The Real Estate Browser Volume 9, Issue 1 | Page 6

6 — Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — Volume 9 Number 1
www.LynchburgRealEstateBrowser.com
Happy New Year, and Wow is it Cold!
By Drew Howard , President, HomePro, Inc.
Now is a great time to prepare
you home for snowfall. I recom-
mend taking a trip to the local hardware store
and stock up on ice melt, fertilizer, and snow
shovels. According to the Farmer’s Almanac we
are to receive 3 significant snow storms this win-
ter. I do not know if we will get snow, but the
main thing is to stay up to date on the weather
forecast. removal and disposal of ashes. Never put ashes
Select a snow shovel that is comfortable to
you and your body frame. My neighbor showed
me a trick on using a snow shovel. Take a can of
W-D 40 and spray the surface of the shovel front
and rear. Wet snow will not stick to the shovel.
When keeping walkways clear and free of slip-
pery conditions there are several products on the
market. Snow and Ice melt is the most popular.
I have found fertilizer to work well. Make sure
you use fertilizer that has a high Urea percentage.
Usually a 48-0-0 works the best. You have to be
careful not to use too much because the run off
in the melting stage can burn the grass. If you
are using a pure salt solution this can cause con-
crete and masonry surfaces to spall and deterio-
rate. Always read the manufacturer directions. the closed position.
With outside water sources I hope by now
all garden hoses have been disconnected and
drained from the hose bibs. You can purchase
Styrofoam covers for hose bibs at the local hard-
ware store. If your home is on a crawl space, I
recommend closing all vents to limit drafts under
the home. If your water heater or pressure tank
for the well is located in an un-heated space it is
recommended to wrap them in insulation. Any
pipes that are exposed to drafts and freezing
should be insulated also.
If you have a fireplace or use a wood burning
stove for heat remember to be smart about the
in plastic container i.e. garbage can or bag. Do
not leave your ashes against the home; especially
vinyl siding. Never put ashes on a wooden deck
or in the woods next to your home. Always
remember not to burn pine wood or colored
paper. If you are NOT using your fireplace this
winter remember to make sure the damper is in
If you have LP gas logs or gas space heaters
always read the manufacturer recommendations
for use. Most appliances are not intended to be a
permanent heat sources. Some gas logs discour-
age the use of ceiling fans while the appliance is
on. Make sure your TV or paintings are installed
far enough above the opening of the fireplace.
Too much heat can damage or start a fire.
Take time to test smoke alarms and carbon
monoxide detectors. Always read and follow the
manufacturer directions when installing. If you
are using extension cords or space heaters make
sure they are UL approved. Never use an exten-
sion cord that is smaller than the appliance wire
size. This will cause the extension cord to over-
heat.
Don’t forget if you heat with oil or LP gas to
keep an eye on the fuel level of the tank. If you
haven’t changed your furnace filter lately now is a
great time to replace.
If you have any questions about your home
please give me a call. [phone]