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Saturday Shots: Pruning!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Pruning!

Well, I've sent my wife to Buena Vista for a ladies' retreat... and I'm home with the kiddos. Just popped the potatoes in the oven and I'll be grilling burgers in just a few minutes... 

I love pruning trees & shrubs. Once I get started, I'll keep going until my blisters have blisters, leaving my hands sore and tired for days. Regardless, the satisfaction of whipping nature into submission is inexplicable. 

My first real pruning efforts were not appreciated. I pruned the top 10 feet off a 15-foot juniper. It never recovered. 

Since winter is getting closer, let's focus on the areas that matter most:

• branches hanging over the roof should be pruned back at least 2-4 feet from the edge of the building. (Fire defensible space is 10 feet minimum)
• conifers are generally happiest when trimmed in the fall. 
• flowering cherries should have been pruned by now, but it's not too late.
• dead / damaged / diseased wood should be taken out any time. Diseased wood should be burned or taken to your enemy's property where it can spread (Don't forget to pray for them.) if you need a warm cell for the winter.
• branches hanging over parking areas should be considered hazardous. (My Subaru still has "hail damage" from parking under a pecan tree in the fall... and have you ever been hit on the head with something falling from a tree?)
• branches hanging over your neighbor's fence should be evaluated as to strength. If you see areas of the tree that are hollow (or the top is dead/broken off), the health of the tree is likely compromised. Better to control the falling branch than have it damage your fence and friendship.

If you do live in a fire-prone area, now would be the time to begin giving consideration to any defensible space changes you might like to make. From this past summer's fires, the homes that survived victoriously were those with fire-resistant roofing materials AND those that had followed a clear defensible space plan.

Until next week, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness

Saturday Shots: Ice!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Ice!

I just checked the forecast for Elk Camp this weekend. Snow Friday and Saturday. Brrr. But a little fresh snow makes chasing those tricksy elkses easier to find – in theory. 

This year, I'm hunting with two guys who have become great friends over the years. We weren't able to draw bull tags this year, so we're only looking for the antlerless bunch, which don't make for amazing pictures. Maybe I'll bolt on a tree branch for the picture or something. 

On To Business... 

Have you ever seen a broken pipe destroy an entire wall in a room? It is amazing how much force and destructive power is in those half-inch pipes. Quite a few years ago, a bathroom was completely destroyed while I ran around looking for the water shut-off. It took us 6 weeks to repair all the damages... and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

It's time to make sure you have disconnected and drained hoses... unless you live in southern-most parts of the US. If you're still using hoses, please disconnect them when you're done for the day... it is one preventive way to avoid significant cost and inconvenience. 

Finally, if you have Crawl vents around your foundation, it's time to close 'em. That's it! 

Until next week's 15-Minute Check-up, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness

Saturday Shots: Fall!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Fall!

I love autumn. The crisp apples in late August remind me that the leaves will be changing soon. It's been cold today, but we're supposed to see the low 20's in the morning. 

Today, imagine that my 95-year old grandmother is coming to visit. She's not one of those women who is hardy, but I remember her going on a roller coaster almost 30 years ago. Anyway, she can trip over things easily - and needs something firm to hold onto. Look at these:

• sidewalks: clear of cracks
• decks: clear of protruding nails/screws
• hand rails that are solidly attached (metal ones like to rust out at ground level)
• steps that are not wobbly.
• Landings that are not sloped

Walk, test, and observe. Then watch someone else walk and test the safety. What do you instinctively avoid? If my grandmother can navigate your house safely, your house can easily be made safe for visitors when it's icy, snow, or rainy. 

When you're done, I'd recommend making notes in a small notebook or computer file, in case you find something similar in a couple months or years. 

Until next week's 15-Minute Check-up, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness.

Saturday Shots: Kitchen Appliances!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Kitchen Appliances!

Last week, we looked at avoiding dryer fires. This week, let's tackle an easy one... kitchen appliances. It is amazing how many people are hurt in the kitchen... especially kids. 

The Microwave

The microwave has transformed our culture by drastically reducing the time it takes to heat, melt, soften, thaw, and even communicate. Microwave-safe containers are now the norm – and my family never thinks twice about using the microwave. According to the NFPA, almost half of microwave oven injuries treated at emergency rooms are scalds. And  children under five suffered one third of those scalds.

Following are a few recommended safety tips:

• Make sure your microwave oven has the label of an independent testing laboratory
• Complete and submit the registration card to receive information on recalls
• Make sure the microwave oven is at a safe height for all users.
• Plug the microwave (and all appliances, for that matter) directly into the outlet to avoid fire. Most extension cords are not capable of handling the full energy load without overheating.
• Open food containers slowly, away from your face to avoid steam burns.

When I worked in a restaurant, I discovered that I could get a cool blue temporary flame in the microwave if I removed the glass bottom and cooked diced green bell peppers. All I had to do to get another was open the door to ventilate, close, and start again... great fun on a slow monday. 

Half of all home fires involving microwave ovens were first ignited by the food catching fire.  Make sure the inside is clean. 

The Oven

The black spots in the oven are congealed oils - and can be flammable in high concentration. Have you cleaned your oven lately?

The Refrigerator 

Your refrigerator's life and efficiency are dependent on the ability to breathe clearly. Take a few minutes to clean the coil, clean under the fridge, and  clean the dust off the wall behind it.

When you're done, I'd recommend making notes in a small notebook or computer file, after cleaning these items a couple times, you'll have a better idea how often they should be cleaned in your house. (I'd recommend at least once a year.)

Until next week's 15-Minute Check-up, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness.

Saturday Shots: Fire!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Fire!

Last week, we looked at the heating system. This week, let's tackle an easy one... the clothes dryer. Every year, over 17,000 home fires are a result of poor dryer maintenance. 

Dryers rely on moving heat and air through the clothes to the outdoors to work properly. If your clothes are taking a long time to dry, it is an indicator that there may be a problem. If lint builds up in the exhaust pipe or inside the dryer, it slows the air flow and allows heat to build up – and causes lint to build up on the heat source... this can be worse than awful.

The Dryer: 

Go turn on the dryer. (No heat is necessary.) Head outside, put your hand up to the vent... you should feel alot of air coming out. This video has more ways to check your vent. Many people don't realize how much lint can get past the screen, especially if we clean it while the dryer is running (like I do). You can try cleaning with the hose on your vacuum, but probably won't have much success since the lint builds up at the bends. Some other options: 

1. Watch videos on youtube, 
2. Head to the nearby home improvement store and fetch one of those fancy duct cleaner kits.. or 
3. call a duct cleaning company if it's too far or complicated for you to clean. 
4. Pull the duct system apart yourself & clean it thoroughly. 

Taking Care of Your Laundry Area

• Clean the lint trap every time you use the dryer
• Avoid drying foam-backed rugs or athletic shoes... stuff falls off and will quickly reduce air flow.
• Turn the dryer off when leaving home.
• Read the owner's manual to understand manufacturer recommendations. (some suggest removing a panel to check for lint build-up.
• Inspect the seal on the lint screen... be sure it is there & not torn.
• Avoid piling clothes on top of the dryer.  That helps ensure clothing does not fall down behind the dryer.
• Clean out behind and underneath your clothes dryer periodically (today is a good day).
• Use metal pipe for your dryer vent.  Plastic pipe will melt.  Metal rigid or flexible vent pipe will stand up to a lint fire much better.
• Use extreme caution when laundering items that might have flammable liquids on them.  Wash clothes contaminated by gasoline, cooking oil or finishing stains at least twice and then line dry them.  Often, one wash won’t remove all of the flammable liquid.  The clothes dryer will elevate the temperature of the contaminated clothing and it may start an auto-ignition reaction that will end in a fire in your clothes dryer.
• Tip from one of my clients... Double-check the pockets. We all know that crayons, pens, and lipstick can be messy... but a lighter can be catastrophic.  

When you're done, I'd recommend making notes in a small notebook or computer file, in case you find something similar in a couple months or years. 

Until next week's 15-Minute Check-up, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness.

Saturday Shots: Breathe!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Breathe!

Last week, we looked at the Roof for water leaks... water leaks should always get priority attention. Water leaks cause way more problems than we want to deal with, they're costly, and your insurance contract probably does not cover damage from leaks over a period of time. 

This week, let's make sure we can breathe easier. 

• Forced Air: If you have a forced air system, take a quick look at the air returns (the bigger air vents where air goes in instead of coming out... most houses have 'em.) If they're dusty, chances are that you haven't cleaned your filters (or changed them) lately. Most manufacturers recommend monthly cleaning or changing, but I usually skip a few months when I'm not running 'em – and then I'm out of the habit. 
• Baseboard Did you know that the main front face of your baseboard heater will come off? Usually, if you remove the corner plate and seam plates, you can grab a hold of the bottom and gently pull outward. It is amazing how much dust (and toys) accumulate in a year. And the air circulates over these all winter to keep you warm. Take a quick look to determine if it's a project you want to tackle today. Then go ahead, vacuum and re-install... it's really not that bad of a project. (Avoid the temptation to bend the little aluminum pieces... that's the part that efficiently warms the room.  

When you're done, I'd recommend making notes in a small notebook or computer file, in case you find something similar in a couple months or years. 

Until next week's 15-Minute Check-up, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

ps. I forgot to mention... the house I lived in for most of 2012 had electric radiant heat in the ceiling... with vaulted ceilings. (I'm not sure I understand the engineering logic.) Fortunately, the house was designed well and had a wood stove, which we used constantly through the winter. I've heard of people having $800 electric bills in that house.

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness.