Fall is upon us
The fall season is here! It is just about time to start thinking about heading indoors for the colder weather. There are a few small tasks we should get done before heading in for the long winter season.
Gutters - It's a good idea to check your gutters and downspouts. Fall is a great time to clean out all the debris has built up during the summer. While you're there, you can see if they look like they need any repairs, such as fixing loose or missing hangers, or replacing that downspout that fell off during a summer storm.
Weather-stripping - Take a look around your windows and doors to see if the weather-stripping looks like it is still doing its job. Weather-stripping is supposed to provide a seal when the door or window is closed. If you can see gaps or light when the door or window is closed, it may be time for new weather-stripping. A good seal can stop cold drafts.
Hose - If your outside faucet has a shut-off in the basement, it is a good idea to turn it off when you are done using it for the season. Once the shut-off is closed, leave the faucet open. Doing this will help ensure that any water left in the faucet will have room to expand so it doesn’t cause a leak if it freezes during the winter. At the same time, make sure that you have empited your garden hose and stored it somewhere where it won't freeze.
Branches - Fall is a great time to trim bushes and trees. If you have any that are rubbing up against your house or hanging over your roof, trimming them back will help ensure that they don't damage your house in the winter. Even if a branch looks like it is well clear, snow can weigh it down and it can end up on your roof.
Chimneys - If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, the chimney should be checked and cleaned annually. If you did not get yours done at the end of last season, now is a great time to do it. Chimney build-up is a leading cause of chimney fires.
Heating - Finally, most heating systems need periodic maintenance. If your system was not serviced at the end of last winter, the fall is good time to get that taken care of. There is little worse than having your heat go out in the middle of the coldest night in January!
Back to nature
Cleaning doesn't always need to involve expensive products with chemicals we can't even pronounce. Here are some ideas for some natural cleaning products that are easier on us, the environment and our wallets.
Glass Cleaner - Fill a spray bottle with 1 quart water, add 1 tablespoon white vinegar and a dash of dish detergent.
Sink & Toilet Cleaner - Prepare a paste of either baking soda or borax with water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Borax or baking soda are also good alone to replace abrasive cleaners.
Ovens - Use a paste of baking soda and water. Scrub stains with steel wool.
Drains - Pour 1/4 of a cup of baking soda down the drain and then 1/2 of a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and when the fizzing slows, flush it with hot water.
Disinfectants - Mix 1/2 of a cup of borax with 1 gallon of hot water. This is great for counters, floors, cabinets and tiles.
Looks nice
Vines and other creepers growing up the brick wall of a house can look beautiful. They can add lots of visual interest and the sweet aromas from the flowers can drift in the windows. Unfortunately, there is a price to pay. The roots from the plants can be destructive to the brick and the mortar joints between the bricks. The foliage can also trap moisture against the house leading the bricks to decay, and can also be a great place for insects to live. The best solution is to grow the green beauties on a trellis or some other structure nearby.
