home appeal FALL/WINTER 2019
home / garden / renovation
Northwest Lancaster Co.
townlively.com
Leaf Control:
Cleaning Up Leaves With Ease
It’s Not Hard:
Weather-Proof Your Hardwood Floors
Practice Home Fire Safety Published by Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc.
Leaf Control: Cleaning Up Leaves With Ease
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utumn is marked by colorful foliage and declining temperatures. Once leaves reach peak color, they fall from branches and collect on lawns, necessitating cleanup projects. For homeowners with large yards, such projects can be tiring and time-consuming. However, there are ways to make leaf cleanup easier. One of the simplest ways to clean up leaves is to reach for a lawn mower rather than a rake. The mower will cut leaves down to smaller sizes, creating mulch. The potential benefits of leaving mulched leaves on a lawn were studied by turfgrass specialists at Michigan State University (MSU) beginning in the 1990s. While the researchers noticed an obvious leaf residue on the lawn after mulching, they noted that it only remained for a few days. Eventually, the tiny pieces sifted down into the lawn, ultimately serving to control future weed growth while also providing the lawn with essential nutrients. Over time, researchers noted that homeowners who mulched rather than raked their leaves needed less fertilizer to give their lawns a green look in spring, saving homeowners the effort and cost associated with fertilizing. Researchers also noted that decomposing pieces of leaves cover
up bare spots between turf plants, which have traditionally proven to be excellent spots for weed seeds to germinate. In fact, MSU notes that homeowners can expect a nearly 100 percent decrease in dandelions and crabgrass after mulching leaves for just three years. Depending on the type of mower being used, up to six inches of leaves can be mulched at a time. Push mowers can handle smaller amounts, though they can still be as effective as ride-on mowers. Davey, a lawn and landscape solutions service, says that mowed leaves also can be collected in a mower bag and added to garden beds or compost piles. Of course, mulching is not the only way to deal with fallen leaves. For those who prefer manual raking, select a rake with tines that will not skewer the leaves in the process. Large rakes also can make faster work of gathering leaves into piles.
The home improvement resource The Family Handyman advocates for the use of a lawn sweeper. This is a manual device that has a rotating sweeping brush that gathers up lawn debris and leaves into an attached hopper bag. Like mowed leaves, the bag can be emptied into a compost pile or distributed where needed. Raking leaves onto a large tarp is another option. Once it is full, the tarp can be taken to the curb for leaf collection or used as a funnel to put leaves into a gardening bag or another appropriate receptacle. Leaf blowers remain a fast option for cleaning up yards, but they require electricity or gas and can be noisy. Still, they are a popular choice for large landscapes or when quick work needs to be made of leaf cleanup. Leaves will fall in autumn, but thankfully homeowners have various methods at their disposal to tame the mess.
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Raking leaves may seem like a simple activity, but, like many household maintenance tasks, it holds the potential for injury. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) notes that pain from outdoor leaf chores can range from strained back muscles to twisted knees. Here’s how to stay safe when cleaning up leaves: · Consider cardiovascular health. Many people do not realize that raking is a thorough cardiovascular workout. Individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease or those who have recovered from surgery may not be well enough to rake leaves. · Pay attention when using a leaf blower. Be cautious not to point an operational blower in the direction of people or pets, as debris can be blown about and cause injury. · Stretch before raking leaves. Warm up muscles beforehand so they are less likely to cramp. UPMC experts suggest taking a short walk prior to raking to stimulate circulation. · Use proper raking form. Much like snow shoveling, one should emphasize proper posture when raking, with legs slightly bent and weight distributed evenly. Hold the rake handle close to the body and keep one hand near the top of the rake for better leverage. · Use the proper gear. A leaf rake fans out like a triangle and comes in various widths. Choose a lightweight material that can be easily maneuvered. A metal rake is for stones and dirt and should not be used for leaves. To get between bushes, a smaller version of a leaf rake, called a shrub rake, should be used. · Wear protective gear. Anyone raking or leaf blowing should protect their eyes against debris. They also may consider using a mask to prevent inhalation of leaf mold and other particulates. Gloves can protect hands from blisters. · Follow manufacturers' directions. Read the instructions for powered leaf blowers, and never modify the device in an unauthorized way. · Use a tarp and lift wisely. Rake leaves onto a tarp that can be dragged to a garbage pail or to the curb for municipal pickup. For those who must lift bags of leaves, do so by bending at the knees, not from the waist. · Wear sunscreen. Even though temperatures are cooler in the fall, the sun’s rays are still harmful. People should also take frequent breaks to rehydrate. · Use a secure ladder. When removing leaves from gutters, be sure the ladder is sturdy and secure. Consider having a friend serve as a spotter, holding on to the ladder to offer greater security. Do not overextend to stretch for leaves. · Listen to the body’s signals. If sharp or dull incessant pains occur at any time during leaf cleanup, stop working.
2D DAY SALE!
IT’S NOT HARD Weather-Proof Your Hardwood Floors Wood floors can improve the beauty and function of many rooms in a home. Even though wood floors are durable and new protective treatments help seal out many of the things that may have damaged floors in the past, homeowners still need to prioritize protecting their hardwood floors. Certain seasons of the year can be harsher on wood floors than others. For example, seasons characterized by moisture and precipitation, particularly the early spring, the winter, and the fall, can be hard on wood floors. The experts at ServiceMaster Clean say that cold, snowy days can damage wood floors, and Lumber Liquidators agrees that winter weather can be particularly harsh on flooring. With proper care, however, hardwood flooring can survive rain, snow, and cold weather. Homeowners seeking to protect their floors during all four seasons can follow several key steps to keep floors looking beautiful. · Clean up the salt. Salt that keeps sidewalks and streets clear of snow and ice inadvertently gets tracked inside a home. Hard chunks of salt can scratch wood floors, and, if left to sit, that salt can eventually cause white marks and other stains. Routinely vacuuming and sweeping up salt is necessary to protect wood floors. · Invest in shoe storage. Wet or snowy boots can create puddles around the house. Place a special mat or tray by the front door where wet shoes can be kept. A bench in the entryway makes it easy for residents and guests to remove northwest lancaster co. home appeal [4] fall-winter
their shoes until it is time to go back outside. · Use water-wicking mats. Homeowners will probably need a few extra mats around to tame errant drips and to wipe their shoes on. Any entrance that might be used by people or pets should be protected. Try to avoid petroleum-based, rubber-backed mats, as they could discolor the wood floor. · Control humidity indoors. Cold, dry air in a home can be problematic because the moisture in the wood can eventually evaporate into the air. Heat will suck the moisture from the flooring, causing it to shrink, creak, splinter, and become more brittle. Think about investing in an in-line humidifier for the home’s HVAC system, which can keep a moderate amount of humidity in the home. Hardwood floorboards are installed to accommodate minor temperature and humidity fluctuations. This is typically a range of between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity range of 35% to 55%, advises ServiceMaster. · Use the right cleaning products. Avoid excessive water to clean wood floors, and select soaps that are specially designed for wood flooring. Consult with the flooring manufacturer for a list of detergents that are safe to use.
Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, but unhealthy. These fungi grow readily in damp areas and are found in the air breathed both indoors and outside. If left unaddressed, mold and mildew can threaten the health of a home’s inhabitants. Mildew is a type of mold that remains relatively flush with the surface it grows on. Other molds can grow puffy in appearance. Molds serve the purpose of destroying organic materials, but in high amounts, these microorganisms can cause respiratory problems, sinus congestion, throat irritation, headaches, and other issues, particularly when mold grows unchecked indoors, says Better Homes and Gardens. As a result, it is essential to address mold before it becomes problematic. G FINANCIN & RENT TO OWN
Leave Mold Out in the Cold
Preventing Wintertime Mold and Mildew Around Your Home According to Polygon, a drying technology and temporary climate solutions company, the wet season in winter is when molds often grow and expand. Mold can break down the integrity and strength of the surfaces where it grows. Homeowners can employ the following strategies to prevent mold growth: Âť Keep all surfaces clean, using proper cleaning products. Diluted bleach solutions are highly effective at killing microscopic fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
Âť Reduce moisture and humidity by ensuring sufficient air circulation in rooms, particularly bathrooms and kitchens. An exhaust fan will help remove moisture quickly. Âť Fabrics that are covered in mildew and can be laundered should be carefully removed and washed in chlorine bleach and hot water. An oxygen bleach product also can be effective. Âť Invest in a dehumidifier that can reduce moisture in the home in problem areas, such as damp basements or garages.
Âť Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Âť Remove damp leaves and snow from areas around the foundation of the home. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and can shuttle water away from the house effectively. Âť Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements. Âť Make sure all seals on windows and doors are not compromised and are in good working condition. Âť Be sure an HVAC in-line humidifier is adjusted to the right setting and is not pumping too much moisture into the heated air; otherwise, the added humidity can contribute to mold. Âť If there is a flood or if water infiltrates a home in other ways, hire a professional service to help clean and dry the home effectively.
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Commitment to Quality
Practice Home Fire Safety Fires are unpredictable and can cause devastating loss of life and property. The U.S. Fire Administration states that, in 2017, there were 1,319,500 reported fires that resulted in 3,400 deaths and 14,670 injuries in the United States. Travelers Insurance company advises people to develop a comprehensive fire safety plan, which can help save lives when used in concert with functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. However, the National Fire Protection Association says only about one-quarter of households actually have developed and practiced a fire-escape plan or have taken measures to prevent fires around their homes. Here are some ways to stay safe: · Repair or replace malfunctioning kitchen appliances promptly. Keep
working appliances clean and always use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. · Do not leave the room while cooking. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that most kitchen fires, which can ignite in as little as one minute, start after someone has left the room. · Keep a fully charged and functioning fire extinguisher on the premises, preferably one on each floor of a home. Similarly, smoke detectors should be located on every floor of the home and near bedroom areas. Ensure all smoke detectors in the home are working properly and have fresh batteries. Old or damaged detectors should be replaced with new equipment. · Do not overload power strips with plugs, and have a licensed electrician inspect and suggest
updates to antiquated wiring systems. · Teach children about the dangers of playing with fire. Keep matches and lighters away from children. · Pull together all members of the household to come up with an
effective evacuation plan. Walk through the building and inspect all possible escape routes. Mark two ways out of each room. If a window exit is recommended, have a functioning ladder that can provide a safe exit. · Choose an outside meeting place that is far away from the residence, but close enough that the meeting place can be easily reached by all. · Set up a buddy system so that certain members of the family will be responsible for helping elderly, young, or disabled people exit the premises. · Practice identifying escape routes and institute regular evacuation drills so that everyone can function quickly should a fire occur.
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Wiring Woes: Dangers of Old Wiring Homeowners may make allowances for inadequate electrical systems, such as running extension cords or using multi-plug connectors to increase their wiring capacity. However, they may not be diligently keeping on top of upgrades needed to stay safe. Confirming that a home’s electrical system is safe is a necessary part of home maintenance. Those who have not already done so should schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician to go over their home’s wiring. The electrician can determine if any areas pose a safety risk or do not conform to local code requirements and the National Electrical Code. Failure to meet code requirements can lead to difficulty obtaining permits to make other home
renovations or difficulty selling a home later on. The electrician can also go over improvements that can enhance safety and function. Installing additional outlets, including GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, may be part of the plan, as well as rewiring a fuse box or circuit panel to allow for better flow of power around the house. Frayed wiring or underinsulated wiring also may need to be replaced. Owners of old homes should recognize possible electrical system dangers that require attention. Plus, because electrical codes change quite frequently, it is always in a homeowner’s best interest to work with a qualified electrician to keep wiring inspected and up to date.
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While cosmetic changes are not necessarily difficult, one area of concern in historic homes - and
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ld homes can be charming and contain architectural elements not often seen in many modern housing developments. But what older homes may have in design appeal, they sometimes lack in updated features.
sometimes even in houses built only 40 or 50 years ago - is outdated wiring. Over time, wiring can be compromised through simple aging, pest infiltration, weather, or other conditions. Deteriorated wiring can present a shock hazard and also a serious fire hazard, warn the home renovation experts at The Spruce. Furthermore, the home improvement site This Old House advises that the amperage of old wiring may not be able to meet the needs of all the devices used in modern homes, overpowering the circuits. This strain can cause breaker blowouts and other problems, such as overheated wires that may spark and cause fires from within the wall. Wiring often falls into the “out of sight, out of mind” category.
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