THE COASTLAND TIMES PRESENTS
Fall Home Improvement
Home winterizing check list By Philip S. Ruckle Jr. philip.ruckle@thecoastlandtimes.com
Freezing pipes are probably among the first things many homeowners might think of related to cold weather nightmares. However, with a little proactive planning most of us can avoid burst pipes and a number of other common cold weather plumbing problems. Freezing temperatures with exposed water pipes does create a rupture potential that is both a wet and expensive disaster. According to a State Farm Insurance report, the average homeowner’s expense for a pipe rupture runs about $15,000. One of the first steps in safeguarding those pipes against freezing is to know the location of your home’s main water valve and any other water valves within the home. Then, before the thermometer starts to drop, simply turn off all water valves to outside or other exposed pipes. Check all un-insulated areas of the home for pipes in such areas as those running along the home’s outer walls. Those pipes should be wrapped with foam or towels since they are likely to freeze. In cases of extreme cold, or if you cannot insulate any pipes, let one or more faucets drip slowly in order to allow some water flow. Preventing frozen pipes can be as simple as a little planning and installing foam insulation. Foam sheath insulating are sold at most hardware stores in various sizes and are easy to install. Make sure the entire length of pipe from the point where your home’s main water line emerges from the ground to the point where it enters the heated space of your home is insulated. In case there is a major
incident, such as when a pipe has burst, immediately shut off any water f low to that area. If there is not a separate valve then shut the main valve for all the water in the home. The main valve is usually located next to the water meter and should be kept in good condition. Opening and closing the all valves once a year keep them in good working order. It is, of course, best prevent a pipe rupture. Another step in our winter maintenance place is to make sure the home’s temperature thermostat is set no lower than 42° to 45° F, a setting that offers maximum heating savings while protecting against frozen pipes. It may be tempting to use a lower heat setting to save energy, but turning the dial too low increases the risk of frozen and ruptured pipes. Then, if a rupture does occur and goes unnoticed for days, weeks, or even months the cost of repairs from such an event will be much greater than any energy savings. Don’t overlook the water heater. This is the perfect time to make sure such an important appliance it is running optimally. Male sure the dial is not set above 125 degrees F° to reduce energy waste and avoid scalding water. It might be best to have a professional plumber check the tank’s sacrificial anode rod and make any repairs or replacements necessar y due to wear or corrosion. How you dispose of meal leftovers and table scraps can have a significant impact your plumbing system. Fats and oils will congeal and clog pipes so they should never be poured down a drain. Allow greases to congeal then discard it into the trash. Garbage disposals work best if turned on first and then food debris added.
After the disposal has done its work turn it off and let plenty of water f low down the drain to clear the system. Hiring a professional to take care of these items may cost some money, but weigh the cost of a professional against the repairs necessary if you don’t get it right. The people at Action Plumbing in Kill Devil Hills know how to prepare your plumbing system to prevent freezing pipes and other common cold weather plumbing problems. They wait until winter arrives and generally start performing winterization services around Labor Day. According to an annual winterization letter that they send out, all pipes can freeze, with copper pipes notoriously the worst because they are not flexible enough to handle the expansion and they swell up and burst. Once they thaw out, you may be left with more than just leaks, leaving you with springtime bills to repair water damage and replace broken pipes. The winterizing service is a relatively smooth process to perform, and the results could save thousands of dollars in wasted water or costly repairs.
Fall Home & Garden
WINTERIZING YOUR HOME CHECK LIST:
– Disconnect all water supply tubes and pipes. – Drain toilets and other drains. – Inspect and store any exterior hoses – Turn off main circuit breaker (unless needed for heat). – Turn off and drain spigots and faucets. – Turn off any electrical circuits not needed. – Turn off outdoor showers. – Turn off plumbing fixtures. – Turn off the water heater.
© ADOBE STOCK
Fall Home Improvement
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
2B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Mattress replacements: Get a good night’s sleep By Philip S. Ruckle Jr. philip.ruckle@thecoastlandtimes.com
Studies have shown that a good night’s sleep not only helps us handle stress better, it gives us optimal blood pressure, improves our memory, brings better focus along with improved productivity and in some cases it will even help us to live longer. That makes quality sleep, along with regular exercise, an important key to maintaining our health. How do you get quality sleep? A 2011 National Sleep Foundation survey found that 92 percent of people tested consider a mattress to be important. Makes sense when you consider how much time is spent in bed. “Think about it,” says Brian Haidinger with Coastal Mattress in Kitty Hawk. “You are going to sleep for 8 hours a night, maybe 9. If you partied last night then maybe 10 hours. At least 8, so you
have 56 hours a week invested in sleeping while you are here, or at least lying on that bed.” Referring to vacationers on the Outer Banks, he went on to say that most visitors don’t normally spend 56 hours shopping, hang gliding, surfi ng, or fishing. People do all kinds of stuff. “My point is,” he added, “is that you’re going to spend a lot more time on that mattress than you think. So make sure that they feel good about that.” The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing a mattress every 7-10 years, depending on comfort, support and how well you take care of it. Haidinger says how often you change your mattresses really depends on the mattress you have. How long it’s been there is not as relevant as what’s in your rental home guest book, or how you feel after sleeping on it. “Are people complaining
about them, or are they not saying anything about them?” he asks. “Do you go to the house and sleep on it? And if you do, do you always sleep in the same bedroom?” If it’s comfortable all is well, but if there is a dip, or anything like that and it’s not comfortable any more it may be time for a replacement. Haidinger cautions buyers looking for a mattress to avoid getting caught up in the sales pitches on how many many coils or other features it may have. “We don’t even talk about that stuff when people come in,” he continues. “I tell people to lay on that mattress over there and tell me if it’s too firm or too soft and then we’ll go from there. After that if they want to talk about how many coils they have, that’s all fine, but this mattress cost X, this one cost Y, they both have the same warranty, which one’s more comfortable? Does
it really matter to you if it has 90 coils or 1,000 coils if it’s more comfortable?” Haidinger then advised buyers to make sure they use a mattress pad, because spilling a cup of coffee, kids wetting the bed or pets staining it will void the warranty. In addition to wear and tear, changes in your normal sleeping arrangements or even to your health may justify the need for a new mattress. Signs that a new mattress may be needed include: – Evidence of wear and tear. – Noisy springs. – Muscle stiff ness. – Allergies or asthma have worsened. – Feeling your partner moving. – You’re gaining weight putting more weight on your mattress. Can you make your mattress last longer? A few things that help include: – Use a mattress
protector to protect against spills, dust and debris. – Make sure your mattress is properly supported with the right box spring or foundation. – Rotate the mattress every 3 to 6 months to promote even wear. – Clean your mattress as directed by the manufacturer. – Open your windows regularly for better ventilation, which can reduce dust and moisture buildup. – Keep your mattress upright when moving it to prevent creasing or damage to the springs. – Keep pets off the bed to reduce the risk of damage from claws and chewing. – Don’t let your children jump on the bed as this can damage coils and other mattress components. – Remove sheets and mattress covers occasionally to air out your mattress. If you do head out to
locate a replacement, keep in mind buying a new mattress is a lot like buying a car. Feature and price comparisons from brand to brand can be challenging because there are so many variables. What’s the cost of a good night’s sleep? If, for example, you spent $2,500 on a new mattress and sleep on it comfortably for 7 years, the cost of a healthy night’s sleep would be less than a dollar per night. We did find one interesting final piece of advice. If that mattress tag warning is intimidating and you worry about violating the law by removing it, the truth is once you buy a mattress you own it and can do whatever you want with that tag. However, if you ever need to file a warranty claim, that tag needs to be attached to the mattress because it has information the manufacturer needs to process your claim.
Insurance after a storm By Philip S. Ruckle Jr. philip.ruckle@thecoastlandtimes.com
Storms are a part of the Outer Banks way of life and it’s worth noting that as we approach the Greek alphabet for weather pattern names, the season is not yet over. Although some residents often elect to sit to out a weather event while others evacuate, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, if you suffer damages from a weather event, there are a number of actions everyone can undertake toward a
smoother recovery. First on the list is to understand what insurance coverage you have, your potential risks and what to do in the event of significant storm damage. Chip Phillips, president of Island Insurance at Chesley Mall in Manteo, suggests making a record of your property and possessions before anything happens. “Stand in the middle of each room with your cell phone and do a 360 of everything in the room,” said Phillips. “That way if in the event of a claim, you can say I lost my this
and here it is, or I lost my that and here it is.” Phillips said he prefers video over photos because you can get more details with video, although photos are easier to submit. The important thing is to document everything, whether with photographs or video. Once a storm passes, our instinct often tells us our next step is to clean everything up. As important as that might be, it is equally important to have an accurate account of any damages for your insurance company in the event you do fi le a claim.
Before removing any debris or belongings, document your losses. Take photos or make a video and then make a list of the damages and any lost items. After thoroughly documenting any damages, take reasonable steps to avoid further destruction to your home or belongings. This is called mitigation. You can make temporary repairs, such as covering a hole in your roof or boarding up broken windows. Insurance will typically reimburse the cost of these repairs as part of your claim, assuming the original loss was covered. Your company may also reimburse you if you need to fi nd temporary lodging or storage for your possessions. Keep a record of all receipts. “If you must move damaged items to prevent further damage, keep them handy,” explained Phillip. “When an adjuster comes, he has to inspect the damage. If you replace shingles that blew off and you throw away the old damaged ones, an adjuster would have grounds to deny the claim because he had no actual damage to inspect. When people tear out stuff and throw it away, they can’t prove they had any damage.” Of course not every disaster results in enough damage to fi le a claim. A review of your insurance documents to determine what your deductible is before calling in a claim will help determine if a claim is warranted. “If two shingles blew off with a $5,000 wind deductible, it might not be
worth fi ling that claim,” added Phillips. “Know what to expect.” Once you decide there is a valid claim, you should contact your agent or company as soon as possible. Most insurance companies have a time requirement for reporting any claims and the clock is ticking. Your insurance agent can help you determine what damages are covered, start your claim and in some cases even issue a check to start the recovery process. When reporting losses, you will need your insurance information, current contact information and a home inventory or list of damaged and lost property. After reporting your damages your insurance company will send a claims adjuster to review and assess the damages. The adjuster will inspect any damaged items and temporary repairs you may have made at no additional cost to you. Phillips said an adjuster has a different license from an insurance agent’s license, so when you call your agent the agent in turn calls an adjuster. “You call your agent to assist with the claim,” Phillips continued. “And you can use your agent as an advocate, but the final check and all the decisions are made by the adjuster.” Once an adjuster has completed the assessment, documentation of any losses will be sent to your insurance company for a settlement. When you do get paid it could involve more than one check. In some cases an
emergency advance can be issued with additional payments for the contents of your home and other personal property. If there is a mortgage on your home, any payments for structural damage may be payable to you and your mortgage lender. Lenders may put that money into an escrow account and pay for repairs as the work is completed. If repairs are needed, be alert to fraudulent contractors looking to make some quick money by taking advantage of victims. “Always use respectable people for the repairs,” Phillips cautioned. “Not some fly-by-night operation, obviously.” Asking friends and family for references can help narrow the field. “Out of town workers are okay as long as they are reputable,” added Phillips. “But after the job is done and the adjuster is gone can you get them back two months later to fi x a defect on something they did earlier? Can you get them back to fi x what they fi xed?” Phillips went on to say getting more than one estimate while waiting for the adjuster can help. Then, when the adjuster says what they think it costs, you can provide some prices from local contractors. If you experience significant storm damage to your property, be careful not to sign over your benefits. Some contractors may ask for permission to speak on your behalf with your insurance company. Read the fi ne print before you sign. Otherwise, you See INSURANCE, 3B
HURRICANE SHUTTERS OBX.COM Roll Down Shutters
Colonial Shutters
Storm Panels
Bahama Shutters
Clear Storm Panels
Other Options Available
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL
Fall Home Improvement
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Glossary of home improvement terms
Before nailing down your next home improvement project, it may help to learn a bit of the lingo used within the industry. These common terms and definitions may help avoid some common miscommunication issues with a contractor. • ALLOWANCE — A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which brand, model number, color, size or other detail not yet known. • BID — A proposal to do specific work for a certain amount of money based on
plans and specifications for the project. • BUILDING PERMIT — A document issued by a county or municipal building department granting permission to undertake a construction project. • CALL-BACK — An informal term for a return visit by a contractor to repair or replace items in a project a home owner found to be unsatisfactory or that require service under the warranty. • CERTIFIED GRADUATE REMODELOR — CGR is a professional certification program offered
through the National Association of Home Builders NAHB Remodelors Council. To attain the CGR designation, a remodeler must take a specified number of continuing education courses and must comply with a strict code of ethics. • CHANGE ORDER — Written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost. • COST-PLUS CONTRACT — A contract between a contractor and
homeowner based on the accrued cost of labor and materials plus a percentage for profit and overhead. Also known as a time-and-materials contract. • DRAW — A designated payment that is “withdrawn” from a project’s total budget to pay for services completed to date. A draw schedule typically is established in the contract. • LIEN RELEASE — A document that voids the legal right of a contractor, subcontractor or supplier to place a lien against your property. A lien release
assures you that the remodeler has paid subcontractors and suppliers in full for labor and materials. • MECHANIC’S LIEN — A lien obtained by an unpaid subcontractor or supplier through the courts. When enforced, real property (such as your home) can be sold to pay the subcontractor or supplier. • PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS — Drawings for a project, and a detailed list or description of the known products, materials, quantities, and finishes to be used in that project.
3B
• PUNCH LIST — A list of items of work to be completed or corrected by the contractor, typically near or at the end of a project. • SUBCONTRACTOR — A person or company hired directly by the contractor to perform specialized work at the job site. Sometimes referred to as a trade contractor. Information provided by the National Association of Home Builders NAHB Remodelors Council and the Outer Banks Home Builders Association at 105 W Airstrip Rd, Kill Devil Hills.
Fall yard maintenance By Philip S. Ruckle Jr. philip.ruckle@thecoastlandtimes.com
Anyone with any turf care experience will tell you that a thick, green and healthy lawn in the spring does not just happen. It requires carefully planning and some effort. W h i le cre at i ng a healthy and beautiful lawn and garden does not require someone be a rocket scientist, it does take time, patience and the right information. To help you out, we’ve collected a few fall lawn
INSURANCE From 2B may inadvertently sign over your benefits and any extra money allowed to you after your claim. An Assignment of Benefits, or an AOB, is a document signed by a
care tips to help get you through the winter. – Plan carefully and follow your plan. This is impor tant because for the best results each step below should be undertaken. – Remove those leaves. Colorful autumn leaves may look nice but they block the light and trap moisture which does not help the grass grow. – Water weekly until you disconnect your hoses around the end of October. – Keep cutting your lawn right up to the first
hard frost at a height of 2½- to 3-inches. – Aerate your lawn before fertilizing it. The loosened soil will allow fertilizers down to the roots where it is needed. – Add a slow-release fertilizer. – Spread plenty of seed to fill in thin spots or bare patches and beef up the rest of your turf. According to Matt Garza, with Popo and Son Lawn Care, this is the perfect time to apply your pre-emergent herbicide to prevent winter weeds from growing
during the winter. “Some grass weeds include Poa annua, a small bush with seed heads,” explained Garza. “Your pre-emergent herbicides work to prevent the germination of seeds by inhibiting key enzymes.” Garza added that most popular pre-emergents can generally be found at Ace Hardware or almost any box store. Then, apply your fertilizer, trim your plants, mow the lawn and spread your rye seed unless you used a pre-emergent. “Pre- emergent
herbicides work to prevent the germination of seeds,” said Garza. “The inhibiting of key enzymes makes them useful in controlling weeds.” If you’re into Halloween, this is the time to start decorating w ith pumpkins and other colorful items. While you’re at it, don’t overlook end of the season maintenance for your lawn mower. Replacing the oil, spark plugs and air filters now will help them be ready for an early start next year.
Empty the gas tank and run the mower and run it until it stops to avoid gas gumming up the carburetor. Disconnect spark plugs, remove the blades and sharpen if needed and clean the undercarriage. Then replace replace the air filter, spark plugs and blades. And, if following a lawn maintenance program for your yard is not within your ability, or does not fit your schedule, contact a professional landscaping service and have them give you an estimate.
policyholder that allows a third party – such as a water extraction company, a roofer or a plumber – to “stand in the shoes” of the insured and seek direct payment from the insurance company. Once it is signed, any rights or benefits of the policy will go to that third party. That means if it costs
$2,000 to repair your roof and your claim is more than that, technically that third party is entitled to the rest of that money. Several states, such as Florida, have experienced an inf lux of predatory contractors who seek out homeowners who have a loss covered by their policy. According to the
Florida Department of Financial Services, there were 405 AOB lawsuits in 2006, and that number rose by 70 times to 28,200 by 2016. You are not required to sign an AOB to have repairs completed. You can fi le a claim directly with your insurance company, which allows you to
maintain control of the rights and benefits provided by your policy in resolving the claim. If you need more information, or you think that your insurer is not responding in a timely manner or completing a reasonable investigation of your claim, contact the North Carolina
Department of Insurance at 325 N Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, or call 855-4081212. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information on disaster preparedness can also be found at www. ncdoi.com and at InsureUonline.org.
Fall Home Improvement 4B
Forget the raking and bagging, this fall, help both wildlife and your back by leaving the leaves where they land. The National Wildlife Federation says that raking up fallen leaves may harm the environment, wildlife and rob your lawn and garden of nutrients. “Leaves form a natural mulch that helps suppress weeds and fertilizes the soil as it breaks down. Why spend money on mulch and fertilizer when you can make your own? Turning leaves into solid waste is, well, wasteful,” said National Wildlife Federation Naturalist David Mizejewski. “Removing leaves also eliminates vital wildlife habitat. Critters ranging
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Leave the Leaves from turtles and toads to songbirds, mammals and invertebrates rely on leaf litter for food, shelter and nesting material. Many moth and butterfl y caterpillars overwinter in fallen leaves before emerging in spring. Also, sending organic matter such as leaves to the landfill causes the release of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Best of all, the less time you spend removing leaves, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather and the wildlife that visits your garden.” Leaves and yard debris account for 13% of the nation’s solid waste, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
or about 33 million tons a year. These tons of organic matter, piled up in the nation’s landfi lls, lack sufficient oxygen to decompose. Piled up there, yard waste releases the greenhouse gas methane, which also harms the environment. All kinds of animals also use leaf litter as their home. This includes turtles, toads, birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians. Furthermore, leaves smother weeds and can fertilize the grass and plants you want to thrive in warmer months. If you can, let leaves break down naturally, exactly where they fall. Pile them into leaf shelters along with branches, sticks and stems to
give shelter to vulnerable wildlife. You can also mulch them with a mulching mower. If you have to
remove the leaves, add them to your compost pile or use them as mulch in your existing flower beds.
Some community groups and gardens may also offer to pick them up for use in their own gardens.
Growing Fall Vegetables Summer is known for its array of bountiful fruits and veggies. But there are plenty of tasty crops that thrive the cooler months of fall.
KNOW YOUR ZONE
The USDA divides the country into zones of plant hardiness so that you know what plants are more likely to thrive in your area. It’s based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree zones ranging from 1a-13b. You can visit the USDA website, enter your ZIP Code and find your growing zone to determine which plants will do best in your yard.
FALL VEGETABLES
No matter where you live, there are certain
plants that will do best in the fall. Look for these tasty plants to add to your fall gardens (and tables). • Beets: These root vegetables are nutrient rich, packing a punch of folate as well as vitamin C and magnesium. Try them roasted. • Beans: There are tons of varieties of beans and all of them are high in protein and fiber. • Broccoli: This relative of cabbage is full of nutrients and fiber that promotes healthy digestion. • Turnips: Another root vegetable, turnips are full of vitamin A and K, and also has plenty of calcium and manganese. • Collard greens: Here’s another relative of cabbage that’s loaded with vitamins A and C. In the South, greens are a staple
vegetable usually served smothered with smoked meats and served with cornbread. • Lettuce: Get ready for tasty salads. The cooler months mean tender leaves. • Pumpkins: You can’t have a fall garden without the season’s favorite decorative squash. In addition to making a great pie, a serving of pumpkin packs a whopping 197% of your daily value of vitamin A. • Potatoes: Fall is the perfect time for root vegetables, as you can probably tell. Potato is a staple and will be perfectly at home in your fall garden. actually starts in summer. You need to plant in the heat of summer (usualA great fall garden ly around August) to give
GET STARTED IN SUMMER
your fall crops more time to mature. Cooler weather also means that crops can stay in the garden
longer instead of having to be harvested immediately like their warmer weather counterparts.
Prepare Gutters for Winter Gutters are the unsung heroes of the outside of your home. A clean gutter keeps water away from the vulnerable structure of your home, including your foundation. You may be used to clearing fall leaves out of your gutters, but take the opportunity to get them ready for the coming winter, too.
CLEAN
Get rid of leaves, sticks and other debris in your gutters. Clogged gutters can send water under the roof and into your home’s foundation. If your area gets below freezing, it can also cause ice dams in the winter. Use an old plastic spatula (hit up the dollar store if you don’t have one) clipped to fit your gutters. Scoop leaves and other debris right out of
the way. For downspouts, run a plumber’s snake through them to make sure water can run away from your home.
GUTTER SCREENS
You can install screens to protect your gutters from leaf and other build up, or you can have them installed. As with any professional installation, ask friends and family for recommendations, get several quotes, ask lots of questions and make sure your chosen contractor is licensed and insured.
INSPECT
While you’re cleaning out your gutters, inspect them for damage, creases, rust or holes. Also check for sagging gutters or seams that have begun to separate. If you find loose
joints or leaks, clean the gutter and scrape away the old sealant, then recoat it with fresh sealant from your local hardware store. Holes may require a patch, which you can make with roofing cement and a piece of metal similar to your gutter material.
MAKE A DE-ICING CABLE
If your area gets snow and ice, consider making a de-icing cable to make sure an ice dam doesn’t form on your roof. Take an old pair of pantyhose and fill with an ice melting compound, such as what you would use on your sidewalk. Toss them on your roof intersection with the gutter, and this dam will give water a way to travel off the roof if the gutter fills up with ice.
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Fall Home Improvement
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 THE COASTLAND TIMES
The cooler weather of fall can be a great time to update the exterior of your home with a fresh coat of paint. Here are some tips from HGTV on how to get your home looking great in no time. Step 1: Clean it up. You can’t put paint over dirt. Get the best coverage by removing dirt and debris from your house using a pressure washer. Work from the top to bottom, overlapping each stroke. Step 2: Repair. While you’re washing, make note of any damage to wood, brick, stucco or siding. Use epoxy filler to cover cracks or holes. Once the filler is dry, lightly sand it using medium-grit sandpaper. Step 3: Remove loose paint. Scrape or sand loose paint off the surfaces around your home before painting. Step 4: Caulk the trim. Fill any gaps between the house and trim around
5B
Get a Fresh Coat
your doors and windows using caulk made for exterior finishes. Caulk wherever different materials meet. Step 5: Cover stains. Put a coat of stain-blocking primer over any stains to help your paint cover it. Step 6: Protect doors, windows and lights. Cover anything you don’t want painted with plastic sheeting and tape. Step 7: Paint! Here’s the fun part. Load a paint sprayer with your chosen exterior paint (pick a flat or eggshell finish for the best look). Work your way from top to bottom, moving smoothly and overlapping your strokes, just like you did when you power washed. If your color is very different from what’s already on the house, you may need a coat of primer, too. Talk to the professionals at your local paint store for advice. Step 8: Paint the trim. Remove the plastic
sheeting and get to your Use drop cloths to make windows and doors us- clean up easier. Step 9: Touch up. Afing an exterior semigloss paint and a paintbrush. ter you get everything
cleaned up, walk around your house and touch up any surfaces that may have gotten missed or
scratched during the process. Then, sit back and enjoy your fresh curb appeal.
Install a Water Feature You can put in a gorgeous, eye-catching water feature in just the span of a weekend. Keep reading for more on turning your backyard into an oasis. Look at Your Space Decide what kind of feature that your space, your budget and your lifestyle can handle. Is it a giant koi pond or a simple fountain trickling over rocks? Generally, the larger your feature is, the more electric or plumbing work you may have to have done. You also need to consider what’s under the ground, and that includes tree roots and utilities.
USE UNDERLAYMENT
No matter which project you choose, you’ll likely need underlayment to protect your water feature. Look for it at your local home and garden center. Get enough so that it extends over and around your water feature.
GET PHYSICAL
Also common to almost all water feature projects: holes. You’re likely going to have to dig and it’s probably going to be more than you think. Consider getting help if you’re not sure you might be up to the task.
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
Almost all features also have rocks, from gravel to help filter your water to boulders to set it off. Most home and garden centers sell a variety (though they can be surprisingly expensive) and you’ll also need help placing them when you get home. Look for finishes and textures that compliment your surrounding landscape, any patio stone or masonry on your home, and that will wear well in the weather. Depending on the design of your feature, you
may also have to drill through the stone. You may be able to rent the equipment from the home and garden store or a local tool rental.
CONSIDER PLANTINGS
Set off your new water feature with plants, but not those so big they might disrupt your pond or fountain with roots or branches. Also make sure you choose perennials at this time of year and tend to them carefully over the If you live in a colder winter until they are well climate, take your water established. pump inside for the winter and store it in a pail of water to keep the seals FOUNTAIN CARE
wet. Otherwise, your feature should weather freezes nicely and be ready for you in the spring.
PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICES AND REASONABLE PRICES.
HEATING & COOLING
252.548.4202 FREE ESTIMATES
NEW CONSTRUCTION • COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • ELECTRICAL SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLS MINI-SPLITS
CEHVACOBX@GMAIL.COM
HVAC: LICENSE # 32607 ELECTRICAL: LICENSE # 31329
Fall Home Improvement 6B
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Pressure Washing
SAFETY TIPS
So many fall projects, like painting the house, start with getting everything clean. And the quickest way to clean most exterior surfaces is with a pressure washer or power washer. Remember that any pressure washer that produces greater than 100 pounds per square inch of pressure can cause serious injury that can lead to infection, disability or amputation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these safety tips for using a pressure washer. • Always follow the safety instructions included in the owner’s manual. • Never point a pressure washer at yourself or
others. • Remember that the spray can throw objects, also at high pressure, that can cause injuries to bystanders or to yourself. • Never attempt to push or move objects with the pressure washer spray. • Never use a gasoline-powered washer in an enclosed space or near air intakes. • Always test the ground fault circuit interrupter before using a pressure washer. • Always plug a properly grounded pressure washer into a properly grounded receptacle. • If you need an extension cord, keep the pressure washer’s power cord connection out of standing water and use a heavy
duty extension cord rated for use in wet locations. • Keep the power cord and any extension cords as far away as you can from the item being washed and any water runoff. • Wear rubber-soled shoes that provide insulation from electrical jolts. • Never cut or splice the pressure washer’s power cord or extension cords. • Never remove the grounding prong from the pressure washer’s power cord or the extension cord. • Always have a qualified electrician check the pressure washer if it trips a circuit breaker. • Never allow children to operate a pressure washer. Keep children away from a pressure washer while it’s in use.
• If you injure yourself with the pressure washer, keep in mind that what seems like a small wound can be more serious. Get treatment right away.
• Before you treat any injuries incurred by a pressure washer, wash your hands with soap and clean water. • Make sure you clean
the wound well, too, with clean or bottled water. • Leave unclean wounds open. If you can clean the wound, cover it with a clean cloth or bandage.
Fall Container Gardens
The Coastland Times
Fall, with its cooler days, just begs you to get outside and enjoy your patios and porches. And while spring and summer’s glory days are over, that doesn’t mean you still can’t add pops of color with container gardens. Here are some ideas for sprucing up your outdoor spaces with containers of color.
DON’T FORGET THE TEXTURE
Color is important when planning a container garden, but so is texture. This means the shape of the plant, the leaves and how it grows. Fall is a great time for tall, elegant ornamental grasses, and they also make great container garden centerpieces. Look for varieties like ponytail grass (stipa tenuissima) and purple fountain grass, with stunning deep aubergine blades.
CREATIVE CONTAINERS
non-blooming plants to provide great color in your container. These include coleus, which comes in several bright hues; heuchera; stonecrop; golden leaf sage; flowering kale or cabbage; all kinds of ficus; sweet potato vines and many ivies. Just keep some of the more voraBLOOMING AUTUMN Yes, there are still lots of cious growers, like vines flowers that bloom right and ivies, neatly trimmed. through fall, depending on your growing zone. MUMS Look to plants with trailIt wouldn’t be fall withing blooms, like petu- out mums. You can choose nias, which also come in all kinds of colors. Look to a dizzying array of colors. bring home a plant that’s Snapdragons are another healthy and green with an fall favorite and come in a upright attitude and lots of wide array of fall shades, tightly closed buds. Make like deep red and vibrant sure your container’s light orange. In the warmer enough to move easily; as South, pansies do well in the season wears, you may late fall and autumn and need to move your mum come in a riot of colors to around to better growmatch every decor. ing conditions. Pair fluffy mums with wiregrass or creeping Jenny for an eleFESTIVE FOLIAGE And there’s plenty of gant look. Go beyond the basic flowerpot. With the right drill bit, you can turn just about anything into a container for plants. Think of particularly fall-like accents like plastic pumpkins, craft logs or a basket.
Fall Home Improvement
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Owning and caring for a home is without a doubt one big responsibility. Very much like a routine health physical, following a home maintenance schedule should be an important step for the proper upkeep and well-being of a home. Keeping up with regular home maintenance tasks not only help avoid future headaches, but help save money. Home maintenance, however, is not restricted to repairs. In fact, a number of tasks when performed on a regular basis can help prevent some things from breaking in the first place. When things do go wrong, as they inevitably do, we should have a backup plan in place before we call for the pros. Because lists can help us prioritize our activities, organize and make our workload feel more manageable, as well as provide a positive psychological lift when an item has been successfully completed and is crossed off, we’ve developed a list of items that should help any homeowner keep their house in tip-top shape. If you get stuck, or run across something too difficult to handle, call your local handyman to help you out. Inspecting your home and completing monthlyhome improvementprojects is a start toward keeping your maintenance schedule on track and easier to manage. Some items appear more than once. Here is a list of basic monthlyhome improvements: ● Check indoor and outdoor air vents to ensure they are not blocked. ● Check your water softener and add salt if needed. ● Clean faucet aerators and shower-heads to remove any accumulated mineral deposits. ● Clean the kitchen sink garbage disposal. ● Clean range hood filters with a degreaser. ● Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups. ● Hide a hole with a smoke detector. ● Inspect electrical cords for wear. ● Inspect tub and sink drains for
Home maintenance checklist
hair and other debris. ● Inspect your fire extinguisher(s). Ensure that the gauge shows adequate pressure and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear. ● Test all GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets monthly. Press the test button and use a voltage tester to make sure the power goes off. ● Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers. ● Test your garage door opener monthly to ensure that it reverses when it hits an obstruction or when its sensor beam is interrupted. ● Vacuum heat registers and heat vents. Here is a quarterly list: ● Check water softener, add salt if needed. Salt probably not needed every month, but checking it only takes about five seconds. ● Clean leaves and debris from the condenser of a central air conditioner seasonally. ● Flush out hot water from thewater heaterto remove ac cumu lated sed iment. ● Replace furnace filters quarterly, or as recommended by the furnace manufacturer, that are not done monthly. ● Run water in sinks and flush toilets in guest bathrooms and other unused spaces. ● Test garage door auto-reverse feature (required on all garage doors made after 1993). If a door doesn’t immediately go back up, you have a problem. ● Test smoke/c arbon dioxide detectors. Here is a biannual list: ● Give your house a deep clean. Take a day every six months with the entire family and give the house a top-to-bottom deep clean for appliances, windows, as well as dusting every nook and cranny. ● Replace batteries in smoke/ carbon dioxide detectors. Check the manufacture date and replace if more than 10 years old. ● Test your water heater’s pressure relief valve to prevent mineral and corrosion buildup, a safeguard against leaks.
● Vacuum refrigerator coils. . Annually each spring: ● Change the air-conditioner filter. ● Check exterior drainage. Will rain water flow away from the house? Puddles should not stand around your home for more than 24 hours. ● Check trees for interference with electric lines. Have professionally trimmed if necessary. ● Clean out gutters. They’ve likely accumulated leaves from the fall and grime/sediment from the winter snows and/or rains. ● Clean window and door screens. ● Clear dead plants/shrubs. Pay close attention to any exterior decorative vines. ● Drain or flush water heater. ● Fertilize your lawn. ● Have air-conditioning system ser v iced. ● Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank. ● Inspectchimney for damage. ● Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks. ● Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration. ● Inspect the exterior of your home for paint chipping or siding damage. ● Polish wood furniture, and dust light fixtures. ●Power-washwindowsandsiding. ● Refinish the deck. ● Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads. ● Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. ● Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals. ● Repair/replace damaged w indow screens. ● Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. ● Vacuum lint from dryer vent. Annually each summer: ● Check and clean dryer vent, other exhaust vents to exterior of home. While the dryer is running check that the exhaust is coming out. ● Check and repair deck/patio for any loose boards or posts and repair as needed.
● Check around kitchen andbathroom cabinetsand around toilets for leaks. ● Check dishwasher for leaks. ● Check grout in bathrooms, kitchen, etc. and repair as needed. ● Clean ga rage. ● Cleankitchenexhaust fan filter. ● Clean out debris in window wells. ● Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays. ● Clean the deck/patio as needed. A good washing generally takes care of it but it may need re-staining. ● Inspect plumbing for leaks, clean aerators on faucets. ● Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges. ● Prune trees and shrubs. ● Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents. ● Replace interior and exterior faucet and shower-head washers if needed. ● Seal tile grout. ● Take care of any insect problems. A nnua l ly each fa l l: ● Buy winter gear, sidewalk salt, and good shovels, etc. ● Check for any leaks in windows or doors ● Check for frayed cords and wires. ● Check water heater for leaks. ● Clean the carpets. ● Clean window and door screens. ● Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems. ● Drain and winterize exterior plumbing. ● Flush hoses and store them. ● Flush hot water heater and remove sediment to prolong the life of the heater and helps with efficiency. ● Get chimney cleaned, if you have one. Some folks say to do this in the spring, some say fall. Either way, just make sure it’s done once per year. ● Get heating system ready for winter. ● Have fireplace profe s s ion a l l y i n s p e c te d . ● Have furnace serviced/inspected at least every other year, preferably annually. ● Inspect exterior door
hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks. ● Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks. Power-wash windows and siding. ● Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. ● Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture. ● Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway. ● Rake leaves and aerate the lawn. ● Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. ● Repair or replace siding. ● Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. ● Test sump pump. ● Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint. ● Tune up majorhome appliancesbefore the holidays. ● Turn off and flush outdoor water faucet s. ● Vacuum lint from dryer vent. ● Winterize air conditioning systems. Remove and store window units and cover the outside unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting and secure with bungee cords. ● Winterize sprinkler systems if you have one. ● Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages. Annually each winter: ● Check all locks and deadbolts on your doors and windows. If it doesn›t work right, replace it. ● Check basement for lea k s dur ing t haws. ● Check caulking around showers and bathtubs; repair as needed. ● Check your emergency flashlight. Do the batteries work? If not, replace them, or consider upgrading to a non-battery powered, manual wind-up model. ● Check your water heater for signs of leakage or rust. ● Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers. ● Clean the air conditioner grill and register. ● Clean your coffeemaker. ● Clean your kitchen exhaust hood. Clean or replace the filter. ●
7B
Conductagaragedoorsafetycheck. ● Cover your air-conditioning unit. ● Deep clean and inspect t he basement. ● Have the fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned annually. ● Inspect the roof, gutters, and dow nspouts for damage after storms. ● Inspect window and door caulking and weather stripping yearly. ● Inspect your furnace. Any signs of rust or scale? Any weird noises? If so, book a professional inspection. ● Look for worn extension cords. Replace them. ● Once a year, vacuum the refrigerator coils underneath the appliance. ● Pick a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI) and test it. ● Polish your natural wood front door. If painted, surface wash it. ● Regularly check for ice dams and icicles. Don’t let icicles grow. ● Replace the batteries in smoke detectors yearly. And remember, even recent hard-wired smoke detectors have backup batteries that must be replaced. ● Replace your furnace filters seasonally. ● Self-clean the oven. ● Test your electricity to the extent that you can, always being careful when working with electricity. ● Tighten any handles, knobs, racks, etc. Go through the house and inspect anything that could have a loose screw. ● V a c u u m b a t h room exhaust fan grill. ● Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays. ● Vacuum the clothes dryer›s exhaust duct at least once a year. If the duct is plastic, replace it (it›s a fire hazard). Rigid sheet-metal ducting is best. ● Vacuum the condenser coils at the back of your fridge annually. While this list certainly covers a lot, it is not intended as a complete list of all the things you can do for your home. What you do to keep your home in tip-top shape depends on your individual needs.