Spring Home Improvement 2019 by Albert Lea Tribune

SPRING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Thursday, March 21, 2019

OVEMENT PAGE |2THURSDAY, | SPRING HOME MARCH IMPROVEMENT 21, 2019 | THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

design approaches to explore in 2019 SNOWED UNDER

Check on, take steps to care for your roof after a strenuous winter load By Sam Wilmes

sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com

Professionals recommend multiple approaches to prevent roof damage from excessive snowfall on roofs. Dennis Stenseth of Albert Lea-based Dennis Stenseth Construction said cracks in rafters can be checked to ensure homeowner peace of mind. He noted damage can be found by noticing sagging roofs. He said ceilings become stained with a brown color because of roof damage. He noted he has seen a half dozen instances of roof damage this year — including two cracked rafters — and suspects there are more he has not seen. “This year has been exceptional — way out of the normal,” Stenseth said. Stenseth suggested strengthening material alongside cracks to rebrace them. He acknowledged the process is not easy and suggested any homeowners with questions call a professional to repair the damage.

He said ensuring proper ventilation is an important step to avoiding ice dams. Stenseth, who has worked on roofs for approximately 50 years, said roof damage from snow can also depend on the strength of roofs and trusses. Rightway Roofing Owner Bob Hanson, who said he has seen up to 10 homes with interior damage because of ice dams, advised homeowners look for lifted or removed shingles or any items on the ground that fell from a roof. He noted he has seen water damage in homes because of ice dams. He said it is important to notice roof damage before it worsens, and homeowners should have it inspected immediately by a professional. Hanson cautioned insurance companies will only pay for interior home damage. Hanson noted the majority of home damage he has seen this year has been on flat roofs. One Clarks Grove home had $1,500 to $2,000 in damage in fascia and gutter damage.

A Stenseth Construction employee removes snow from an Albert Lea home in midFebrurary to prevent snow damage to the roof. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

a rural feel to an urban space, using warm neutrals and ornate fixtures on stark whites, accentuating the home’s original detailing. PROVIDED

SPACE WITH INTERIOR CHANGES

a room. Unique accents invite whimsy and individuality. As you make plans to redesign spaces within your home, watch for these trends in 2019 to support your lifestyle needs and design aspirations.

ing, while well-crafted, handmade pieces bring the heart and soul of country living cultures is replacing doors and incorporating into the space. Urban country is perfect me decor as unique accents can help contribute to for the fast-paced urbanite looking to live ners’ world- an on-trend style that flows seamlessly a more balanced, slow-paced lifestyle. on of global from room to room. Colors offer the op“These macro-trends influence our hifting your portunity to create a mood and update home design choices, down to the style tching fea- a space. Doors provide an average of Nordic noir of a front door,” said Lorena Morales, ns into your 800 square feet of previously untapped If you crave simplicity and cleanli- creative director for Masonite Interdesign potential that can add visual in- ness, embrace the Scandinavian ap- national, a leading designer and manuwith color, terest and enhance the functionality of proach to design that’s all about mod- facturer of interior and exterior doors. eration. Nordic noir upholds values of “With about 800 square feet of design minimalism and timeless devotion to space to work with, doors should play a is even sweeter with a loan from Accentra role inextensive the design of any home. well-made elements that are beautiful This winter pivotal has featured snowfall within the last two months, causing A homeowner canon begin to transform a in their own simplicity. Muted colors snow significant to be piled Albert Lea roofs, including this one. Professionals room’s entryway from urban country to like blue-gray and pale rose come to life Whether you’re looking to make improvements to your recommend multiple approaches to prevent roof damage from the buildup. noir simply by choosing a door walls andto in a fabrics. current home or you’ve decided to make on the move new Doors made of Nordic with glass that’s clear over glass with dark metal and wood paired withHanson glass said local businesses Lou-Rich, roofs and draining toward gutters, where address, Accentra will work with you to find the bring best loan forlight and Mrs. iron caming. textures andrefreeze. panels natural warmth Gerry’s, Home DepotMaterials, and Streater it could colors are incredibly impactful into the home. your needs. “To keep your attic sufficiently cool, took steps to avoid snow damage to the elements in these trends.” make sure it’s properly ventilated and inside of their businesses. Urban country He estimated there are 20 to 100 seal any cracks or holes in your ceiling Learn more at accentracu.org/homeloans Rustic luxury This trend brings the look and feelof water claims damage in Albert Lea. and around fixtures so that household Geared toward those who heat needdoesn’t a of rural living to urban spaces byAccording pairto national home warranty seep into the attic,” the accentracu.org • 800-533-0448 personalHome spaceShield, where warm they cancompany restore states. “It’s also a good idea ing crisp white and warm neutrals with American company energy and finddam balance, rustictoluxury ornate craftscan contribute to ice damage insulate the attic to keep heat inside Federally Insured byfixtures. NCUA Elements like aattics helps man-style front door with sidelights help design your home and outside of the attic.” by causing snowmelt in homeowners the middle ofdisconnect to accentuate the home’s original detail- from the demands of everyday life. With

Home Sweet Home

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019 | SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | PAGE 3

After spring comes summer: Is your A/C unit ready? By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

As the snow melts, the need to turn on those air conditioning units is right round the corner. However, instead of just turning the thermostat dial to cool and letting it run, there are a number of things to check on before firing up your unit for the first time this year. Dale Franks, project manager for Jim & Dude’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, said there’s a series of steps homeowners should take as they prepare their units for the summer. The first step is to go outside and look at the unit itself. Make sure the unit is free and clear of any debris, and that the cover is completely removed. “A lot of people will just put a piece of plywood and a block on top of it to protect it during the winter,” Franks said. “That needs to come off. It seems simple, but that is very important.” Franks said with all the ice and snow the area has seen this winter, it won’t be uncommon for that ice to fall from the roof and dent or damage the unit, making it not operate correctly and making a physical inspection highly important. Once everything outside has been checked, the next step is to make sure the breaker to the unit is turned on. According to Franks, many people attempt to save money in the winter by cutting power to their units and simply forget to turn it back on. The next thing to look at is the furnace. Franks said to turn the furnace off and check the quality of the air filter. “We always tell people to hold the air filter up to the light,” he said. “If you can’t see light through it, air can’t get through it. It’s really important to have good air flow when cooling or air

Dale Franks said a physical inspection of the unit is an important part in preparing to run it thoughout the summer. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE conditioning.” While next to the furnace, Franks said it is a good idea to check the drain that leads from the air conditioning unit to the top of the furnace and blow it out and make sure water can freely move through it. The final step before turning the unit on is to go around the house and make sure all vents are uncovered and clear, both the return registers and the supply registers. To test the unit, Franks said to set the thermostat to cool and adjust the temperature to three or four degrees below the room temperature. Newer units are set on a time delay and will take a few minutes to kick in. Once the unit kicks on, test the temperature in the house to the

temperature coming out of the register. Franks said the temperature difference should be around 15 to 20 degrees. If not around that mark, he said it’s probably time to call a professional. Some of the most common types of

problems Jim & Dude’s finds are due to bad airflow. “If you don’t get enough airflow above the furnace and through that coil, it will actually frost up and freeze,” Franks said. “It needs good airflow and to pick up the heat from the house or it will freeze up there.” One piece of advice Franks has been trying to get across is that it’s not always the best to program your thermostat when cooling the house. He said it is much easier for the unit to keep at a steady temperature than to change drastically many times a day. Programming the thermostat to change by one or two degrees throughout the day is fine, according to Franks, but anything more than that can end up costing more in the long run. “Because we live in Minnesota, we have some severe winters,” Franks said. “The unit sits out there all year long and a lot of things can happen. They don’t tend to last as long here as they do even in a more southern climate. Even though they run a lot more down there, this weather is harsh on them. If you get a good 15 years out of a unit, it’s time to start budgeting to replace it. That’s just the way it is, there’s not a lot we can do about the weather.”

YOU MAKE THE DREAMS. WE MAKE THE LOANS.

Produce State Bank

109 W. Park Ave. Hollandale (507) 889-4311 Member

FDIC

220 E. William St. Albert Lea (507) 373-5500

2401 Brige Ave. Albert Lea (507) 373-8600

Serving the Community Since 1926! www.producestatebank.com

“For All Your Construction Needs” • Roofing • Landscaping & Skid Loader Work • Decks • Additions • Garages • Siding

Mark Attig

One of the most important aspects to running an air conditioning is good airflow to the furnace. Making sure all vents and registers are uncovered and clear can go a long way in helping with that.

507-383-0339 • Albert Lea, MN Licensed & Insured • Lic. #20573223

PAGE 4 | SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

BRING SPRING HOME

Items like repurposed chicken feeders, pictured center, have been purchased to plant differen succulents in the various openings. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Seasonal items themed around gardening, outdoors bring touch of sun By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

Even though Mother Nature is ignoring the memo, spring is here. And while it might not look like it outside, there are always ways to make it feel like spring inside your home. Brush Creek Boutique, with a greenhouse/ seasonal location in Bricelyn and a pop-up shop in Albert Lea’s Northbridge Mall, has a number of items on hand to add some spring fling to any space, and manager Kelly Meislahn said the shop is always looking to add

to its cache of spring items each year. Popular items so far this season have been metal pieces and yard stakes — metal flowers, either in subdued brushed steel or painted with vibrant colors; or farm animals and other designs. The boutique has plenty of rustic items to go along with items that feature pops of bright color — the customer base is 50-50 when it comes to these two main categories, according to Meislahn. Other items found for spring flair are silk flowers, fountains and Easter decorations. The shop’s fairy garden selection will be its

biggest yet, Meislahn said, and customers can count on seeing new pieces added to the store’s inventory every week. With how harsh this winter has seemed at times — orders have been pushed back by about three weeks at Brush Creek Boutique thanks to blizzard delays — Meislahn predicts people will look to start spring shopping early and will “shop hard.” While some people will look for that one piece to say spring is here in their home, others will leave with a new treasure trove of items to add to their collection. For those looking

to decorate without breakin much, Meislahn said finding o they love and then picking flowers centered around it money-minded solution. The Bricelyn Brush Creek tion, at 205 N. Main St. in Br middle of growing and main variety of plants and succu soon make an appearance at pop-up shop. Meislahn said first time the plants will be Albert Lea location.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019 | SPRING THURSDAY, HOME MARCH IMPROVEMENT 21, 2019 | PAGE | SPRING 5 H While the pop-up shop in Northbridge While thethe pop-up public shop sometime in Northbridge in April,the with public its sometime in April, with its Mall — just a few storefronts down Mall and — justhours a few storefronts depending on down the and weather hours — bedepending on the weather — beacross from Plaza Morena —across is openfrom coming Plazamore Morena regular — is in open May andcoming beyond.more regular in May and beyond. weekends from Friday eveningweekends through from Meislahn Fridaysaid evening hours through will typically Meislahn be said hours will typically be Sunday afternoon, Meislahn said Sunday thoseafternoon, posted on Meislahn the business’s said those Facebook posted page, on the business’s Facebook page, who can’t shop within that timeframe who can’t shop or customers within that aretimeframe welcome to call or ahead customers are welcome to call ahead check. the boutique via and check. are welcome to contact the boutique are welcome via and to contact “If it’s nice, we’re there,” “If it’s sunny and nice, we’re there,” its Facebook page to set up an its appointFacebook page tosunny set up and an appointMeislahn said. “If it’s cold andMeislahn crappy, said. “If it’s cold and crappy, ment to shop. ment to shop. The Bricelyn location will openThe up Bricelyn to call ahead.” location will open up to call ahead.”

Easter-themed decorations are usually Easter-themed popular,decorations too, especially arewhen usually Easter popular, falls too, lateresp in a calendar year. in a calendar year.

Kelly Meislahn of Brush Creek Boutique Kelly Meislahn said metal of Brush pieces Creek are looking Boutique like said bigmetal sellers pieces are looking like big sellers this year. The boutique offers athis number year. of The different boutique signs offers anda yard number decorations of different on signs and yard decorations on stakes in different metal designs. stakes in different metal designs. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEAflowers TRIBUNE seem to be anotherSilk to be another hot item so far, accord Silk hotflowers item so seem far, according to Meislahn.

WE DO IT WE DO IT inside

ng the bank too one spring piece out plants and can be a more

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• Repairs

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OVEMENT PAGE| THURSDAY, 6 | SPRING HOME MARCH IMPROVEMENT 21, 2019 | THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

Home design approaches to explore in 2019 WED UNDER

ake steps to care for your roof after a strenuous winter load

multiple apmage from . Lea-based ction said checked to f mind. He by noticing

ained with a damage. He n instances cluding two pects there

ional — way said. engthening to rebrace e process is homeownfessional to

A Stenseth Construction employee removes snow from an Albert Lea home in midFebrurary to prevent snow damage to the roof. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Urban country design lends a rural feel to an urban space, using warm neutrals and ornate fixtures on stark whites, accentuating the home’s original detailing. PROVIDED

REFRESH YOUR SPACE WITH INTERIOR CHANGES

a room. Unique accents invite whimsy and individuality. As you make plans to redesign spaces within your home, watch for these trends in 2019 to support your lifestyle needs and design aspirations.

ing, while well-crafted, handmade pieces bring the heart and soul of country living The influence of global cultures is replacing doors and incorporating into the space. Urban country is perfect increasingly visible in home decor as unique accents can help contribute to for the fast-paced urbanite looking to live technology expands homeowners’ world- an on-trend style that flows seamlessly a more balanced, slow-paced lifestyle. views. Acting on the inspiration of global from room to room. Colors offer the op“These macro-trends influence our trends can be as simple as shifting your portunity to create a mood and update home design choices, down to the style outlook to bringing eye-catching fea- a space. Doors provide an average of Nordic noir of a front door,” said Lorena Morales, tures and everyday functions into your 800 square feet of previously untapped If you crave simplicity and cleanli- creative director for Masonite Interhome. design potential that can add visual in- ness, embrace the Scandinavian ap- national, a leading designer and manuFor example, playing with color, terest and enhance the functionality of proach to design that’s all about mod- facturer of interior and exterior doors. eration. Nordic noir upholds values of “With about 800 square feet of design minimalism and timeless devotion to space to work with, doors should play a with a loan from Accentra pivotal role in the design of any home. well-made thatlast aretwo beautiful This winter has featured extensive snowfallelements within the months, causing A homeowner can begin to transform a in theirLea own simplicity. Muted colors significant snow to be piled on Albert roofs, including this one. Professionals like blue-gray and pale rose come to life ing to make improvements to your recommend multiple approaches to prevent roof damage from the buildup. room’s entryway from urban country to on walls and in fabrics. Doors made of Nordic noir simply by choosing a door u’ve decided to make the move to a new glass that’s clear over glass with dark metalroofs and and wood pairedtoward with glass Hanson said local businesses Lou-Rich, draining gutters,with where ill work with you to find the best loan for panels bring natural light and warmth iron caming. Materials, textures and Mrs. Gerry’s, Home Depot and Streater it could refreeze. colors into the home. “To keep your attic sufficiently cool,are incredibly impactful elements took steps to avoid snow damage to the in these make sure it’s properly ventilated and trends.” inside of their businesses. seal any cracks or holes in your ceiling He estimated there are 20 Urban to 100 country ntracu.org/homeloans Rustic luxury look and feelhousehold claims of water damage in AlbertThis Lea. trend andbrings aroundthe fixtures so that toward those who need a of rural living urban spaces by pairAccording to national home warranty heat todoesn’t seep into the attic,”Geared the accentracu.org • 800-533-0448 personal ing crisp white and warm neutrals with company American Home Shield, warm company states. “It’s also a good idea space where they can restore ornate fixtures. Elements like to a craftsattics can contribute to ice dam damage to insulate the attic keep heatenergy inside and find balance, rustic luxury Federally Insured by NCUA design helps homeowners disconnect man-style your door homewith andsidelights outside ofhelp the attic.” by causing snowmelt in the middle of front to accentuate the home’s original detail- from the demands of everyday life. With

eet Home

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019 | SPRING THURSDAY, HOME IMPROVEMENT MARCH 21, 2019 | PAGE | SPRING 7

After spring comes summer: Is your A/C un

this trend, the focus is on creating harmony between natural and architectural design elements. Try mixing sculptural design pieces and greenery with By natural Tyler Julson problems J wood doors and concrete benches for tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com bad airflow a calming counterbalance to frenetic, “If you d fast-paced living. As the snow melts, the need to turn the furnac on those air conditioning units is right actually fr Pretty and calm round the corner. However, instead of said. “It ne As female buying-power continues to just turning the thermostat dial to cool up the hea increase, spaces are being redesigned to and letting it run, there are a number of freeze up t fit the lifestyles of modern women whoto check on before firing up your things One piec often appreciate both contemporary unitand for the first time this year. trying to ge traditional design. Biophilic elements Dale Franks, project manager for Jim the best to mixed with pale-hued colors, luxurious when cool & Dude’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Contouches and textured glass doorsditioning, are all said there’s a series of steps much easi key features for pretty and calmhomeowners design. should take as they prepare steady tem To achieve this style, play with textures their units for the summer. tically man that feature warm yet bold colorsThe likefirst step is to go outside and look the thermo pale blue, sunshine yellow and at sage. the unit itself. Make sure the unit is degrees th Don’t be afraid to experiment with freedisand clear of any debris, and that the cording to similar materials to find the right comcover is completely removed. than that bination of interest and comfort. “A lot of people will just put a piece of the long ru “Trends like pretty and calm lean plywood and a block on top of it to protect “Becaus on neutrals that are more compelling have som it during the winter,” Franks said. “That than beige to create beautiful and calm said. “The needs to come off. It seems simple, but interiors,” said Kate Rumson, interior that is very important.” Dale Franks said a physical inspection of the unit is an important part in preparing long and a l designer and founder of The Real Houses Franks said with all the ice and snow don’t tend to run it thoughout the summer. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE of Instagram. “When these pale hues even in a m the area has seen this winter, it won’t be are layered with dark, smoky colors uncommon for that ice to fall from the conditioning.” temperature coming out of the register. though the like blacks and grays, this trend can roof and dent or damage the unit, making While next to the furnace, Franks said Franks said the temperature difference this weathe appeal to nearly everyone. To complete it not operate correctly and making a it is a good idea to check the drain that should be around 15 to 20 degrees. If not a good 15 y the room, pair an ornate door featuring leads from the air conditioning unit to around that mark, he said it’s probably start budg physical inspection highly important. glass or polished nickel hardware with Once everything outside has been the top of the furnace and blow it out time to call a professional. the way it a soft finish to create a design element checked, the next step is to make sure and make sure water can freely move Some of the most common types of about the w that’s timeless.” the breaker to barn the unit is style turned on. Acthrough it. over an opening without taking the space of a swinging door. PROVIDED The door allows the door to slide The final step before turning the unit cording to Franks, many people attempt Trends don’t have to impede individual also be used between rooms. Live and work to save money in the winter by cutting on is to go around the house and make design. Global influences like sustainabilBypass door: A bypass door consists If you’re one of more than 3.4 million Mediterranean escape power to their units and simply forget sure all vents are uncovered and clear, Americans working from home at least If you classify yourself as a traveler, ity, craftsmanship and simplicity can be of two or more sections that can slide in to turn it back on. both the return registers and the supply half of the time, you may require tran- you may favor the style of Mediterra- the foundation for creating an environ- either direction along one axis on parallel The next thing to look at is the furnace. registers. sitional spaces that accommodate both nean escape. People who travel tend to ment tailored to meet unique lifestyles overhead tracks so that they slide past To test the unit, Franks said to set the Franks said to turn the furnace off and productivity and downtime. To adopt bring blended influences from various and needs. Find more information and each other. They are most commonly used thermostat to cool and adjust the temcheck the quality of the air filter. this design trend, consider the use of cultures home. This trend helps home- 2019 design inspiration at MasoniteT- as closet doors to access one side of the “We always tell people to hold the perature to three or four degrees below closet at a time. The doors in a bypass furniture and products that can serve owners showcase the intricate detail and rends.com. air filter up to the light,” he said. “If the room temperature. Newer units are unit will overlap slightly when viewed multiple purposes. For example, modern culture in those treasured pieces. Paired you can’t see light through it, air can’t set on a time delay and will take a few from the front to eliminate any visible barn doors in bold tones of vibrant orange with wrought iron accents, warm colors Decoding door styles get through it. It’s really important to minutes to kick in. Once the unit kicks on, gap between or cool blue can provide privacy during and arched doorways, Mediterranean Swinging door: This is a hinged109 door W. Park Ave. 220 E. them. William St. 2401 Brige Ave. have good air flow when cooling or air test the temperature in the house to the HollandaleBarn door: Albert Albert Leadoor AnLea on-trend interior work hours and serve as an industrial escape adds sophistication and story to that swings into or out of a room and is the (507) 889-4311 (507) 373-5500 373-8600 option that uses externally (507) mounted harddesign accent off-hours. nearly any space. most standard interior door application. ware tothe allow the door to slide over Bifold door: A folding door that has sev- Serving Community Since 1926! an eral sections that fold in pairs. Bifolds are opening without taking the space needed www.producestatebank.com most commonly made for closets butFDIC may for a swinging door.

YOU MAKE THE DREAMS. WE MAKE THE LOANS.

Produce State Bank

Member

HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS MADE EASY

To apply, call, go online or stop by our office for “For All Your Ne special loan Construction rates!

• Roofing • Landscaping & Skid Lo • Decks • Additions • Garages

Mark Attig

One of the most important aspects to running an air conditioning is good airflow to the furnace. Making sure all vents and registers are uncovered and clear can go a long way in helping that. your home’s look. Play with doors, colors and unique home accentswith to update

507-383-0339 • MN Albert 430 Bridge Ave.. | Albert Lea,

507-377-1616 Licensed |& Member InsuredNUCA • Lic. #2057

PAGE 8 | SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

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