Spring is the perfect time forSpring cleaning at homeWe can now renovate the house and its green areas. It is worth checking whether the low winter temperatures have not damaged the facade of the building, as well as sidewalks and driveways. We also dospring cleaning in the gardensurrounding our house. When planning a tree felling, let's find out how to do it legally. Let's plan the work schedule and get to work!
Spring cleaning in the house and garden - we clean sidewalks and driveways
Spring cleaning - we check the condition of the house facade
Adverse weather conditions during the cold winter could have had a negative impact on the condition of the house's facade. Therefore, when startingspring cleaning in the summerlet's check if the frosts did not damage the plinth and plinth zones, and if there are cracks, peeling marks and moisture on the walls and plasters. Let's also take a look if the individual elements of the insulation have not been delaminated.
- If we notice any disturbing changes, try to eliminate the defects as soon as possible. Ignoring small damages can cause big problems with which are associated with considerable financial expenses. Let's not forget that the façade, in addition to its aesthetic function, should protect the building from rain, snow, frost, as well as sun and chemical pollution - says Michal Jalovecky, president of ES Polska.The facade of the house should be washed with water from time to time under mixed with light detergents. Be careful not to damage the surface by excessive friction.Structured plasters are best cleaned using pressure equipment. Walls should be repainted every 5-10 years.
Spring cleaning - we check the gutters and roof
Spring cleaning at homeis also checking the gutters and the condition of the roof. The maintenance of the gutters should be carried out in spring but also in autumn.
Spring cleaning in the house and garden - remove all dirt, sand, leaves or branches from the gutters so that they do not block the outflow of rainwater
- Remove any dirt, sand, leaves or branches from them so that they do not block the outflow of rainwater. Clogged or unsealed gutter system prevents proper drainage of water from the roof. Leaking gutters will not protect the exterior walls of the building properly and water may run off them. And the result is fungi and moisture that can disturb the structure of the walls - says Michal Jalovecky. During the inspection of the guttering, you also need to look at the sensitive places in the roof slope. These include all connections of the roof with other elements: chimneys, walls, baskets and roof catchments. Defects caused by frost and snow must be eliminated as soon as possible, as they may lead to leakage.
Spring cleaning on sidewalks and driveways
The cold winter, abundant in snowfall, could have contributed to the deformation of the surface of driveways and sidewalks. Therefore, when we dospring cleaning in the gardenand around the house, let's take a look at the area of manholes and valve covers of external installations and check whether the foundation has been washed out and the surface has not collapsed.- W in the event that the pavement has been damaged, it is necessary to repair it in the largest possible area and depth. You have to rebuild individual layers, thicken again and cover with a new top layer.Small washes can be repaired with small pieces, completing the top layer of the framework. However, when it comes to pavements, we must check that the substructure for the paving stones or the joints between the stones has not been washed out. Fortunately, their renovation should not undermine our budget - says Michal Jalovecky.
Spring cleaning in the garden
The garden needs to be refreshed and tidied up after the winter.Spring cleaning in the gardenstart by carefully raking the lawn - this way we will remove leaves, dry grass and rubbish.- For this purpose, it is best to use a rake with flat teeth, and finally sweep the lawn with a stiff broom. During work, care should be taken not to damage the plants that germinate in the spring. We also carry out lawn scarification, which consists in shallow vertical cutting of the turf. This treatment will get rid of weeds, moss and dead plants, and also facilitate the penetration of water, oxygen and nutrients into the roots, says Michal Jalovecky.
Spring cleaning in the gardenis also an appropriate preparation for the growing season of trees and shrubs. Let's start with removing dry, damaged branches. The remaining ones should be properly shortened so that they will release young shoots and buds. The matter becomes more complicated when we want to remove a tree or a bush from the plot. In accordance with last year's amendments to the Nature Conservation Act (of July 20, 2010), if trees over 10 years old grow on the ground, we must submit an application for a logging permit.
- Trees under 10 years old, we can freely replant and cut our plot, while the older ones, even if they wither, require the consent of an official. Only the removal of fruit trees has no legal consequences and does not require a permit. This may be impossible, only if the property is entered in the register of monuments, lies within the boundaries of a national park or nature reserve. I warn you against illegal logging, which can be very unpleasant in its consequences.The pen alties are dictated by the species and size of the tree, and they are by no means symbolic amounts - says Michal Jalovecky.
Permits to cut down a tree or shrub are issued by the head of the city, mayor or city president at the request of the property owner. In the event that the real estate is entered in the register of monuments, the decision is made by the conservator of monuments. It is worth trying to obtain such a permit so thatspring cleaning in the gardendoes not end with paying a high fine. A fee is charged for the permit, which is determined on the basis of a rate depending on the circumference of the trunk and the type and species of the tree. Felling fee rates are subject to change annually. On the other hand, the fee for the removal of 1m² of the area covered with shrubs is fixed, and so e.g. for 2011 it was PLN 231.28.
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