Home Improvement Guide 3/01/23 edition is published by Anton Media Group.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REPURPOSING YOUR BACKYARD Replace those old windows

DIY firepit…finally

Backyarding Has A Purpose

Identify your backyard’s purpose, then build the yard of your dreams

Backyarding—the trend to use the backyard for everything from tele-working and working out to relaxing and recreating—has a di erent purpose for each of us. Identifying your backyard’s role in your family’s health and happiness is the key to cultivating a purposeful outdoor space that is customized to your needs.

“How do you a create a more purposeful outdoor space? First, you need to identify what type of ‘backyarder’ you are,” explained Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and the TurfMutt Foundation. “Then, you can get to work in your yard with that idea in mind.”

Here are just a few of the backyarding personality types. Which one are you?

Landscaper

Your yard makes neighbors green with envy. You know how to maintain a healthy living landscape all year long, and you have the latest outdoor power equipment to make even big jobs easier. You put the right plant in the right place, so your green space is always thriving.

Outdoor athlete

Forget basement workouts—you have an outdoor gym and exercise space that makes the neighborhood running club want to pit stop at your house. Your yard is the ideal place to stay active and inspire others to work out, too.

Work From Home Pro

Your work from home means nature is your background, and there’s no lag on the living landscape. The birds, squirrels and, yes, the dog your co-workers see on conference calls are all real. All you need is strong WiFi, your nicest sweatpants, and a jacket for chilly morning meetings, and you’re ready for work.

Nature Lover

You know that nature starts at your own back door, and understand pollinator support and plant choice. You prefer to spend your free time in the urban habitat of your living landscape, watching the birds, bats, butterflies and other wildlife that count on your yard for food and shelter.

Kid Zone Creator

You know the safest place for young kids is in your own backyard, and you work hard to create an outdoor fun zone they will never want to leave. A flat area of sturdy turfgrass to play sports and pitch a tent? Check. Treehouse? Check. Zipline strung safely between backyard trees? Check. An elevated garden where they can help grow family meals? Check. Natural playscapes, like a patch of sand bordered by rocks and log stump seating? Check. “Fun” is your middle name, and you are winning at this game.

Pet Pamperer

Your focus is on Fido – no one knows your yard better – and you take cues from your four-legged friends about how to purpose your backyard. You’ve planted appropriate turfgrass that can stand up to pet play, and you’ve used soft foliage to create a natural barricade between “off limits” areas and the rest of the lawn. Trees and shrubs are strategically planted for shade, and you’ve even set up a shallow water feature to help your pup cool off on hot days. Planting with

purpose for you means keeping toxic plants out of the picture. (For a complete list, visit ASPCA’s list of non-toxic and toxic plants).

Entertainer Extraordinaire

Your backyard was the neighborhood hot spot long before the pandemic made that trend posh. Family milestones, birthdays, graduations, reunions, socially distanced BBQs – your yard is *the* place to gather. Your yard is set up for success with patio furniture, fire pit, yard games, plenty of outdoor seating, string lights, and maybe

even an outdoor kitchen.

Zen Master

Your yard provides you and your family a place to be still and de-stress. Whether it’s coffee in the morning or yoga in the afternoon, you know that spending time outside is good for your health and well-being, and thanks to your yard these benefits are only steps away.

To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit TurfMutt.com

—TurfMutt Foundation

Sustainable Landscaping

How homeowners and businesses design the landscape on their property, including plant choices, can result in significant positive benefits on the environment, our water supply and public health.

Go Native

Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals. Unlike natives, common horticultural plants do not fit the bill. These adaptations bring us several gardening advantages.

Wildlife Viewing

Native plants, birds, butterflies,

beneficial insects, and interesting critters are “made for each other.” Research shows that native wildlife prefers native plants.

Save Water

Once established, many native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall.

Low Maintenance

Low maintenance landscaping methods are a natural fit with native plants that are already adapted to the local environment. Look forward to using less water, little to no fertilizer, little to no pesticides, less pruning, and less of your time.

Pesticide Freedom

Native plants have developed their own defenses against many pests and diseases.

Since most pesticides kill indiscriminately, beneficial insects become secondary targets in the fight against pests. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use lets natural pest control take over and keeps garden toxins out of our creeks and watersheds.

Support Local Ecology

As development replaces natural habitats, planting gardens, parks, and roadsides with New York native plants can provide a “bridge” to nearby remaining wildlands. Additional information about gardening with native plants can be found at bookstores, online and at your local library. Your local Soil and Water Conservation District may also be able to provide guidance.

—Department of Environmental Conservation

Sustain ecology with natives. (Christy Hinko)

Update Or Replace Windows

Energy efficient windows are an important consideration for both new and existing homes. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use. If you are selecting windows for new construction or to replace existing windows, it’s important to choose the most efficient windows you can afford that work best in your climate.

If your existing windows are in good condition, taking steps to reduce the energy loss through windows can make your home more comfortable and save you money on energy bills. You have two broad options if you hope to reduce the amount of energy lost through your windows and improve the comfort of your home. You can replace your windows or you can update them.

Replace Your Windows

If you decide to replace your windows, you will have to make several decisions about the type of windows you purchase and the type of replacement you will make.

You may have the option of replacing the windows in their existing frame; discuss this option with your window retailer and installer to find out if it will work for you.

You will also need to decide what features you want in your windows. You will need to decide on the following:

• Frame types

• Glazing type

• Gas fills and spacers

• Operation types

Update Existing Windows

If your windows are in good condition, taking steps to improve their efficiency may be the most cost-effective option to increase the comfort of your home and save money on energy costs. There are several things you can do to improve the efficiency of your existing windows:

• Check existing windows for air leaks

• Caulk and weatherstrip. Check out our do-ityourself project to learn how to weatherstrip double-hung windows.

• Add window treatments and coverings.

• Add storm windows or panels

• Add solar control film

• Add exterior shading, such as awnings, exterior blinds or overhangs. With any efficiency improvements, take steps to ensure proper installation and check for air leaks after the improvement.

Selection Process

In addition to choosing the window type, you also need to consider design, energy use and labeling, warranties and installation. First look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying new windows. Then review ratings on the energy performance label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to find the most efficient windows.

NFRC ratings are included on all ENERGY STAR certified windows and provide a reliable way to determine a window’s energy properties and compare products.

Selection Tips

• Look for the ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels.

• In colder climates, consider selecting gasfilled windows with low-e coatings to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with coatings to reduce heat gain.

• Choose a low U-factor for better thermal resistance in colder climates; the U-factor is the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow.

• Look for a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). SHGC is a measure of solar radiation admitted through a window. Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in warm climates.

• Select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings in temperate climates with both cold and hot seasons.

• Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.

Installation

Even the most energy-efficient window must be properly installed to ensure energy efficiency and comfort. Have your windows installed by trained professionals according to manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise, your warranty may be void.

Window installation varies depending on the type of window, the construction of the house (wood, masonry, etc.), the exterior cladding (wood siding, stucco, brick, etc.), and the type (if any) of weather-restrictive barrier. Windows, flashing, and air sealing should all be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to perform correctly.

—U.S. Department of Energy

How To Build A Fire Pit

Awood-burning fire pit makes a great outdoor gathering place for friends and family. Installing a fire pit is a DIY project that can be configured for your yard’s measurements. This guide teaches you how to build a fire pit using concrete pavers or concrete blocks for a quick, easy backyard upgrade that can be enjoyed in any season.

Select Location and Fire Pit Shape

Whether you are building a fire pit out of stone or concrete pavers or using a fire pit kit, you must select a location that is a safe distance from any structures and low hanging trees.

Consult local building code and homeowner association for any restrictions.

Disclosing your backyard fire pit could be a requirement of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Check with your agent to learn if having a fire pit may affect your coverage.

The style and shape of your fire pit will determine the type of blocks you’ll need to purchase. Fire pits typically measure 3 to 4 feet across.

For a fire pit ring, you need trapezoidal blocks, which are narrower on one side.

This allows the edges to fit snugly together for a circle without creating any gaps.

A square fire pit uses rectangular blocks and can be constructed in a variety of patterns with blocks of different shapes and sizes.

Mark and Prepare the Fire Pit Site

Outline what will be the footprint of the fire pit to mark your work area.

If you are building a circular fire pit in your yard, drive a stake at the center of what will be the fire pit location.

Use marking paint tied to a string to draw a circle around the stake.

The diameter of the circle should be slightly larger than the outside dimensions of the fire pit ring you’re preparing to build.

For a square or rectangle fire pit, temporarily lay out the first layer of concrete blocks for your design on the ground and check the layout for the square. Use a shovel to outline the perimeter and then remove the blocks.

Remove the sod and dirt to a depth of about 7 inches from inside the perimeter that you marked. Keep the excavated area level as you work.

Pack the dirt solidly all the way around with a hand tamper.

If you are building your stone fire pit on top of an existing backyard patio, cement the first layer of blocks onto the patio to prevent shifting.

Build the Fire Pit Gravel Base

Adding gravel on top of the compacted dirt will create a base for your fire pit. Pour a generous amount of crushed gravel paver base into the hole so your finished

base will be approximately 5 inches thick. Wet the gravel thoroughly with a garden hose, and then use the hand tamper to compact it into a hard layer a couple of inches below the surface. Check the base at several points to be sure it is level and make adjustments where necessary.

Lay Out the Fire Pit

Lay out your first layer of blocks on top of the level gravel base. Be sure the sides of the blocks are touching.

Place the blocks one-by-one around the perimeter of the hole, pushing them together and using a level to make sure the height stays consistent.

If necessary, add leveling sand beneath low blocks or tap high blocks down with a rubber mallet to keep everything even.

After finishing the first row, check the layer in several places with a long level to be sure the structure is even.

Then, temporarily assemble the second level of blocks, making sure to stagger the joints between rows.

Test-Fit the Fire Pit Bowl

Bowls and insert rings come in several standard sizes, so make sure to choose the right one for the fire pit you’re planning to build.

After you’ve temporarily laid out the second row, test-fit the fire pit bowl to make sure the lip rests fully on the edge. Remove the bowl.

Adjust the positioning of the blocks if needed.

Add Construction Adhesive to the Blocks

Use construction adhesive between the layers of blocks to secure the concrete block pavers as you build the fire pit walls. Remove the second row of blocks that were temporarily placed.

Add beads of construction adhesive to the bottom layer to bond everything in place. Refit the second layer of blocks and continue the process for the third row of blocks. A fire pit typically has three or four rows of blocks. Repeat the test-fitting for each

layer before securing with adhesive. The bowl sits on top and can be removed for easy cleaning.

Tip: Refer to the label on your construction adhesive for the proper curing time. It can take between two and seven days for the material to dry, fully cure and be ready to handle the heat from your DIY firepit.

After you’ve learned how to build a fire pit, you can rent the soil compactor or tamper.

Visit www.homedepot.com/c/diy_projects_and_ideas to learn more.