West Newsmagazine 4-19-17

42 I DÉCOR & LIFESTYLES I
April 19, 2017
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
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An outdoor checklist for spring
By KATE UPTERGROVE
Winter weather is harsh on homes. And,
although St. Louis experienced a mild
winter, your house and yard most likely
still need a little tender loving care.
Wash away the grime
Spring also is typically the time when
algae stains begin to appear on surfaces
that are exposed to moisture, but not quite
enough light. Most siding can be cleaned
with low pressure, a soft brush and water
mixed with a little bleach to prevent algae
from coming back.
Decks and concrete surfaces may benefit
from power washing, especially if it’s time
to reseal either. Because both wood and
concrete can be damaged from high pressure
and harsh chemicals, it’s often best to
call in the pros to do the washing – and the
sealing for that matter. Decks and patios
are for enjoying after all.
Create a space you love
Speaking of enjoying outdoor spaces,
this might be the year to add some fun
to yours. Outdoor living spaces are easy
to spruce up with easy-care furniture and
fabrics. One tip for creating a cozy living
space is to carry your decorating style outside.
It’s surprising how many home goods
are available for use outside the home –
from wine coolers to reading lamps to picture
frames and more. West County has a
wonderful collection of outdoor living and
decorating stores loaded with treasures
that are just waiting to be discovered.
314-882-9568
www.midwestpalmrental.com
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Check your roof
Spring, especially this spring with temperatures
ranging in the mid-60s to 70s, is
the ideal time to get a professional up on
the roof to check for seasonal damage and
wear and tear. After all, the storm front that
came through town in early April dropped
hail in some locations. When checking
roofs for damage, homeowners can do
a little DIY inspecting safely from the
ground.
Grab a pair of binoculars and slowly
scan your roof for:
• Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing.
• Shingles that are buckling, curling or
blistering.
• Missing or broken shingles.
• Cracked and worn rubber boots around
vent pipes.
• Missing or damaged chimney caps.
• Masses of moss and lichen, which
could signal the roof is decaying underneath.
Black algae stains are just cosmetic.
Also check to see if there are any piles
of colored grit at the ends of downspouts.
That grit, from asphalt roof tiles, is a bad
sign. Those sand-like granules cover the
surface of roof shingles and shield them
from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.
It could be that your roof is nearing the end
of its life cycle.
If so, it’s time to call the pros.
Be safe, not sorry
When working around the yard, don’t
forget to check your garden hoses and other
outdoor water systems to make sure they
are running well and no dry rot or winter
damage has set in. Leaky water systems
and outdoor faucets can result in hundreds
or thousands down the drain.
Another money saving spring ritual is to
have your air conditioner checked. Clean
leaves and other debris from the top of the
central air conditioner or heat pump even
though many will blow away by themselves
when the unit starts. Call now to
have an air conditioner professional give
your unit a tune-up. Remember, it will be
harder to get an appointment when hot
weather hits.