Lancaster Home Appeal Fall/Winter 2015

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ADDRESSING DRAFTS AROUND THE HOUSE

HOW TO FLOODPROOF YOUR HOME ALTERNATIVES TO PESTICIDES Published by Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc.

Keeping Out The Cold:

DIMINISHING DRAFTS AROUND THE HOUSE Homeowners know that no home is perfect. Sometimes a home’s biggest issue can be relatively small and easy to fix, while other issues are more substantial and require a bit more time and money.

Drafts around the house fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. Though not necessarily difficult or costly to fix, drafts can be an uncomfortable nuisance and may require a little more elbow grease than more minor house-related issues. The following are a few ways homeowners can address drafts around their houses.

1• Check the fireplace. Homeowners with a fireplace might be inviting drafts in through this feature. If the damper on the fireplace is open, drafts will enter the home. The damper should be shut when the fireplace is not in use, and homeowners should use a glass cover they can seal tightly to further block the opening to the fireplace from the living space. Fireplace plugs, which can keep out drafts during times of year when fireplaces are not in use, may also be a worthwhile investment.

2• Check for gaps around windows and doors. If a home is drafty, the most likely culprits are gaps around windows and doors. Windows and doors that are not properly sized are no doubt inviting drafts into the home. The solution to this problem doesn’t have to break the bank. Instead of replacing old windows and doors, use weather stripping and press it into the gaps around the frame. This can block drafts, and homeowners should be able to notice an immediate difference.

3• Hang heavier curtains or drapes. Another way to address a drafty room is to hang thick curtains or drapes in front of the windows. The heavier the material, the more effective it will be

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4• Inspect the attic. If the home has an attic, that oftforgotten room upstairs might be the source of the house’s drafts. When a home is heated, the air inside the house is pressurized, driving the air through ceiling penetrations and into the attic. This creates leaks that allow warmth to escape the house while inviting colder air in. Plugging any air leaks into the attic should eliminate drafts as well as condensation.

Also, in homes with attics that feature pull-down stairs, the hole that was cut out for the stairs may only be sealed off with a sheet of plywood rather than thick insulation. To determine if there is a leak, turn on the light in the attic, close the door and determine if you can see the light from below. If you can, there is a gap letting both the light and air escape. In addition to using flexible rubber around the opening of the attic to better seal the door when it is closed, consider adding a thicker, more insulated door.

5• Seal dryer vents. The standard home laundry dryer vents outdoors via an exhaust duct, and there is typically a flapper made of sheet metal on the outside of the vent to help protect against air infiltration. But over time dryer lint can accumulate at the vent opening, causing the metal flapper to stay open when it should close. Homeowners can invest in dryer seals that close the vent when the dryer is not in use. Not only does this prevent cold air from entering the house, but it also keeps out pests, like bugs and rodents.

6• Check pipes. Pipes that exit the home, such as waste pipes and those that feed outdoor water spigots, can let cold air back into the house. Also, pipes that connect to garages, basements and crawl spaces may not be insulated.

Use sealant around these pipes to block drafts into the home. Foam insulation can be sprayed into small crevices, where it will expand and harden, blocking off air access. Sealing drafts also may prevent bugs from entering the home.

7•

Inspect electrical outlets. Outlets and light switches can be significant sources of drafts in a home. Check to see that the switch plates are secure. If drafts still come through, homeowners should employ outlet draft blockers to prevent cool air from entering the home and warm air from exiting it.

Homeowners can address drafts in a variety of ways. Doing so can make a home more comfortable and can 3 cut energy costs considerably.

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at keeping cold air from circulating around the room.

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Wet Basement One element that can cause major damage to a home is water. Leaks and flooding can lead to various structural insufficiencies and unsafe conditions in a home.

Some homeowners live in areas where a high water table inevitably forces groundwater up and into subterranean living spaces. Others may live close to coastal areas or rivers and streams that can overflow and cause home flooding. In addition, homes that may not have had a water problem before may be damaged by a heavy rainfall, and perhaps inadequate drainage outdoors.

Compounding these issues is the fact that very often a home’s utility systems are located out of the way in basements, and sometimes these spaces may be finished to create additional living space. Water in a basement can be much more than a nuisance; it can lead to thousands of dollars in damage.

Moisture or several inches of water in a basement is nothing to take lightly. Furnaces and water heaters damaged by water can be costly to replace. Wires that come in contact with water can become hazards and cause an electrical fire, and water in a basement may be an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses. Mold spores that have developed in a damp basement can spread to other areas of the home via a heating and cooling forcedair system. Also, a cool, damp spot can be the perfect habitat for insects.

When a water problem develops in a basement, homeowners should call in a professional, who can help homeowners remedy the situation faster than if they tried to fix the water problem themselves. When looking for a waterproofing company, seek recommendations from trusted people.

Do business with licensed professional contractors who are willing to give a free estimate. Check out businesses by contacting consumer advocacy groups. Read up on their business practices and learn if there have been any complaints lodged against them in the past.

Hydrostatic pressure, poor foundations and home appeal [4] fall/winter 2015

cracks can cause water to enter the house.

Each situation is different, and a combination of exterior and interior changes may need to be made. Certain modifications may help to alleviate some water problems.

While the following solutions may not be applicable in each situation, they are some of the common modifications plumbers suggest when fixing flooded basements.

• Sump pump. In some cases, the installation of a well and a submersible pump may be all that is needed to keep basements dry. When the water level rises high enough to start the pump, the sump pump then expels the water out through a pipe to a drain or the street. Sometimes a sump pump works in concert with a French drainage system, which is a channel around the perimeter of the basement that funnels water to the sump pump well.

• Vapor barriers. Vinyl, plastic and paint encapsulation systems may be applied to the interior of foundation walls to serve as a barrier system. This prevents water or condensation from reaching the interior of the house. A vapor barrier may extend below the foundation to direct water runoff into a drainage system.

• Exterior fixes. There are many ways to address flooding from outside the home. These include using outdoor vapor barriers and paints, having grading issues corrected so water will flow away from the home, digging a swale to catch water away from the basement, installing exterior drainage systems and utilizing specialized rain gutters and downspouts to direct water further away from the home during rainstorms.

• Plumbing repairs. Sometimes water issues may be the result of a pipe backup or a faulty appliance and not necessarily an outdoor water issue. In these cases, repairing the source of the leak may be all that’s needed.

Floodproofing Tips Any home with floor drains or plumbing fixtures below street level can flood, and this can be due to heavy rainstorms, a local sewer system backup, or the swelling of groundwater. Flooding can even occur in the spring when melting occurs. While homeowners cannot control the weather, they can take steps to floodproof their homes.

• Do some preventive landscaping. If the ground around the home’s foundation slopes toward the house, make some grading changes so that the ground slopes away from the home.

• Insulate the heating ducts. If home heating ducts are under the basement floor, make sure the ducts are properly insulated and watertight.

• Make sure all vents lead outside the home. Clothes dryers and bathrooms are both internal moisture sources, and these sources should always be vented outside the home.

• Clean gutters and downspouts. To effectively divert water away from the home, clean gutters and downspouts in the spring and again in the fall to keep fallen leaves from blocking the flow of water. Downspouts should extend 4 feet from the outside wall of the house.

• Inspect the home at least once each year. To prevent flooding, homeowners should annually inspect their homes’ foundations for cracks. If the home has a chimney and fireplace, check for cracks there as well. If any cracks are discovered, consult a professional immediately.

• Clean out basement drains. Basement drains should be cleaned annually from the house to the street. If the drains are still slow after cleaning, they should be cleaned more than once a year.

• When leaving the home for an extended period of time, turn off the water valve. This step ensures that, should a line break while no one is home, water will not pump into the house.

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Keep Pests Away Without Pesticides

Pests can be a nuisance, whether they’re scampering about the yard when homeowners are trying to entertain outside or invading the home’s interior when the weather outside pushes them indoors.

While some homeowners address pest problems with pesticides, there are other ways for homeowners to control pest problems. Though sometimes pesticides prove the only way to effectively eradicate pest problems, the following are some eco-friendly alternatives homeowners can try before opting for pesticides.

• Cut off food sources. One of the primary reasons pests infiltrate a home is to get food. Homeowners who don’t create opportunities for pests to eat might be able to prevent infestations without the need for pesticides. When storing items in a pantry, make sure all boxes and bags are tightly sealed. Many pests can easily access food sources stored in cardboard boxes, so homeowners with roach or ant infestations might want to consider storing cereal, sugar and flour in sealable plastic containers that such pests cannot penetrate.

• Keep a tidy house. Pests do not only access food sources stored in the pantry. A dirty house is also very inviting to pests, who can feast on crumbs left behind on floors and tables. Don’t leave crumbs lying around on tables or countertops, and sweep and mop kitchen floors to remove any traces of food that might have fallen on the ground during food preparation. Homeowners should be sure to vacuum around the dining table.

• Don’t be sunk by the sink. A dirty kitchen sink is another attraction pests can’t resist. If a sink does not come equipped with a garbage disposal, the homeowner can install a food trap on the drain so food is not washing down the drain, where it can stick to the side of the pipe and attract pests. Dirty dishes should be cleaned immediately.

If they are allowed to sit in the sink for hours or overnight, dirty dishes tend to attract hungry pests. For this reason,

homeowners should clean their dishes and then give their sinks a quick cleaning once the dishes have been washed.

• Keep surfaces dry. Water is very attractive to pests, particularly roaches, so all surfaces and sinks should be kept dry. Drain water from the sink, as roaches know how to swim and can use water as a food source. Leaky plumbing should also be addressed, as leaky faucets, hoses, and pipes may create a pest-friendly environment that is difficult to eradicate once it’s established.

• Address leaks around the house. A pest infestation may also be a byproduct of leaks around the house. Cracks or openings along the baseboards or behind the sink can create a point of entry for hungry pests, so seal any such cracks or openings as soon as possible. Pests may also enter a home through holes in window screens or march right in through the front door if there is any space between the bottom of the door and the floor. Repairs to these problems are both simple and effective at preventing pests from entering a home.

• Clear out clutter. Cluttered areas make great hiding places for pests. Stacks of old newspapers or magazines can obscure pests, and homeowners might have a full infestation without even knowing it. Removing such clutter eliminates potential hiding places for pests.

Though some pest problems may require the use of pesticides, homeowners may want to attempt a more ecofriendly approach to eradicating pests.

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Winter Messes Contending with snow and ice can be a hassle enough without also facing slushy and wet messes indoors. After spending time outdoors in wintry weather, people inevitably track in rock salt and debris from the outside. Not only can this leave floors unsightly, but it can also create a slipping hazard.

People who live in multi-season climates know how invaluable a mudroom can be. When snow, mud, water, and even summer sand get lodged in footwear and gear, a mudroom is the perfect place to keep it from spreading throughout the rest of the house. Unfortunately, not every homeowner or renter has the space available for an entire room devoted to sloppy boots and wet mittens. However, a mini mudroom can be created even in a small alcove.

Thinking creatively can help homeowners turn an entryway - or even a closet - into a small mudroom that is equipped with just the essentials. The following are a few key elements: • a bench to sit on while putting on and removing shoes • hooks for coats, scarves and hats • trays for wet boots and shoes • cubbies or baskets for miscellaneous gear • a basket for pet leashes or keys • a rack for wet umbrellas • shelves to store dry towels to use when drying off pets or people Next, homeowners should assess how much space they have to devote to a mudroom. The homeowner should keep in mind that he or she may be able to use the Internet or visit an antique store to find an antique piece of furniture that combines the bench with hooks and even a mirror. Otherwise, such furniture can be fashioned with just a few materials.

For those who have adequate space in their entryways, a two-seater bench is recommended. To add decorative flair, cover a cushion that is sized to the bench with a waterresistant fabric designed to be used outdoors. This way, people with damp coats or pants will not ruin the cushions when they sit down. If space is limited, a stool tucked into a corner is sufficient.

Stow a few wicker storage bins under the bench. One of these can be assigned to each member of the family and be used to hold backpacks, gloves, hats and even sports gear. If there isn’t much room beneath the bench, purchase inexpensive boot trays that can keep wet shoes from puddling on the floor.

Well-placed wall hooks can tidy up a mudroom or foyer quite easily. The hooks can be used to hang coats until they are dry enough to hang in a closet. Hooks can also hold hats and tote bags. To make the space look more like a home and less like a locker room, think about adding a few hooks that simply hold decorative plaques or artwork to break up the utility of the space.

A table or shelf right inside the door can be a place to store

mail and keys. It may also serve as a transfer station of important paperwork that should be brought to school or work.

Some people do not have any usable space to use as a mudroom. In these instances, they may be able to turn a coat closet into a mini mudroom. This can be done by taking off the door of the closet so the space becomes an alcove.

Frame it with decorative molding and paint the interior walls a complementary color or use beadboard or wallpaper for texture. Slip in a free-standing bench that fits the width of the closet or create a bench that attaches directly to the interior wall. Add a coat rack and a basket to store shoes.

Keep in mind that while mudroom furniture is primarily meant to be functional, they can also be stylish. Homeowners may want to coordinate fabric patterns or wood colors with the decor in the rest of their houses. If a homeowner cannot find pieces that fit the dimensions of the space available, he or she may even be able to build the necessary items.

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End of After a few months of blue skies and warm temperatures, summer revelers will soon bid adieu to the sultry days of the season. Summer is often filled with vacations and recreation, but as the warm days dwindle and work and school commitments begin anew, there is additional work to be done at home in preparation for the months ahead. ❑ Stock up on pool equipment. Homeowners who have pools can take advantage of end-of-season sales to purchase a few more gallons of pool chlorine or other pool equipment. Pool owners may store them after the pool has been winterized in order to be ahead of the game when pool season rolls around again. ❑ Plan the garden harvest. Homeowners who have backyard gardens should pick their tomatoes and other vegetables before the weather starts to get chilly. Herbs can be washed and frozen in zipper-top plastic bags so they can be used when cooking over the next several months. Tomatoes can be boiled for sauce and then frozen or jarred. Begin to clear out residual stems and other plant debris from the garden. ❑ Clean patios and furniture. Scrub and hose down outdoor furniture, cushions and living areas. Clean and dry items before storing them for the winter so everything is ready to go when the warm weather returns. ❑ Purchase spring bulbs. Buy bulbs for spring-blooming flowers and map out where they will be planted. Wait until temperatures start to dip before planting the bulbs, as otherwise they may begin to produce shoots prematurely, zapping the bulbs of energy.

✓ Checklist ❑

❑ Check the heating system. Although turning on the heat may be the last thing homeowners are thinking about, it’s a good idea to test it and, if necessary, have the system serviced prior to the arrival of cold weather. ❑ Tend to the deck and other repairs. Make repairs to outdoor structures now, and they will be more likely to survive the harsh weather that is just around the corner.

Apply stain or sealant to further protect wood structures in advance of snow and ice. ❑ Examine the roof and chimney. Winter is a poor time to learn one has missing roof shingles or a leak.

Homeowners should examine the roof and ensure that the chimney and venting to the outdoors is not obstructed by abandoned animal nests. ❑ Check the home’s closets. Go through clothing and remove any items that are damaged or that no longer fit, donating them if possible. Clean out children’s closets as well, as pants that fit perfectly in May will not necessarily fit come September. ❑ Stock the shed. Once the weather has cooled down, move outdoor flower pots, hoses, and lawn ornaments that are no longer needed into the shed or garage.

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Winterizing 101: themselves may want to enlist a professional to tackle the job. Homeowners who spend lots of time in the yard may need to aerate their lawn more than most, as heavy lawn traffic compresses the soil, a potentially harmful process.

• Take steps to strengthen the roots of the grass.

Aerating promotes stronger roots, but homeowners might also want to find a winterizing product with potassium and phosphorous, both of which can strengthen roots.

Different types of lawns will respond differently to certain winterizers, so homeowners should discuss their options with a lawn care professional to find the right fit for the homeowners’ properties.

• Remove debris from the lawn. Piles of debris left scattered around a lawn over the winter can suffocate the blades of grass, leading to long-term damage and a potentially unsightly landscape come spring. In addition, piles of debris might make good homes for organisms that can cause damage. As fall moves into winter, periodically remove debris like leaves and branches.

• Limit lawn access once the temperatures dip below freezing. Stepping on grass that has frozen will leave noticeable footprints, and walking on frozen grass can kill the turf. When winter arrives, people should avoid using the lawn as a shortcut into and out of the home and stick to cleared driveways and sidewalks instead.

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Changing seasons can be tough on a lawn. Always exposed to the elements, lawns can fare especially poorly upon the arrival of winter. Even the most perfectly manicured lawn can suffer at the hands of winter weather, causing homeowners to hope spring arrives sooner.

But as punishing as winter weather can be on a lawn, homeowners are not without recourse. Much like homeowners can take steps to help their lawns survive summer heat waves, they also can take steps to help their lawns make it through the harsh winter weather.

• Don’t procrastinate. Putting off the process of winterizing can put a lawn in jeopardy. Lawns will turn dormant as winter approaches, and they may reject the nutrients found in fertilizer as a result. Those nutrients will prove valuable once spring weather returns, so starting the winterization process in early fall gives the lawn sufficient time to absorb nutrients and strengthen itself for the seasons to come.

• Treat trouble spots. Summer can be even harder on a lawn than winter, especially for lawns located in regions where heat waves and drought are common. If certain spots on the lawn seem to be hit harder than others, those spots should get special attention when winterizing the lawn.

Check the soil’s pH levels before fertilizing or applying any treatments. Such a test will reveal which spots need the most attention.

• Aerate the property. Aerating can allow a lawn to recover after a long summer and help it survive the potentially severe months that lie ahead. Aerating, which involves puncturing the soil or removing cores of soil from the ground, can restore a lawn to health by improving its drainage and allowing more water and air to reach the roots of the grass. Aerating also makes it easier for nutrients to penetrate the soil, which encourages a healthier lawn over the long haul. Aerators can be purchased or rented, but homeowners uncomfortable with handling the process

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Soil erosion is a significant problem when the temperatures dip, as snowstorms and wind can blow unprotected soil away, leaving lawns and gardens susceptible to further damage. But preventing such erosion can protect resources and guarantee a landscape that is ready to thrive when spring planting season returns. Rather than reacting to the problem of soil erosion, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect soil before winter weather has a chance to wreak havoc.

• Gardening year-round can be beneficial. By gardening yearround - and choosing plants for all seasons - homeowners can protect landscapes and provide hardy habitats for wildlife. Speak with a landscaping professional about which plants are hardy enough to survive through the fall and winter seasons.

• Consider planting a placeholder for spring crops or plants. Cover plants such as rye are an ideal winter protection crop. Rye will remain rooted into spring and then can be mulched into a soil amendment.

• Use leaves and other compost matter to cover naked soil until planting resumes. The compost will be heavy enough to stay in place and will add healthy soil nutrients, including potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen, as it decomposes.

• Utilize a breathable soil fabric. Place it on compost to help slow decomposition or use it elsewhere to protect soil and plants where thick layers of compost may not be practical.

Agent cooperation is welcomed

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home appeal [13] fall/winter 2015

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