Fall 2019 Home & Harvest

Home & Harvest

A Publication of The Daily Star, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019

• Now’s the time to get your house ready for winter • How to store firewood the right way • Gardening season need not be over just yet • Prepare your deck for winter & more!

Fall2019

JILL WELLINGTON/PIXABAY

2

W

hen the time comes to choose flooring for their homes, homeowners may be overwhelmed by the vast array of options at their disposal. The choice between carpet and hardwood flooring, laminate or tile is a matter of personal preference. People have long extolled the virtues of hardwood flooring, but carpeting can be just as stylish and provides a host of other benefits as well.

Carpeting insulates rooms in the summer and winter, adding that extra level of protection against the elements. Carpeting also absorbs sound in a home.

Many appreciate the warmth and cozy feeling of carpet, especially when stepping out of bed. Carpeting also can increase the level of safety at home.

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpeting makes areas of play safer and may also reduce the severity of an injury in the event of a fall.

Today, there are many different types of carpeting available.

Selecting the right carpeting for a room comes down to identifying the level of traffic in a particular room, the attributes homeowners would like the carpet to have and any other needs that fit with their lifestyles. The following guidelines can make carpet shopping a bit easier.

Type of carpeting There are many different types of carpeting, some of which are best suited to certain situations. For example, plush and saxony carpets are better in low-traffic areas. These carpets may show footprints and also vacuum tracks and dirt, but they’re higher on the comfort spectrum than other types of carpet. Berber, which is more flat and dense, helps mask

SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

Factors to consider when choosing carpeting

stains and tracks. It is durable in high-traffic areas. Textured carpets like frieze are cut from fibers of different heights, so they mask stains and are also softer on the feet than berber.

Padding Padding can impact the way carpeting feels and how long it lasts. It isn’t always necessary to purchase the most expensive or thickest padding. However, it is wise to pick a pad that matches the type of carpeting you’re selecting and one that aligns with how you plan to use the room. You may be able to go with a thinner pad in low-traffic rooms and beneath dense carpeting like berber. In high-traffic rooms, choose a thicker, more durable padding. Padding prevents carpet backing and fibers from coming apart over time. It pays to invest in a padding that will last as well.

Installation Select a reliable carpet retailer and installer for your business. Competent installers will lay the carpeting in the correct manner so that it will look beautiful and maintain its durability for the life of the product. Shop around to find the right installer or even do the work yourself if you feel capable.

Take time when shopping for carpeting, which is a substantial investment that can last for many years if the right material is chosen and installed correctly.

Carpeting insulates rooms in the summer and winter, adding that extra level of protection against the elements.

How to keep a pet-friendly home clean Sixty-eight percent of American households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association.

Dogs, cats and other companion animals can be wonderful to have around, breathing energy into a family. Despite all of the advantages pets can bring, they tend to be a little messy. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have a pet and maintain a clean home.

Homeowners just need to take a few extra steps to help things along.

• Manage pet fur. One of the persistent issues pet parents face is fur.

Grooming the pet regularly (preferably outdoors) will help tame some of its fur. Covering sofas and other places where pets like to lounge with an old sheet can contain some of the fur where it can be shaken off outdoors and laundered frequently.

• Upgrade your vacuum. You’ll need a vacuum with strong suction to pick up fur, dirt, dander, feathers, birdseed, and any of the other debris that can accumulate thanks to pets. A vacuum with a good brush action also can dig in deep to carpets and upholstery to really clean thoroughly, say the experts at House Beautiful.

• Pause for paws at the door. Keep a small container of water by the front door. When returning from walks, dip the dog’s paws into the water and dry before entering the house. This keeps dirt (and salt in the winter) from being a nuisance.

• Get the right cleanser. Pet owners must contend with accidents. Look for an enzymatic cleanser that will treat stains and odors so that pets do not return to the soiled area again and again thinking this is an acceptable potty location, says Modern Dog magazine. Test an area of the carpet or floor

Pet owners can keep their homes clean regardless of how much dirt their pets track into the house. being treated for colorfastness before applying. Address accidents promptly.

• Choose the right upholstery. According to Martha Stewart Living, look for top-grain, semi-aniline leathers, as scratches are disguised on such pieces.

In terms of fabric, microfiber or microsuede are better suited to pets because the fabric is tightly woven and may be

more resistant to fur and soiling.

• Launder pet items. Regularly wash bedding and other belongings that pets use. This will help tame indoor odors.

• Keep nails neat. Clipping dog and cat and other small animals’ nails may help avoid scratches on furniture and floors. If you do not feel comfortable doing it, take the animal to a groomer.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019

3

4

BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

T Now’s the time to get your house ready for winter

hough the arrival of fall brings longed-for foliage, the dropping temperatures behind such warm hues outside mean it’s time to start paying attention inside. Winterizing a home in September and October can increase energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness long after autumn.

Christopher Tuttle, manager of Unadilla Village Variety, said winterization means finding and filling a home’s gaps.

“It’s all about preparing things for freezing and cold weather,” he said.

“That means sealing up your doors and windows, caulking cracks, looking for gaps in frames that might let cold air in and finding areas in the cellar where cold air might be coming through the foundation. You’re looking for places to insulate — outside walls or between the upstairs and downstairs — anywhere that heat escapes.

“You want to seal those holes up and prevent cold air from flowing into the basement, especially, and blowing on any pipes or water pipes to prevent freezing,” he said.

Pipes unused through winter, Tuttle said, should be drained entirely.

“If you have a camper or cabin, turn off the water and open the faucet or line and run the water until the pipes are empty,” he said. “You have to turn the water off, or else it will keep feeding water in.”

Indoor pipes, Tuttle said, should also be considered.

“If you have water that’s going to freeze in drain pipes, they recommend adding house antifreeze or plumbing antifreeze,” he said. “It’s nontoxic, so

It’s all about preparing things for freezing and cold weather. That means sealing up your doors and windows, caulking cracks, looking for gaps in frames that might let cold air in and finding areas in the cellar where cold air might be coming through the foundation.

You’re looking for places to insulate — outside walls or between the upstairs and downstairs — anywhere that heat escapes.”

Christopher Tuttle, manager of Unadilla Village Variety

SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

it can go into the septic system and not poison the ground.”

House-friendly antifreeze, he said, is about $4 a bottle and “most people use four or five bottles.”

While looking around the basement for water-related concerns, Tuttle said, it’s important to consider furnace maintenance, too.

“Having it serviced and cleaned is most important, and yearly is what they recommend,” he said. “If you have a wood stove, you’d want to clean that every year. Heating and air-conditioning services and most oil companies … or places that deliver fuel oil will have a service department and almost all of them do maintenance.”

“Have your heating system checked,” John Pilkington, general manager of home comfort services with Mirabito in Sidney, said. “Have a contractor come in and do preventative maintenance and ensure that it’s running at max efficiency. We check all safety devices and, if it’s gas, we check that it’s igniting properly, that there are no emissions and we clean the filters (for) an overall check of the system. It gives peace of mind going into the winter.”

Even small efforts, Tuttle said, can have a significant impact.

“It gets more expensive with an older house with a lot of gaps and cracks needing to be sealed up, but you could you could make a big difference with $100 or $200 dollars and just caulking and weather-stripping,” he said.

“That’s the biggest thing you can do for a lesser expense.”

“And check your outlets. Outlets on outside walls are important to seal up,” Tuttle said. “They make little foam backers that go behind the (outlet) plate that prevent cold air from flowing through, so that prevents drafts and

heat loss. That’s one where you’ll lose quite a bit.”

Also consider rolling towels to block door drafts or reversing the direction of ceiling fans, forcing heat down.

Plastic sheeting placed over windows, Tuttle said, is another inexpensive way to save big.

“For older houses where the frames are wooden, (the wood) tends to shrink and detract,” he said. “It weathers and ages and, as it does, things don’t stay tight, so a popular thing to do is cover a whole window with plastic and take it down in the spring.”

“You can get a big roll of plastic for between $10 and $20,” he said, “and that’s usually enough to do a whole house or a whole downstairs. Certainly, that would save a lot of money; for spending $20, you could save a couple hundred in heating oil. The more heat you keep inside the house, the less you’ll have to spend on reheating or buying more oil or propane.”

“Make sure all your windows are tight,” Pilkington said.

“Storm windows are a big help. Windows are basically a hole in the wall, so no matter how good they are, there’s a tremendous amount of heat lost through a window.”

Pilkington also recommends checking the quality of insulation blankets for any tearing, matting or looseness.

Homeowners typically start the winterization process in September, taking a full weekend, Tuttle said, though the first frost of October “always brings a rush of people.”

For more winterization tips from the Department of Energy, visit the “Energy Saver” at energy.gov.

ALLISON COLLINS

Winterization products such as home-friendly antifreeze and plastic sheeting await customers at the Village Variety store in Unadilla.

CONTRIBUTED

Vestal-area Mirabito service technician Mike Aldrich works on a heating unit in this undated promotional photo.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019

5

6

How to store firewood the right way A

Green wood is less expensive than seasoned wood.

Those who prefer this method should do so in the early spring and let it season over the next several months.

SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

fireplace is a cozy and warm spot around which a family can gather. The home and real estate resource HomeGuides.com indicates that 60 percent of new homes have a fireplace, which is up from 36 percent in the 1970s.

Naturally, fueling a fireplace for the season may require homeowners with wood-burning units to keep an ample supply of wood at the ready. How that wood is stored is important, as properly stored firewood can prevent waste and other issues around the house.

Wood that is freshly cut has a water content of 60 percent or more. Yet, for best burning ability, wood should be near 20 percent in water content. Green wood is hard to ignite and will not burn nearly as well or efficiently as seasoned wood. Another concern associated with green wood is that it can contribute more to creosote accumulation in the flue of a fireplace. Creosote is a combustible material that may lead to fires if left unchecked.

According to BioAdvancedÂŽ, a science-based lawn, garden and home improvement innovator, seasoning wood typically takes six months to a year. Homeowners may opt to purchase seasoned wood that already has sat and dried.

Homeowners who have an abundance of firewood have to store it somewhere. Log Splitters Direct suggests choosing a dry, breezy area of the property that is about 20

feet from the nearest door to the house. This helps avoid hitchhiker pests from coming inside with the wood, such as termites, ants, spiders, and mice. Do not stack the wood flush against a structure. It should be at least a few inches away to allow airflow behind the stack.

Stick to organized rows of wood no more than four feet high. Log racks and pallets and posts will keep the wood up and off of the ground where moisture and rotting can develop. Placing the logs in an unorganized pile will impede air flow and cause the wood to rot rather than continue to dry and season even more.

Homeowners also should use a cover to protect seasoned firewood from the elements.

Position a tarp or plastic sheeting so it blankets the top of the stack and extends a few inches down the sides. Keep the sides mostly exposed to air. Others prefer to stack it in a barn or shed or under an overhang.

Green wood is less expensive than seasoned wood. Those who prefer this method should do so in the early spring and let it season over the next several months.

Bankrate says that the cost of a cord of wood varies across the country, but in general one can expect to pay between $120 and $180 for a cord of hardwood that is split and seasoned. This price may be higher in mid-winter when demand increases.

Things to consider before warming up next to your first fire this winter

A

warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter, the fireplace can be a great place for families to gather.

Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crackling flames.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises homeowners with fireplaces to hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to clean their fireplaces.

After a lengthly period of non-use, various issues could be affecting the chimney, many of which might not be noticeable to an untrained eye. Professional, certified chimney sweeps have extensive knowledge of fireplaces, making them valuable resources who can let homeowners know if any safety issues developed since fireplaces were last used. The National Protection Agency recommends that chimneys be swept at least once per year.

A full inspection of the chimney might be in order as well.

Chimney service technicians will conduct thorough examinations of readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. The CSIA recommends that homeowners who plan to use their chimneys as they have in the past request a Level 1 inspection, which will examine the soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance

installation and connections.

Technicians also will verify if the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Homeowners also should inspect their chimney dampers before lighting their first fires of the season. Dampers should open and close smoothly. If not, a service technician can help fix or replace the damper.

Firewood is another thing homeowners must consider before lighting their first fires of the sea-

son. The CSIA says that well-seasoned firewood works best, noting that wood that is not well-seasoned will produce more smoke than heat. In addition, the home improvement resource This Old House recommends using dense wood that’s been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months. Oak is an example of dense wood that, when stored properly, can make for an enjoyable fireplace experience. Avoid softwoods like pine.

Pine can produce a lot of creosote, which is a byproduct of wood combustion.

Creosote is highly flammable, and as it builds up in a chimney, the risk for a chimney fire increases.

Choosing the right wood, making sure it’s well-seasoned and having a chimney professionally cleaned can reduce the risk of a creosote-related chimney fire. A Level 1 inspection should determine if there are potentially dangerous levels of creosote deposits in the chimney.

Before nestling up to a fireplace this winter, homeowners should consider a host of factors and safety measures to ensure their fireplaces are safe and ready for the season ahead.

Did you know?

According to Energy Star, the U.S. Department of Energy and Consumer Reports, homeowners who want to curb their energy consumption can consider upgrading, repairing or replacing the biggest energy consumers in their homes. The following appliances tend to consume the most energy in a typical home.

• Heating & cooling unit: Nearly half of all energy used in a home is consumed by HVAC systems.

Regularly inspecting and servicing the system can conserve energy and save money.

• Water heater: Energy Star suggests replacing water heaters that are more than 10 years old.

Also, washing clothes in cold water can reduce energy consumption.

• Kitchen/laundry appliances: Trade in old appliances for new models, which are more energy-efficient. For example, an Energy Star-rated refrigerator uses 50 percent less energy to run than a refrigerator manufactured 15 years ago. Innovations in laundry appliances also help make units more efficient without compromising on performance.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019

7

8

Gardening season need not be over just yet

PHOTOS BY ALLISON COLLINS

Great cool-season crops you can still plant from seed include Swiss chard, lettuce, spinach and beets. It is also a good time to direct-sow members of the mustard family, (such as) bok choy, arugula, mizuna and radishes.”

Carla Crim, master gardener and horticulture educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County

SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

By Allison Collins Contributing Writer

J

ust because summer is fading and many crops have come and gone, it’s not too late to garden. Whether planting cool-weather crops with a quick seed-to-harvest turnaround or just readying your plot for next spring, fall is a time to get growing.

Carla Crim, master gardener and horticulture educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, recommends planting dark, leafy varieties.

“Great cool-season crops you can still plant from seed include Swiss chard, lettuce, spinach and beets,” she said. “It is also a good time to direct-sow members of the mustard family, (such as) bok choy, arugula, mizuna and radishes.

“All (of these) will grow very quickly,” Crim said, “and won’t be as bothered by pests as they would be in warmer temperatures. Most varieties can take a light frost and, in some cases, are made even sweeter by a cold snap.”

The Old Farmer’s Almanac at almanac.com also says, “fall gardening is often easier, since there are fewer pests and problems in cooler weather.”

Some hardy crops, Crim said, do require forethought.

“Cole crops like broccoli, cabbage and kale thrive in the fall, but they are slow-growing and need to be started in late July or early August,” she explained. “This can be a bit tricky, because the young seedlings are very sensitive to hot, dry conditions. I recommend starting them indoors and transplanting in early September when conditions are milder.”

According to garden.org, “cole” crops get their name from the German word for cabbage (as in cole slaw), and include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi and broccoli.

Taking the time to plant late-season crops benefits gardener and garden.

“Extending your gardening season with a second harvest,” the almanac says, “can drastically increase your annual yield, allowing you to enjoy fresh vegetables into fall and winter.”

If interested in prepping your plot, Crim recommends working with what remains of summer’s efforts, composting and covering.

“As summer crops like squash and cucumbers wane, remove the

spent plant material. It can be incorporated into compost, as long as there were no signs of disease,” she said. “Early fall is the perfect time to make compost; between the fallen leaves (browns) and the still-thriving weeds (greens), you have everything you need to start a pile that will decompose quickly.”

“You can also compost right on top of your garden beds using a technique called lasagna gardening,” she said. “Place flattened cardboard boxes or newspaper sections directly on the bed to smother weeds, then add layers of browns and greens. Over the winter, the layers will decompose, and you will start with beautiful, rich ground in the spring.”

To learn more about composting, visit cwmi.css.cornell.edu.

For cover, Crim suggests an annual crop such as rye. A fall cover crop, the almanac says, “can organically protect and build your soil.”

“This will prevent weed growth, improve soil structure and provide organic material,” Crim said. “Plus, it is nicer to see healthy green material rather than a barren patch for the remainder of the growing season.”

For more information from the Master Gardeners of Otsego and Schoharie counties, call 547-2536, ext. 228 or email mastergardener-otsego@cornell.edu.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019

9

W

How to protect wood floors from inclement weather

10

With proper care, hardwood flooring can survive rain, snow and cold weather.

SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

ood floors are a worthwhile investment that can improve the beauty and function of just about any room 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 more harsh on wood floors than others. For example, seasons characterized by moisture and precipitation, particularly the early spring, winter and 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 harsh on flooring.

Homeowners need not give up on hardwood if they live in an area that sees all four seasons. They just need to take a few 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. Have a special mat or tray by the front door where wet shoes can be kept. A

nice bench in the entryway makes it easy for residents and guests to remove their shoes until it’s time to go back outside.

• Use water-wicking mats. Homeowners will probably need a few extra mats around to tame errant drips and wipe shoes. 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. The heat will suck that moisture from the flooring, causing it to shrink, creak and splinter and become more brittle.

Think about investing in an in-line humidifier for the home’s HVAC system that 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 F with a relative humidity range of 35 to 55 percent, 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.

With proper care, hardwood flooring can survive rain, snow and cold weather.

Beat cabin fever with winter renovations When the weather outside is frightful, homeowners and renters can turn their interior spaces into something delightful. Residents can banish feelings of cabin fever by using time spent inside to make subtle or even substantial improvements to their living areas.

Individuals may find that winter is a great time to tackle delayed or unfinished projects or to put plans for major renovations in motion.

Homeowners may find that they have some extra time on their hands when weather and early evening darkness reduces how much time they can spend outdoors. The following projects can help homeowners make the most of their time indoors.

• Start painting. One of the easiest ways to transform the look of a room is with a fresh coat of paint. Painting a room or rooms is an inexpensive project that

can be completed over the course of a single weekend. Painting in lighter colors can help illuminate dark spaces and make a home feel more vivid and inviting, especially during the winter. And painting need not be reserved for walls only. Homeowners may want to sand and paint furniture to give items a trendy arts-and-crafts feel.

• Reimagine flooring. Thanks to the bevy of laminate, composite materials and vinyl flooring options, homeowners can engage in do-it-yourself flooring projects to perk up tired interior spaces.

Many “floating” flooring systems are user-friendly and can instantly update spaces. Some systems may not even require adhesives or nails to complete.

• Redress the furniture. New furniture can be expensive. For those who are happy with the lines and scale of their current furniture, a facelift may be all that’s needed to

give rooms a new look. Slipcovers can make sofas, love seats and chairs look like new or blend with an entirely new color scheme.

Slipcovers come in fitted and loose varieties and in many different materials. Other pieces can be updated with throws, new linens or a coat of paint or stain.

• Address drafts and other inefficiencies. Colder temperatures alert homeowners to drafts, leaks and even insect or rodent infiltration. Homeowners can scout out rooms and remedy situations.

• Organize the home. Rainy or snowy days are great moments to address organizational issues, such as messy mudrooms or cluttered kitchen cabinets. Get a jump-start on spring cleaning before the warm weather arrives.

Time spent indoors can be put to good use by engaging in renovation projects.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019

11

12

Prepare your deck for winter H

omeowners often take steps to winterize the interior of their homes in the weeks before winter’s arrival, but such efforts should extend to the outside of a home as well.

Decks make for great gathering places when the weather permits. Decks are where many people spend their free time and eat their meals come spring and summer, when the temperatures climb and the sun sets well into the evening. But as summer turns to fall, homeowners must take measures to protect their decks from potentially harsh winter weather.

• Inspect the deck for problems. Decks tend to be used more often in summer than any other time of year. That makes fall and early winter an ideal time to inspect for wear and tear and any additional issues that may have cropped up throughout the summer. Damaged boards and loose SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

handrails should be fixed before winter arrives, especially for homeowners who plan to use their decks in winter. Fixing such issues in winter and even into spring may be difficult thanks to harsh conditions, so make good use of the relatively calm autumn weather to fix any issues on the deck.

• Clear the deck of potted plants. Even homeowners who intend to use their decks in winter should remove potted plants from the deck in the fall. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that moisture can get trapped between deck boards and plastic, wood or ceramic containers in cold weather, and that can contribute to mildew, discoloration or decay.

• Store unnecessary furniture. Homeowners who like to sit on their decks in winter will no doubt want to leave some furniture out over the winter.

But those with lots of furniture for entertaining guests can likely move the majority of that furniture into a garage or shed for the winter. HGTV notes that doing so will prevent the potential formation of blemishes on the deck that can result from inconsistent weathering.

• Remove snow, but do so carefully. Prolonged contact with snow and ice can damage a deck.

As a result, homeowners should clear snow from their decks when accumulation is significant.

HGTV recommends using a snow blower on the deck to avoid scarring. If a shovel must be used, push snow with the planks to reduce the risk of damaging the deck.

Homeowners who take steps to protect their decks throughout the winter months can ensure these popular areas are ready once entertaining season returns in the spring.

M

Prevent growth of mold/ mildew in colder months

old 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.

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.

• Keep all surfaces clean, using proper cleaning products. Diluted

bleach solutions are highly effective at killing microscopic fungi, viruses and bacteria.

• Reduce moisture and humidity by ensuring sufficient air circulation in

rooms, particularly bathrooms and kitchens. An exhaust fan will help remove moisture quickly.

• Fabrics covered in mildew that can be laundered should be carefully re-

Mold and mildew are problematic, but with diligence they can be kept at bay.

moved and washed in chlorine bleach and hot water. An oxygen bleach product also can be effective.

• Invest in a dehumidifier that can reduce moisture in the home in problem areas, such as damp basements or garages.

• Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible.

• 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.

• Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements.

• Make sure all seals on windows and doors are not compromised and are in good working condition.

• Be sure an HVAC in-line humidifier is adjusted to the right setting and isn’t pumping too much moisture into the heated air; otherwise, the added humidity can contribute to mold.

• If there is a flood or water infiltrates a home in other ways, hire a professional service to help clean and dry the home effectively.

Mold and mildew are problematic, but with diligence they can be kept at bay.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019

13

Easy ways to clean up leaves

A

utumn is marked by colorful foliage and plummeting temperatures. Once those leaves reach peak color, they fall from the branches and collect on lawns, necessitating cleanup projects. For homeowners with big yards, such a project can be tiring and time-consuming. However, there are ways to make leaf cleanup easier.

One of the easiest 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 an effective mulch that can add nutrients back into the lawn. Davey, a lawn and landscape solutions service, says that mowed leaves also

14

can be collected in a mower bag and added to garden beds or compost piles.

For those who prefer manual raking, select a rake with tines that will not skewer the leaves in the process.

Big 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

SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

is another option. Once it’s full, the tarp can be taken to the curb where many towns will collect the leaves seasonally. Otherwise, the tarp can be 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 clean-up.

Leaves will fall in autumn, but luckily homeowners have various methods at their disposal to tame the mess.

How mulched leaves help your lawn Various chores are synonymous with certain times of year. For example, cleaning a pool is a summertime task.

In addition, rare is the instance that Mother Nature forces anyone to break out the snow shovels outside of winter.

Raking leaves has long been a task for fall afternoons, but homeowners may be surprised to learn that they might be better off putting their rakes in permanent mothballs.

In the 1990s, turfgrass specialists at Michigan State University began exploring the potential benefits of leaving mulched leaves on a lawn instead of raking them and leaving them for curbside pickup. While the researchers noticed an obvious leaf residue on the lawn after mulching, they noted that it only sticks around 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 can still be as effective as ride-on mowers.

Fall may be synonymous with raking leaves. However, homeowners who want to give their lawns a healthy boost should consider putting their rakes away and mulching their leaves this fall.

The threat posed by ice dams Cold, snowy weather can present various issues for homeowners to contend with. One such problem, ice dams, can cause damage to walls, ceilings and other areas.

The University of Minnesota Extension says that an ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof and prevents melting snow from draining properly. A complex combination of heat loss from a home, snow cover and outside temperatures can lead the formation of ice dams. An ice dam will be fed by melting snow above it and cause a backup at the edge of the roof.

Dams can cause gutters to tear off and loosen shingles and may lead to water backing up and pouring into the home, advises This Old House.

Ice dams also can contribute to soggy insulation, making the insulation lose

its protective R-value and becoming a magnet for mold and mildew.

Homeowners can do a number of things to temporarily prevent the formation of ice dams. Heated cables clipped to the roof’s edge in a zigzag pattern can help prevent dams that lift shingles. Pushing snow off the roof can help. Laying an ice melt product in gutters to help melt the ice that forms also can prevent ice dams.

More permanent solutions involve keeping the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves by increasing ventilation, adding insulation and properly sealing air leaks that can warm the underside of the roof. This may involve calling in a professional contractor. Such an investment is well worth it, as it can prevent much more costly damage down the line.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019

15

16

Local Coverage Local Coverage Where You Work, Where You Work, Play Live Play && Live

In print & online Subscribe today!

607.432.1000

Catch up on sports, shopping deals, local news and events, new businesses, politics, jobsports, openings, apartments for rent, Catch upsports, on Catch up on cars for sale and more with your local daily newspaper!

shopping shopping deals,deals, restaurant reviews, restaurant reviews,

SEPT. 18, 19 AND 20, 2019 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

Subscribers, NewNew Subscribers,

12 Weeks GetGet 12 Weeks