconspicuous, minimalist ap- tiple light fixtures from the ceiling at proach to ambient light, consider recessed varying heights, which adds dimension
long-lasting, energy-efficient LED light strips to softly illuminate rooms from hidden sources. By placing an LED light strip under each overhead cabinet in your kitchen, you can brighten up the countertops where you chop vegetables or make a sandwich.
Accent Lighting
and visual interest to the room.
Task Lighting In a living area, this lighting layer might include a table lamp as a focal point to establish an inviting conversation area. A floor lamp next to a comfy chair is just the thing for curling up with a magazine or book. One of the hottest lighting trends uses
Use accent lighting to draw focus to details in a room. Try placing simple, uncomplicated wall sconces around your favorite piece of wall art and watch as it suddenly becomes a brilliant focal point. To highlight wall textures or architectural details you love, consider more atypical sconces in interesting shapes that can both show off the elements of your home and stand alone as eye-catching pieces. By taking these lighting tips, layering them together and infusing them with your own special style, you can completely transform your space and fully accomplish your unique vision for your home. For more information and tips, visit HBABillings.net.
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Preparing Your Fireplace or Stove for the Season Metro Services Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves not only can be beautiful focal points within a home, but they also provide an additional source of heat and can be used to keep rooms or entire homes comfortable without the need for additional and potentially costly heating sources. Just like more modern home heating systems, stoves and fireplaces need to be maintained, and that maintenance includes readying them before winter when they are used more heavily. Ensuring a fireplace or stove is in good working order helps to guarantee efficiency of use and safety during the winter months. Open-flame heating sources carry with them certain risks. The National Fire Protection Association states that, between 2009-2013, American fire departments responded to 56,000 home structure fires that involved heating equipment. The NFPA notes that the leading factor contributing to homeheating fires is a failure to keep things clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment. The following are a handful of ways to stay safe as you get ready for another cozy season around the fire. Start with the chimney. Begin by having your chimney thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Creosote can build up inside of the chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and becomes more difficult
and expensive to clean the longer it builds up inside your flue lining. In addition, animals may have created nest inside of the chimney since the last time the fireplace was used. A professional chimney sweep should be hired in this situation. He or she will be able to effectively clean the chim-
ney in a manner that is the least messy and disruptive to residents. Install or check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Operational alarms are essential to preventing injury or death resulting from smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation. Such detectors are
Protect Your Roof and It Will Keep Protecting You By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings A home is the biggest investment most people will ever make, which is why home owners often go to great lengths to protect that investment. But one of the more important components of safeguarding a home is also one of the most often ignored: the roof. It’s tempting to devote more time and attention to more fashionable maintenance and upgrades like updated kitchen appliances or new bathroom vanities. However, those improvements might lose much of their appeal if water begins dripping through the ceilings or mold starts growing in the walls. When preparing for winter, the top of your to-do list should include what’s on top of your house. Take the time to ensure your roof is up to the task of protecting
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everything - and everyone - it shelters beneath by following these simple steps: Start by visually scanning the roof for any sagging or uneven areas, which can be signs of damage to the roof deck below the shingles. Clear the gutters of any branches, leaves or other debris that could clog downspouts. Water or snow that is left standing on the roof will increase the likelihood of leaking or ice damming, which can damage not only to the roof, but the interior walls as well. Ensure the gutters are fastened properly and securely to the fascia board, to minimize the risk of the gutters loosening or, in extreme conditions, falling off while supporting heavy snow and/or ice. Remove any debris from the valleys, including small branches and accumulating leaves, which can add weight to the roof and also inhibit proper drainage.
Check the positioning and the condition of the flashings, which are the thin pieces of material, often made of aluminum or other metals, used to prevent water seepage between joints and seams around vents, pipes, skylights, and chimneys. When loosened or damaged by high winds and heavy rains, flashings can actually cause leaks rather than prevent them. Examine the condition of the shingles and repair or replace any that might be missing or damaged. Look for curling edges or missing granules. Inspecting your roof at least twice a year (before and after winter) by following these steps will help you identify potential problems before they result in costly repairs or even premature roof replacement. For additional home owner resources, visit HBABillings.net or nahb.org/consumers.
inexpensive safeguards that should be installed on every floor of the house. Batteries should be replaced every six months, and the alarms themselves should be changed every five to 10 years. Inspect the chimney from outdoors as well. Inspect the mortar around any bricks in the chimney and surrounding areas for cracks. If left unaddressed, these can cause dangerous fires. If there are serious cracks, a professional may need to make repairs or the chimney may need to be replaced. You also can have the chimney capped with a screen to keep animals and debris from entering. Inspect the damper. A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a chimney. It should be checked prior to the first use of a stove or fireplace so homeowners can be certain it opens and closes smoothly. Clear out flammable items. Move flammable items away from the front of a fireplace or stove. Be sure curtains or other home furnishings are far enough away that they will not catch fire from any errant sparks or flames. Order wood now. Be sure there is plenty of wood for the season. Ask a wood supplier to estimate just how much will be needed, and double-check that the wood will arrive in time for the start of the season. By preparing for fireplace and wood stove use now, homeowners can ensure their winters are comfortable and safe.
How to Care for Tools Properly Put Tools Back
Metro Services Homeowners often choose to save money and learn valuable skills by doing their own home improvement projects. These minor or major renovations are made much more successful by having the right tools for the job. Investing in good tools can be smart, but those tools are only effective if they are accessible and in good repair. Homeowners who emphasize taking care of their tools can make DIY projects that much easier and more rewarding.
Establish a Place for Everything Nothing can be more frustrating than wanting to begin a project only to spend precious time looking for tools. Almost as important as the investment in tools is the investment in tool storage. Hardwood or metal tool chests feature various drawers and cabinets that can house tools of dif-
ferent sizes. By keeping tools in a chest, they’re easy to find and more likely to stay sharp and in good condition. Metal tools should be stored in a cool, dry area, as dust and moisture can cause rusting issues on metal tools. One way to alleviate rust is to spray metal tools with a product like WD-40 to serve as a moisture barrier, then store them
in closed drawers or containers. All tools do not necessarily have to be stored in a garage or work shed. Many homeowners like to keep smaller tools in the house so that frequently used items are within reach. A hammer, wrench, pliers, and a few screwdrivers are handy tools to have around inside the house.
age. Original cases also help protect tools from humidity. LaRemember to return tools to bel each case so tools are easily their proper storage spots when identifiable when stacked on a you finish using them so they shelf or in a cabinet. can be easily found the next time they’re needed. This saves time Clean Tools After Use and even increases personal safeHand tools and gardening ty. Tools that are left around can become tripping hazards or end tools usually can be cleaned with up in the hands of children. rags. If these tools are especially dirty, give them a wash with soap and water. Just be sure to dry the Hang Garden Tools tools thoroughly after washing Whether garden tools are kept them. LifeHacker advises wiping in a shed or inside the home, hang down wooden handles on tools them so they don’t crowd the with linseed oil to keep them in floor. Moisture can creep up from good repair. concrete or dirt floors and evenPower tools may benefit from tually compromise the tools. Keep compressed air being blown into cords neatly wound and secured smaller crevices to dislodge sawdust and other debris. Lubricate as well. any moving parts with a product recommended by the manufacRely on Original Cases turer. Power tools typically are Keeping tools clean and in packaged in hard plastic cases. good repair goes a long way toThis keeps the tools secure and ward safer, more efficient home often is the best method of stor- improvement projects.
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Your Lawn IN AUTUMN Green Shoot Media
collection bag. Leaf removal can be effective in smaller areas with a leaf blower or As the temperatures drop, it’s easy to a standard rake. Be sure to dispose of your forget about your lawn. You might be sur- leaves in a way that is compliant with your prised to learn how important autumn city’s law. maintenance is to ensure a beautiful yard when spring arrives. Autumn is the time of Continue Mowing year when grass absorbs important nutriAs long as your grass is growing, it is ents and moisture to prepare itself for the important to continue your mowing and long, dormant winter. As beautiful as the changing leaves are watering rituals. Keeping it well mainduring the fall season, they can be disas- tained allows sunlight to reach the peak trous to the quality of your lawn. Be sure of grass blades, lessening the possibility of to remove fallen leaves from your yard as browning throughout the winter. soon as possible. Make sure your mower’s blades are Allowing them to remain on your lawn sharpened at least twice a year. Dull blades can cause them to become wet and stick tend to pull at the grass rather than cut it together. This creates a barrier that may cleanly. This can also add to the risk of suffocate your grass and cause certain grass becoming brown at the tips. fungal diseases. As you prepare for the last few mows of If you have a large yard, you may ben- the season, you can allow your grass time efit from a riding lawnmower featuring a to adjust to its lower height by gradually
Talk to the experts to find the perfect lowering the blades. Scalping your lawn right away can create stressful conditions lawn fertilizer for your area’s needs. Most lawn-care professionals prefer a slow-reon turf grass. lease type that contains nitrogen.
Fertilizing
Don’t forget to fertilize this autumn! This season is a great time because grass blades grow much slower in cooler temperatures. However, beneath the soil, roots and stems continue to grow rapidly. Applying fertilizer assists in the action underground to grow deeper, keeping a supply of nutrients available until spring arrives.
Seed in Bare Areas Give special attention to areas in your yard that are lacking a full amount of grass. You can use an all-in-one mixture to quickly see results. These special mixtures contain grass seeds as well as a beneficial fertilizer to give your new grass a healthy start.
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Prep Your Plants for Winter Green Shoot Media
As the year draws to a close, so does the responsibility of weed pulling and maintaining your garden. However, there is still plenty of work to do before your garden is ready for winter’s harsh conditions. Do your part this autumn to protect your hard work and promote a healthy return next spring. Even though it appears your garden has stopped growing, there is a lot of activity occurring underground. Your springblooming bulbs, perennials and even new trees are developing the roots they will rely on when the warm weather returns. What you do in the fall to provide protection will have a big impact on your garden next year. Once you begin experiencing frost, you should plan to lay down a fresh layer of mulch to your flower garden. It should be considerably thick as it will be the protective barrier for your plants over the winter months.
showing signs of frost damage, cut the stems to frost level. This is an effective way to remove eggs from pests and diseases on your plants. It’s important to wait until a few frost cycles before applying mulch to perennials. Preparing Perennials Your goal is not to warm the soil but to Once your perennial flowers begin regulate the temperature. A good layer of
maintenance before winter. It’s important to remove all existing mulch from beneath your rose bushes. Watch your local weather to determine when the first hard frost is expected. Before this occurs, spread fresh mulch around the base of your plants. Make sure to water your rose bush thoroughly after mulching. After the freeze, add more mulch! The experts at Better Homes and Gardens recommend creating a cylinder around your bush and covering it with mulch for ultimate protection in harsh winter conditions.
Protecting Trees
mulch will keep the ground frozen, keeping a consistent temperature that your perennials will thrive under.
Rose Garden Tips Roses are incredibly popular in American yards. They also require a good level of
Newly planted trees are especially at risk during the winter. You may choose to wrap the trunks of new trees to prevent frost cracks caused by fluctuating temperatures. You should also cover the root system with two to four inches of mulch. This will increase a tree’s ability to absorb water and insulate against the weather. During the winter, water your tree if you experience a few weeks without a natural water supply like rain or snow.
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