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• Prepare Your Deck For Winter• How To Create A Winter-Friendly Outdoor Living Space• How To Protect Wood Floors From Inclement Weather

• Protect your Winter Landscape from Hungry Wildlife

Sioux Valley NewsPage 2 October 10, 2019

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By Emily SouvignierFall is the time of year when scarves,

sweaters and tall boots are in fashion, the colors of the leaves change from green to varying shades of red and gold, and the fragrant aroma of apple cider and pumpkin spice fill the air. The backyard pools have long since been put away and are traded for pumpkins and other fall décor to decorate the front porch. Raking leaves, visiting the apple orchard and watching football are common interests shared in communities across the country, and in the farming communities, harvest season is usually in full swing.

But with the excitement of the return of fall, there are several important home improvement measures to be taken before the snow hits to ensure that your home and yard are in the best condition possible when you want to tackle your spring projects - which will also be here before you know it.

The following are a few ideas for fall home improvement projects that will help to ensure a more productive spring schedule in and around your home.

Lawn Care MaintenanceEven though most lawns are covered under

snow in the Midwest for most of the winter months, that doesn’t mean that lawn care should end as soon as the weather gets cold. In addition to mowing and watering, it’s also important to fertilize, aerate and rake your lawn before winter hits.

While it’s common to fertilize your lawn during the spring, the process is just as important in the fall. Summer heat can be stressful on lawns, and cooler temperatures in the fall can provide the perfect setting for lawns to regain its strength and stamina before a chilly winter. Supporting quality root growth during the fall can help lead to a healthier lawn in the springtime.

For best results, apply lawn fertilizer two to three weeks before the ground freezes,

which is usually around mid to late October in most areas. The best time of the day to apply fertilizer is in the morning or evening hours to avoid warmer daytime temperatures that work against the fertilizer. Mowing your lawn before applying the fertilizer, leaving behind some grass clipping to help the roots, also will work in your favor. Avoid fertilizing lawns before heavy rain to avoid runoff, and if it has recently rained, let the grass dry before spreading the fertilizer.

Aeration of the lawn involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass, which helps them grow deeper and produce a stronger lawn. If your lawn gets heavy foot traffic from children or pets, was established due to a newly constructed home, or was established by sod, your lawn is likely a good candidate for aeration.

Before beginning the process, make sure the soil is moist enough. It is advised to aerate your lawn the day after a rain shower or watering on your own, as it is difficult to aerate soil that is dry. Common aerating tools include a plug aerator, which removes a plug of grass and soil from the lawn, or a spike aerator, which simply pokes holes into the ground. After aerating, it’s important to continue basic lawn care practices such as proper fertilizing, mowing and watering as well.

Window Replacement and Sealant Repairs

If you continuously feel a draft in certain areas of your home or see condensation or frost on certain windows, chances are it may be time for re-caulk the windows or, in extreme cases, an upgrade on windows. No matter which one, taking these measures prior to the winter months can help to prevent costly repairs or a high heating bill.

Old or damaged windows with poor sealing may result in air leaks from the inside to the

outside of the house, resulting in the frigid winter air filtering inside your warm home. If this happens, your indoor heating system will work extra hard to compensate, and your energy bills will increase.

Older windows are also more prone to mold and mildew growth, which not only can cause problems with the quality and function of the window itself, but can also cause health risks to you and your family. Winter weather typically brings strong forms of precipitation, and ensuring that necessary repairs are done before the winter weather arrives can help with a smoother, more cost-effective process.

There are times when re-caulking the window frames will fix the issue rather than replacing the entire window. To do so, make sure you choose the right type of caulk. Most common types are caulk are for exterior windows, interior windows, waterproof and water-resistant caulk and caulk for house siding.

Caulk should blend in with the window and not be noticeable. If done incorrectly, it can look very poor and sloppy. Refrain from caulking over old caulk by stripping the old

caulk line away with a putty knife. Once it’s gone, go over the area again with the freshcaulk. Using a caulk gun with a thumb releaseversus a ratchet release will help to ensure a smooth flow, resulting in a more finishedoverall look.

Replace Weatherstripping on Doors

Sometimes, drafts around doors may simplybe a sealant issue, which is obviously more cost-effective than replacing the entire dooritself. A common, very simple project toprevent drafts is replacing the weather strips around the bottoms of exterior doors leading to the inside of the house.

First, choose the weather-stripping that willwork the best for the intended project andmake sure that it will withstand temperature changes, friction, and wear and tear associatedwith its location. Most doors typically requiredoor sweeps for the bottom and foam tape forthe top and sides.

To install, first clean the stop moulding withwarm, soapy water and allow it to dry. Next,cut the foam tape to fit each side and top ofthe door. Peel the back from the foam andpress it to the inside of the stop moulding. Cut the sweep to fit the door, and finally, withthe door closed, screw the sweep to the doorso that its bottom is in contact with the floor.

Furnace InspectionsDon’t wait until the temperatures plummet

outside to get your furnace inspected. Notonly can an outdated furnace lead to lossof heat during the winter time, it also poses health and safety risks for homeowners andothers who reside within the house. Blockedvents, cracked heat exchangers and dirtyfilters and burners can put your home at riskfor fire dangers and carbon monoxide leaks. Keeping your unit up-to-date can also help lower your utility bills, save you from costly repairs in the future and prolong the life ofyour system.

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Driveway and Sidewalk Maintenance

Accumulation of ice and freezing temperatures can cause expansion and widening of existing cracks and crevices in driveways and sidewalks during the cold winter months. The potential breaking up of cement and other walkways can pose safety issues for those traveling in its path, and can also be costly to repair in the future. Consider hiring a professional or someone who is skilled in cement repair to ensure that any cracks that are present don’t become a bigger issue than they have to be.

Exterior Siding MaintenanceWhen exposed to snow, sleet, ice, frigid

temperatures and ice-cold winter winds, your siding can take quite a beating from Mother Nature if not maintained appropriately. Before the outside air temperatures get too cold, consider applying paint touch-ups on your house’s exterior paint or a fresh layer of sealant to extend the longevity of your siding and trim, as well as any other areas that will have considerable exposure to snow cover, such as wooden decks, floors, stairs or patio areas.

Another idea to take into consideration to ensure the preservation of the exterior of your house is a good power washing. The build-up and accumulation of dust, dirt and bacteria over time can lead to the exterior siding of one’s house to develop grime and mildew, sometimes hidden in between cracks and other narrow surfaces, making it even harder to point out at first glance. While the build-up may not be too obvious, leaving it unattended may eventually lead to more costly problems down the road.

Textured or already-weathered siding may collect this dust and grime more easily, especially if you live on a dirt road or in a new development where lawns are not yet established.

If you are not comfortable power washing

your home yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional. However, here are some tips for power washing the exterior areas of your home if you choose to do it on your own.

First, avoid spraying any outdoor electrical components unless they are turned off and be especially cautious around the electrical service entrance, the lines and conduit feeding the meter, and the central air conditioner, which is a high-voltage shock hazard. Try to refrain from spraying upward under laps and flashing, and don’t get too close to any gutters. Angle the spray away from doors, windows, vents and soffit vents to prevent any unnecessary damage. Most of all, hold the nozzle far enough away from the siding that it does not strip off any paint or finish.

If the siding has already started to acquire mildew, sometimes a light bleach solution is recommend before the power washing. Mix one part household bleach with ten parts water and wipe on the affected area. If needed, scrub lightly with a scrub brush or similar item. Finally, rinse away with a sponge and clean water.

Roof and Gutter RepairsTaking a little extra effort to make sure that

your roof is in adequate condition before the first snowfall can also ensure that there will be no costly unexpected surprises throughout the winter. These inspections can be both on the exterior roof as well as the interior.

Before going to the top of the roof, check the attic of your home with a flashlight. Look for signs of water damages or leaks, dark spots or any sagging. Also check to see if there are areas where you can see daylight from the inside.

On the exterior side of the roof, check for shingles that are missing, cracked or torn; any raised shingles; and hints of mold, moisture, wet spots or rotting. Asphalt shingles can become brittle in the wintertime, and any cracks or breaks can make them vulnerable to more damage during harsh winter weather.

Water can also seep down into the cracks, leading to damage of both the exterior and interior parts of the roof.

Check to see that all gutters and downspouts are securely attached and in place and make sure that gutters are clean and debris-free. If blockages in your gutters continue to be a problem, another option is to install mesh guards on the top of the gutters that prevent leaves and other debris from causing blockages to begin with.

Winterize Sprinklers and Faucets

Any type of exterior plumbing must be winterized in order to prevent freezing and bursting during the winter. If any water remains trapped in the pipes as the outdoor temperatures plummet, it’s going to freeze and expand, causing damage to your system if the proper precautions are not taken ahead of time.

Make sure to disconnect, drain and store all garden hoses for the winter. Consider using a spray foam insulation to fill any openings around the hose bibb to prevent cold air from accessing the inside of the wall, which would increase the chance of the pipes freezing inside.

If your outdoor water faucets have separate shut-off valves, close the valve and then open the spigots to drain the lines and leave them open until spring. If the faucets have a device to prevent backflow, disconnect it so all of the water drains as well. If your faucets do not have a separate shut-off valve, install insulation around the faucet and add an insulated faucet cover.

Fireplace InspectionEven if a fireplace is rarely used, a proper,

regular inspection is essential in making sure the fireplace is safe for your home and your family. Whether gas-powered or wood burning, a poorly maintained fireplace poses many risks.

A trained professional will check for holes in the gas line or other issues than can cause an explosive fire or a carbon monoxide leak, as well as obstructions such as lawn debris, bird nests, and even deceased animals that get stuck in the chimney. If your chimney does not have a cap, it is more likely that an animal can get access to the inside.

Because the inside of a chimney sees a lot of wear and tear, chemical build-up on the inside can lead to the breakdown of chimney walls. Regular inspections will detect if this has become a problem.

Regular maintenance, like replacing damaged or missing chimney caps or installing updated chimney liners, will overall help your chimney last longer as well.

Chimney and fireplace inspection can be severely dangerous, so make sure that if you opt to have yours checked regularly that you hire a professional to do so.

Sioux Valley NewsPage 4 October 10, 2019

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Home improvement projects are as popular as ever. In its 2018 True Cost Survey, the home improvement site HomeAdvisor found that, between February 2017 and February 2018, homeowners spent an average of just over $5,000 on home projects. That marked a nearly $1,900 increase from the year prior, indicating that homeowners are increasingly opening their wallets to transform their homes.

In addition to spending money to improve their homes, many homeowners are spending their time on projects as well. While DIY projects can provide a sense of fulfillment and personal attachment to one’s home, prospective do-it-yourselfers should ask themselves some questions before picking up their hammers and getting to work.

Do I have any physical limitations?No matter how much home improvement

television shows may simplify projects, prospective DIYers should know that such undertakings are typically very difficult and oftentimes physically demanding. Homeowners with exist ing health conditions or other physical limitations may not be capable of performing certain tasks or may need to take frequent breaks, which can delay projects.

Do I have the time?Many home improvement projects

require a significant amount of time to complete. Homeowners whose time is already stretched thin with commitments to work and/or family may not be able to complete projects within a reasonable amount of time. That’s fine if working on a part of the home that won’t affect daily life, but can prove stressful or problematic if the project is in a room, such as a kitchen

or bathroom, that residents of the home use each day. Novice DIYers should be especially honest with themselves about the time they have available to work on the project, as such homeowners are bound to experience a few time-consuming missteps along the way.

Can I afford it?While DIY might seem more affordable

than hiring a contractor, that’s not necessarily true. Novice DIYers may need to buy or rent tools, costs that can add up. Contractors already have the tools necessary to begin and complete projects, so the cost savings of DIY might not be as significant as homeowners think. Before going the DIY route, homeowners should solicit estimates from contractors, comparing the estimates to how much a project will cost if homeowners do it themselves.

Can I go it alone?Many home improvement projects

require more than one set of hands, and it’s risky and even foolish for first-time DIYers to assume they can begin a project and see it through to completion entirely on their own. Homeowners whose spouses, partners, friends, or relatives are willing to chip in may think that’s enough. However, the DIY skills of those who volunteer may be a mystery until the project begins. Novice DIYers should enlist the help of a friend or family member with home improvement experience. If no such person is available, it may be wise to hire a contractor instead.

Home improvement projects may seem simple on television. But prospective do-it-yourselfers must make honest assessments of their skills, time and budgets before taking on a DIY project.

Questions to ask before embracing DIY

Page 5Sioux Valley News October 10, 2019

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Homeowners 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 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 accumulat ion is signif icant. 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.

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For many homeowners, the arrival of fall and winter marks an end to time spent lounging and dining al fresco on the patio. But cold air does not necessarily mean patio furniture must be packed up until flowers bloom anew in spring.

In its 2017 Home Design Trends Survey, the American Institute of Architects found that consumers cont inue to emphasize practical features that expand the functionality of their homes via heavy investment in outdoor living spaces. The survey found that the popularity of outdoor living spaces increased by 72 percent between 2012 and 2017, highlighting just how much homeowners enjoy spending time outdoors. By taking measures to make their outdoor living spaces winterproof, homeowners can enjoy these areas of their homes even more.

• Cover your deck. A covered deck may appear to make the space less enjoyable during spring and summer. However, covered decks can protect residents from the sun on especially hot days while also making the space more functional in winter. An overhead shelter on a deck can be outfitted with heaters (and fans to provide a cooling effect in summer) and allow residents to sit outside and watch snow fall without getting wet.

• Plant the right trees. Coniferous trees prevent wind, which can be especially harsh in winter. Homeowners who are unsure about which direction wind typically comes from can consult a landscape architect to determine where to plant the trees to ensure they’re most effective.

• Fire up the patio. A firepit or fireplace can warm up an outdoor living area, making such a space warm and cozy even on a cold winter night. A patio with a built-in firepit can cost a pretty penny, but such an addition can withstand winter weather better than a standalone firepit, which

might be vulnerable to being tipped over by winter winds.

• Install lighting. The sun sets early in winter, so homeowners won’t be able to rely on natural light to illuminate their outdoor living spaces well into the evening

like they do in summer. Heat lamps can beused to both warm and illuminate a space,serving dual, budget-friendly functions.

With the right adjustments, outdoorliving spaces can be enjoyed throughoutwinter.

How To Create A Winter-Friendly Outdoor Living Space

Covering a deck or patio and/or adding a fire feature are two ways to make outdoor living spaces more winter-friendly.

Page 7Sioux Valley News October 10, 2019

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Wood 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 f loors 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 f loorboards 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.

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How To Protect Wood Floors From Inclement Weather

By gardening expert Melinda MyersThere’s no doubt that managing critters in

the landscape can be a challenge especially as food supplies start to dwindle. If you are battling with rabbits, deer, groundhogs or other wildlife, don’t let down your guard as the growing season begins to wind down.

Be proactive. Start before they get into the habit of dining on your landscape. It is easier to keep them away than break the dining habit.

Fence them out. Fencing is the best defense against most wildlife. A four feet tall fence around a small garden will keep out rabbits. Secure the bottom tight to the ground or bury it several inches to prevent rabbits and voles from crawling underneath. Or fold the bottom of the fence outward, making sure it’s tight to the ground. Animals tend not to crawl under when the bottom skirt faces away from the garden.

Go deeper, at least 12 to 18 inches, if you are trying to discourage woodchucks. And make sure the gate is secure. Many hungry animals have found their way into the garden through openings around and under the gate.

A five-foot fence around small garden areas can help safeguard your plantings against hungry deer. Some gardeners report success surrounding their garden with fishing line mounted on posts at one- and three-foot heights.

Break out the repellents. Homemade and commercial repellents can be used. Apply before the animals start feeding and reapply as directed. Consider using a natural repellent that’s safe for people and wildlife.

Scare ‘em away. Blow up owls, clanging pans, rubber snakes, slivers of deodorant soap, handfuls of human hair and noise makers are scare tactics that have been used by gardeners

for years. Consider your environment when selecting a tactic. Urban animals are used to the sound and smell of people. Alternate scare tactics for more effective control. The animals won’t be afraid of a snake that hasn’t moved in weeks.

Combine tactics. Use a mix of fencing, scare tactics and repellents. Keep monitoring for damage. If there are enough animals and they are hungry, they will eat just about anything.

Don’t forget about nature. Welcome hawks and fox into your landscape. Using less pesticides and tolerating some critters, their food source, will encourage them to visit your yard. These natural pest controllers help keep the garden-munching critters under control.

And most importantly, don’t give up. A bit

of persistence, variety and adaptability is thekey to success. Investing some time now willnot only deter existing critters from dining inyour landscape but will also reduce the riskof animals moving in next season.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author& columnist Melinda Myers has more than30 years of horticulture experience and haswritten over 20 gardening books, includingCan’t Miss Small Space Gardening. She hostsThe Great Courses “How to Grow Anything”DVD series and the nationally syndicatedMelinda’s Garden Moment segments. Myersis also a columnist and contributing editor forBirds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ web site,www.melindamyers.com, offers gardeningvideos, podcasts, and garden tips.

Sioux Valley NewsPage 8 October 10, 2019

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Protect your Winter Landscape from Hungry Wildlife

Fencing, when installed properly, can be an effective tool in protecting gardensagainst animal damage.

Photo credit: Melinda Myers, LLC