Sun Sailor
Home Fall Improvement
2 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – www.mnSun.com
CMYK
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
www.mnSun.com – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – Fall Home Improvement
3
Does your driveway deserve a makeover? Homeowners often look for ways to improve their homes. While many homeowners have visions of refurbished kitchens and brand new bathrooms dancing in their heads, smaller jobs can also give a home a new and improved look. One such job is redoing the driveway. While it might not be as glamorous as a new kitchen or creating a home theater, redoing the driveway can give a home’s exterior a decidedly different look. Those considering a new driveway should carefully consider the different materials available before getting to work. Gravel. Gravel driveways provide a more historical feel, one that harkens homeowners back to the days of horsedrawn carriages. Those who want to add a touch of yesteryear to their home’s exterior might want to consider a gravel driveway, which is not only a more classical look, but, in many instances, a more affordable one as well. A definite consideration for homeowners considering gravel, however, is the average rainfall. Homeowners who live in areas with heavy rainfall should probably avoid gravel driveways, as washout could
wash away all of the driveway’s stones. It’s also likely a gravel driveway will turn muddy should heavy rains arrive. Asphalt. Many homeowners choose asphalt driveways because of their ease of maintenance and cost effectiveness. Contractors are used to installing asphalt driveways, and many DIYers can even do the job themselves. Perhaps the biggest argument against asphalt driveways is they attract heat. Parents might not want their kids playing on an asphalt driveway in summer, when a trip or fall might not only result in a scrape, but quite possibly a burn as well. Asphalt driveways tend to crack over time as well, forcing homeowners to repave them more often than they might prefer. Cobblestone or bluestone. Homeowners with deep pockets and the environment on the brain might want to consider cobblestone or bluestone for their next driveway. Both cobblestone and bluestone are environmentally friendly, but they’re also expensive. What’s more, driveways made of cobblestone and bluestone are prone to weeds and will require resealing during their lifespan.
As much as they might scare off some homeowners, the beauty of cobblestone and bluestone might make it all worthwhile. Homeowners with smaller driveways might want to consider these materials, as their aesthetic appeal is often unrivaled, and a smaller driveway will result in less weeds to pull and less maintenance costs. Concrete. Concrete driveways, like asphalt, often make parents cringe. In spite of their aesthetic appeal, Moms and Dads often look ahead to nasty spills taken by kids on concreate driveways, which can also prove tough to clean, as they’re prone to stains.
In spite of those characteristics, concrete driveways are quite popular, thanks in large part to customization. Concrete driveways can be customized to a homeowner’s particular needs and wants, including colors and designs. Homeowners who want a driveway beyond the standard fare might prefer concrete for its versatility of style. Brick. Another expensive but very pleasing driveway material is brick. Labor costs make brick driveways among the more expensive to install. However, homeowners with brick driveways typically find the driveway becomes a talking point and the envy of neighbors.
4 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – www.mnSun.com
GEOTHERMAL COOLING SYSTEMS:
Quiet and cost efficient (NAPSI)-Here’s hot news: Geothermal heating and cooling systems not only save you money, they allow for more peace and quiet at home. Unlike ordinary air conditioners or heat pumps, there’s no noisy outdoor unit to disturb your environment or your neighbors. Geothermal systems are designed and constructed for “whisper quiet” operation, similar to your refrigerator. In addition, they provide precise distribution of comfortable air all year long, eliminating hot and cold spots. Using a series of underground pipes called a “loop”, a geothermal system removes heat energy from the earth to heat your home. In hot weather, the system delivers cool, dehumidified air by pulling heat out of the building and depositing it back into the cooler earth. The ground maintains a steady temperature because it absorbs 47 percent of the sun’s energy as it hits the Earth’s surface. Geothermal systems are designed to use that free energy just under the surface. Geothermal systems are easy to install, especially when replacing a forced-air system. They’re also good in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there’s no combustion, and therefore no need to vent exhaust gases. Most systems don’t need much maintenance beyond a periodic check and filter changes. According to the experts at WaterFurnace, a leading manufacturer of geothermal cooling and heating equipment, homeowners with geothermal systems can anticipate an average system life span of more than 24 years, along with less maintenance and lower life cycle costs than a traditional system. Geothermal systems can also supplement your hot water by capturing the unwanted heat from your home and using it to preheat water in a storage tank. A geothermal system may mean higher resale values when it’s time to sell. Many real estate agents now list homes as “ecocertified,” which can mean 12 percent more than noncertified homes, according to a report by the non-profit Earth Advantage Institute at www.earthadvantage.com.
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Energy savings that won’t expire Procrastinators, beware. The federal energy tax credit that allows homeowners to qualify for up to $1,500 in tax credit
savings when replacing old windows expires on December 31, 2010. However, the day-to-day savings you get from
For a free replacement window guidebook from The Money Pit, download http://www.myhomemymoneypit.com/your-guide-to-replacing-the-windows-in-your-house.php.
Many homeowners can even get a tax credit for installing a geothermal system. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides a onetime tax credit of 30 percent of the total
investment for homeowners who install residential ground loop or groundwater geothermal heat pumps. To qualify, the systems must meet or exceed Energy Star requirements. Units installed through
replacing older windows will last for years to come. “Adding energy-efficient replacement windows to a home immediately helps lower everyday energy bills and increases a home’s long-term value and comfort,” says Tom Kraeutler, host of the national home improvement radio show, The Money Pit. “There simply is no better time to take advantage of the government’s incentives to replace your wornout windows.” Kraeutler notes that fast-acting homeowners can also receive up to $150 toward preparation of their 2010 personal income tax return with H&R Block(R) when they purchase 12 or more qualifying energyefficient Simonton windows before the end of 2010. “Homeowners can reduce their energy bills, qualify for up to $1,500 in federal energy tax credit with the company’s Energy Tax Credit (ETC) glass packages and get up to $150 toward tax preparation fees when making the decision to invest now in qualifying replacement windows,” says Kraeutler. “Those are three really good reasons to get this project done now.” When to Replace Windows A former professional contractor, Kraeutler offers weekly advice to homeowners nationwide on home improvement projects. Deciding when to replace windows is a key topic covered on his show. “Products in the home have a distinct lifespan,” says Kraeutler. “After 10 years, windows should be monitored yearly to ensure their performance is holding up. “When a window stops operating correctly, then it’s time to invest in new windows. Vinyl windows and doors specified with a LoE glass package are a viable ‘green’ option offering several distinct advantages. They include exceptional thermal performance, durable recyclable vinyl, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal — all adding comfort, beauty and energy efficiency to a home.”
2016 can take full advantage of the credit. To learn more, visit www.waterfurnace.com or call (800) GEO-SAVE.
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
www.mnSun.com – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – Fall Home Improvement
CMYK
5
6 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – www.mnSun.com
CMYK
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
www.mnSun.com – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – Fall Home Improvement
7
8 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – www.mnSun.com
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Innovation takes solar power mainstream (NAPSI) -Energy efficiency is the topic du jour for many homeowners—especially with energy bills rising— and it’s becoming easier for a homeowner to take control of heating and cooling costs. One way to take control is to go solar. By installing solar panels, you protect yourself against future energy rate increases and add value to your home. In fact, The Appraisal Journal states that in the United States, a home’s value increases about $20 for every $1 decrease in energy costs. Therefore, if solar panels decrease your energy bills by $1,000 a year, they could potentially increase your home’s value by about $20,000. Understanding solar systems need not be daunting. Here are the ABC’s to get you on the path to saving money and lowering your energy bill:
vides consumers with what they are looking for most: high performance and reliability. “We have always used revolutionary technology in our patented
About Solar Power Solar power systems turn sunlight into electricity that is connected to your existing home electrical system—as well as the electric grid. It may surprise you to know that even on cloudy days, solar systems can generate electricity. Optimum electrical production occurs with bright and sunny weather conditions, but solar panels also work on cold, cloudy days because they work on light, not heat. On sunny days, you not only benefit from using electricity directly from your solar system, but you also send electricity back to your provider, building credits that offset your nighttime electric use. At night, your home draws on utility company power, essentially using the electrical grid as a giant storage battery. As a bonus, those credits you can generate on sunny days may roll over monthly. This means if you generate excess power during the summer and use more power during the winter, you can break even, and perhaps make some money. Always keep in mind the shade around your home when installing solar panels. Look for a reputable installer who can work with you on designing rooftop installations to avoid structural shading so you can get a quicker return on your investment.
Benefits Without Disruption All solar power panels are not created equal. One company offers innovative solar power systems that feature built-in technology that delivers safe AC power and pro-
panels and are proud of their continued superior performance and dependability,” said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Westinghouse Solar. “Our panels are sleek and attractive. Most importantly, they come with the trusted backing and quality of a name synonymous with reliability.” Solar panels require little upkeep, which means you get the benefits of solar without disrupting your everyday life. The only maintenance they may require is a semiannual washing, accomplished by simply hosing them down. Some solar system manufacturers also offer computer-based real-time monitoring systems that allow you to track the performance of your system from any Web browser.
OUR NEWS CYCLE... IS ALWAYS RUNNING • EVERY THURSDAY AT YOUR DOORSTEP • NEWS UPDATES ONLINE AT MNSUN.COM • AND NOW – DAILY VIDEO WEBCASTS
Cost Savings Solar energy savings can be a smart investment, delivering inexpensive power to your home for years. Government programs can also offset up to 50 percent of a system through a variety of tax credits and rebates. Once installed, a solar power system can pay for itself in five to seven years. To arrange a free, on-site solar evaluation of your home from a qualified solar representative, visit www.westinghousesolar.com.
STOP SURFING AND START LEARNING. EXPLORE THE NEW MNSUN.COM
YOUR HOMETOWN … YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS SUN NEWSPAPERS 10917 VALLEY VIEW ROAD EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344 952-829-0797 WWW.MNSUN.COM
NOW FEATURING STREAMING VIDEO NEWS FROM YOUR COMMUNITIES EVERY SINGLE WEEKDAY
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
www.mnSun.com – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – Fall Home Improvement
Residential fire prevention: alarms, sprinklers Homeowners install smoke alarms to be alerted that a fire is present in the home. Few, however, actively install a system that can extinguish a fire promptly, saving family members and belongings from injury or damage. For centuries, commercial businesses have relied on emergency sprinkler systems to put out flames. The same technology can be installed at home to act fast should a fire start in the home. According to the report, “National Fire Protection Association Fire Loss in the U.S. 2007,” 414,000 fires occurred in 2007 resulting in 2,895 civilian deaths from the fires. Residential sprinkler systems may have been able to prevent many of the casualties in these events. Residential sprinkler systems use specialized piping and specialized sprinklers attached to the home’s water supply. Improved sensitivity in many home sprinkler systems enable the emergency system to react quickly should a fire occur. What’s more, sprinklers are activated individually. That means if a fire is present in
the kitchen, only the kitchen sprinklerr head will deploy based on the presence of heat. Sprinklers in other rooms in the house will not go off. Many newer homes are being built with residential sprinkler systems in place. The sprinkler heads are designed to be unobtrusive so they blend in with a home’s interior design. Plus, plastic plumbing enables the systems to be less expensive than in the past. Homeowners can also retrofit existing homes with a sprinkler system for about $1.50 per square foot. Some homeowners argue that a sprinkler system will cause more damage to the home than a fire, but research has indicated that smoke and fire damage are greater than interior damage from a sprinkler. These sprinkler systems may help homeowners save money in the long run. Not only will it save on potential damage to human life and belongings, but also insurance rates may drop if the home is equipped with a residential sprinkler system.
Leading cause of home fires • Cooking fires are a major cause of home fires. Ignition of food and cooking utensils tops the list. • Smoking and leaving the cigarette unattended or falling asleep while smoking attributes to many fires each year. • Heating equipment can cause fires. Heating equipment fires are most prevalent during the winter months when auxillary heating methods, such as space heaters, are used to keep warm. • Electrical systems or electrical appliances can be overloaded and cause a fire.
9
10 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – www.mnSun.com
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Invest in your roof with eco-friendly synthetic shingles If your asphalt shingles are curling or your wooden cedar shake shingles have rotted out, it’s time to look for a new roof. This major home improvement investment requires research and an understanding of roofing material options to make the best selection for your home. “There’s only one type of roof I know of that is backed by a 50-year warranty and helps you save on homeowner’s insurance, and that’s synthetic slate and shake roofing tiles,” says Mark Clement,
host of MyFixItUpLife.com radio show and website. “My own home is 100+ years old, so when it was time to replace our shingles, I researched every option available. “The DaVinci slate roofing tiles I installed look better than natural slate tiles. The look is so realistic that people pass by and can’t tell the difference between them and real slate. They always bet me that these are real slate shingles. I come up a winner every time with these
eco-friendly roofing tiles.” As Clement discovered, synthetic roofing tiles have many advantages over asphalt shingles, cement tiles and even real slate. “I appreciate the thickness and realistic look of the synthetic classic slate for our home’s style, but I could just have easily chosen the Bellaforte snap-fit synthetic slate,” says Clement. “Both are made from 100 percent pure resins and have colors and pigments infused throughout each tile. The idea that I could get a custom color to match my exterior really got my attention.” While the professional contractor chose to install synthetic slate tiles, the cedar shake style also caught his attention. “Testing shows that DaVinci shake roofing tiles last two to four times longer than real cedar shakes,” says Clement.
“They offer superior impact performance and maintain fire resistance over the entire product life cycle as opposed to their wood counterparts. Given that type of protection for the home, I can’t see why anyone would select a real wood product that is subject to damaging weather conditions, insects and rot.” The recyclable synthetic roofing tiles are environmentally-friendly and can be requested in EcoBlend colors that actually help make the home more energy efficient. The award-winning EcoBlend products have been rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) to reflect sunlight and heat away from the home. For more information, visit www.davinciroofscapes.com or www.myfixituplife.com.
Preventing ice dam damage
Contractor Mark Clement installs synthetic slate roofing on his 100+ year old home.
The cold weather brings with it many potential dangers to a home. Ice dams are one such situation that could prove a formidable foe to homeowners. Under normal circumstances, gutters and downspouts are in place on a home to ensure water runoff from the roof makes its way down and away from the house. However, during the winter months, snow accumulation on the roof may melt over surfaces of the roof that are warmed by an underlying attic, drip down to the end of the roof and refreeze in areas where there is less surface warmth. Eventually a block of ice may form over the gutter or at the edge of it, preventing further roof runoff from properly draining. All it takes is a little trickle of melted snow to pool up and leak back under the roofing shingles and into the home. Preventing ice dams takes some work and financial investment on the part of the homeowner. It also starts with a quality roof. Because most homeowners do not regularly inspect their roofs, it’s an easy place for contractors to skimp. A quality roofer will ensure that homes in snowy areas have the following components:An ice and water barrier installed on all roof edges and over all valleys, proper flashing, rolled asphalt underlayment over the entire roof, and quality roofing shingles with the right overlap.
Homeowners must also provide adequate attic ventilation and insulation to cut down on ice dam problems. After all, it is the warm air from the attic that melts the snow on the roof. A cooler attic temperature might lead to less melted snow and, as a result, less water seepage as well. Investigate the R-value of insulation products before use and install the one that will meet the needs in the home and geographic area. Check where other sources of warm air could be entering the attic, such as from ventilation fans or recessed lighting fixtures. Weather stripping attic stairs and fixtures may be a solution. Ensuring cool air can flow through the attic is another way to reduce the temperature in this space. Ventilation systems can be installed to properly air out an attic. In most homes, a louvered window or gable vent in the attic is not adequate to provide proper air flow. Consult with a professional about upgrading an attic ventilation system. By taking a few measures to improve insulation, roofing and ventilation, homeowners can greatly reduce the liklihood of water damage from ice dam formation.
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
www.mnSun.com – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – Fall Home Improvement
11
12 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 23, 2010 – www.mnSun.com
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
CMYK