March Home Maintenance Tips

House  

•Stuck indoors with the last of the cold weather? Sort and recycle magazines, newspapers, and assorted mementos. Build a new file system or clear out old files.  

•As the springtime rains begin, check your basement for cracks or leaks. If needed, seal cracks with spray foam insulation and fix leaks with anti-hydro/water plug cement. Apply waterproof paint to damp walls. If you are worried, call a professional. Many homeowner’s insurance policies no longer cover fungus or mildew damage, so sealing damp or moist basements is more important than ever.  

•Start scouting ideal locations to place birdhouses, plus make sure your hummingbird feeder is clean, and be sure that you have a supply of hummingbird food. 

•Don’t stop feeding the birds because it has stopped snowing. The spring presents a time of year with the least amount of natural seeds, insects, and nuts the birds eat. And with their extra activity and mating season near, now is a time your wild bird population is counting on you. Stop in at 21 Country stores for your seeds and feeders. 

•March is a good time to clean your light fixtures. Remove light covers and remove dead bugs and debris. Replace any blown bulbs with energy-saving bulbs. 

•Use Daylight Savings time as a reminder to check your circuit breakers, tighten all fuses in the fuse box, and to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 21 Country Stores can help you with your home and office safety.   

•If you have a sump pump, clean and test it. Run the pump through a cycle to make sure the float is operating properly and the check valve prohibits back flow. 

•Check your gutters, downspouts, and roof for leaks. Use gutter lap seal or silicone caulk to fix gutter seams and leaks. You can fix small leaks on or around your roof with wet and dry roofing cement. •Check the exterior of your home for any winter damage. Check the siding and make any repairs that are needed.  

•Get ready for barbecue season by cleaning your grill inside and out it both inside and out. Then consider upgrading your grilling tools. We have an extensive line of utensils. Plus, try a grill basket or wok for tastier fish or vegetables, and seasoned wood chips provide unique flavors.  

•If this is the year to upgrade both your old grill and your outdoor cooking experience, let 21 Country Stores help. We sell a full line grills and can even assemble them for you for a nominal fee. 

•Prepare your car for the warm weather: Check fluids, tire pressure, and get ready to do a “spring cleaning” inside your second home. 21 Country Stores have a wide variety of quality automobile and truck supplies.   

Yard  

•Make a list of lawn and garden supplies you will need for the upcoming season.  

•March is a good time to check your fishing equipment and replace any supplies you might need before opening day.  

•Replace worn-out, long-handled lawn and garden tools and aerate your lawn. 

•This is probably your last chance to prune dormant summer blooming shrubs and small trees.

 •With the snow plows put away check the condition of your mail box, driveway reflectors, and house identification signs. Replace or repair where necessary. 21 Country Stores have a complete line of mailboxes, signs, reflectors, and numbers 

•Check the condition of your leaf rake and lawn tarp. Consider getting an electric or gas powered blower to help with your spring cleanup.  

Garden  

•Depending on the weather, you can start your early spring clean up. You might even be able to edge some of your beds. 

• Build arbors and trellises before transplanting or sowing seeds for vines and gourds. • Replace any broken or worn out gardening tools • Sharpen your gardening tools and pruners. 21 Country Stores the tools you need to keep all of your garden tools sharp and clean.  

Seasonal Supplies

•Grilling tools and utensils 

•Flavored wood chips

 •Spray foam insulation 

•Grill topper or wok 

•Anti-hydro/water plug cement

•Water proofing paint 

•Files and sharpening stones 

•Sump pump, piping/hose, & check valve  

•Fishing and tackle supplies 

•Tire pressure gauges 

•Wild bird houses

•Auto cleaning supplies 

•Hummingbird feeders & feed 

•Outdoor living 

•Lawn & garden tools 

•Barbecue grills and smokers 

•Long-handle tools: shovels, rakes, hoes, cultivators, etc.

•Grill cleaners and brushes  

•Short handle tools: trowels, transplantors, weeders, pruners, etc. 

•Grill covers • Leaf rakes & lawn tarps