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That time of the year has returned at last. Snow is falling, carolers are singing, and Santa’s back at the malls. And what’s a better way to show your holiday spirit than decking out your home in the most festive of decorations? However, before heading outside for holiday decorating, have a plan in mind so you’ll be prepared to deck the halls safely. Here are some tips to consider:

Look up and around

When installing lights, be mindful of your surroundings and locate overhead powerlines. They may be hidden within trees. Safety standards dictate that you must always keep your decorating tools, including aluminum ladders, telescopic extension poles, and even the lights themselves, at least three metres (10 feet) away from any powerlines. It is a common and dangerous misconception that you must touch a wire to be harmed; in reality, high-voltage electricity can arc (jump) through the air to a nearby conductor like a metal ladder. Direct contact is not required for a life-altering injury or a fatal electrical shock. Look to RONA for all the safety equipment you’ll need to decorate a house that people will stop and stare at. https://www.rona.ca/en/tools/ladders-stools-and-scaffolding

Add colour

One of the most effective ways to transform your property during the winter months is to add colour through seasonal lighting. Modern decorative lights now come in an endless array of shapes, sizes, and temperatures, allowing for a level of customization that was previously impossible. When selecting your lights, consider a palette that complements the style of your home and harmonizes with the natural landscape of your neighbourhood. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with your family or neighbours to create a cohesive theme for your street. Whether you are using vintage-style C9 bulbs for a nostalgic feel or energy-efficient LED micro-lights for a subtle glow, thoughtful colour selection is the key to a professional-looking display. By planning your design, you ensure that your outdoor lighting enhances your home’s character rather than overwhelming it.

Consider a combination of classic gold and deep red. These warm tones mimic the flicker of a fireplace and provide a sense of comfort against the dark winter nights of Southwestern Ontario. If you prefer a more modern or high-contrast look, cool blues and crisp whites offer a dramatic, “winter wonderland” effect that highlights the clean lines of your roof and gables. You can even go for a red, white, and green colour palette for that classic holiday look! Whatever you decide to go for, RONA’s got you covered. Check our decorative light stock here! https://www.rona.ca/en/christmas-decorations/decorative-lights

Plug in safely

When it comes to outdoor holiday displays, safety must always come before aesthetics. Before plugging in your Electrical Cords and Timers, verify that every piece of décor, from your LED string lights to your inflatable lawn ornaments, is specifically rated for outdoor use and carries a recognized certification mark (such as CSA or UL). Interior-rated cords are not designed to withstand the moisture, UV rays, or freezing temperatures typical of a Southwestern Ontario winter; using them outdoors creates a significant fire and shock hazard. For maximum protection, always plug your outdoor decorations into GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets. Outdoor environments are inherently volatile, and a GFCI acts as a life-saving device by instantly shutting off power if it detects a “leak” or an imbalance in the electrical current, often caused by melting snow or rain entering a connection. If your home is not currently equipped with permanent GFCI outlets, you can utilize portable GFCI adapters or, ideally, hire a licensed electrical contractor to install permanent, weather-resistant upgrades. Finally, be mindful of your energy consumption and the lifespan of your products. We recommend using weatherproof automatic timers or smart-home integrated plugs to manage your display. Setting your lights to turn off during the late-night hours not only reduces your utility costs but also prevents unnecessary wear on your equipment, ensuring your investment lasts for many seasons to come. If you don’t already have cords and adapters, check this link to find what suits your needs best! https://www.rona.ca/en/electrical/cords-and-timers

Be ready for the holidays, by following safety procedures, you can have an eye-catching home and peace of mind. You will find everything you need to decorate the outside of your home safely this holiday season at all three of our locations – RONA Dutton, Rodney and Springfield.

http://greatlakesrona.com
Your Local Lumber and Hardware Store

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As Canadians, the routine of preparing ourselves for the winter months is one that is all too familiar. Well before the first snow fall, we make sure our fleeced jackets, gloves, and boots are ready to go. But when it comes to prepping the house for those cold and snowy months ahead – well that’s a different story. To help get your home winter-ready, we’ve rounded up some useful tips. 

Cut the draft

Keeping the heat in and the cold out should be at the top of your list when winter-proofing your house. The best way to do this is by making sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. If you feel a draft around a door or window frame, you may want to replace the weather-stripping to ensure a tight seal. 

Empty exterior pipes

To avoid having your water pipes freeze and burst, shut off the water supply to all outdoor taps and faucets until next spring. It’s also important to open the taps and drain them completely once you’ve turned them off. 

Inspect gutters, roof, and exterior walls

Emptying gutters of clogged leaves, dirt and debris can help ensure proper drainage of any rain or melting snow. You’ll also want to make sure your gutters are firmly attached. While you’re up there, inspect your roof for any broken, loose, or missing shingles. Replacing damaged shingles will help avoid any leaks that could happen if the temperature drops with a pile of snow on the roof. If you have a metal roof you may want to consider installing snow jacks. Snow jacks help prevent snow and ice from falling off your roof all at once which can cause damage to your gutters and other objects or people below your roof.

Have your furnace professionally serviced

It’s a good idea to schedule a maintenance check each year to ensure your furnace is in good working order. Doing this not only ensures you’ll stay warm inside, but regular maintenance can also help prevent major problems down the road, saving you more money in the long run. 

While these activities may seem tedious, prepping your home for the winter should be a routine that becomes familiar with time. You will find everything you need to get your home winter ready at all three of our RONA locations – Dutton, Rodney and Springfield.

http://greatlakesrona.com
Your Local Lumber and Hardware Store

_{Article supplied by NewsCanada and edited to fit local advertiser content. This material was supplied free of charge.}

When it comes to home improvement on a budget, the kitchen can feel like a non-starter. Appliances, flooring and countertops are all expensive to switch out, and the amount of work is basically a renovation. But take a second look—you have kitchen DIY options that won’t break your back or your budget. Try wallet- and work-friendly updates to these areas:

Cabinet Colour

Replacing your cabinets is pricey and messy. But you’ll amaze yourself with how much personality a fresh coat of paint can add to your kitchen. Brighten up dark doors to create a bright, clean and airy feel. Take plain white cabinets and drawers, and paint on a layer of mahogany sophistication. Feeling bold? Paint with a bright accent colour like red or blue to really let that part of your kitchen pop. Switch out the hardware to a new metal and you’ll end up with completely new cabinetry.

https://www.rona.ca/en/paint/furniture-and-cabinet-paint

The Lighting

The great thing about swapping your lighting setup is that it will enhance all your other DIY choices. Go with a central hanging light for a classic feel, or a set of track lights to put the spotlight exactly where you want it. Many kitchens have an unused light fixture in the ceiling, so you can even add a second set of lights without having to worry about rewiring or tearing into the ceiling.

https://www.rona.ca/en/lighting-and-ceiling-fans

Your Faucet

DIY that makes an impact doesn’t have to mean everything but the kitchen sink. A new faucet is easy to install, and it can make a surprising difference to the feel of your kitchen. Look for one that matches form with function: a pull-down faucet will let you more easily keep the sink pristine. A timeless design with a modern feel can fit into just about any kitchen.

https://www.rona.ca/en/kitchen/kitchen-faucets

Ready to update your kitchen? Contact Clair, our kitchen and bath designer, at our Rodney location for your next project!

http://greatlakesrona.com
Your Local Lumber and Hardware Store

_{Article supplied by NewsCanada and edited to fit local advertiser content. This material was supplied free of charge.}

If you’re going to put the time and money into updating your home, it would be nice to know that your efforts will also pay off when you decide to sell. Finding a project with a strong return on your investment, or ROI, isn’t as hard as it might seem. Here a few ideas to get you started.

A fresh coat of paint

A fresh coat of paint on the interior and exterior of your home is one of the simplest and most affordable home updates available. And you can recoup up to about 70 per cent of the cost – quite significant. We offer so many paint colours to choose from. Come in and let us help you find the perfect colour for your home.

https://www.rona.ca/en/paint

A fantastic new floor

If your home is covered in carpet and you’re planning to sell, it’s likely worth the money to replace it with luxury vinyl, laminate or hardwood flooring. Buyers are wary of carpets, as they assume they’ll need a serious (and expensive) deep clean upon move in. You’ll appreciate the fresh feel and contemporary look a new floor gives your home in addition to its attraction to sellers. Come in and talk to our flooring experts today! We can help you pick the right flooring option for your home.

https://www.rona.ca/en/flooring-and-ceramic-tile

A safe and cozy space

Back-to-basics renos like improving insulation or replacing knob-and-tube wiring go the furthest towards paying for themselves. Not only will you appreciate having a safer and more comfortable home, you’ll also be able to reassure any potential buyer that these factors are all up to code.

https://www.rona.ca/en/building-supplies/insulation-16660

An elegant exterior update

Curb appeal matters. The feeling of the outside of your home provides a first impression and can affect how much someone is willing to bid for your property. Whether it’s a new front door, windows, siding or just paint, we have everything you need to get the job done and update the curb appeal of your home.

https://www.rona.ca/en/exterior-siding

https://www.rona.ca/en/doors-and-windows

https://www.rona.ca/en/paint/exterior-paint

_{Article supplied by NewsCanada and edited to fit local advertiser content. This material was supplied free of charge.}

With the change in season, it’s time to tackle your home maintenance checklist. From safety precautions to appliance upkeep, here are tips to help you breeze into fall.

Clean your furnace filter.

Dirty filters mean your furnace must work harder. Regularly changing the filters in your central air and heating system can significantly improve their efficiency and longevity. Change filters monthly throughout the heating and cooling seasons, and have your furnace serviced annually by a professional to ensure it’s working properly.
https://www.rona.ca/en/heating-cooling-and-ventilation/ventilation/filters-146515

Install home safety.

The Canadian National Fire Information Database reports that 80 per cent of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, often due to missing batteries or expired alarms. Proper smoke alarm placement, regular maintenance and alarm replacement are essential to keeping everybody protected, so be sure to install alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and in every bedroom. Replace batteries at least every six months, or make maintenance easier with a 2-in-1 smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

https://www.rona.ca/en/electrical/fire-safety

Check your roof and clean your gutters.

Rapidly changing temperatures and humidity can wreak havoc on roofs. Water damage can cause deterioration to insulation, wood and drywall, making electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems vulnerable to damage. Inspect for missing and loose shingles, replacing them as needed, or have a licensed, certified roofing professional check the condition of your roof. Clear your gutters of leaves and debris, flush them with water and make repairs if necessary. You may also consider replacing old or damaged gutters with new ones that have built-in leaf guards.

https://www.rona.ca/en/building-supplies/roofing-and-gutters

Test for radon.

Radon is an invisible, odourless gas that can seep from the soil through cracks in the foundation. After smoking, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, according to Statistics Canada. A simple DIY test kit can be purchased to determine if you have a safe radon level in your home.

https://www.rona.ca/en/electrical/fire-safety/radon-gas-detectors

We have everything you need to tackle all of your fall home maintenance checklist. Come in and talk to the experts at any of our three RONA locations – Dutton, Rodney and Springfield.

_{Article supplied by NewsCanada and edited to fit local advertiser content. This material was supplied free of charge.}

While the warm summer nights and beautiful fall leaves are magical, there comes a time when the cottage has to be closed up until next spring.

Before leaving for another season, it pays to go over the condition of your property and make any repairs to avoid nasty surprises. Here are some key things to do before closing up for the winter:

Drain your pipes and/or leave your heat on low.

You’re going to be away for a while. Leaving your pipes full for months on end can result in stagnant water, bacterial growth, or, most dangerously, frozen pipes that can burst and lead to catastrophic flood damage.

Examine the sump pump and septic tank; ensure the sump pump has backup battery power.

The last thing you want while you’re away is for the sump pit to cause a flood during a power outage. Ensure your sump pump has backup power to prevent any unwanted disasters. As a bonus, check your septic tank to make sure there are no leaks or clogs that would otherwise go untaken care of while you’re away.

Unplug appliances to avoid issues if flooding does occur.

What’s worse than a flood? a flood mixed with electronics, of course! In the event of flooding, it’s imperative that we keep damages to a minimum. Mixing electronics and flooding can lead to an electrocution hazard, which can result in far larger problems than floor damage for any persons present. Unplugging electronics also minimizes the chance of an electrical fire due to electronics submerging and minimizes the chance of a power surge during winter storms.

Inspect your roof and any precarious trees nearby.

Before heading out, do a roof inspection to make sure everything is in tip-top shape for those Southwest Ontarian winters. Search for any possible exposures or other damages that could lead to leaks. You should also be investigating any nearby trees, to see if a harsh winter in the Great Lakes region could turn branches into a structural liability. Take the time to do these to prevent emergency repairs.

Clean out eavestroughs as they can lead to water damage if blocked.

Ensuring your eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of autumn leaves and debris is a vital step in winterizing your property. In the Great Lakes region, blocked gutters are a primary cause of ice damming, where melting snow is forced under your shingles, leading to significant roof deck rot and interior ceiling damage. When water cannot flow freely through your drainage system, it pools at the base of your foundation. Eventually, this concentrated moisture increases hydrostatic pressure against your basement walls, which can lead to cracks and seepage. By thoroughly cleaning your gutters and extending your downspouts away from the building, you protect your foundation’s structural integrity and prevent costly water remediation projects in the spring.

Review your insurance policy and make sure you have the proper coverage.

No matter how many precautions we take against would-be disasters, there’s always the chance of something going wrong. Making sure your insurance policy is giving you the proper coverage is a sure way to take financial worry in the event of an accident off your shoulders.

Devastating weather events such as heavy rainstorms are increasingly common, so it’s also crucial to take steps to prevent damage to your property from extreme conditions. Be sure to secure outdoor furniture or bring it inside, sign up with your utility company for outage alerts, and have a plan in place for what you’ll do in the event of a storm. Looking after these concerns can help prevent damage over the winter.

If you need to make any repairs, stop in and see our team of experts. We carry a large selection of products you need to complete any job, big or small, and have three great locations to serve you – RONA Dutton, Rodney & Springfield.

https://greatlakesrona.com

_{Article supplied by NewsCanada and edited to fit local advertiser content. This material was supplied free of charge.}