Spring brings household obstacles

Published: 4/3/2014 - Updated: 1 hour ago

BY ROSE RUSSELL BLADE STAFF WRITER

As northwest Ohioans fling open their doors to run from the house to shed cabin fever, they might want to remember to examine door screens and the rest of the house to get it back into shape after such a rough winter.

The biggest thing right now is checking screens for holes so no bugs get inside, said Brian Yeager, a manager at Neighborhood ACE Hardware in Sylvania.

Bugs? Really? Yep. They come with warm weather, and though it seems a long time coming, warmer weather is coming, and with it comes chores homeowners must do to prepare their houses for spring and summer.

If you cleaned leaves from the gutters last fall, Mr. Yeager said to check them again this season.

With the rain storms coming, check the seams to make sure none has split due to the ice, Mr. Yeager said. Also, Make sure the down spouts are clear and pointed away from the house. Use extensions to make sure water flows from the house and not into the basement.

Safety is foremost, as pointed out by William Sinz, manager at Home Depot on West Alexis Road.

For damaged gutters, homeowners without roofing experience shouldnt do more than simple tasks, like securing nails and adjusting spouts. Beyond that, its safer to get a professionals help, Mr. Sinz said.

Spring and summer is no time to ignore the furnace, either. Jeff Chamberlain, the owner of Pro Hardware in Whitehouse, said furnace filers in summertime should be changed every 30 days.

Originally posted here:
Spring brings household obstacles