Show Notes: Hot Hints to Get Ready for Summer – On the House

Show Notes: Hot Hints to Get Ready for Summer

By on May 7, 2016

Summer is almost upon us. Let’s get your barbecue tuned up and your patio or deck decorated to perfection in time for that Memorial Day party. Don’t like fleas, we have cleaning tips to hep prevent those little vermin from moving in with you.

Thank you to our insulation expert, Dave Smith, joining us today.

For more information on all the Roxul products visit: www.roxul.com

Thank you to all of todays guests from the National Hardware Shoe 2016:

Kristie McKenzie – Danco   www.danco.com

Loren Miles – Xspray   

Karen Richwine – The Ames Companies   www.us.ames.com

Mike McCloud – Grip on Tools    www.gripontools.net   

Darrin Purcell – Century Drill and Tool Corp. www.centurydrill.com

 Mickey Kitchen- EPower 360   www.paintstation.com

Matt Wagner – Synlawn   www.synlawn.com

Greg McKenzie – Danco www.danco.com

Chip Hanson – JB Weld   www.jbweld.com

 

Be Barbecue Ready

If you are planning a Memorial Day “start of summer” cookout

now is the time to get your barbecue tuned up and cooking on

all burners.

Do an overall inspection of your barbecue. Look for leaks and cracks in your gas hose, and note the condition of your control knobs, thermometers and handles. Replacing any loose or broken parts is a great, cost-effective way to keep your grill in good shape and reduce minor annoyances.

For gas barbecues, use compressed air to remove spider webs from burner assemblies.

Remove the grates and grease tray, wash with hot soapy water OR cleaning grates is a breeze with a good pressure washer.

Wipe down the connections, lines and lid (inside and out) with hot soapy water.

Check the burner. If it looks good visually, light the BBQ and make sure it is supplying an even flame. If not, then replace it. Most burners only last about 2 seasons, depending on how often you use your grill.

Clean the Venturi tubes that supply gas to the burner. Bugs, dirt and grease can clog them over the winter and prevent full gas supply from coming through. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended cleaning technique for your grill.

Getting rid of rust is important. Rust can be quickly whittled down to size using a wire brush and rust solvent. Use a can of spray paint to spot-prime where rust has been removed. Be sure to use a heat-resistant metal paint.

Remember to practice regular care and maintenance throughout grilling season to ensure your barbecue remains in tip-top shape. 

 

How To Prevent Fleas From Invading Your Home

Preventing fleas through sound cleaning practices is not as far fetched as many people believe.

Most people know that vacuuming their home regularly will help pick up fleas.  This vacuuming also takes away vital elements of a flea’s life cycle and development: debris and “flea dirt.”  Debris (tiny particles of dirt, human hair, pet hair, fibers from carpets, rugs and furniture, etc.) is the protection and camouflage of the flea pupae.

Thorough cleaning of a home on a regular basis (especially areas where your pets sleep, play, eat or just lounge around) will greatly reduce the materials needed for the immature flea to continue its development.

Remember to change you vacuum bag often and dispose of it directly into an outdoor garbage can.

 

7 Steps To Patio Perfection

Patio (or deck) perfection can be within your reach this season. Simply follow these seven steps to create an outdoor environment where you’ll be proud to entertain all summer long.

  1. Update your patio furniture

Whether your current patio set is worn out, you need more seating or are just in the mood for a whole new look, new patio furniture can change the way you feel about your outdoor environment — and how much time you spend there!

  1. Replace cushions on your current set.

If your current patio furniture is in good shape but just in need of some freshening, it’s easy enough to give it new life with small tweaks like updated patio cushions. Cushions are the crowning touch to catch the eye on patio furniture.

  1. Add a water feature

One of the best ways to create your own oasis can be with a water feature. Easy to find and simple to set up accessories like a fountain can bring the harmony of water to your outdoor environment. For example, those with a waterfall feature immediately create a feeling of Zen and help drown out the noise of everyday life.

  1. Make some shade.

When you need a break from the sun, but aren’t ready to head indoors, shade can help you stay outside so you can enjoy the fresh air longer. You can add shade in many ways, from installing a retractable awning over the deck or patio to strategically planting trees or climbing vines on a trellis. And of course, the simplest way to add shade is to use patio umbrellas, which are available in a wide range of hues, patterns and styles.

  1. Heat up your grilling station.

What outdoor environment would be complete without a great grill? Accessories make grilling fun and easy, and ensure you’ll look and operate like a pro when whipping up summer fare. From grilling mitts to barbecue tool sets, burger and kabob grilling baskets, grill toppers and even taco shell baskets, you can outfit your grill station with everything you need for a great grilling experience.

  1. Lighten up.

When you’re having a great time outdoors, who wants to go inside just because it’s dark? Add some lighting to your outdoor living space to create ambiance and allow you to enjoy your patio long after the sun goes down. You can invest in hard-wired patio or deck lights, go eco-friendly and easy with solar lights, or choose from an array of battery-powered or candle-fired lanterns.

  1. Use decor to create a theme.

Just as your home’s interior has a design theme, choosing a theme for your patio or deck can pull the look together. Whether your taste is Boho Chic, Tribal or Weekend Getaway, you can find decor items that underscore the theme. Wall decorations, outdoor rugs, decorative planters and flower pots, wind chimes and statuary all work together to create a look you’ll love throughout the spring and summer.

The perfect patio — and hours of outdoor enjoyment — is within reach this spring and summer.

www.athome.com. 

 

There Is More Than Just One Kind Of Insulation For Your Home

Roxul insulation –Safe’n’Sounds, ComfortBatt and ComfortBoard

Stone wool insulation has beneficial water repellency properties.

Unlike conventional batt insulation, ROXUL insulation won’t slump in the wall cavity if small undetected leaks are occurring. If insulation slumps due to moisture it creates gaps in the insulation which reduce the thermal properties.

As a result, ROXUL helps to ensure that precious R-value is not forfeited when moisture is present.

Gaps in sound insulation on interior walls also deteriorate the sound deadening performance.

Also, because rock and slag are inert, ROXUL creates a safer indoor environment because it prevents mold or fungal growth that could be undetected in areas with minor leakage.

Using ComfortBoard on foundation and exterior walls also helps to repel water and protect the home from moisture damage. Although it repels water it is vapor permeable which is important for proper performance of the wall assembly.

www.roxul.com

 

CEILING FAN – SEASONAL ROTATION DIRECTION?

When the leading edge of the fan blade is lower than the trailing edge air moves upward (winter position). When the leading edge of the blade is higher the air moves downward (summer position). In the summer you want the fan to blow air directly downward. This position has a cooling effect on those beneath. During the winter you want air to blow upward toward the ceiling this causes the hot air above to blow across the ceiling and down the walls. Warm air circulates throughout the room and absorbs condensation from windows and glass doors. This improves energy efficiency and reduces mildew at window sills

 

Product Mentions:

National Chimney Sweep Guild:  www.ncsg.org/contact

 

 

                                            

 

 

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