Rocky Ridge Hardware

Shape up for spring at Rocky Ridge Hardware

Rocky Ridge Hardware has served its community for almost 30 years. It’s one of those rare places that still believes in the “old-fashioned” customer service more typical of days gone by. Yet it still stocks everything needed for today’s home care and maintenance.

“We focus on serving the homeowner, the do-it-yourselfer and resolving any household issues they may be facing,” said owner Dan Moran. “We treat our customers like a member of the family. Our service is what sets us apart. Regardless of what you need, chances are we have it without the hassle of navigating a big box store.”

Their plumbing and electrical sections have most anything a homeowner will need without having to wade through aisles of contractor and commercial materials.

On its Facebook page, Rocky Ridge Hardware features regular tips, ideas and resources specifically for the homeowner, from creative uses for chalk paint to tips for weatherproofing. We asked Moran to share with us ways that homeowners can prepare their home for the colder months.

SPRING CHECKLIST

• Rake leaves and other debris out from around shrubs and plants.
• Put down a weed preventer around shrubs and in garden beds.
• Build up the grade around the foundation if anything has been washed away during the winter thaw. Sloping the grade away from the foundation can help prevent basement leaks.
• Clean out gutters of leaves and debris to ensure good water fl ow during spring and summer rains. A gutter wand that attaches to your hose allows you to safely clean gutters from the ground without climbing up a ladder. Also, add downspout extensions to direct water from the gutter away from the foundation.
• Remove and wash screens. It’s also the best time of year to repair screens. Fix them before you need them in the summer. The last thing you want on a hot summer night is a screen that won’t keep the mosquitoes out.
• For washing the exterior windows, homeowners can use Windex products designed to clean outdoor windows, or they can use a solution of water and dish soap. Use one tablespoon of soap per gallon of water. (Dawn tends to streak less than other brands.) Apply the solution with a long-handled sponge and then squeeze it off.
• It’s also easy to clean exterior siding. Use a siding cleaner that attaches to your garden hose. Spray the side of the house and let it soak for a little while, gently scrub and then rinse with the hose.
• Inside, spring is a great time of year to paint. It’s cool with low humidity and you can open the windows to get fresh air in the house.

LAWN CARE

• Rake out and re-seed dead spots. (Do not use fertilizer on new seed unless it is a labeled as a Starter Fertilizer.)
• Apply a fertilizer with crabgrass preventer to non-seeded areas.

For more tips or information on Rocky Ridge Hardware, call 979-5444, visit 3354 Morgan Drive next to Western Supermarket or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/RRHardware.