REAL ESTATE

How to Make a Building ADA Compliant in 5 Easy Steps

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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1992 to ensure public spaces in the United States are accessible to the mobility-impaired. It applies not just to new construction, but also to businesses, offices, stores, and other public facilities. Unfortunately, there are some exceptions to the rule that have led building owners to neglect important aspects of ADA compliance, which can leave buyers in a difficult position.

Have you recently purchased a commercial or public building and want to make sure it’s accessible to everyone? Don’t assume the last owner has already done all the work. Read on to find out about five steps every business or property owner should take to ensure compliance.

Create Accessible Parking

Accessible parking spaces, designated with the international symbol of accessibility, are intended for those who can’t traverse moderate distances through the lot. Every commercial or public building needs to have at least one, but the ADA further stipulates that business owners need to have at least one accessible parking spot for every 25 regular spaces.

The accessible spaces need to be located as close as possible to the entrance and bordered by marked access aisles so people have plenty of room to exit their vehicles. Leave five feet of space for normal, accessible parking spots and eight feet for van-accessible spaces.

Ensure Access to Entrances and Routes

The most obvious problem for most property owners is entryways that are accessible only by stairs, but the route into the building isn’t the only one they should pay attention to. Customers, clients, or employees who use wheelchairs or scooters should also be able to move around the building easily. Office owners can learn more at klein-usa.com about one great solution for ADA-compliant interior doors.

Update the Restrooms

Public restrooms are one of the most difficult areas of the building to renovate because there are so many stipulations. It’s not just about adding an accessible stall. Read through the ADA checklist to see what needs to be changed, and find a contractor with specialized experience retrofitting old buildings for ADA compliance.

Add Cord Covers and Ramps

Ramps aren’t just for building entrances. They may also be needed to help wheelchair-bound employees, customers, or clients safely traverse halls and rooms. If there are areas where electrical wiring or hoses cross the floor, those potential obstructions need to be covered by a ramp.

Low-profile cord protectors offer a perfect solution for covering extension cords and data cables. For hoses, a heavy-duty polyurethane cord protector may be a better fit.

Remove Accidental Barriers

Even buildings that have already been retrofitted to ensure ADA compliance may need to be updated if the previous building owner did not prioritize maintenance. If the paint in the parking lot has faded, a previously pressurized door has stopped working properly, or objects have been left in narrow halls during or after a maintenance job, these issues can all cause problems for new business owners. New property owners are responsible for bringing the building back into compliance, so fix these problems as soon as possible.

The Bottom Line

Ensuring ADA compliance won’t just help property owners avoid legal issues. It will also allow a more diverse group of people to work in and patronize their businesses. Take the time to ensure compliance now before lack of accessibility becomes a problem for a potential employee, guest, customer, or client.

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CLEANING

How To Keep Your HVAC Running Smoothly

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Every appliance we have needs to be kept in good working order. Over time, things either become less efficient and leak money, or just don’t work as well as they should.

It pays to use preventive maintenance to keep any big issues from appearing.

That holds especially true for your HVAC. If you have central heat and air conditioning, then you also have to keep an eye on its performance. Otherwise, when you need it, you may not have it. 

Since spring is arriving, this is a good time to be thinking about your central A/C so let’s dive in and get to the tips on keeping it running smoothly.

Keep the filter clean

Hopefully, during the summer last year you were regularly cleaning your filter and replaced it when the time was due.

When your filter is clogged it can cause a number of issues with the performance of your A/C as it is an integral part of the HVAC system. You can end up with blown circuits and even have warm air circulating instead of cool.

If you saw some ice building up on your condenser last summer, then that was a sure sign that your filter was clogged.

This year, make it a point to regularly clean your filter to avoid any issues. Even when you have been cleaning it, you will eventually need to replace it. Check with the owner’s manual of your unit to see how often that should be.

You should also be keeping the ducts clean to avoid spreading germs, pollen and dust throughout your home when the heat or air conditioner is working. You’ll need a professional to do this job for you. Learn More About Duct Cleaning by clicking that link to a professional duct cleaner site. 

Check outside

The outside unit can easily get obstructed by debris which will impact how it works. It needs the space around it clear so the air intake can happen unimpeded. There also needs to be space for the hot air to exit.

If the unit is obstructed, then it will cause uneven cooling and your electrical bill will also end up higher.

Does it smell?

Mildew can also build up inside the evaporator coil. This will cause a musty smell when you turn on the unit. It is very common when you turn on the HVAC for the first time that season. Over the time when it isn’t being used, the mildew can build. 

Make sure to clean the evaporator coil and the condenser before you fire it up for the season to get rid of any mildew or mold. Use a mix of a half cup of bleach and a gallon of water and use a rag to clean them off. This will kill the mildew or mold.

If you have a recurring problem even after it’s been cleaned, then you will need to call a professional to take a look to see where the problem lies.


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HOME STYLING

4 Reasons Your Retail Store Needs Slatwall Panels

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Slatwall panels can really make an impact in a retail space. Making the most of brick-and-mortar retail space is always a key to success. Retailers who do a better job than others of displaying their products tend to sell more and earn more loyalty from their customers.

Deciding how to equip and appoint a retail location can end up being one of the most important steps of all. This is particularly true of assets that are used to make products visible and accessible to customers.

Slatwall-style panels quite often end up being perfect for a given space. There are four excellent reasons to consider adding this type of panel to your own retail store.

Photo credit: Sarah Joy Blog

1.Slatwall panels are Rugged

Some types of product displays are not very well suited to handling the rigors of retail. That can leave a stand or set of shelves wearing down a lot more quickly than would be hoped.

High-quality slatwall panels, though, are made from particularly rugged materials like medium density fiberboard, or MDF. As a carefully engineered material that is both strong and resistant to wear, MDF thrives in areas with heavy traffic.

That often makes MDF-based panels and displays perfect for even the busiest of retail stores. The slatwall design also leverages the strengths of MDF especially effectively, making problems like chipping, cracking, and scratching much less of an issue.

Installing high-quality slatwall sections at appropriate parts of a store will allow a retailer to do away with plenty of related concerns. Ruggedness is almost always welcome in retail, and the best slatwall-style display panels feature lots of it.

Photo credit: AAA Dispays

2. They are Versatile

There are plenty of types of shelving and other display-focused assets that excel at showcasing very specific types of products. The slatwall design does so, as well, but it is also very versatile.

Generally speaking, unadorned slatwall sections work best for direct-display purposes when products require plenty of frontal exposure. There are many types of accessories, though, that can be added to pieces of slatwall to make them better-suited to other kinds of items.

In fact, a single expanse of slatwall can just as well display products of several markedly different kinds. When another display will be positioned in front of a section of slatwall, the latter can still serve as an attractive backdrop that is not distracting.

All of these features help make slatwall-style panels especially versatile. That will make them excellent additions to almost any retail store, whatever the particulars.

3. They are Attractive

Slatwall sections feature a clean, classic look that never seems out of place. Although most are not especially prepossessing, customization options can also render slatwall boards as eye-catching as could be desired.

Even when the goal is to make sure that display-related assets never command much attention, attractiveness will still normally be desirable. Many retailers find that their wall displays end up being some of the most appealing.

Photo credit: Xylea Wood

4. They are Affordable

Overly expensive displays and other assets can make it impractical to launch a retail store. Retailers intent on upgrading can just as well find that certain options have to be ruled out on account of pricing.

Fortunately, even top-quality slatwall sections are extremely affordable, particularly when their other strengths are taken into account. Retailers with any sort of budget almost always find it easy to justify in financial terms the installation of slatwall-style panels.

Slatwall panels are An Excellent Addition to Almost Any Store

While there are occasional cases where other options will fit a store better, retailers regularly find that these panels suit their needs very well. For the four reasons above and others, you would probably do well to consider adding them to your own store.


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HOME DECOR, REAL ESTATE

4 Ways to Save Money When Renovating Your Home

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Renovating a home is almost always exciting – setting a budget is not! But the costs of a home renovation project of any scale can quickly get out of hand if you don’t have a plan. Many homeowners end up spending more than expected, and that can make an otherwise-satisfying renovation project something of a guilty pleasure.

However, there are some simple ways to keep remodeling costs down without sacrificing anything of value in the process. Keep the following four tips in mind, and you can make your next home renovation project as cost-effective as it is rewarding.

1. Think About the Future

Most homeowners who plan renovation projects spend plenty of time thinking about the options. In quite a few cases, normally level headed people end up getting caught up in transient, trendy design ideas that will not stand the test of time.

That is a common reason for spending too much on renovating a home. If your renovation work starts to feel dated not long after it was completed, you will be more likely to start thinking about yet another costly overhaul.

Focus more on classic, time-tested design approaches and that kind of turnover will become much less of an issue. If you engage Couple Abode for your home renovation project, for instance, you will discover that classic, enduring items and materials can provide just as much immediate gratification as the trendiest ones.

The difference, of course, is that such proven pieces and assets virtually never go out of style. In addition to being less likely to seem outdated after tastes change, classic design elements tend to work better with future updates than trendier ones.

2. Stick to a Strict Budget

There will almost always be dozens of decisions that need to be made when planning a renovation project. Even after having set a budget, it can be tempting to spend a little more here and there along the way.

Unfortunately, that tends to send costs soaring, with each new addition contributing to the problem. Being firm and disciplined about the budget you established is the only realistic way to avoid such problems.

This is not to say that there will never be any room for on-the-fly adjustment. If one renovation option that will add to the tab seems irresistible, simply find a way to pay for it by cutting costs somewhere else.

3. Pay for Everything Up Front

Homeowners often end up paying more for renovation work than they realize, typically because of interest charges and other financing-related costs. Commit to saving the money needed for a renovation job before starting and you can avoid falling into this trap.

Low-rate home equity loans and similar options can make it look as if borrowing to pay for renovation makes good financial sense. Even in such cases, though, it will often be possible to save significant amounts of money by paying cash.

4. Pitch in Yourself

Especially involved, complicated renovation plans can make it seem as if only professionals could handle any of the required work. In just about every case, though, homeowners with a bit of ambition and energy can actually make some valuable progress themselves.

It can take a bit of strategic thinking to figure out where DIY work will pay off. In some cases, simply talking with a contractor will reveal effective ways to keep costs down by pitching in.

A More Affordable Home Renovation Project…

Tips like these can be used to make every dollar devoted to home renovation stretch a bit further. Homeowners who might otherwise be shocked at the costs involved often find that looking for ways to save on renovating work makes a significant difference.


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FAMILY, REAL ESTATE

5 Ways to Make the Family Home Perfect for Kids

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Getting a new home is a great thing and when you first move in everything is possibility. But maybe that was a long time ago now, before the kids arrived? So any changes you made then maybe didn’t have children in mind. But don’t worry, a home is constantly evolving and you can change it at any time and as many times as you like.

Here are 5 different ways to make the family home a perfect place for kids to grow up…

1. Have a Messy Play Area

A messy play area is a fantastic thing to have, and by this we don’t mean a play area they are allowed to keep untidy. What we mean is an area where the types of play that create mess are contained. So painting, sand, clay, water, anything like this is not drafted throughout the rest of the house. 

2.Make the Kitchen an Place for Everyone

I always feel that the kitchen should be a central part of any home. It’s where the food is after all, and it’s good to get the kids involved in all of that including healthy meals. Having them help with preparing dinner or even doing some baking teaches them to contribute and keeps you closer as parents and children. 

3.Get a Pool

One thing that’s definitely fun, no questions asked, is a pool. ‘But we don’t have space’ I some cries! Well, this can be true but if you look around for the best Pool and get some advice from an expert supplier such as ownthepool.com who can show you the costs from small and portable pools right up to huge ones. This way you can be sure that you get something that suits your budget and your home. 

4. Make the Garden Child-Friendly

The garden should be one area that everyone in the family can enjoy. The big problem is that some gardens really aren’t set up for children. So this presents a bit of a headache for those of us with young children. We need to think of ideas for changing the garden in ways that are good for the kids. Things can include such items as a swing set or a trampoline, you could simply make one area set aside with soft matting or artificial grass to make it less likely you give a fall injury to a young child. It may be making a sloped area flatter to allow it to be played on. 

5. Chill Out Area

All of the things we’ve talked about so far include many different ways of making the family house good for kids in a way that allows them to get active and do things. But it’s also important for them to have some down time as well. Making a chill-out area can du just that. It can be a TV corner or a little reading space, basically as long as it’s a place to get away from everything and get a rest.

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CLEANING

3 Ways to Keep Your Home Smelling Awesome

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Do you ever think about how you can keep your home smelling fresh? All the hard work that you put into making your home as comfortable and tidy as possible can quickly be made irrelevant if there are stinky odors hanging about. What’s worse is that sometimes you can become “nose blind” to the bad smells in your house. People who come to visit won’t be, however. 

There are some surprising things that could be the source of undesirable smells in your home. Here are three of the more common ones along with some advice on how to banish them for good.

1. Bed Bugs

Did you know that when bed bugs invade your home they bring with them a pretty foul smell? Some people describe the smell of bed bugs as being very similar to that of cilantro. The smell of these pesky pests is probably most akin to the moldy and musty smells as if water has been pooling somewhere in your home without your notice. 

If you start to detect a hint of moldy shoe in the air of your home, it is a good idea to inspect for bed bugs. This isn’t an issue that you want to take your time solving, either. Bites from these bugs can be very painful, and an infestation can be hard to get rid of. You should start by washing everything made of fabric in your home, like bedding, clothes, and curtains. You might even need to invest in a new mattress if that is where the bugs have decided to make their home.

You should also consider calling in some professional bed bug experts like Stafford pest control before the problem really gets out of hand.

2. Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine is one of those appliances in your home that gets the most use on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, many people are in the habit of closing the door of their washer once they have removed the wet clothes from it. This stops any remaining water inside from drying up creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. The result is an unpleasant smell that can linger in the air. This leaves the laundry room smelling musty and dank.

The first habit that you should get into is that of leaving your washing machine door open after each wash to give it a chance to dry out. If your washer already has a moldy smell, then you should clean it out using either a product specifically designed to do so or a simple self-cleaning method.

3. Other Appliances That Use Water

Your washing machine might not be the only water-using appliance in your home that is a source of foul smells. Things like your dishwasher, garbage disposal, and even your refrigerator’s ice maker could all be culprits when it comes to moldy smells. Just like with your washing machine, you should do what you can to let these appliances dry out after each use. Remember to give them all a good, thorough cleaning every month or two to keep smells at bay.

These are some hidden culprits that can interfere when it comes to keep your home smelling it’s best!


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OUTDOORS

As Good as New: 7 Pier and Lift Repair Essentials

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Homes on the water provide great scenery and lots of summer enjoyment. The docks and piers let owners and guests dock boats or walk out over the water and enjoy the scenery, sunsets, sunrises, and the water itself. But, water and weather cause docks and piers to show wear and water damage and need some repair work. When structures at the water’s edge are damaged by storms or time, they become unstable and a safety hazard. But, these structures can be repaired and provide many years of additional use if the correct contractor is employed.

Adding New Piers and Dock Area

A small dock to tie a boat to might have been good a few years ago. But as time goes on and more time is spent at the home on the lake, a larger on-water structure might be wanted. There might be additional boats to dock, or the property owner might want to entertain on the water. By contacting marine construction companies such as SummerSet Marine Construction, a process of lakefront improvement can begin. Companies that have a reputation for building, supplying and installing piers and lifts in Wisconsin should be consulted for bids.

Consulting a local marine construction company at the beginning of the project can save time and money. These experts can explain what is possible, what is practical, and how much it will cost. Deciding on a budget for the project should be the first step. Then, the construction company representative can outline what that amount of money will cover.

Some brands of pier and lift products are known for their high quality and dependability. Check to see if these brands are available and affordable. When you use materials that are available nearby, replacement parts or additional sections are readily accessible.

Choosing the Contractor

Choose a contractor who will get the job done right, not the cheapest one. The contractor needs to have the expertise to design, install, and use the proper supports for any pier and boat lift system or dock. The contractor must have the resources to order all the products and materials needed for the project. If the pier or dock must be removed every fall and reinstalled every spring, the contractor must also provide that service. This all requires the proper equipment.

Building Docks, Piers, and Lifts

Once you find the correct contractor, there are decisions to be made and costs to consider. Building a boat dock can cost from $3,000.00+ to over $26,000.00 depending on the size, the quality, and the added features determining the difficulty of installation. High-quality permanent piers can cost as much as $50,000.00 to $75,000.00, or about $15.00 to $40.00 per square foot or $100.00 per linear foot. Knowing the construction and product costs can help a homeowner choose the size of waterfront construction. Choosing a shorter dock or pier of better quality will pay off over the years with savings in upkeep and repairs.

Boat docks come in different types, including floating docks, pilings, pipe, or crib construction, or suspension or cantilevered designs. Then, costs are distributed between dock and decking (wood, aluminum, or composite) installing a boat lift, the addition of a boathouse or a covered dock, and the support system. Whether the dock or pier is built on a lake or a river also affects the building costs.

The construction costs and maintenance costs will drive the final decision on the dock or pier design and installation. A good contractor will guide the customer to the correct choice for the local conditions and their budget.

Once the Dock or Pier is Built, It Must be Maintained

Once the dock or pier is completed, it must be maintained. Though it is easy to ignore the structure from month to month as long as it appears fine and nothing is obviously broken, more is required. Maintenance can include inspection, cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, and repairs as needed. Severe weather events can also cause damage that is visible and hidden that will impact the safety of the structure.

No one wants to walk out on a dock and fall through rotten decking and be injured. Maintenance can avoid dangerous accidents and injuries or property damage. This maintenance can be done, in part, by the property owner with the remainder handled by the local dock maintenance and repair professionals. The people who built and installed the dock or pier are good sources for repairs and maintenance.

The boat lift mechanism must also be maintained and repaired as needed. This is equipment that needs professional attention. Few dock owners have the experience and knowledge to work on a boat lift with success.

There are 7 Dock, Pier, and Lift Repair Essentials to Consider

Whether doing repair work yourself or hiring a professional, make sure these seven essentials are addressed.

1. Inspection and monitoring. Boat lifts often have maintenance issues that are difficult to figure out. Inspect the structure holding the dock or pier in places such as barrels, chains, pilings, and the bottom of the decking. Missing screws can cause serious damage over time.

2. Cleaning the structures and removing algae and mold. Remove peeling paint and debris and then apply a dock sealant

3. Lubricating lift parts and avoiding breakdowns of the mechanism. A broken lift can mean the boat can not get on the water for fishing or other enjoyment on the water.

4. Adjusting the structure as needed

5. Repairing pier and dock parts damaged by the water

6. Checking all electrical elements including lift controls, outdoor lighting, and more.

7. Documenting structure and lift condition and maintenance work done

When a dock or pier and their lift structures are well-maintained, they will last years longer. If these structures are neglected, they will become damaged and their structural integrity can deteriorate, causing safety hazards and large repair or replacement bills down the road. Regular inspections and small repairs can add years of safe operation for the dock, pier, or boat lift. This means the family and friends can have hours of safe lakefront enjoyment summer after summer.

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BATHROOMS, CLEANING, KITCHENS

8 Possible Reasons Why Your Drain Is Clogged: Confident to Unclog It Yourself?

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Blocked pipes and clogged drains often start out as smaller, seemingly insignificant issues. However, minor issues can quickly morph into bigger and more expensive problems. Clogged drains in a home or business can result in water flowing slowly, flooding, cases of corrosion and, in some cases, the backup of sewage and the need for extremely expensive repairs. To prevent clogs, a person must first know what causes them. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common causes of clogged drains.

1. Hair

Hair is one of the main culprits when it comes to clogged drains. The fact is that hair may bind with grease or other, sticky substances to create a clog. The best way a person can deal with hair blockages is to keep them from occurring, to begin with. The best way to prevent this issue is by putting guards in place to catch the hair. Once the guards are in place, clean them out regularly.

2. Soap

There are some who may wonder how soap can result in a blockage in their home’s pipes. However, traditional bars of soap are made using fat or grease. The fat that is in the soap will combine with the minerals that are found in the water, which creates a hard residue (called soap scum) which will stain the bath fittings and clog the pipes. It’s a good idea to switch to soap-free washes and then have the pipes properly cleaned to get rid of any soap buildup that maybe there already. Area homeowners who are interested in this service can find more at maplewoodplumbing.com.

3. Dirt

There are some people who think that a home’s pipes and drains are there for washing everything away. However, when a person is trying to get excess dirt off their body and clothes, that dirt may begin to build up in the drains, which can cause a clog. Be sure to shake out or rinse any excess mud or dirt off clothes and the body outside before going inside to bathe or clean the clothes.

4. Food Waste

It’s important to make sure that food waste never winds up going down the drain even if there is a garbage disposal in the sink. A better option is to set up a composting pile to eliminate any food waste. This is especially important for waste such as coffee grounds and tea leaves that won’t break down. Some of the other foods a person needs to be careful with include oil and grease, as these are going to solidify in the pipes and cause a blockage. A better option is to absorb any oil using a paper towel and then put it in the compost pile.

5. Mineral Buildup

Minerals that are dissolved in hard water may begin to build up in drains and pipes, which can create insoluble masses that will eventually block the drains A solution for this is to install a water softener if hard water is a common issue in a particular area. If this is not an option, it’s a good idea to regularly descale and remove any sediment build-up that is present. Clogs caused by mineral buildup are often more challenging to remove once they are in place, which is why it is a good idea to contact a plumber if this issue is suspected.

6. Small Objects

Sometimes, smaller items may find their way into the plumbing system, which can cause serious issues. Nothing but human waste, toilet paper, and water needs to go down a toilet, sink, or drain. Any other item needs to be disposed of in the trash, recycling, or compost pile. If there is a foreign matter that has made its way into the plumbing system, it will probably require a professional to remove it and to help ensure that the plumbing function returns to normal.

7. The Buildup of Toilet Paper

Excessive toilet paper can clog drains and keep toilets from flushing properly. If water is still able to run through the toilet when it is flushed, a plunger may be able to move and get rid of some of the toilet paper that is causing the issue. However, if the toilet bowl is just filling up with water without draining, it is a good idea to contact a plumber to handle the blockage.

8. Tree Roots

Small leaks or cracks in the underground pipes can begin to bolster the growth of tree roots. After tree roots have made their way into the pipes, they are going to grow quickly, obstructing the flow of water and causing pipe damage. The process to clear away tree roots out of pipes is something that is quite complex, and it may require the use of rooter service, trenchless repair, pressure jet cleaning, or even the need for excavation. Be sure to take a look at the root structure of plants and trees and be sure to monitor the condition of drains to prevent the need for costly or extensive repairs.

When to Call the Pros

There are more than a few plumbing issues that can be handled by home or business owners. However, if the situation is more complicated or if a person is unable to figure out what to do or how to get rid of a clog, the best course of action is to hire a professional plumber. A plumber will be able to find the underlying cause of an issue and make sure it is fixed in a timely manner.

Remember, a clog may not seem like that big of a problem in the beginning, but the issue is going to continue to grow and get worse as time passes. Be sure to take action as soon as the problem is found to eliminate the possibility of a problem getting worse and costing more to repair. By taking action right away, a person will be able to prevent sewage backup and other serious problems that may otherwise occur.


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OUTDOORS

How To Winterize Your Outdoor Water Feature

how-to-winterize-your-outdoor-water-feature

The leaves have fallen and you’ve had the last of your backdoor barbecues. As much as you would like the summer to linger, it is time for the winter to bring its snowy delights.

Yet, there is no time to relax. You need to take care of your outdoor space so that things don’t get ruined over the winter. That means that your outdoor water fixture needs to be winterized. 

If you just leave it to its own devices over the winter, then come spring, you’ll find yourself doing repairs to get it working again.

In this article, I will go over exactly what you need to do to winterize your water fountains for outdoor areas.

Photo credit: 5th and state

Clear it out

You probably have a lot of debris in your fountain or other water feature if you are doing this in the autumn. Leaves falling, branches blown into it and algae growing are all likely.

After you’ve removed the leaves and debris, evaluate how much algae you have there. If it looks light, then using an algaecide is probably going to be enough to take care of it. If it looks like the plumbing, pump and filters are all stained by the algae, then you may need to drain it and scrub everything clean. 

After you’ve scrubbed everything, don’t refill it again until the spring when the weather has warmed up.

Check for growing plants

If you have emptied all the water out of the feature, then this is a good time to check for any roots from plants growing in there. Some plants growing around the perimeter may have gotten their roots all the way into the feature and can destroy the foundation and also the pump and other plumbing.

Make sure to tear out any roots or any sign of plants growing in it.

Photo credit: Trend Decor

Remove the pump

There is no reason to leave the pump out in the elements since it won’t be turned on for the duration of the winter anyway.

Remove the pump so it doesn’t freeze or get cracked from the fluctuating temperatures. Make sure to clean it out, check for any worn parts that may need to be replaced, and frayed electrical wiring.

If it looks all set, then box it up and store it indoors where it will stay dry and not get frozen.

For fish ponds

Fish ponds obviously can’t be drained and you may need to keep your pump running over the winter. This poses a problem potentially. 

If you have to take the pump in because it will get ruined in the deep freeze of the winter, then fish waste can build up and cause a toxic situation in the water. The fish may not survive the winter even if the cold doesn’t kill them.

In this case you’ll need to add some cold water beneficial bacteria to the water to break down that waste which will keep the water clearer and healthy for the fish.


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BEAUTY + STYLE, FASHION + STYLE, HOLIDAYS

I heart you!

i-heart-you

With Valentine’s Day coming up – it’s time to wear your heart on your sleeve … Chocolate and flowers are great but here are some other ideas that say “I heart you!”

I personally love a great clothing or jewelry piece with a cute heart – it’s fun! But you can also wear it on days that just aren’t Valentine’s Day! Love is in the air so why not show it!

My 8 best Valentine’s Day Picks

Red and pink are the classic Valentine’s day colours – but you can celebrate the holiday with other colours, too! I’m a big fan of neutrals but also leopard print so this Stella and Dot top is perfect for the holiday or any day!

Another great Valentine’s Day sweater is this cute cashmere crew neck from J.Crew – who doesn’t love cashmere? Again the heart detail is perfect for the holiday but this can really be worn anytime of the year!

I love red, I love cashmere and I love leopard – so this has everything! Such a cute sweater from J.Crew – pair it with some ankle length black pants or jeans – it’s fun for work or play!

Don’t forget about him! Heart boxers are perfect for sleep or as undies! You could even wear them yourself with a tee or tank for lounging around at home! These J.Crew boxers are so fun and I love that they offer a sale when buying multiples – so if you can’t decide on a design – get a few!

Another great gift and this is something I get my husband (because he won’t get socks himself) are fun dress socks. These heart design socks are subtle but still say “I love you”!

I love these cute hoops! I got them last year (in silver for my birthday) – they come in gold, silver and rose gold! They are about a medium size hoop and very lightweight. I always get lots of compliments on mine whenever I wear them!

Sometimes simple is best! These diamond-like heart shaped studs are a perfect gift (I’m getting these for my daughter…) This style of earring is timeless and works with every outfit!

A photo frame is a great gift and I am a huge fan of Rae Dunn so this photo frame is just perfect!

I hope these gift ideas have inspired you (or maybe you have added to your wishlist…) But when it comes to giving and receiving, it is always the thought that counts…

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