Fall Home Improvement 2013

Inside: o Albert Lea fire captain gives tips on caring for smoke alarms Custom Concrete in Albert Lea helps patios and outdoor space stand out

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Page 2 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Now’s the time to check smoke and other alarms

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

The Albert Lea Fire Department has advised residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as they prepare their homes for winter.

Alarms should be in every bedroom plus in the hallway within 10 feet of a sleeping area.

“The main thing is making sure these things are where they’re going to wake you up,” said Albert Lea Fire Department Capt. Mark Light. Alarms are especially crucial during the night when people may not be alert or aware if a fire were to start.

On levels where there are no bedrooms, there should be at least one smoke alarm per level, Light said.

He said the alarms should be checked a minimum of once a year to make sure they are still operational, and the batteries should be changed at the same time.

People who are unable to access their own alarms can call the Fire Department for assistance. Firefighters can come check alarms and change batteries.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Light said carbon monoxide is more difficult to detect as it cannot be seen and it often drives you into a deeper sleep if you are already asleep.

While he couldn’t recommend a specific brand or type of each alarm to purchase, he said the most important thing for people to look at when they are buying smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is that the alarm has been listed by the Underwriter Laboratory.

“They test the heck out of them to make sure they work,” he said.

Alarms should be replaced every 10 years because after that there is a higher chance of them failing.

He noted in previous years, the Fire Department has been the recipient of a $1,500 to $2,000 grant to purchase smoke alarms for low income residents. He was unsure if the department would be getting the grant again this year.

As cold weather approaches, the fire captain said it is also important to

Brandi Hagen/Albert Lea Tribune

Capt. Mark Light of the Albert Lea Fire Department talks about two different types of smoke detectors that could be installed in a home. One is battery operated and another, not pictured, is hardwired into the home. have furnaces checked and to remember that any space heaters used should be at least three feet away from

anything combustible.

Parents with young children should review how to exit the house in case

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Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Page 3 of a fire and where to call in case of an emergency.

The Fire Department can be reached

by calling 377-4347.

For more fire protection tips, visit www.nfpa.org.

Smoke alarm safety tips • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home.

• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.

• Because smoke rises, install smoke alarms high on a wall or on a ceiling.

• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly.

• Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

— Information from the National Fire Protection Association

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Page 4 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Decorative concrete makes patios and outdoor space stand out

By Drew Claussen

drew.claussen@albertleatribune.com

Concrete has more to offer, in terms of home improvement, than one may think.

Custom Concrete & Design has been open in Albert Lea since 2003; its shop is located at 823 Spark Ave. It has three full-time employees and mainly serves the Albert Lea and Austin communities, although owner Chuck Rhiner said that they have done jobs in the Twin Cities before.

Custom Concrete does both regular flatwork concrete and decorative concrete. Rhiner said that they had seen a large boom in the decorative concrete since opening in 2003 but added that it has since plateaued due to the economy.

“It’s still a fair amount of our work,” Rhiner said.

“But it’s definitely petered off over the years.”

Decorative concrete gives the homeowner many different options that can make their patio or outdoor space truly unique. The concrete is poured exactly the same as regular concrete, after it is poured the stencil is laid on top. Then the color hardener is applied and rubbed in. After that a release agent is added.

Rhiner said that, for an average-sized patio, the process takes about three days, including removal of the old concrete. The company usually does outdoor concrete work until the first or second week of November.

The decorative option is more pricey than doing regular concrete, but the durability is exactly the same.

Submitted

An example of decorative concrete steps done by Custom Concrete & Design of Albert Lea. Custom Concrete offers 20 different patterns and more than 20 different colors of concrete.

“It’ll hold up,” Rhiner said. “As long as you keep the sealer on it and keep it protected. Once the color hardener is on there, the surface of the concrete is actually double in strength.”

Rhiner said that they also do exposed aggregate patios, and added that the customer doesn’t necessarily need to do a pattern. Some choose just to do colored and textured concrete.

“There’s different options,” Rhiner said. “It just depends on the budget and what someone wants to spend on something.”

Custom Concrete lives up to the custom part of their name in doing decorative concrete. Rhiner said that they have done more than just patios, even a couple garages and countertops. Above everything else, the decorative concrete gives customers a chance to stand out from every other house in the neighborhood.

“We’ve done a few where we’ve left areas out in the middle of patios for a little garden,” Rhiner said.

“There’s different things you can kind of do with that.”

An example of a decorative concrete patio done by Custom Concrete & Design of Albert Lea.

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Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Page 5

Gain free time by organizing your home’s laundry room

Laundry is always on the to-do list, and in busy households across the country, it seems that the hamper is always full. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household does 392 loads of laundry each year. That translates to 7.5 loads per week, which can make the process of washing your clothes, towels and bedding feel like a permanent chore.

Running a household doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when it comes to laundry.

“The laundry room is an area that is so easy and simple to get organized and keep clean, and once it’s together, you’re able to maximize your time doing other things,” said Laura Deluttri of HealthyHousekeeper.com. “By making the laundry room as efficient as possible you can let the machines do the work, focus on other things outside the mudroom and come back later to fresh, clean clothes.”

To get your laundry room in tip-top shape, consider the following tips: • Create a stain removal station — There might be grass stains on your child’s sports jersey or dinner stains from the last party you hosted. Even if you don’t treat the stains immediately, keep those items separated at your station so you don’t have to sort the laundry when it comes time to run it.

What should you have at your station?

Follow this list: - A bucket for presoaking clothing and linens - A supply of your favorite staintreating detergents handy for easy access - Bleach (if things get really messy!)

- Drying rack for delicate items - Recycling bin for too stained clothes and/or used bottles Keeping this area separate also prevents any chemicals like bleach from

mixing with your regular laundry.

• Keep everything at your fingertips — Clutter is your worst enemy.

When all of your laundry supplies are haphazardly stored, you can spend too much time trying to find something (and even causing more of a mess along the way). That’s why it’s important to organize your space so you can easily grab the detergent, liquid softener or dryer sheets while your arms are full. Easy access and convenience are found in some of the newest top load washers like a model from LG with an innovative design that places the control panel on the front of the machine. Just set the washer to the desired cycle and turn it on with the push of a finger — no leaning over the machine to get to the back panel. It comes in handy if you have anything in your other arm — like a baby or laundry basket full of clean clothes ready for folding. Installing a hanging rack near the washer is also a great idea, so that as you remove clothing, you can immediately hang items specified for air drying without slowing down the process.

• Do fewer loads of laundry — This sounds pretty basic but it can really save you lots of time, energy and water. If you’re in the market for a new washer-dryer pair, consider mega-capacity models that allow you to do fewer loads. Some Energy Star washers even have a new “turbo wash” feature that saves 20 minutes of wash time per load, even on larger loads giving you back more “me time.”

• Use two hampers — Encourage your family to help with the laundry process by presorting their clothes.

Anything with stains goes to the stain removal station, while everything else gets placed into the dark or white hampers as appropriate.

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Page 6 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Home improvement tips that instantly lower your energy bill

It’s one piece of mail homeowners dread every month: the utility bill.

Considering the average annual utility bill is $2,200, according to energystar. gov, it’s no wonder homeowners cringe every time it arrives. What if you opened your bill and, to your surprise, it was lower than expected? With a few simple steps, that is possible, even when the temperature drops.

Heating, cooling and water heating are the top three energy drains in a home, accounting for 60 percent of a home’s energy bill according to ENERGY STAR, so it’s wise to focus your home improvement efforts on those areas. A few simple steps and some strategic investments can lower your monthly bill significantly, plus you’ll reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some tips for giving your home an energy-efficient facelift:

Change your home’s air filter regularly

Smart homeowners will check their home’s air filter every month to see if it needs replacing. How can you tell if it’s time to swap in a new one? Look at the color, if it appears gray or brown, or you can visibly see particles or pet fur, it’s time for a fresh one. A filter helps keep air flowing in your home

and takes out dust, dander and other microscopic debris floating in the air.

A dirty filter slows air flow, making your heating and cooling system work harder, costing you more money. Air filters should be replaced every one to three months.

Go beyond tankless: consider an integrated heating and water heating system

Many homeowners have heard about the advantages of tankless water heaters, but now there’s a way to be even more efficient by using the Rheem Integrated Heating & Water Heating System, which uses a Rheem tankless water heater to heat both the air and water in your home with maximum efficiency. How does it work? The system matches a hydronic air handler with a tankless gas water heater. When there’s a demand for heat, hot water is circulated through the air handler to produce heat and is then re-circulated back to the tankless water heater to ensure that no water is wasted. This pairing of products provides a soft, comfortable heat to the home while maintaining comfortable humidity levels regardless of the climate. Also, the heating function of the system operates

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at the same efficiency as the tankless water heater — which could be as high as 94 percent efficient.

Install a programmable thermostat

Adjusting your thermostat a few degrees during the day can have a big impact on your utility bill. For example, during cold months, turn your thermostat down when you’re away from the house, such as during work. Programmable thermostats work perfectly for this. You can set your preferred temperatures throughout the week to fit your schedule and it adjusts automatically. About onethird of American homes have programmable thermostats, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. If you turn back your thermostat 10 or 15 degrees for periods of 8 hours or more, such as when you’re at work, you can save 5 to 15 percent a year on your heating bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

From changing your air filter on a regular basis to selecting an integrated system to heat your home’s water and air supply, these changes can have a big impact on your utility bill, plus they’re environmentally friendly too.

Lower the temperature on your water heater

To lower energy costs, consider lowering your water heater’s temperature setting. Try somewhere around 120 degrees Fahrenheit and see if that is sufficient in supplying your home with hot water for showers, laundry, dishes, etc. Each 10 degree reduction in water temperature can save 3 to 5 percent, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. If you go on vacation, remember you can turn your water heater down to the lowest setting to save even more while you’re gone and it’s not in use.

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Page 7

5 lawn care projects to complete before winter With the autumn season in full swing, there’s no better time to watch leaves change colors, enjoy a hayride with family and friends and indulge in a cup of hot apple cider. But, did you know it’s also the perfect time to prepare your backyard for winter?

Fall is an important time of year to give your lawn proper care, so it can survive the harsh winter months ahead. So before you put your tools in hibernation, consider these five lawn and garden projects from Troy-Bilt, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, to help your lawn flourish come springtime: 1. Leaf removal — During the fall, leaves cover your lawn in what seems like the blink of an eye. A leaf blower is an easy tool to use and can help you move all your debris to one place for quick cleanup. Keep in mind, it’s best to either blow all leaves toward the center of your yard to create one big pile, or start at the edge of your lawn and blow leaves in the same direction.

2. Restore soil — Add beneficial nutrients, soil bacteria and microorganisms to next year’s garden by recycling pulled annuals, leaves, grass clippings, and leftover fruits and vegetables into an organic compost. Your homemade compost will help you get a jumpstart on your spring lawn and garden efforts and increase soil richness for plants and flowers.

3. Prune — Since trees and shrubs lose leaves in the fall, it is easier to spot and prune diseased or dying branches. To prevent disease, prune

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4. Lawn mulch — Give your lawn the strength it needs to survive the winter with nutrient-heavy mulch.

An easy way to do this is by using a mulching lawn mower or a chipper shredder to mulch leaves and spread a thin layer over your lawn. The nutrients and organic matter absorbed into the ground will contribute to your lawn’s overall strength and growth in the spring. Plus, mulching is great for preventing weeds, stopping erosion and compaction.

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stubborn weeds, pull or dig weeds out of the ground or use a homemade weed-control solution, such as five parts white vinegar, two parts water and one part dish soap, and thenreseed the spots to prevent regrowth.

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Page 8 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Steel roofing becoming popular choice for homeowners

By Kelli Lageson

kelli.lageson@albertleatribune.com

Home Solutions Midwest has been carrying steel roofing for six years, and it has grown so much in popularity that they don’t even install asphalt shingles anymore.

President Steve Field said most people picture pole barns or metal agriculture sheds when they hear the term steel roofing. But stone-coated steel shingles look much like asphalt shingles.

“It’s been around for 37 years,” Field said. “But it’s only really broken into residential in the last year.”

There are manufacturers of steel roofing that can be found at retailers and installed by homeowners, but Home Solutions Midwest carries Gerard, which makes stone-coated metal roofing.

“The warranty’s better,” Field said.

“And they’ll withstand a lot more.”

With Gerard, Home Solutions can offer a 50-year, non-prorated warranty that includes material and labor. Field said the roofing can also

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withstand 2 1/2-inch hail, 120 mph winds, has a Class A fire rating and are recyclable.

Field sends his installers to training by Gerard, and the roofing has to be installed by a certified installer because of its long warranty. There are many varieties of colors and styles like Spanish tile, canyon shake and ridge shingles. Field said most residential customers pick the ridge shingles because they look like asphalt and don’t look too different from their neighbors’ homes.

“Asphalt is still huge in the industry,” Field said. “For us we wanted to have a better product for our customers.”

One question customers always ask is whether the steel roofing is louder than other kinds of roofing.

“It isn’t any louder than what you’ve got right now,” Field said.

With insulation, attic space and other barriers, homeowners shouldn’t see more noise than any other roof, Field said. And the interlocking panels prevent ice dams and redirect heat, which can reduce energy bills.

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune

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