9
2020 Spring Home & Garden
Spring into Safety
Let Ash Painting
refresh your home
Within the home, you and your family rely on many components to maintain your
safety. This spring make time to inspect these important systems
to ensure they are working effi ciently.
It can be easy to overlook household items that aren’t always used, so be sure to ana-
lyze this sometimes-lifesaving equipment.
Ash Painting is a family owned business, started in 1986. Owner Cori DuPont, along
with his uncle, son and daughter, have been helping people in Lane County envision
how beautiful their homes, barns, outbuildings,
garages, rentals and commercial properties can
be.
Ash Painting gives free estimates and uses
quality Miller paint and products. The crew
comes to the job ready to transform old, weath-
er-beaten surfaces into beautiful, newly coated,
protected surfaces that will last for years.
We provide a variety of services including in-
terior and exterior painting, household repairs,
including repair of dry-rot, holes in walls,
remodels, decks, fencing, gates, stairs, railings,
fascia boards, eaves, kitchen and bathroom
repairs, not including electrical or plumbing.
All our work is guaranteed. Our prices are
competitive and we offer free bids. We are
Licensed, Bonded and Insured.
Locally
grown
plants
Soils
Containers
Fire Extinguisher
Another important safety device to keep in optimal condition is a fi re extinguisher.
The National Fire Protection Association suggests making them clearly visible and
easily accessible in the home. You should also periodically investigate the pressure
gauge near its lever. Upon further inspection, analyze it for obvious signs of damage
or wear. Most quality extinguishers are rated for fi ve to 15 years of use but can vary by
manufacturer, so regular inspections are important.
Locks
If the locks on your doors are degrading in integrity, you may be at risk of losing your
valuables and risking the safety of your family. Go throughout your home and test
each lock on every exterior door. If they are diffi cult to operate or the door can be
budged open while they are engaged, a replacement is necessary.
Hire the help of a local locksmith to rekey your home with high-quality locks and
deadbolts. To add a modern touch of innovation to the simple lock, ask about options
that are operated by key fob or smartphone applications.
Y OUR
Heirloom
seeds
Fertilizers
Smoke Detectors
According to the United States Fire Administration, you should replace your smoke
alarms every ten years. It’s easy to fi nd the date it was manufactured by looking on the
back of the detector. Ensure they are installed in every bedroom, outside each sleep-
ing area and on every level of the home. You should also test the alarms at least once
a month by engaging an easily identifi able button and change the batteries at least
annually. If you are due for an upgrade, consider investing in smart detectors that alert
synced alarms throughout the home at the fi rst sign of smoke.
106 SOUTH SIXTH ST.
COTTAGE GROVE
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B EYOND !
Home Security System
One of the most effective measures you can take toward your property’s defense is
investing in a home security system. Many companies offer 24/7 emergency contact
and will alert you and the authorities when their alarms deem a threat is imminent. It
offers great peace of mind whether you’re home or way.
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10-6
SPRING Home & Garden
May7, 2020
2020 Spring Home & Garden
10
Garage Door Maintenance
Winter weather can quickly degrade important com-
ponents on your garage door, causing them to rust or
seize. Since it’s such an important part of your home
that provides convenience and security, it must operate
effi ciently.
While general maintenance is straightforward, you can
hire an expert overhead door technician if the job is too
intimidating. During an inspection, they will highlight
signs of deterioration and show you what to look for in
the future. If you decide to tackle the chore on your own,
consider these tips from the International Door Associa-
tion.
Lubricate
Overhead doors require many moving parts to perform
smooth and effi ciently. A way to maintain their integrity
is by lubricating each component. This should include
the rollers, hinges, bearings, springs and chains. The IDA
suggests using a drop of engine oil on each roller, which
will then distribute the lube to a door’s bearings.
By lightly greasing the hinges and springs, you lessen
the risks of the door becoming jammed and unusable.
While engine oil is usually a suitable lubricant, check
with the overhead unit’s manufacturer to fi nd out if there
is a different fl uid they recommend. Some may insist on
a silicone lubricant or one made specifi cally for garage
door components.
Test for Balance
You will likely notice
obvious signs when an
overhead door is unbal-
anced. Problems, like
jamming, strange noises
and delayed or disrupted
operation are common.
Even if you don’t notice
any warning signs, use
these easy steps to test
for balance as a part of
regular maintenance.
• Close the garage door
like normal.
• Find and engage the
release handle to access
manual operation.
• Lift the door three to four feet above the ground. If it
doesn’t remain open, there is an imbalance that must be
addressed.
While testing can be completed by any homeowner, the
process of rebalancing should be handled by a profes-
sional. It requires adjusting and coordinating the system
of springs and can be dangerous if done improperly.
Clean the Tracks
Ensuring your overhead door has a clean track to roll on
is imperative to its optimal performance. You can keep
them in peak condition by wiping the system with a rag
or vacuuming out loose debris.
finish it furnish it
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Ask us for more information!
NWCU.com | (541) 942-3371
600 Jefferson Ave.
Cottage Grove