Fall Home Improvement Thursday, October 25, 2018
Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, October 25, 2018
| FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
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A guide to getting your home and yard winter-ready (BPT) - As the winter months approach, there’s much to anticipate: hot drinks, football games and getting cozy on those long, chilly nights. While homeowners can enjoy the comfort of the indoors, it’s still important to ensure their property is well prepared - inside and out - for chillier temperatures, ice or snow during the fall and winter seasons. Use this checklist to ensure your house is ready for cold weather. Fix the cracks Before temperatures really dip, check for and seal off cracks and gaps in the home to help keep heating bills down. Walk the perimeter of the house, using caulk to fix any cracks in the foundation, steps and windows. This is also a good time to repair cracks in the driveway and walkway to keep ice from widening them in the winter months. Feed the lawn now for thicker grass in the spring When it comes to lawn care, the mix of warm soil and cooler air creates ideal conditions for thickening a thin lawn. If you live in a cooler climate and your lawn has grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, or tall fescue, make the most of the opportunity and apply Scotts(R) Turf Builder(R) Thick’R(TM) Lawn. This 3-in-1 solution seeds to fill in gaps, feeds for thicker, greener turf, and improves soil for enhanced root development.
Watch for rodents The last thing people want while relaxing indoors is to find unwanted guests like mice nesting in the basement or garage. These rodents are unsanitary and can damage wiring, insulation and wood. To deter mice, store food - especially pet food and wild bird seed - in hard containers with fitted lids. If there are signs of mouse activity, set a trap and check and empty it regularly. If you don’t want to dispose of dead rodents, Tomcat(R) Mouse Killer Child & Dog Resistant, Refillable Station makes it easier by killing up to 12 mice per 1-ounce bait block, based on no-choice laboratory testing. Because this bait station is weather resistant, it’s great for indoor and outdoor use. Tune up the furnace A furnace needs a check-up in the fall to ensure it is free of mechanical issues that could cascade into a full breakdown. For a relatively low fee, an HVAC technician can perform a top-to-bottom inspection and tune-up to make sure it’s ready to keep everyone warm all season long. After inspection, maximize efficiency by changing the filters regularly and vacuuming the registers. Clear debris from gutters and drain spouts In the fall, homeowners should clear leaves and other debris from gutters and drain sprouts. Otherwise,
blockages can form, leading to water backups that damage the roof and cause dangerous icicles to form. A ladder, work gloves, trowel and container to catch debris are all the tools needed to get the job done in an afternoon. It’s messy work, but it’s a sure way to prevent many colder weather headaches. Getting your home in shape now will not only keep it running smoothly during the cold weather but will give you peace of mind while enjoying fall activities.
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Clean indoor air can help reduce asthma attacks ensure they are operating safely and not contributing to poor indoor air quality. Mold can be mitigated by reducing moisture in a home. Moist environments in the kitchen and bathroom may promote mold growth. Ventilation is key to keep mold at bay. Tobacco smoke Thirdhand smoke, or THS, may be unfamiliar to many people. A 2011 report published in Environmental Health Perspectives says THS is an invisible combination of gases and particles that can cling to clothing, cushions, carpeting, and other materials long after secondhand smoke has cleared from a room. Studies have indicated that residual nicotine levels can be found in house dust where people smoke or once smoked. Studies have indicated that smoke compounds can adsorb onto surfaces and then desorb back into air over time. Keeping tobacco smoke out of a home can improve indoor air quality and personal health. VOCs Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases released from commonly used products. These can include paints and varnishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, new furniture, and new carpet. People with asthma may find that VOCs can trigger attacks. Airing out items, reducing usage of products that are heavily scented and choosing low- or no-VOC products can
help. Making cleaning products from baking soda, vinegar and liquid oil soap also can keep indoor air quality high. Homeowners who plan to renovate their homes can consider using the appropriate specifications for HVAC systems to promote good indoor air, as well as address any other potential problems that may be compromising indoor air quality.
Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, October 25, 2018
Allergens Allergens such as mold, dust mites, pet dander and fur, and waste from insects or rodents thrive in many homes. Ensuring indoor air quality is high can cut back on the amount of allergens in the air. People with asthma can invest in an air purifier and vacuum regularly, being sure to use a HEPA-equipped appliance. Routinely replacing HVAC system filters can help prevent allergens from blowing around the house. Also, frequent maintenance of HVAC systems will
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT |
Did you know that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25 million Americans, including roughly seven million children, have asthma? It’s true, and those numbers have steadily risen in recent years. Asthma is more than occasional wheezing or feeling out of breath during physical activity. Asthma is chronic and can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fast breathing, and chest tightness, states the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. In the 21st century, people spend significant time indoors at home, school or work, and indoor air environments could be triggers for asthma. Improving indoor air quality can help people breathe clearly. The AAFA notes that the following agents can adversely affect indoor air quality, potentially triggering asthma attacks.
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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, October 25, 2018
| FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
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7 uses for fallen leaves By the time autumn hits full swing, many trees will have shed their leaves for the season, and the last vestiges of red, yellow and orange magic will have faded to brown. Raking, blowing and collecting leaves becomes the primary chores of lawn and yard maintenance, and presents most homeowners with large piles of gathered leaves to tend to. It is impossible to count just how many leaves fall to the ground each year, or just how many pounds of leaves get collected curbside, but the numbers are substantial. Cleaning up leaves is considerable work, but not all of those leaves need to be carted away. In fact, there are several different uses of leaves that can be beneficial. 1. Spread leaves as a protective mulch to cover tender perennials or root crops/bulbs in the ground. The leaves will form a natural insulating cover that keeps the soil and the plants within a bit warmer over winter.
5. Use shredded leaves as a lawn supplement. Pass a lawn mower over leaves left on the lawn to break them down into pieces too small to rake. This will help keep the lawn healthy throughout the winter without blocking out needed sunlight.
6. Bag dried leaves and pack them tightly together in cold areas of the home, such as 3. Brown leaves can be added to green materials basements or garages. They can act as added in compost piles to improve the health of the insulation. Bags of leaves also can be placed compost being formed. According to the healthy around planting containers to protect them from living resource Care2, the ideal ratio is 75 percent frost. brown to 25 percent green materials in compost. Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them.
4. Store dried, mulched leaves in a dry spot so they can be used in the spring as a weed barrier for spring plantings. They will keep weeds at bay and help retain soil moisture to ensure small sprouts have the resources to grow.
7. Gather a few of the best-looking leaves and preserve them. Use an iron on a low setting and press leaves between two pieces of waxed paper until the waxed paper seals together. Or use clear contact paper to achieve the same effect. Fallen leaves can be used in many different ways throughout the year.
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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, October 25, 2018
According to the healthy living resource Care2, the ideal ratio is 75 percent brown to 25 percent green materials in compost. Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them.
According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, adding square footage to a home can cost homeowners anywhere from $7,000 to $100,000. When adding square footage to a home, homeowners may need to knock down an interior wall or walls, the cost of which can vary widely depending on the walls being knocked down. Load-bearing walls are needed to support the home, and while such walls can be removed, homeowners may need to hire structural engineers at additional cost to orchestrate such removals. In addition, homeowners can expect to pay more when knocking down walls that contain ducts or electrical wiring. It also can be costly for homeowners whose homes are old to knock down walls. HomeAdvisor notes that the wall-removal process in old homes that contain lead paint or lath-and-plaster walls is more intricate and may cost homeowners more money.
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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT |
2. Create a pile of leaves that will break down and form a crumbly, compost-like material called leaf mold. Even though leaf mold may sound like a blight, it’s actually a good amendment to garden soil, improving its structure and ability to hold water. Leaf mold also attracts beneficial organisms that are vital in healthy soil.
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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, October 25, 2018
| FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Fall maintenance tips for a lush green lawn next spring
(BPT) - The days are getting shorter and the nights are cooling off. The kids are back in school. Yes, fall is in the air, and that means it’s time to start thinking about prepping your lawn for winter. “Many homeowners see spring as the most critical season for lawn care,” says Bryan Ostlund, executive director of Grass Seed USA, a coalition of American grass seed farmers and turf specialists, “but in reality, at least in the transition and cool zones of the U.S., fall maintenance can have just as much impact - if not more - on the year-round health and appearance of your lawn. Once temperatures are consistently below 60 degrees, your lawn will start storing up nutrients in preparation for winter. That’s when you should start your fall lawn care regimen.” Following are three proactive measures you can take in the fall to ensure lush green grass come spring. Reseed thin or bare areas. At the end of a long, hot summer with lots of outdoor activity, it’s not unusual for lawns to show signs of wear. By reseeding after the summer’s heat subsides and before the first winter freeze, you can repair the damage and give your turf an eight- to nine-month jump start on root growth. The longer and stronger the grass’s roots are, the less water your lawn will require during drier months and the more resistant it will be to disease and weeds. A thick lawn also helps reduce erosion, which can be particularly important in regions that experience rainy winter weather. Before you reseed, mow your lawn and remove the clippings, and then prepare the soil by raking with a straight rake. This will remove dead organic matter and loosen up the top half-inch of soil to improve contact with the seed. Then apply a high-quality seed that is appropriate for your local climate conditions and is resistant to currently prevalent pests. You’ll want to use fresh seed, so check the label to confirm that the seed was tested within the past 12 months. After planting,
water the reseeded area lightly and regularly to keep it damp until the new grass is established. Although new warm-season lawns are best planted in the late spring or early summer, if you live in the warm zone you might consider overseeding your warmseason turf with cool-season grass seed in the fall. The cool-season grass will thrive until the warm-season grass turns green again in the spring, ensuring yearround color. Aerify. Aerifying your lawn combats soil compaction and thatch buildup and enables water, nutrients and oxygen to reach the grass’s roots more easily. You can hire a professional to aerify your turf for you, or you can rent a core aerator that uses hollow tines to pull up small plugs of soil at regular intervals throughout the lawn. If you’re reseeding, aerify right before you apply the new seed. Apply fertilizer. Cool-season grass should be fertilized in the fall - even if your lawn looks perfectly healthy and has no bare patches - to promote good root development, enhance the storage of energy reserves and extend color retention. Most of the benefits of fertilization will be seen the next spring and summer, with earlier green-up, improved turf density, greater tolerance to spring diseases and reduced weeds. Note that new grass and established lawns need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in different proportions. So if you’re reseeding, apply a starter fertilizer at the time of planting and then follow up with a second application, this time using standard fertilizer, four to eight weeks after germination. Investing a bit of time and effort in fall maintenance will pay off next year, with greener grass earlier in the spring and a thicker, healthier lawn that is ready to stand up to the rigors of summer wear and tear.
Why fall is one of the best seasons to build a deck
3. Take advantage of seasonal savings Fall marks the start of the off-season for decking. Whether brands are clearing inventory to make way for new products or contractors are offering incentives to keep their schedule full, there are plenty of seasonal opportunities to save on decking materials and installation costs. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can create your dream deck under budget. You might even free up some money for a few splurges like a trellis or fire pit. 4. Protect your existing landscape The telltale cool air of fall means one thing improved working conditions. Grass, trees and plants start to go dormant as temperatures drop and the ground freezes, making it easier for you or your contractor to build a deck without harming your
landscape. The season’s milder weather also lends itself to a more comfortable working environment. 5. Extend decking season Decks are no longer reserved for summer. With the right decking material, you can create an indooroutdoor space that spans multiple seasons and keeps you breathing fresh air all year long. Look for decking products that are as durable as they are beautiful. This will help ensure your outdoor living space remains in top shape throughout Mother Nature’s harsher months. ChoiceDek boards resist rotting and splintering and are easy to clean, a combination that will keep decks looking ready for summer all year long.
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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, October 25, 2018
1. Use fresh summer memories to plan to perfection With memories of backyard barbecues and lazy summer days still fresh in your mind, fall is the perfect time to evaluate your outdoor lifestyle and plan a deck that fits your needs. Whether you’re building a small, platform deck or a multi-level expanse, think about how you use your outdoor living space. Do you host large summer soirees? If so, a durable deck with handrails, built-in seating and lighting can help you define zones for socializing and eating. Is a peaceful, deck getaway more your style? Then consider designing your deck to frame a view, incorporate a hot tub or include a small reading nook. Whatever your preference, make sure you keep transitions in mind. Clear pathways between frequently used openings like the kitchen door, stairs and the backyard will improve your use of the space.
2. Avoid project delays When deck building is at its peak and contractors are working from dawn to dusk, it can be hard to nail down the right professional and get a start date on the calendar. Far too often, project delays turn dreams of days lounging on a new deck with a lemonade in hand into a source of frustration that mars summer fun. But as fall approaches and construction demands slow, these become issues of the past. Homeowners can often secure top-rated contractors and negotiate a convenient start date. And with full project crews, many decks are built at a quicker pace.
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(BPT) - As the weather starts to shift and the crisp air settles in, your first inclination might be to head indoors, cozy up with a blanket and save that deck project you’ve been researching for next year. Not so fast. While home improvement stores sell spring and summer as the seasons for all things outdoor home improvement, fall is actually one of the best times to build a deck. Here are five reasons you should take advantage of the transitional months and make your deck dreams a reality.
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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, October 25, 2018
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