Fall
Home & Garden From Fall clean-ups and planting to Home Improvement and Interior Design, you’ll find a full range of professional services to meet your every need.
2016
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| FALL HOME & GARDEN | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
SEPTEMBER 2016
A
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SEPTEMBER 2016
DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
| FALL HOME & GARDEN | 3 A
FEATHERED FRIENDS
Is Your Lawn and Garden Bird-Friendly? Birds are more than just beautiful visitors to your lawn and garden, they are an important component of a healthy local ecosystem. Making your property a safe haven for birds will beautify your garden and is the right thing to do. Here are a few simple steps to take to keep birds safe.
Making your property a safe haven for birds will beautify your garden and is the right thing to do. IAN SHERRIFFS - FOTOLIA.COM
your home’s windows and using UV Liquid to fill the gaps in order to form a visual barrier for birds. The ultraviolet reflecting coating will look like etched glass to humans, but be quite visible to birds. The coating can fade over time, so remember to periodically replace decals. More
best practices can be found ing the use of pesticides at windowalert.com. and fertilizers that kill off the insects that birds need Limit Other Hazards to thrive. Pet cats can prove hazBy taking a few imporardous to birds. Keep cats tant measures at home, you inside or monitor their time can create a haven for mioutdoors in order to prevent gratory birds right in your attacks. own backyard. Promote a natural food source for birds by avoid- Courtesy of StatePoint
Offer Food and Shelter Many birds will simply be using your yard as a rest stop on a long migration. Keep this in mind and fill your yard with native species of trees, shrubs and flowers to provide shelter and food. You can supplement this nourishment with strategically located bird feeders that will prevent birds from striking your home’s windows. Ideally, bird feeders should be located within three feet of a window or more than 30 feet from a window.
Prevent Bird Strikes Ninety-eight million birds are killed annually in the U.S. when colliding with windows, according to
Western EcoSystems Technology estimates. Stem the loss of life by exploiting the keen vision of birds. “When windows are visible to birds, they will enjoy a safer migration,” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert, a company that offers decals and UV Liquid that is visible to birds but not people. Products from Window-
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| FALL HOME & GARDEN | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
SEPTEMBER 2016
A
EXTERIOR CONCERNS
How to Select the Color of Your Home
“It all starts with the roof,” says Kate Smith, a color trend forecaster with Sensational Color. “Colors should flow down the home exterior cohesively.” STATEPOINT
Curb appeal does not happen by accident. From siding to trim to your home’s entry door, these components should not be considered individually, but as parts of a whole — especially when it comes to color, say experts. “It all starts with the roof,” says Kate Smith, a color trend forecaster with Sensational Color. “Colors should flow down the home exterior cohesively.” Smith recommends that when the main color of your home exterior is neutral, to add pops of color on the entry door and trim. The color of your roof should guide these decisions, as the right accents will bring the look together and complement the roof’s beauty. Smith recommends color selection tips and free resources that can be found at DaVinciRoofscapes.com. Whether you want a subtle look or you want something bolder, take a top-down approach to your color selections. Courtesy of StatePoint
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SEPTEMBER 2016
DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
| FALL HOME & GARDEN | 5
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| FALL HOME & GARDEN| DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
SEPTEMBER 2016
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SOPHISTICATED
Upgrades to Give Your House Wow Factor Want to give your house a touch of sophistication that makes it stand apart? This summer, consider making some modern upgrades.
Up-to-Date Lighting If you are still living with your home’s original light fixtures, it may be time for an upgrade. Even the most contemporary home design elements can be wasted when illuminated by the wrong lighting. Swap out standard fix-
tures for sophisticated, sleek designs that complement your home’s style. Use accent lighting to enhance particular pieces of artwork. Task lighting in areas where you cook, write or work with your hands is functional and an opportunity to add style to a room. Take advantage of natural lighting as much as possible, especially during the longer days of summer. If opaque, heavy drapes block out sunlight, consider re-
placing window treatments with something more sheer. Think creatively. An eyecatching, dramatic fixture, such as a chandelier, will really make your home stand out to guests when found on an enclosed porch or other unexpected location.
Modern Fireplace
Elevate your style with a luxurious fireplace. Contemporary options add ambiance, complement your décor and enhance the experience. example, a PRIMO STATEPOINT Swap out standard light fixtures for gasFor fireplace from Heat & Elevate your style with a luxurious fireplace. Contemporary options add ambiance, sophisticated, sleek designs that Glo has heat management technology that redirects complement your décor and enhance the experience. complement your home’s style. the flow of heat, sending warmth where you want it, mation, visit heatnglo.com. stalling stadium theater including outside the home, seating. Vintage touches so you can enjoy the ambi- Home Theater like gold curtains that . t s E 1 ance of a fireplace yearOn a hot day, there is draw back before movies round. At the same time, nothing like cooling down and a popcorn machine 198 it keeps the glass at a safe with a blockbuster. Really will add extra charm in temperature with no safety impress guests on movie this otherwise state-ofscreen required. night by transforming the-art space. The PRIMO also gives your run-of-the-mill enTake your home’s soyou the ability to design tertainment center into a phistication to the next your room without com- bona fide home theater. A level by thinking about PA#006181 promise — placing a TV windowless room or other form and function in equal or artwork directly above area of the house with measure. Add wow-factor SPECIALIZING IN AFFORDABLE the fireplace, or bring- less natural light that can elements to your home’s ing sheetrock, wood pan- be easily soundproofed is indoor and outdoor spaces, KITCHENS AND BATHS els or other finishing ma- ideal. A projector and sur- keeping in mind both liva* ADDITIONS * BASEMENTS terials right up to its edge round sound will ensure bility and style. for a seamless contempo- great audio-visuals. * WINDOWS * DOORS rary style. For more inforFor seating, consider in- Courtesy of StatePoint
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Asbestos is Still Around Though the importing and use of asbestos has decreased dramatically since the mid-1970s, asbestos is still used in some products. According to the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration, more than a million American employees, many of whom work in the construction industry, face significant exposure to asbestos on the job. A group of minerals that occur naturally as bundles of fibers, asbestos has been linked to cancer, a connection that was ultimately discovered after evidence in the first half of the 20th century increasingly showed that breathing in asbestos caused scarring of the lungs. The most common way people are exposed to asbestos is through asbestos inhalation. Inhalation of asbestos occurs during the mining and production of asbestos and when people are involved in the making of products that contain asbestos. While such products are banned in many countries, including throughout the European Union, some countries have yet to ban the use of asbestos. Asbestos also can be inhaled when people are exposed to insulation that contains asbestos, which is generally found in older homes.
SEPTEMBER 2016
DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
| FALL HOME & GARDEN | A
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Like a gas burner, an induction cooktop or range-top surface can handle the rapid shifts in heat settings required in a busy kitchen. And because the burner does not heat unless cookware is detected, ventilation can operate more efficiently.
How Hot Technologies Can Improve Your Kitchen Modern technology is improving every facet of our lives and the kitchen is no exception. By carefully outfitting your kitchen, your appliances can be safer, more efficient and give you versatility and precision as a home chef. One technology, which has been popular in Europe for years but is still relatively new to the US, is induction cooking which uses electromagnetic energy to heat foods quickly and precisely. Like a gas burner, an induction cooktop or rangetop surface can handle the rapid shifts in heat settings required in a busy kitchen. And because the burner does not heat unless cookware is detected, ventilation can operate more efficiently. Other efficiencies in induction cooking are exem-
plified in such appliances as the new 36” Induction 5-Zone Cooktop from Verona, which includes a fast boil setting for rapid cooking as well as a low power setting for delicate meals. A pan detection system saves energ y by sensing the size and shape of cookware and intelligently heating only the needed cooking area. Features like a residual heat indicator and an automatic shut-off in case of spillage make cooking with this induction cooktop safer, too. The brand also makes a 30” induction cooktop and 30” induction range. More information can be found at VeronaAppliances.com. “Because induction cooking offers the most direct heat transfer of any cooking surface and features unprecedented safety benefits, it’s become the mod-
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| FALL HOME & GARDEN | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
SEPTEMBER 2016
A
BEFORE THE FROST
3 pre-winter lawn care pointers Winter weather can be harsh, especially on lawns. Homeowners who spend much of spring and summer tending to their lawns may fear the impact that winter will have on their once-lush landscapes, making the fall a great time to fortify lawns against any harsh conditions to come. Homeowners must take grass type into consideration before taking steps to prepare their lawns for the winter. Some grasses are best fertilized in late-summer, while others should be fertilized in autumn. Cool-season grasses, including fescue and bluegrass, are best fertilized sometime between the months of September and November. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda or zoysia, should be fertil-
ized between July and September. Once homeowners have gained a greater understanding of their lawns, they can begin exploring the various ways to prepare their lawns for whatever winter has in store.
1. Explore winterizing fertilizers.
and harden plants, and coolseason grasses may need extra potassium as winter settles in. Homeowners who are not sure if they should apply winterizing fertilizer can conduct soil tests to determine the potassium levels in their soil. If the test indicates the soil has sufficient potassium, then applying a winterizing fertilizer is likely unnecessary. In addition, homeowners who have fed their lawn a balance of nutrients throughout spring and summer likely will not need to apply winterizing fertilizer.
Homeowners who want to make their grasses more winter hardy can consult landscaping professionals to determine if winterizing fertilizers will work for their lawns. These specially formulated fer tilizers, many of which are made 2. Get rid of fallen exclusively for cool-season leaves. grasses, contain higher levels of potassium and lower While fallen leaves may levels of nitrogen than be integral components early-season fertilizers. Po- of idyllic autumn landtassium helps strengthen scapes, leaves left on the
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lawn throughout the winter may lead to disease in the grass. Leaves trap moisture and block sunlight and air from reaching grass, and that can encourage the development of disease. In addition, leaves can harbor insects that also may contribute to disease. While it might seem like common sense to delay leaf removal until the end of autumn when all the leaves have fallen, that, too, can prove harmful to lawns. Leaves left laying on lawns for long periods of time can contribute to the same types of damage as leaves left on the lawn throughout winter, so do your best to remove leaves as they fall.
3. Take steps to fight snow mold. Homeowners who live in regions where snow falls into spring or where spring tends to be cold and damp may want to take steps to prevent snow mold. Gray snow mold typically looks fuzzy and gray, and lawns infested with snow mold may develop unsightly gray or brown spots indicative of dead grass. Pink snow mold may be even worse than gray snow mold because pink mold attacks the roots as well as the leaves. To pre-
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Leaves left on the lawn throughout the winter may lead to disease in the grass vent snow mold, continue mowing into the fall, even as lawns grow dormant, clearing the lawn of grass clippings and leaves after each mow. Thick lawns may provide a breeding ground for snow mold, so homeowners whose lawns have a history of develop-
ing snow mold may benefit from mowing their lawns into the fall. Winter is rarely easy on lawns, but homeowners can take several steps to prepare their lawns for potentially harsh winter weather. Courtesy of Metro Creative
Creative Uses for Fallen Leaves Millions of leaves fall from tree boughs each fall. Homeowners and landscaping professionals will spend countless hours removing leaves from lawns and driveways so they can be collected and ultimately added to compost piles or removed by local governments. But leaves do not necessarily have to meet with the same fate each year. In fact, there are many creative ways to use leaves gathered from lawns and gardens. ● Scarecrow: Gather a decent pile of leaves and the makings of a scarecrow, which include hay, old clothing, string, and canvas. Use the leaves to help stuff the body of the scarecrow and make him a bit more plump. ● Vases: Fill an empty flower vase with different leaves that you have gathered. This makes for an engaging centerpiece when entertaining. ● Pressings: Press leaves between two pieces of paper to make a leaf silhouette. Some of the pigment will transfer to the paper, and these natural pieces of artwork can be displayed or shared. ● Laminate: Laminate leaves so they can be used as place cards when hosting guests for holiday feasts.
SEPTEMBER 2016
DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
| FALL HOME & GARDEN | 9 A
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| FALL HOME & GARDEN | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
SEPTEMBER 2016
A
BE EFFICIENT
Home Heating Tips to Save Money and Energy Will your house be warm enough this winter? With shifts in climate making winter weather harder to predict, it’s important to prepare your home for extreme winter temperatures as soon as possible. Here are a few key ways to make your home comfortable and energy efficient.
Supplemental Heating Consider reducing energy bills substantially by supplementing whole house heat in the zones of your house used most. For example, why heat the unoccupied foyer to the same degree as the living room where your family spends their time? Focusing your energy use where it is most needed will allow you to lower the thermostat for the central furnace.
Known as “zone heating,” this practice saves dollars and energy.
A wood stove is a great choice for a supplemental heating product that focuses on specific rooms of the home. Not only does a wood stove create a cozy atmosphere, but new models are redefining this classic technology to be greener, safer and easier to operate.
Wood Stove A wood stove is a great choice for a supplemental heating product that focuses on specific rooms of the home. Not only does a wood stove create a cozy atmosphere, but new models are redefining this classic technology to be greener, safer and easier to operate. For example, the QuadraFire Adventure II, an EPAcertified appliance, features Smart Burn Technology, which delivers controllable, efficient heat. It’s the only stove equipped with a programmable wall thermostat that maintains the temperature of your room, helping reduce heating bills up to 50 percent. It also alerts
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Burn from Vermont Castings, which can be burned with a catalyst to increase efficiency by more than 15 percent on the longest burn settings and lowering emissions to ensure you get the most out of each load of wood. For those who want to green their home, wood is a good fuel choice, as it’s a re-
newable energy source that perform yourself include is carbon neutral. changing HVAC filters, sealing drafts and ductwork, Regular Maintenance and weatherstripping winYour heating system, sup- dows and doors. You may plemental heating prod- want to have your central ucts and insulation all re- furnace serviced profesquire regular maintenance sionally, however. A handy to operate at their highest checklist is available at encapacity and keep your ergystar.gov. home warm at a reasonable cost. Certain tasks you can Courtesy of StatePoint
Budgeting Home Improvement Projects Home improvements can add value and aesthetic appeal to a home. However, to reap the rewards of a remodeled room, home addition or any home improvement project, homeowners will have to invest both their money and their time. Establishing a project budget can be helpful and
prevent overspending. According to Visually, a marketing information service, nearly half of the homeowners surveyed said the cost of their renovation projects did not exceed their budgets. However, more than one-third of those surveyed reported going over budget on their projects. To keep
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costs down, consider hiring a contractor. He or she will have industry contacts and may be able to get materials at a lower cost. While you will pay for labor, working with a contractor greatly reduces both the time spent on the project and the risk of costly mistakes being made. In addition, think about the way you finance the renovations. Industry experts have found that homeowners who finance their home improvement projects with lines of credit end up spending more money on average than those who use their savings to fund projects. While it may be tempting to take out a line of credit for a home improvement project, spending only money you already have may be the more responsible route to take.
SEPTEMBER 2016
DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
| FALL HOME & GARDEN | 11 A
UP IN SMOKE
How to Make Your Fireplace More Efficient Nothing beats gathering around the fire in winter. Unfortunately, a woodburning fireplace could be a major source of energy loss in your home, sending your utility bills sky high. However, you don’t need to sacrifice the fire to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your heating bills; in fact, it’s possible to convert your wood fireplace into an efficient heat source with the following tips.
Upgrade Your Fireplace
ash, soot, or smoke. Models like the Escape from Heat & Glo use energy-saving FireBrick technology to increase efficiency and are low maintenance, turning on and off with the flip of a switch. Learn more about the benefits of a gas fireplace insert at heatnglo. com/insertawareness. If you can’t part with the aroma, crackle and act of building a real fire, consider pellet and EPA-certified wood inserts, which can be an easy, clean and efficient alternative as well.
You don’t need to sacrifice the fire to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your heating bills; in fact, it’s possible to convert your wood fireplace into an efficient heat source. STEVE HERDER - SHUTTERSTOCK
Best Practices
Consider a gas fireplace insert. They generate more radiant heat and are cleaner to maintain than traditional masonry style wood-burning fireplaces, which are a leading source of indoor air loss. “Traditional wood fireplaces add a lot of charm to a home, but they are inefficient – even when they aren’t in use,” says Andy Tesch, brand director of Heat & Glo, the leading manufacturer of innovative gas fireplaces, stoves and inserts. “A gas fireplace insert is a great alternative to maintain the ambiance a fire creates while enhancing efficiency.” A gas fireplace insert is cleaner, too, creating no
If making the upgrade to an insert is not possible, a few simple steps can drastically improve the energy efficiency of your fireplace. Number one, when the fireplace is not in use, close the chimney damper. You’ll prevent warm air and your money from going up and out the chimney. A flue sealer is an affordable, inflatable stopper that fits below the damper to further seal off the chimney and is a worthwhile purchase. Proper maintenance can also go far to improve your fireplace’s efficiency. Have it inspected, maintained and cleaned annually. Even if you love DIY, you may want to hire a contractor to ensure the job is done safely
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and thoroughly. Considering adding doors or a cover to the front of your fireplace to help reduce the draft and improve the look. There are many styles available to enhance your interior design. This winter, bring together both traditional charm and modern energy efficiency. A few upgrades and habits will allow you to enjoy your fireplace all winter long, while keeping heating bills low. Courtesy of StatePoint
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| FALL HOME & GARDEN | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
SEPTEMBER 2016
A
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White is a versatile color in home decorating and renovation. White helps any space look effortlessly chic, blends well with just about any color and can be incorporated into various design styles — from modern to traditional. While the color white is always trendy, the paint manufacturers Benjamin Moore chose white (Simply White OC-117) as their “it”color for 2016. White can be used nearly anywhere inside and outside the home. Improving interior and exterior spaces with white elements is easier than you might think, and it instantly can make anything look as good as new.
Living Room
Use white as a base color for living room spaces so you can build on it with other hues on pillows and draperies, mixing and matching however you see fit. Homeowners who have child ren a nd/or pet s should look for furniture with removable slipcovers. This way they’re easily removed and laundered.
Bathroom
Keep in mind that doing a bed up in all white means it will always be easy to find matching sheets and pillowcases, making it possible to ensure everything looks cohesive and crisp.
Outdoors Use white paint on trims, shutters, mailboxes, and more to provide that pop of contrast against the rest of the home. White complements just about every color, making it a versatile choice on a home’s accents regardless of the main exterior color of that home. White and other light shades will ref lect the sun as well, contributing to cooler temperatures on walkways, decks and other structures, which can be advantageous to homeowners who live in warm climates. Is it any wonder that white continues to be a classic and popular color to use around the home? Whether you do so with monochromatic roomscapes or accent pieces, you can incorporate white into design plans throughout your home.
White bathrooms look fresh and are easy to clean and maintain. White tiles provide a classic look. Include colored bath mats, towels and shower curtains to break up the white Kitchen as you see fit. A neutral While rich cherrywood white base makes it easy cabinets and deeply hued to switch out color schemes granite countertops have whenever you feel like it. long been popular in kitchens, creamy white cabinets Bedroom paired with blonde wood Feminine and fresh, countertops can work to- white bedrooms may not gether to make kitch- be the first choice for novice ens seem open and airy. designers. If the prospect of If all white is not your white on white seems too thing, brighten up kitchen sterile, offset deeper hues spaces with white canis- on bed linens and walls ters, cookie jars and a fresh with white furniture. This bouquet of white flowers to provides some pop against add instant appeal. the darker contrast. Courtesy of MetroCreative
Hidden Danger 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.
Prepare for Spring 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 distributor’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.
SEPTEMBER 2016
DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
| FALL HOME & GARDEN | 13 A
GOOD NEIGHBORS
Finding the right fencing fit Homeowners choose to erect fences on their properties for various reasons. Parents may find fences provide peace of mind during those times when their youngsters are playing in the yard, while other homeowners prefer fences for the privacy they can provide. Whatever compels homeowners to consider fencing for their properties, those that have decided to install fencing will soon realize they have numerous options. Finding the right fencing material for your property requires considering a host of factors, including budget and personal style.
Aluminum
to homeowners who want to do something that’s both different and eco-friendly. Bamboo grows naturally, which should appeal to homeowners who want their homes to have as little negative impact on the environment as possible. Bamboo provides ample privacy and comes in various styles. Homeowners should consult with a fencing specialist before choosing a style so they can be certain they choose the most climate-appropriate option.
Chain-link Chain-link fences may not add the aesthetic appeal homeowners are looking for, but they are relatively inexpensive, durable and functional. Chain-link fences are low maintenance, though homeowners looking for fences to provide some privacy may need to get creative if they install chain-link fencing. Planting flowers, shrubbery or trees near chain-link fences can add some aesthetic appeal and a little privacy.
of paying for upkeep such as repainting. Vinyl fencing comes in various styles, and homeowners can choose the style that best suits their priorities with regard to aesthetic appeal and privacy.
Wood Of course, no discussion of fencing would be complete without mentioning wood fencing. Many homeowners love wood fencing because of its versatility with regard to design and color. The options are endless when it comes to crafting wood fencing, which also can be stained in any color homeowners prefer. Wood fencing can be designed not only for homeowners who prioritize privacy, but it also can be crafted for homeowners for whom privacy is not a significant concern. Wood is a relatively inexpensive fencing material, but the maintenance required to keep wood fencing looking great can sometimes be costly and time-consuming. Options abound for homeowners looking to add fencing to their properties. Homeowners hesitant to choose a material and/or install their own fencing can consult local professionals to find the best fencing fit for their properties.
Aluminum fencing is ideal for those looking for something that’s both ornamental and functional. Aluminum fencing may not appeal to those homeowners whose biggest priority is privacy, as aluminum fences are not solid walls. But aluminum fences are typically low maintenance, and they can be effective at keeping both kids and pets in the yard. Aluminum fences painted with a rust-inhibiting primer may require Vinyl even less maintenance than Among the more expenaluminum fences painted with- sive fencing options, vinyl can out primer. make up for that initial sticker shock thanks to its durability. Bamboo In addition, vinyl fences reBamboo is a less traditional quire little maintenance, savfencing option that may appeal ing homeowners the expense Courtesy of Metro Creative
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| FALL HOME & GARDEN | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
SEPTEMBER 2016
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COMMUNITY MINDED
PHOTO COURTESY OF WM. HENDERSON
When you call for heating, air conditioning or other services, you want prompt and competent technicians. You’ll get that from the staff at Wm. Henderson.
Your Comfort is Their Priority at Wm. Henderson By Margie Royal
“Your comfort is our priority,” the staff at Wm. Henderson promises. The Broomall-based company has been providing quality plumbing, heating and cooling services, both residential and commercial, throughout Delaware County, Chester County and the Main Line for 39 years. They promise prompt, professional service and even offer, via their website, an online chat with a service representative. The company specializes in air conditioning, heating, equipment maintenance and drain or sewer problems. But that’s not all. If you need a new chimney liner or a generator installed, the team at Wm. Henderson has the experts for the job. They can also help you remodel or add a bathroom and even have an inhouse tile setter to complete the work. In fact, you can
PHOTO COURTESY OF WM. HENDERSON
Wm. Henderson employees conducted a coat drive in 2015 to help those in need. It’s one of the many programs they support to give back to the community. come into the Broomall office and visit their tile showroom to see colors and samples so that you’ll get the exact look you want for your bathroom. Now that fall is here and the weather is becoming colder, if you need heater service or a new system, Wm. Henderson is the
place to call. They’ll assess your needs and recommend the most efficient size unit you’ll need to keep your home warm and comfortable. They’ll help you select the highest SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating you can afford for the size of the unit you
need to heat your home. Wm. Henderson also gives back to the community through impressive programs such as their recent “Cat Pack” partnership with Villanova’s Youth Fan Club for youths age 12 and under which they are continuing this fall. The program offers youths free
admission to Villanova’s home football, lacrosse and basketball games, a chance to attend special team practice sessions, and even a special Wm. Henderson “Kids Zone” area offering coloring stations, face painting and balloon art. Youths who are affiliated with Wm. Henderson customers are chosen to participate in the coin toss at Villanova football home games. Kids are also selected to serve as “mop boys” and, wearing Wm. Henderson T-shirts, they sit on the sidelines and wait to “mop” the floor during basketball game breaks. For the last two years, the company has been a sponsor of the Haverford Spring Fest, which brings a day of free music to the community. Wm. Henderson also runs a Coat Drive in winter and participates in many programs throughout the fall months to help the homeless and to alleviate hunger in the community.
They also support the nonprofit Susan G. Komen organization which is dedicated to saving lives and ending breast cancer. When you call for heating, air conditioning or other services, you want prompt and competent technicians who can do the job right. You’ll get that from the staff at Wm. Henderson. They’ll quote a price before doing any work in your home or business. Be sure and check the website at www.wmhendersoninc.com for coupon deals. Since Wm. Henderson is celebrating its 39th year in business, you’ll find a few great deals that incorporate the number 39. Hours a re Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. with 24-hour emergency service available. Call 610-544-7999 for more information. Article as seen in the July 2016 edition of Delaware County Magazine.
SEPTEMBER 2016
DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
| FALL HOME & GARDEN | 15 A
CRACKING UP
3 potential trouble signs for driveways Though they are often easy to overlook, driveways are durable parts of a home that can greatly impact a home’s curb appeal. Driveways endure quite a bit of wear and tear over their lifespans, and homeowners who have not given their driveways much thought may want to start looking for potential trouble signs that indicate a need for some driveway maintenance.
According to the online home improvement resource HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of a driveway installation in 2015 was just under $3,700. Those costs are influenced by a host of factors, including the size of the driveway and the material it’s
METRO CREATIVE
Surface cracks in a driveway may indicate a problem that requires immediate attention. made of. Damaged drive- repairs. But homeowners ways do not necessarily who see any of the followneed to be replaced, as ing trouble signs in their some may just need minor driveways may want to
5 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 so-
lutions 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. Metro Creative
consult a professional con- indicative of anything other tractor to determine what than a rainy day. But water their next steps should be. that pools or runs down the middle of the driveway may 1. Potholes indicate drainage problems. Potholes might be most Such problems may be the of ten a ssociated w ith result of structural problems heavily trafficked road- with the slope of the driveways, but even driveways way, which can cause bigger are susceptible to potholes. issues down the road. When As the ground beneath water is not absorbed into the driveway expands and the ground or directed away contracts, the pavement from your home, it can then above that ground weak- flow into the house, potenens and becomes more sus- tially making your garage ceptible to damage. That or home susceptible to wadamage may ultimately ter damage. lead to large chunks of the driveway breaking 3. Cracks down, creating holes as a Cracking is one of the result. Homeowners who more noticeable issues live in areas that experi- that can plague driveence heavy snowfall may ways. Many driveways exsee their driveways de- perience cracking as mavelop potholes after they terials inevitably succumb are shoveled or plowed. to the elements. Driveway Potholes that are not fixed cracks may develop for may damage vehicles that various reasons, includdrive on the pavement, and ing poor initial installapotholes may even expand tion. Tree roots that grow over time. beneath the driveway surface may also contribute 2. Accumulation of to cracking as the drivewater ways ultimately succumb Puddles that form dur- to the pressure created by ing a rainstorm may not be the growing roots. Some
FALL CLEAN SALE Over the course of time, dust builds up in a clock too, and can do major damage to the parts. So as part of your fall cleaning, let us clean your clock.
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According to the online home improvement resource HomeAdvisor. com, the average cost of a driveway installation in 2015 was just under $3,700. cracks may prove less problematic than others, but homeowners should still speak with a contractor if they notice their driveway is starting to succumb to cracks. Driveways may not draw the attention of homeowners too often, but damaged driveways that go ignored may ultimately lead to very costly problems. Courtesy of MetroCreative
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|  FALL HOME & GARDEN | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK
SEPTEMBER 2016
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Open daily thru November 6!
PUMPKINLAND HARVEST HAYRIDES
Enjoy a hayride through our scenic fields and orchards. Weekends In September: 10am-5pm October 1 thru November 6: Monday - Friday 12:30-4pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
AUTUMN MOON HAYRIDES
Hayride followed by a bonfire, marshmallow roasting & apple cider. September 23-25; September 30-October 2; October 7-30: Weekdays 6 & 7pm; Friday - Sunday 6-8pm
HAYRIDES TO THE WITCHES HOUSE
This hayride visits the friendly Witches House in the woods. She tells stories, jokes and gives all of the kids a treat, followed by a bonfire with marshmallows to roast & apple cider. September 23-25; September 30-October 2; October 7-30: Sunday - Thursday 5:30-8pm; Friday & Saturday 5:30-8:30pm Additional entertainment and performances are scheduled during October weekends. For details check: www.linvilla.com/pumpkinland
137 W. Knowlton Rd, Media, PA
PICK-YOUR-OWN APPLES
Open Every Day! Visit www.Linvilla.com/pick for details.
TRAIN RIDES & APPLE SLING
Weekends In September: 10am-5pm October 1 thru November 6: Monday - Friday 12:30-4pm; Saturday & Sunday 12-5pm
PONY RIDES
Saturdays & Sundays 12-5pm
FACE PAINTING
Monday - Friday 10am-3:30pm; Saturdays & Sundays 10am-6pm; Halloween Face Painting 10am-5pm
STRAW BALE & CORN MAZES Saturdays & Sundays 10am-5pm
Visit Our Farm Market & Garden Center for: Mums, Scarecrows, Fall Decorations, Corn Shocks, Cider Donuts, Winter Squash, Freshly Baked Pies, Candy & Caramel Apples, Apple Cider & More!
| www.Linvilla.com | Open Daily 8am to 7pm