î‚»is special FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE is brought to you by Arens Corp., publishers of the Stillwater Valley Advertiser. We encourage our readers to support all of these participating local businesses.
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Carbon monoxide remediation
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Because carbon monoxide is found in the fumes produced when fuel is burned, it is present in and around homes. As a result, homeowners should be aware of carbon monoxide and make every effort to detect its presence. CO forms most readily when there is insufficient oxygen to complete combustion and produce carbon dioxide. Hot water closets, furnaces in crawlspaces, heating appliances in attics, and other contained areas are common areas where CO can form. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that thousands of people visit emergency rooms and are hospitalized because of CO poisoning every year. While CO is a risk for just about anyone, infants, the elderly, those with breathing problems or chronic heart disease, and people with anemia are most likely to get sick from CO. CO has earned the moniker “the silent killer” because it cannot be identified without the presence of a carbon monoxide detector. If a person believes he or she is smelling carbon monoxide, that person is probably mistaking the odor for other combustion byproducts that the human nose can sense. CO is a byproduct of vehicle exhaust, boat engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, furnaces, and fireplaces. CO is produced anytime something is burning. That is why it is essential that products designed to be used outdoors are used exclusively outside, and that indoor appliances are properly vented to the outdoors. CO can build up indoors and poison people and pets who breathe it in. Some people may not recognize that CO is problematic in a home until multiple residents start complaining of similar symptoms. Common CO poisoning symptoms include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, confusion, headache, and other flu-like symptoms, advises the consumer advocacy group Carbon Monoxide Kills. Those with repeated exposure to high levels of CO may eventually develop cerebral edema, which is a swelling of the brain. CO can compress brain cells and destroy them, leading to neurological issues and death. CO poisoning is actually the result of the head and heart not receiving sufficient oxygen. CO detectors can save lives and should be installed in all homes and apartments. The National Fire Protection Association says CO detectors “shall be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.” Individuals should follow the manufacturer instructions regarding where on the wall or ceiling the CO detectors should be mounted. As an added safety precaution, CO detectors should be placed on every floor of the home. Gas sensors in CO alarms have limited life spans, so they should be replaced generally every five to six years, because calibrating and testing for CO is more difficult than simply replacing the alarms. Installing or replacing carbon monoxide detectors is an easy improvement that can help save lives.
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Page 3-B - STILLWATER VALLEY ADVERTISER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
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Seven Uses for Fallen Leaves By the time autumn hits full swing, many trees will have shed their leaves for the season, and the last vestiges of red, yellow and orange magic will have faded to brown. Raking, blowing and collecting leaves becomes the primary chores of lawn and yard maintenance, and presents most homeowners with large piles of gathered leaves to tend to. It is impossible to count just how many leaves fall to the ground each year, or just how many pounds of leaves get collected curbside, but the numbers are substantial. Cleaning up leaves is considerable work, but not all of those leaves need to be carted away. In fact, there are several different uses of leaves that can be beneficial. 1. Spread leaves as a protective mulch to cover tender perennials or root crops/bulbs in the ground. The leaves will form a natural insulating cover that keeps the soil and the plants within a bit warmer over winter. 2. Create a pile of leaves that will break down and form a crumbly, compost-like material called leaf mold. Even though leaf mold may sound like a blight, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually a good amendment to garden soil, improving its structure and ability to hold water. Leaf mold also attracts beneficial organisms that are vital in healthy soil. 3. Brown leaves can be added to green materials in compost piles to improve the health of the compost being formed. According to the healthy living resource Care2, the ideal ratio is 75 percent brown to 25 percent green materials in compost. Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them. 4. Store dried, mulched leaves in a dry spot so they can be used in the spring as a weed barrier for spring plantings. They will keep weeds at bay and help retain soil moisture to ensure small sprouts have the resources to grow. 5. Use shredded leaves as a lawn supplement. Pass a lawn mower over leaves left on the lawn to break them down into pieces too small to rake. This will help keep the lawn healthy throughout the winter without blocking out needed sunlight. 6. Bag dried leaves and pack them tightly together in cold areas of the home, such as basements or garages. They can act as added insulation. Bags of leaves also can be placed around planting containers to protect them from frost. 7. Gather a few of the best-looking leaves and preserve them. Use an iron on a low setting and press leaves between two pieces of waxed paper until the waxed paper seals together. Or use clear contact paper to achieve the same effect. Fallen leaves can be used in many different ways throughout the year.
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Page 4-B - STILLWATER VALLEY ADVERTISER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
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How Can Life Insurance Help You?
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You may not be aware of it, but September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Of course, you probably recognize, at least in a general sense, the importance of life insurance, but do you know the various ways in which it can help you? Life insurance can play a sizable role in your ability to achieve some important financial goals, such as these: • Helping your family maintain its lifestyle – If you are married and have young children at home, you and your spouse may need to work. If you were no longer around and your earnings were gone, could your family still afford to live as they do now? Adequate life insurance can help them preserve their lifestyle. Vicki L. BLei • Helping your children continue their education – Even Edward Jones if you weren’t planning to foot the entire bill for your children’s Financial Advisor college education, you still might be doing what you can, such as contributing to a 529 education savings plan. If your income was lost, could your family still afford to continue these contributions? With enough life insurance, you can improve the chances that your children will at least get some financial help for college or vocational training. • Helping your survivors pay off debts – Are all your debts paid off? If not, you could be leaving your family on the hook for some of them, such as credit cards and car loans – not to mention your mortgage. Also, as uncomfortable as it may be to consider, funeral and burial costs can easily run into the thousands. The proceeds of your life insurance policy can help pay down debts, handle your final expenses – and relieve your family of costly burdens. • Helping your spouse build resources for retirement – It’s almost impossible for most of us to save too much for retirement. Your spouse may already have some retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) and an IRA, but will these be enough to sustain a long retirement? Through life insurance, you can potentially add significant amounts to your spouse’s retirement assets. As we’ve seen, you can accomplish a lot with life insurance. But how much do you need? If you want the appropriate amount of coverage, you should consider a variety of factors. How much do you earn? How much does your spouse earn? How many children do you have? How old are they? How much do you owe on your home? By answering these and other, similar questions, you can arrive at a coverage level that’s suitable for your needs. Also, keep in mind that those needs will change – for example, if your children are grown and you’ve downsized your living arrangements, you may require less insurance than at earlier times in your life. Life Insurance Awareness Month is a good time to remind yourself of the importance of insurance and of the need to own the correct amount. So, review your coverage soon – after all, you can’t predict the future, but you can still prepare for it. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico, and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California,L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Page 5-B - STILLWATER VALLEY ADVERTISER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
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Simplify Paving Stone Installation
Did you know?
Paving stones can add beauty to walkways, driveways and backyard patios, providing that eye-catching finishing touch to a property while enhancing its curb appeal. Even though the installation of pavers can be a laborintensive process, with the right tools and tips, this can be a do-it-yourself project for homeowners with renovation experience. Consider these tricks and how-to tips courtesy of The Home Depot, DIY Network and Unilock.
The arrival of cooler weather marks a prime time to plant bulbs that will bloom come spring and summer. Bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground is cool, ideally when temperatures average between 40 and 50 F. Just be sure to plant bulbs at least six weeks before the ground freezes for optimal success. Always follow the bulb distributorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidelines for planting, including suggestions regarding spacing and soil depth. Remove any weeds and loosen the soil to get started. In addition, think about mixing in compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil if it lacks nutrients.
Get your supplies To begin a paver project, homeowners will need to stock up on some supplies they may not already have at home. Marking paint, mason line, wooden stakes, leveling sand, paver base, and more will be required. A manual tamper can be used. However, for larger areas, it can be worth the cost to rent a plate compactor. Measure the area The number of bags of sand, paver base and paving stones needed for the project depends on the size of the area. For example, according to the Home Depot, for 60 square feet, homeowners will need about 30 12 x 12-inch paver stones, 40 bags of paver base and 12 bags of paver leveling sand. Spray or mark the area where the paving stones will be laid. Measure carefully so you can order exactly how many stones you will need. Have the materials delivered to reduce heavy lifting and trips to the store. Be sure to have all utility lines marked prior to excavation to avoid damage. prepare the base carefully One of the most important aspects of paver installation involves preparing the base. If you cut corners in this process, the finished results can be sloppy, weeds can grow through and/or stones may loosen. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential to grade the area away from the house. That means that the highest point of the patio or walkway should be closest to the house and then the incline gradually flattens out as it moves away from the home. This allows proper water runoff. Mark the height on the stakes and adjust the mason line. Remember to slope the area away from your home with a drop-off of about one inch for every 8 feet. The base of many DIY applications should be between four and six inches deep. Work incrementally, raking and tamping until the base is firm. Lightly wetting the material can help it solidify. Sand helps inhibit weed growth and anchor the pavers together. Plastic lining will not be practical. installation Use edge restraints and a string line to keep the design straight. Do not hammer the pavers together. Paver sand will need to be swept over and settled between the stones to help set them in place. It helps to read tutorials and watch videos on paving stone installation prior to beginning the project. With practice, the installation will go more smoothly.
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Jewelry & Collectibles
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Page 6-B - STILLWATER VALLEY ADVERTISER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
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Did you know? If you think that the only way to exercise and burn calories involves gym equipment, think again. Yard work can be just as challenging as a thorough aerobics workout at a nearby fitness club. To reap the greatest benefits, gardeners should use as little motorized machinery as possible. Manual tools will get you moving and can burn a substantial amount of calories. Try to vary positions and alternate which hands you use to reduce strain and get an even workout. Fitness experts say that gardening can improve strength, increase endurance and assist with flexibility. According to a report in the UK publication The Telegraph, clearing a pond or weeding can burn some 300 calories in an hour. Forty-five minutes worth of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobics.
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Homeowners looking to add more space to their homes do not necessarily need to make major renovations. They simply have to see the possibilities in outdoor living spaces. Outdoor living spaces are coveted niches in a home. The American Home Furnishings Alliance says more than 70 percent of American households have outdoor living spaces, and nearly 70 percent of people use these spaces at least once per week in-season. Furthermore, homeowners are increasingly interested in enhancing these spaces to make them more usable and comfortable. A recent survey from the online home design and remodeling resource Houzz found that more than 4,500 users were planning a landscape update. In addition, 56 percent of homeowners surveyed were making updates to improve their yards for entertaining. While the creation of outdoor living spaces can cost thousands of dollars depending on the renovation, homeowners have more budget-friendly options at their disposal as well. The following are some ways to create inviting spaces no matter how much square-footage is present. Revamp a gaRage oR shed Rather than turning a storage area into a catch-all for items time forgot, clean out the space and put it to better use. For instance, kids may appreciate their own clubhouse away from the main living area. These spaces also can be handy bonus rooms for when Mother Nature doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cooperate and backyard guests need to seek shelter. Wall art, curtains, a pendant light, and some comfortable outdoor-compatible furniture can quickly transform a space.
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Page 7-B - STILLWATER VALLEY ADVERTISER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
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Page 8-B - STILLWATER VALLEY ADVERTISER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Did you know? One oft-shared piece of pruning advice is that covering a newly pruned area with tar, paint or varnish can inhibit the fungal organisms that will get into the new cut, leading to a diseased tree, shrub or plant. This myth has been circulating for some time, according to the experts at Fine Gardening. Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent microscopic organisms from infiltrating a new cut. The application of a wound dressing may even contribute to faster decay of heartwood. That’s because the tar or paint will keep moisture in the new cut, which helps fungus and other microorganisms grow. Instead of dressing wounds, read up on proper ways to prune and let plants employ their own natural defenses to heal and prevent decay.
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Must-Have Kitchen Remodel Features Homeowners looking to renovate often see room for improvement in their kitchens and bathrooms. The National Association of Home Builder’s Remodeling Market Index Survey, which measures conditions in the remodeling market, indicates that, in 2015, the two most common remodeling jobs were bathroom remodels (81 percent) and kitchen remodels (79 percent). According to HGTV and Statistics Brain, a new kitchen remodel for a kitchen measuring 12 by 12 feet may cost homeowners anywhere from $17,000 to $37,000. Before investing so much into their remodeling projects, homeowners should think carefully about the features that will improve their time spent at home. When planning a kitchen renovation, homeowners may want to consider the following upgrades to make the room more enjoyable while improving its functionality.
Extra lighting A kitchen should be a balance of form and function. A combination of over-
head lighting, decorative lighting and task lighting can illuminate all areas of the space effectively.
OvErsizEd sink Although high-efficiency dishwashers are popular, deep sinks to soak soup pots or woks are still useful. Deep sinks may be preferable to double sinks, especially for homeowners who use lots of kitchen tools when preparing meals. sOft-clOsing hingEs When replacing cabinets (or just the hardware), consider installing softclosing hinges and slides on doors and drawers. These devices eliminate slamming and caught fingers, reducing noise and injuries in the kitchen. fOOt-pEdal watEr OpEratiOn When outfitting a sink, think about foot controls, which are popular in doctors’ offices and hospitals. Turning on the water with the tap of a foot can reduce the transfer of pathogens to faucets from hands during food preparation. These pedals also free up hands for other tasks. BOttOm’s up People likely spend more time raiding the refrigerator than the freezer on any given day. Rather than having to bend down to seek out that favorite flavor of Greek yogurt, choose a model with the fridge on top and freezer on the bottom, especially if anyone in the household has mobility issues. When shopping for refrigerators, French-door style units may offer even more access, making it easy for homeowners to slide fruit trays, sheet cakes and other large items into the fridge.
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SCOTT DELK 5891 W. Farrington Rd., Covington
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New Tax Law Changes Will Affect Filing of 2018 Tax Returns As you have undoubtedly read or heard about, there are a large number of changes to the tax code effective with the filing of your 2018 tax returns. On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) of 2017. As with anything new, there will be some winners and some losers. However, one thing that you can be sure of is there will most definitely be changes to every tax return this upcoming tax season in comparison to previous years. There are no changes to income under TCJA. What was considered income before is still considered income now. A considerable number of changes regarding deductions and personal exemptions will be implemented with the new laws. The law has changed so much that many things that have previously been deductible are no longer deductible in any form. Several income tax brackets have been changed, although the 10% and 35% brackets remain the same. There have also been changes to the Child Tax Credit and the Education Credit phase out limitations. The ‘Qualified Business Income Deduction’ has the potential to impact every business owner, regardless of the business size. To optimize the most benefit to business owners, tax planning needs to be done before year end. Due to all of these changes, it is advisable to have a tax professional review your personal situation, even if the only form on your tax return is a W2. Changes to the personal withholding tables by the Internal Revenue Service earlier this year may leave some individuals with lower tax refunds or possibly a balance due when compared to previous years. The tax professionals at Rainbow Accounting Services, LLC have been working hard to stay on top of the changes from the moment they were signed into law. Our office will continue to follow these updates right up to the start of the next filing season so that we can interpret the changes correctly for our entire Rainbow family. We are currently offering – at no cost – appointments, including evenings and Saturdays, to review the impact on your personal situation between now and the end of the year. Please call our office at 937-448-6159 to schedule your appointment.
Page 9-B - STILLWATER VALLEY ADVERTISER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Did You Know? Home improvement projects can inadvertently expose homeowners to hidden dangers. For example, lead paint may be lurking underneath layers of existing paint in older homes. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. It is essential that homeowners control their exposure to lead or other hazardous substances through the use of protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator. If lead is discovered, it may require professional containment and cleanup. Contact your local health authority if you discover or suspect you have discovered lead paint or other hazardous materials in your home.
Preparing Your Fireplace or Stove for the Season Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves not only can be beautiful focal points within a home, but they also provide an additional source of heat and can be used to keep rooms or entire homes comfortable without the need for additional and potentially costly heating sources. Just like more modern home heating systems, stoves and fireplaces need to be maintained, and that maintenance includes readying them before winter when they are used more heavily. Ensuring a fireplace or stove is in good working order helps to guarantee efficiency of use and safety during the winter months. Open-flame heating sources carry with them certain risks. The National Fire Protection Association states that, between 2009-2013, American fire departments responded to 56,000 home structure fires that involved heating equipment. The NFPA notes that the leading factor contributing to home-heating fires is a failure to keep things clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment. The following are a handful of ways to stay safe as you get ready for another cozy season around the fire. • Start with the chimney. Begin by having your chimney thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Creosote can build up inside of the chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and becomes more difficult and expensive to clean the longer it builds up inside your flue lining. In addition, animals may have created nest inside of the chimney since the last time the fireplace was used. A professional chimney sweep should be hired in this situation. He or she will be able to effectively clean the chimney in a manner that is the least messy and disruptive to residents. • Install or check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Operational alarms are essential to preventing injury or death resulting from smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation. Such detectors are inexpensive safeguards that should be installed on every floor of the house. Batteries should be replaced every six months, and the alarms themselves should be changed every five to 10 years. • Inspect the chimney from outdoors as well. Inspect the mortar around any bricks in the chimney and surrounding areas for cracks. If left unaddressed, these can cause dangerous fires. If there are serious cracks, a professional may need to make repairs or the chimney may need to be replaced. You also can have the chimney capped with a screen to keep animals and debris from entering. • Inspect the damper. A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a chimney. It should be checked prior to the first use of a stove or fireplace so homeowners can be certain it opens and closes smoothly. • Clear out flammable items. Move flammable items away from the front of a fireplace or stove. Be sure curtains or other home furnishings are far enough away that they will not catch fire from any errant sparks or flames. • Order wood now. Be sure there is plenty of wood for the season. Ask a wood supplier to estimate just how much will be needed, and double-check that the wood will arrive in time for the start of the season.
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Page 10-B - STILLWATER VALLEY ADVERTISER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Did you know? Of the 29 projects it studied for its 2017 “Cost vs. Value Report,” Remodeling magazine found that the average payback in resale value was 64.3 cents. The lone project in the 2017 report to return a higher value than its cost was the installation of loose-fill insulation in an attic, which provided a return of 107.7 percent. Homeowners who replaced an existing entry door with a 20-gauge steel unit recouped 90.7 percent of their investment at resale, placing that project second on the list. What helps homeowners who finance such projects recoup their associated costs is the relatively low sticker price of the projects, which both rank among the five least expensive projects examined in the 2017 report. But a recovering real estate market has helped homeowners recoup more of their investments on some expensive projects as well. For example, the 2017 report saw the biggest year-over-year percentage increases in value on expensive projects like upscale bathroom remodels, upscale master suites, two-story additions, grand entrance installations, and family room additions. The increase in value on those projects ranged from 5.6 percent to 7.4 percent from a year earlier.
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Caring for Kitchen Countertops Kitchen remodels are a popular home improvement project that help homeowners recoup large percentages of their initial investments at resale. A kitchen remodel can invigorate a home and make the most popular room in the house more functional. According to HomeAdvisor, a home-improvement informational guide, homeowners spend an average of $22,000 on kitchen remodels. However, lavish projects can cost more than $50,000. Protecting such investments is important and requires that homeowners understand how to properly maintain kitchen features so they have the longest life possible. This includes the new countertops that make the kitchen look complete. Countertops come in various materials, not all of which should be treated the same way. Quartz, granite, marble, laminate, and tile countertops require different types of maintenance. Quartz Engineered quartz countertops are popular. Quartz countertops are nearly maintenance-free and resistant to stains, scratches and even heat. Quartz will not need to be sealed like natural stone and can be cleaned using just a damp cloth with a mild, nonabrasive soap. Granite Polished or honed granite countertops offer a high-end look that adds instant value to a kitchen. Natural variations in granite give each kitchen a custom look. To keep granite countertops clean, avoid abrasive cleansers that can scratch, and opt for warm, soapy water instead. Stains are possible, but can be remedied with a baking soda paste left to sit for a couple of hours, advises Angie’s List. Wipe up oils, acids and soda promptly to avoid stains, and follow advised sealing routines. Marble Marble is a natural stone that is porous and will need to be resealed periodically. Because marble has high levels of the mineral calcite, it can be reactive when acids come in contact with it, and etch marks may appear. Promptly wipe away tomato juice, lemon juice, perfume, or toothpaste. Marble is softer than granite and will wear at a faster rate. Avoid scratching and exercise caution when using knives or sharp objects around marble. laMinate One of the more budget-friendly materials, laminate countertops can be fabricated to mimic the look of natural stone, wood or even quartz. Laminate is less resistant to damage than other materials and will need a gentle touch. Formica® says to never use abrasive cleansers, scouring pads or steel wool when cleaning laminate countertops. For tough stains, an all-purpose cleaner should suffice when applied with a nylon-bristled brush. Test any cleanser in a discreet area first. tile Cleaning tile countertops requires getting into crevices along the grout lines. A toothbrush and a mildew-fighting cleaner or bleach diluted with water is advised. Also, unglazed tiles need to be sealed yearly. Some soap may leave residue, which can be removed with a solution of vinegar and water.
Driveways • Farm Lanes • Parking Lots • Re-Gravel • Re-Grading • Hauling • Complete Gravel, Excavation & Hauling
Commercial • Residential
Page 11-B - STILLWATER VALLEY ADVERTISER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
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Safeguard Roofs Against Snow Damage
Securing Your Investment With Quality Home Insurance
Snow may delight young children itching for a day off from school. But for many homeowners, the sight of snow means their time will soon be spent clearing paths and plowing driveways rather than building snowmen and sledding with friends. The sight of falling snow also may inspire some homeowners to think about the roofs of their homes. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety warns that it is important to understand the risk of roof collapse due to the weight of snow on the roof. Roof structures that are in good condition can support roughly 20 pounds per square foot. IIBHS says this equates to around four feet of new snow before a roof will become stressed. Total snowfall is not the only factor to consider. Homeowners also must check the type of snow that has fallen. According to House Logic, six inches of wet snow is equal to the weight of about 38 inches of dry snow. That means it may take much less sodden snow to weigh down a roof. Roof condition and the shape of the roof bear consideration as well. Popular Mechanics says the ideal pitched roof is smooth and steep so that the snow slides off. Closely spaced rafters improve the strength of the roof. A flat or slightly pitched roof may accumulate snow more readily. Homeowners are urged to inspect roof rafters to see if they are cracked from previous snowstorms or damaged from insects or rot. Snapping or popping sounds while snow is on the roof is not a good sign. House Logic also says that homeowners can tell if the snow load on the roof is too much by paying attention to interior doors. If such doors begin to stick, that may be a signal that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enough weight on the center of the house to distort the door frames. Houses that had improper renovations or homes in which load-bearing walls were removed may be more susceptible to this problem. Removing snow from a roof is not an easy job â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and may be a task best left to professionals. The safest way to remove snow from the roof is to use a snow rake with an extension arm that enables users to push and pull off the snow while standing on the ground. One should not climb onto a snowy or icy roof to remove snow. Shovels, which can damage roof shingles, should never be used. IIBHS says that hiring a professional roof contractor is one way to safely remove snow from the roof. Licensed and insured contractors will have the experience to get the job done correctly and safely. Homeowners can expect to pay between $250 and $500 for this job. Roof snow removal is a priority for those who live in mountainous or extremely snowy areas. If unsafe amounts of snow are left on rooftops, leaks, damage and collapse may result.
Our Team Can Help You With Your Insurance Needs Call Us Today!
Greenville
515 E. Main St. ~ 937-548-2131
Hrs. Both Locations: M-T-W-F, 9-5; Thurs. 9-Noon
Bradford
110 E. Main St. ~ 937-448-2590
Five Weekend Projects to Try Now Home improvement projects range from major construction overhauls like bathroom remodeling jobs to smaller renovations that may entail something as minor as painting the walls. Smaller projects can often be conquered in a typical weekend but still provide a strong sense of accomplishment. The following are five projects tailor-made for weekend warriors. 1. Improve storage in the entryway. Home entryways are the first places many people drop mail, shed their shoes and toss their keys upon arriving home. As a result, entryways can quickly be overrun with clutter. Storage solutions can include putting in a desk or hutch with baskets underneath to store umbrellas and backpacks. Or hang a coat rack and create a shoe rack to store shoes until the time comes to leave the house once again. 2. Shed new light. Add some design appeal to your home by replacing an old lighting fixture with something more modern. Such a task is relatively easy, and you need not possess the skills of a trained electrician. 3. Add molding for a finishing touch. Dress up spaces with crown molding or a decorative chair rail that goes around a room. You can even use molding to frame new or existing artwork. Find a molding style that complements the architectural style. 4. Update hardware in the bath and kitchen. Switch the handles, draw pulls and knobs on cabinetry with new hardware. The time commitment is practically nil, but you might just give rooms a whole new feel. 5. Patch and paint walls. Spend a weekend filling in holes left behind by since-removed wall hangings. If the patches dry quickly, paint over them. If not, resolve to do your patchwork one weekend and paint the ensuing weekend.
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