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Tips to stop drafts in your home



The Workbench Life: Baby Blogs

Draft Dodging

By Ron Marr for The Workbench Life

Mother Nature specializes in home invasions — in the form of cold winter air disrupting your cozy abode. Since climbing up a ladder in the freezing cold air is uncomfortable, use these tips to stop drafts from the inside (and lower your heating bills while you’re at it!) until the weather permits a full inspection.

Become Incensed
Before stopping the nor’easter in your living room, you must first find its point of entry. Identify these spots by turning on all household exhaust fans and lighting an incense stick. Hold the smoldering stick in front of door and window frames located on exterior walls, dryer and air conditioning vents, electric sockets and cable TV outlets. Check the pipe entries under the bathroom and kitchen sink, phone jacks and mail flaps. You’ve found a leak when the smoke is sucked outside or blows into the room.

Almost Free Warmth
A long-term and low-cost solution for drafts is to place peel-off, foam weather stripping (1/8 inch or smaller) around door and window frames. Also attach it under the door and where the window meets the sill. Weather stripping makes an excellent, draft-stopping gasket around the edges of electrical covers.

No-cost fixes are almost as effective. Stuff cracks around pipes with sheets of newspaper. Additionally, placing layers of plastic bags under the leading edge of a window and shutting the window tight stops a persistent breeze.

The Cover-up

Tape sheets of clear, heavy-duty plastic over windows or apply shrink-film to create a nearly impenetrable barrier. Shrink film kits are available in the $10 price range (a set usually covers one to three windows) and are easily removed when winter ends.

A similar cold-stopping effect can be produced via garbage bags and painter’s tape, so long as you don’t mind a dark room.

Ron Marr is a long-time woodworker and luthier whose work can be seen at marrsguitars.com.  He is also a frequent contributor to The Workbench Life.

How to Choose the Right Dehumidifier for Your Home

What HumidifierEvery home needs a little breathing space and a dehumidifier can be the ideal investment for homes that experience high moisture levels and its damaging effects.

High humidity can cause a number of concerns for both your home and your health. Damp, mould, mildew and condensation can all make a property an unpleasant place to live and work but, by using a dehumidifier, you can improve your home or business property’s atmosphere for good. Check out this buyer’s guide from leading dehumidification company, Airandwatercentre.com, and source the right dehumidifier for your property and your budget.

Know your dehumidifier models

There are three main types of dehumidifier available, each has its pros and cons, and may suit one property more than another. The refrigerant dehumidifier uses a similar method to your home refrigerator to condense the air and collect moisture. These are generally more useful in warmer months and tend not to be used all year round.

The desiccant dehumidifier actually absorbs water and can operate at much lower temperatures than the refrigerant dehumidifier. The peltier dehumidifiers are much more suited to commercial use due to their low capacity and high energy cost.

Determine your desired capacity

When it comes to finding the right type of dehumidifier for your property, getting the capacity correct is your first objective. There are many models on the market, all of which have varying capacities. These capacities are based on a term called ‘relative humidity’ or RH, which provides a projection on the amount of moisture a particular model can remove from the air.

The RH, however, is based on its operation in a room with very high humidity, so the amount of moisture extracted from a room with a medium to high humidity level may vary. Using a hygrometer to take a precise reading of your home humidity levels can quickly identify which capacity dehumidifier you require and can pinpoint rooms that need help ridding excess moisture and those that don’t.

Calculating CFM

The air flow volume of a dehumidifier can also determine whether it is a suitable size and type for your dehumidification needs. The air flow of a unit is measured using ‘cubic feet per minute’, also known a CFM, and can make or break the effectiveness of your battle against high humidity.

The size of the room determines how much air will have to pass through the dehumidifier, whilst higher humidity levels require the moisture to pass through the unit more often. By determining the percentage of humidity within the air (again using your hygrometer) and taking into account the size of your room in cubic feet, you can find the right capacity and air flow volume to fully dehumidify your home and get rooms back to the recommended 40% to 60% humidity level.

Choose an ‘all year round’ model

Many dehumidifiers can be used all year round, however protecting the internal components of an appliance in particularly cold weather can be tricky. Choose a model with built-in frost protection if you intend to use this in the winter and summer months. These defrost any cooling coils and keep your dehumidifier working in plummeting temperatures.

Automation and dehumidifier noise

Dehumidifiers aren’t the quietest home appliance and can often be a disruptive addition to any busy family home or office. Choosing a model with adjustable speed settings can minimise noise, whilst quieter dehumidifiers are available on the market. The majority of dehumidifiers also switch off automatically when the tank is at capacity, whilst a number of newer models give homeowners the option to switch on the appliance when humidity reaches a certain point courtesy of a built-in humidistat.

There are a number of dehumidifiers available, however with this essential guide we are certain you can buy with confidence on your upcoming shopping trip!

 

Winter Planning for Summer Projects

Tips For Planning Your Home Improvement Projects

backyard patioNow that winter is here, people aren’t thinking much about gardening, outdoor renovations, or other projects normally reserved for the spring and summer. Depending on where they live, they won’t be able to work on these projects for several months and they probably have other issues to think about if they are perpetually under six inches of snow during the winter. During the winter, gardening and landscaping is simply out of sight and out of mind, but maybe that shouldn’t always be the case.

One of the most important and time-consuming steps in any home improvement project is the planning process. Not only do you need to know the lay of your own land, you need to know about any issues that may have come up that you need to work around. You need to know something about the rest of your neighborhood and what is and isn’t allowed. If you are planting a garden, you need to plan its layout and know what you are going to plant and when. It’s a lot of work and, depending on the size and complexity of your project; you might want to start planning for it before the spring thaw. Here are just a few things you can do to start planning for your summer projects in the winter.

Performing Inspections

If your summer home improvement project is going to be a simple repaint of your home or deck, you can start inspecting your property in the winter for areas that need some extra work. The paint on your home is more likely to sustain damage in the winter, so looking for areas that have accumulated a lot of snow and ice will give you a good idea of where you need to apply some fresh coats of paint. Keep a close eye on things like garage door frames, rooflines, and your deck. You should also watch for loose boards and areas with bare wood as they can be damaged by a particularly harsh winter. If you see things such as exposed nails, peeling paint, or warped wood, you will have a good idea of where to focus your efforts in the summer.

Getting the Lay of the Land

You obviously shouldn’t start building a deck in the dead of winter, but you can still take a look at your property and decide on possible locations for a new deck. You can get an idea of the evenness of your land in the winter as long as there isn’t too much snow on the ground and you can always take a look and see what areas of your yard and home will get the most sunlight.

Planning for Year-Round Interest

Your planning options will be a little more limited if your renovation plans involve a garden, but there are still a few things you can do during the winter. For starters, you pine treescan have plants that will grow and stay green throughout the winter and summer. Take the time to plant some pine trees and evergreen bushes if you want your property to look great even in the snowiest of winters. These plants will of course look just as good in the winter as in the summer.

When it comes to home improvement and outdoor renovation, there is still a lot of work you can get done even during the winter “off season. Planning for these projects takes a lot of time, and it’s always best to get started sooner rather than later. Keep that in mind and don’t let the winter months stop you from having a beautiful home.

This article was provided by Matt Jefferies, construction firm owner and all-around handyman. If you’re looking to replace your windows –a project that can’t wait until spring– Matt recommends Home Exterior Systems.

4 Cheap Ways to Keep Your Home Warm

In the coming cooler months, keeping your house warm can be an issue. Some houses are very expensive to heat because they may have flaws in the insulation, windows, or doors. By Renovation Plansmaking a few small improvements you can keep your home several degrees warmer. As an added benefit, many of the tips below will also increase your energy efficiency and keep your energy bills low.

Insulate

Insulation is fairly cheap and easy to install. There are many areas in your home that could benefit from proper or added insulation. Some areas that often lack efficient insulation and allow heat to escape are:

Basement and Attics—By adding a layer of insulation to your basement and attic you will help the primary living areas of your home stay warm. Even if don’t you use your attic or basement on a daily basis, adding insulation will help keep heat from escaping the house. This will keep each room warmer longer, preventing you from having to keep the heat on constantly.

Pipes—The more your hot water heater has to work to keep your water warm the more energy you waste in escaped heat. To keep heat where it is needed most, and keep your water hotter for longer periods of time, insulate the pipes in your basement and underneath your home. This will also prevent outdoor pipes from freezing in the winter.

Fill the Gaps

Before winter begins, walk through your home both inside and outside to look for any cracks or gaps that may need to be filled. These areas could be allowing cold air in or letting the heat in your home escape. The location and size of the crack or gap is will determine the type of filler you will need to use to close it. Also take a look at your heating ducts to see if there are any cracks that can be covered with heavy-duty electrical tape.

Seal Drafty Windows and Doors

If you have drafty windows and doors, we recommend replacing them with new energy efficient ones. If you are not able to replace any windows or doors, you can seal them with weather stripping. If you have sealed your windows but your windowpanes are still allowing cold air in, purchase indoor window insulation. These kits allow you to apply a plastic coating to the interior of your windows that will help to keep warm air in and cold air out. All you will need is a kit, a step stool or ladder, scissors, and a hairdryer.

Service Your Heating Units

Another good thing to do before the winter season kicks off is have your heating units inspected and have any annual maintenance completed. This could be a water heater tune-up to make sure it is working at its full capacity. And you may need to change or clean your air filters to ensure that you don’t overwork your furnace and waste energy. If you are not able to service your units yourself you can hire an outside contractor for general maintenance and tune-ups.

Each of these heat saving ideas will help keep your home toasty and warm in the fall and winter months.

This article was written by Brandon Irving, a home contractor and freelance blogger with years of experience in the industry. He suggests contacting a professional, like the AC Man of Houston, for more project needs and questions.

We recommend replacing old drafty windows with new energy efficient windows.  Give us a call for a free in home estimate to see how we can help you save money this winter and make your home more energy efficient! – Gary B.

Flowers that Find Winter Appealing

Flowers that Find Winter AppealingAre you a gardening enthusiast that’s just starting out his journey in the world of growing flowers? Know that before you actually begin creating a flower garden you should acquaint yourself with the matter. It’s always better when someone explains to you what to do instead of having to teach yourself the hard way by trying and failing several times. This is why acquiring some information prior to starting to grow flowers will only make it easier on you. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Now that winter is right around the corner, winter-blooming flowers are something you can begin preparing with.

Hellebores are flowers that are nowhere to be found in a summer garden because they go dormant. Reviving at the end of November with large dark-green leaves and blooming in January/February, the Helleborus vesicarius gives green blossoms with burgundy marks on the inside and outside of its cup-shaped form. Depending on the type, hellebores start blooming in November up until April. A lot of them self-sow, so you even don’t have to plant them again. Other species like Helleborus multifidus, Helleborus cyclophyllus, Helleborus odorus and Helleborus viridis also blossom in the winter.  Hellebore flowers are typically seen in Europe.

Helleborus niger or the Christmas rose allows us to enjoy its flowers at the end of November but there are other variations that bloom as late as March. Some of its blossoms have a diameter of 10 cm/4 inches; others are way smaller – down to 2.5 cm/1 inch in diameter.

Flowers that Find Winter Appealing

Phlox nivalis is another flower that blooms in the winter. It may start blooming in the early November.  It’s flowers are large and bright pink. Phloxes enjoy the winter sun and require good drainage. Phlox douglasii shows its blossoms in December with purple to violet shades.  Phlox is a common flower for North America.

Iris unguicularis is another type of flower in the group of the winter-blooming ones. The first blossoms can be noticed in the middle of November. Its leaves are slender and the flowers are blue-purple. In the summer this type of iris is dormant. It’s advisable not to water it too much even if the summer is dry.

Iris reticulata deigns to open its bluish grey leaves in late December, but its flowers bloom in early February. The winter sun seems to best appeal to the flower because it chooses to blossom during the cold period. As for the soil, Iris reticulata is not very pretentious – an ordinary one will do just fine.  Iris flowers can typically be seen in the northern temperature zone.

Snowdrops and crocuses grow from bulbs and look very delicate and fragile, but you probably already know that. Flowers that Find Winter AppealingGalanthus caucasicus (a type of snowdrop) starts blooming at the end of November and continues until Christmas when Galanthus nivalis takes the lead. Both of the flower species like dry soil in the summer and moist in the winter as well as the sunbeams in the coldest months.  Snowdrops are typically seen throughout Europe.

Crocus laevigatus has violet to purple petals and is fragrant. This delicate beauty can be seen around Christmas. There are other species of the Crocus genus that bloom in January, February or early March.

Winter flowers must be fond of the cold weather, unlike people, since this is the season they choose to unveil their beauty to us. These flowers honor winter with special attention. It takes courage to survive the coldest season, which the flowers above definitely have.

Guest post by:

Bio: Daisy Hart is a writer and blogger with great flair for flowers and flower decoration. She is focused on writing the best possible way and is constantly searching for new sources of inspiration. Her present article treats: common and unusual winter flowers related thematic.

What to Look For When Choosing an Electric Heater

With winter arriving and heating prices rising, many people are looking for energy-efficient ways to heat their homes. Electric heaters are a common method of heating single rooms or other small areas. Used correctly to heat individual areas while keeping the heat off in the rest of the building – electric heaters can cut down on fuel bills and fight off the winter chill at the same time. With the wide variety of different types of electric heater out there, it isn’t always easy to know which one is right for your home.

A few key features can make an electric heater safer and more efficient. These features aren’t only found in the most expensive heaters. Affordable electric heaters can be excellent choices.

How to Find The Perfect electric heater

Grille

The most important feature of any electric heater is a grille over the heating elements. This can prevent not only painful burns from contact with the heater but also the risk of fire from flammable objects touching the heating element. Similarly, an automatic shutoff feature that turns off the heater when it stops being level can help to reduce the risk of fire. These two safety features are indispensable when looking for an electric heater.

Thermostat

In addition to safety, there are several features that can improve an electric heater’s efficiency. A thermostat shuts the heater off when the area reaches a preset temperature and switches it back on when the temperature falls below this level. By only activating the heater when necessary to keep the area at a consistent temperature, the thermostat prevents wasted energy. This is important because of the large amount of electricity these heaters consume.

A good space heater will be able to select between a number of different heat levels. This allows the user to select a comfortable temperature and ensures that heat is not being wasted. An electric heater generates heat by passing a current through a heating element, reducing the heat output cuts down on electricity consumption.

An ultra slim-line heater

An ultra slim-line heater

Casing

Electric heaters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with casings in a wide range of materials. Some of the differences between these are superficial, important mainly in making sure that a heater blends in with its surroundings. Some casings have advantages over others. Plastic casings tend to be lightweight, but can be fragile, while ceramic casings combine both lightness and durability.

An electric heater can add versatility to a home heating plan, cutting down on fuel consumption without sacrificing warmth. The right combination of features can make a space heater safer, easier to use and more efficient.

BIO: This is a guest post on behalf of Economy Radiators who specialise in electric heaters

We hope you find this information helpful if you are considering purchasing a space heater.  With the temperatures dropping and heating costs rising, the right space heater can help you lower your energy costs and, when used correctly, can be a safe way of heating small areas of your home! ~ Gary

Rodent proof your home before the cold weather settles in

rodent proof your homeIt is that time of year again: time to wage war against the pests seeking entry into your home. So check for small openings around the outside of your house, trim bushes and vegetation, and do any other small repairs, because when temperatures drop, pests start looking for ways inside.

“As the weather cools, rodents and other pests move inside,” says Kim Kelley-Tunis, technical services director at Orkin. “Rats, mice and insect pests, such as cluster flies, Asian ladybugs and boxelder bugs, along with a few other regional pests like stink bugs and kudzu bugs, migrate toward homes, looking for warmth.”

Mice can fit through an opening the size of a dime, so it is important to fix any cracks in and under siding, doors and windows. Inside your home, these animals can go unnoticed, set up a nest and begin reproducing. A single female can have up to eight pups per litter and four to five litters per year.

Cluster flies, Asian ladybugs, boxelder bugs and regional insect pests can be found inside wall voids and attics. They are more frequently found congregating on sun-facing areas like south- or southeast-facing walls.

“It is extremely important to be proactive in protecting your home now for the upcoming winter and spring months,” says Kelley-Tunis. “As the temperatures warm in the early spring, many of these insects and rodents will emerge from their hiding spaces in search of a way out of your house, often congregating around windows and lights within the home.”

As you prepare your home for winter by covering the air conditioner, winterizing hoses and checking your roof for leaks, we recommend you also do the following:

* Make sure all holes in mesh screens are repaired.

* Replace door sweeps and ensure that doors and windows close tightly, without any small openings.

* Trim excess bushes and vegetation around the home.

* Make sure attics and wall voids are insulated.

* Clean out gutters and install gutter guards to help prevent leaves and debris from accumulating.

For more tips on how to help protect your home from rodents and other fall pests, visit orkin.com.

Do you have another tips to help homeowners keep their homes rodent free?

Winter Gardens Combine Convenient with Beauteous

Winter Gardens Combine Convenient with BeauteousWinter couldn’t be called exactly a welcoming season with the associations of cold and snow that come with it. This is the season when all greenery is covered in white as far as your sight can reach. The world around is still, nature looks as if it is fallen asleep waiting for better times to come. A desire to replace the dull colours with brighter hues arises probably because the weather outside is so gloomy that one wants something more cheerful to have around for a change.

A winter garden can bring back spring and summer in your life and the positive mood they bring with them. It is falsely perceived that when the coldest season comes, all plant life disappears and gardening should cease until it gets warmer again. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re willing to have plants and flowers in your garden even in the winter, this is not a mission impossible. You just have to be determined enough, to have the knowledge, the tools and the necessary facility.

A solar greenhouse fits perfectly (as seen in the picture above) where you can grow plants indoors. Other than that, there are crops that can be planted outside and do just fine in lower temperatures. Knowing the secrets of winter gardening will help any devoted, and determined, gardener have fresh and natural herbs, vegetables, flowers and fruit when nobody else does.

When you first start with your winter garden, you have to consider some factors that will help you choose the plants you want to grow. Usually, the conditions in your region determine the plants that can be grown there. But in an indoor, solar or otherwise heated greenhouse you can practically grow anything that is usually grown in the warmer months. What can be planted in such indoor winter garden is rosemary, parsley, spinach, lettuce, potatoes, carrots, broad beans, mangetout, tomatoes as long as you establish the needed conditions. Some seeds are sown directly, others – in pots. Another thing that has to be considered is the amount of space that each type of plant is required to have in order to grow well. A warm greenhouse is considered one with a minimum temperature of about 13ºC/55ºC, and even if at night the temperature drops, it will still be higher than the one outside. Since in the winter days are shorter, you should have in mind that you might need an additional source of light in your greenhouse to simulate the presence of the sun. Pollination is also an issue that has to be paid attention to. Tomatoes, for example, self-pollinate which means that no insects are needed for the purpose – you can simply shake the plant and it’s done. When this method can’t be applied, what gardeners do is transfer pollen from the male to the female blossom with a cotton swab or a painting brush.

As far as crops that grow in cold weather outdoors are concerned, you have to plant them in late summer. If you do that in September, you’ll get the results in winter or early spring depending on what you’ve planted. Leeks, garlic, kale, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, collards, broccoli, and cabbage can be grown that way.

Having a winter garden a few steps away from your home certainly brings a lot of benefits. The very fact that you grow your own food makes it safer, healthier and tastier. You are aware how you’ve grown it, what fertilizer you used, how the plants were treated, so worries about harmful components immediately disappear. Having plants and herbs picked up right from your garden is also beneficial for your family bank because you won’t spend money on them. Growing your own produce is relevant to gardening as a whole, not just in the winter, which makes the idea of green living part of your life. The more practical side of having crops at hand is that you can always prepare something fast out of the products you have without having to walk/drive to the store when you’re feeling too exhausted, for example.

Don’t forget that plants require regular care. The produce doesn’t just magically turn up out of the blue. You have to Winter Gardens Combine Convenient with Beauteousbe enthusiastic enough to do some work in the greenhouse in the winter. Compared to the warmer months, people tend to not go out much when they are cold unless it’s necessary. Gardening is a great way to get out and do something useful, to stretch your legs a little. It’s like a kind of an exercise to keep you in good shape in the months you’re reluctant to move around because of the bad weather conditions. The lack of sun can be compensated by the vitamins that fresh and natural vegetables and fruit provide. It’s all good for the immune system.

Another positive aspect of having a winter garden would be to turn it into a flower haven on earth. Just entering in there will give you the feeling of spring and summer with all the colours and greenness. The types of flowers that are suitable for growing in a cool indoor greenhouse include Primroses, Nasturtiums, Azaleas, Freesias, Amaryllis, Hyacinths, Impatiens, etc. They have to be planted in pots but in a special soil, not the one from your yard because it carries pests. The pleasant fragrance that comes from the greenhouse will draw you to it as if you’re captured by some kind of an invisible power. What’s most important is that you’ll be cheered up and charged with fresh energy looking at all the beauty that you’ve created yourself.

Guest Post By:

Daisy Hart is a writer and blogger with great flair for flowers and flower decoration. She is focused on writing the best possible way and is constantly searching for new sources of inspiration. Her present article treats: winter gardening and flowers related thematic.

Fire-proof your home this season

fireproof your home this season‘Tis the season for at-home entertaining – food, friends, family, fun and yes, even fires. Fire fighters respond to calls of nearly 400,000 home fires each year, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Many fires occur in cold weather months as more people bring warmth into their homes with things like traditional candles or holiday lighting. These fires result in more than 15,000 civilian deaths or injuries annually.

Fire-proof the holiday season with these tips that safeguard your family and your home:

Go flameless

Reduce your risk of fire by using flameless candles. Though they look and smell like real candles, they don’t pose the same safety risks. Scentsy Wickless Candles provide the light and ambiance of traditional candles without the smoke, soot or an open flame. With more than 80 fragrances to choose from and 100 styles of warmers available, there’s a fit for every fragrance personality and home decor style.

If you purchase your Scentsy Candles from the following link:   https://nicolelauruska.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy?partyId=116909627, Nicole Lauruska will generously donate 100% of the commission for this sale and the monies will go directly to the horses at the rescue at Another Chance For Horses Rescue!

Avoid outlet overload

Don’t overload electrical outlets and extension cords with holiday lights or other electronics. Plug only one heat-producing appliance, such as electric blankets, irons, toasters or coffee makers, into a receptacle outlet at a time. Consider avoiding outlet overload by choosing battery-powered options when they’re available.

Cook with care

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fire injuries, according to the NFPA. Don’t stray too far from the kitchen if you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. If you’re boiling, baking, or roasting, be sure to check it regularly and use a timer to remind you when it’s finished. Plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.

Be prepared

Establish a fire-safe home by installing fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. Use a portable fire extinguisher to save lives and property by putting out or containing small fires. Store extinguishers where they can be quickly accessed in areas with great fire risk, such as in the kitchen or near the garage door. Smoke alarms should be installed in every room of the home, except for the kitchen, and should be tested once each month.

Have a plan

Establish a fire escape plan with the members of your household, and practice it often. You should always have two ways to exit each room, typically a door and a window. Practicing in a casual environment will help children feel confident in executing your plan in an emergency. Choose a landmark outside, such as a tree in the neighbor’s yard or the mailbox, as a meeting location for your family.

Following these fire safety tips will help ensure your memories of this fall and winter season are full of friends and family, not flames.

Winterize your home in a weekend

Preparing for Jack Frost’s arrival can send a shiver down any homeowner’s spine. A long to-do list for getting your home ready can feel overwhelming, leaving you wondering where you’ll find the time and resources. But, with some optimism, easy tips and access to a few rental tools, you can winterize your home in just one weekend, leaving plenty of time to enjoy autumn’s splendor.

Prepare your lawn and landscaping

Cold temperatures cause grass and other plants in your landscape to go dormant. Spend a few hours preparing your lawn for beautiful greenery next year.

Start by aerating. Renting an aerator is a cost-effective and efficient way to reduce thatch and provide extra space in the soil for water and oxygen to reach the roots.  After aerating, spread a quality winter fertilizer to give your grass the nutrients it needs to grow strong. Remember to cover roses and delicate perennials so that they are protected.

Winterize your deck

The harsh winter elements can take a major toll on decking, so it’s important to protect it. With a little time and effort, your deck will make it through winter unscathed and ready for outdoor fun in spring.

To keep the structure’s integrity intact and wood looking beautiful, clean and seal your deck before winter arrives. Start by renting a pressure washer.  After you clean your deck, let it dry completely and then apply paint or sealant.

Trim your trees

Weak trees and dead branches can break and fall during winter, possibly damaging your home, your car, a utility line, or worse. Be a responsible homeowner and cut weak or dead branches in the fall so you don’t have to worry.

A chainsaw is the easiest way to deal with dead branches and will take much less time than hand sawing. You can rent a chainsaw to cut the wood into small logs or pieces for disposing of properly or you can also buy a new one from https://toolpip.com/. Chippers can also be rented for grinding up the wood and using it for mulch in the spring.

Seal windows and doors.

When temperatures drop, the small leaks in windows and doors become apparent. Avoid a chilly house and high energy bills by caulking your windows and weather stripping doors.

Weather stripping is cheap and easy. Apply the adhesive strip between the door and frame for a tight seal that limits the amount of air that enters or exits when the door is closed. Caulking windows is a simple process as well when you have a caulk gun. If you need a tall ladder to reach second story windows, consider renting it since you’ll likely use it infrequently. While you have the ladder, clean your gutters of leaves and other debris that can cause backups and ice dams.

All you need is one weekend to prepare your home and yard for the cold weather ahead. Plus you’ll get to enjoy the crisp autumn air while you get these quick and easy chores done.

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