JG-TC Fall Home & Garden

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Fall Home Improvement 2014 Produced by JG-TC (Mattoon Journal Gazette & Times-Courier) 700 Broadway Avenue E. Ste 9A Mattoon, IL 61938

(217) 235-5656 Publisher: Carl Walworth Advertising Director: Tammy Jordan Rob Scheffer, Mattoon/Charleston Retail Sales . . . .238-6838 Sherri Aldrich, Real Estate Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6832

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ARTICLE INDEX 2 Things to consider when shed shopping 3 Basement versatility 4 How to choose a builder 5 Pros and cons to including an island in a kitchen redesign 6 Ideas on restoring secondhand furniture 7 Make a plan for garage organization 8 Sealing a driveway can extend its life 9 These insects can harm your home 10 Give your home an energy makeover 11 How to repair and replace window screens

Connie Anderson, Classifieds/Niche’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6828 Vicki Oakley, Auto/Effingham Retail Sales . . . . . . . . . . .238-6831 Michael Katz, Arthur Retail Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6834 Crystal Holley, Mattoon/Sullivan Retail Sales . . . . . . . .238-6837

Layout and Design: Laura Kazmer Advertising: To place a display advertisement, call (217) 238-6821 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or email advertising@jg-tc.com To place classified advertising, call 238-6828 or 238-6821 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Fall chimney cleaning tips Homeowners whose homes have fireplaces understand that a little more maintenance goes into autumn prep work for their homes than for those homeowners without fireplaces. Readying the fireplace for another season of use requires some upkeep.

A clean fireplace and chimney is the best defense against hazardous conditions that can cause a chim-

ney or home fire. For those who did not clean their chimneys in the spring after extensive winter use, it is imperative to handle cleaning prior to lighting your first fire in the coming winter.

Chimney cleaning can be a do-ityourself job. Rods and brushes can cost as much as $150, depending on where you live. That is roughly equivalent to the cost of hiring a professional chimney sweep once.

But if you have a fear of heights or prefer not to climb up on the roof to inspect the chimney, you may just want to hire a professional.

When cleaning your chimney, first place plastic sheeting in the fireplace and around the opening to the fireplace inside the home. Then climb up on the roof and remove the chimney cap inspecting the chimney for soot and creosote, which tends to be thickest at the mouth of the chimney where it will cool and stick to the inside of the masonry.

Use the correct size brush for your chimney to make adequate surface contact to sweep out the debris. Go inside and clean up the residual mess, then reach up into the chimney from the fireplace side and remove any other soot before moving into the basement (or wherever the chimney reaches the bottom) to re-

move any soot that has dropped from that area as well.

Cleaning a chimney is a messy task that will take some work, but it is a task that needs to be done to safeguard a home before the arrival of winter.

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FALL Home & Garden

JG-TC

OCTOBER 2014 — 3

FALL HOME & GARDEN | PREPARATION

Fall Planting Season W

hen you picture “planting season,” you may envision the springtime months: rainy conditions, soft ground and plenty of impending sunshine on the horizon of summer.

But the fall also is an ideal time to load up your yard with new bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees – depending on where you live.

Air-Soil Conditions So what makes the fall season such an ideal time for planting? As the temperatures begin to cool, the soil remains warm – the ideal setting for a new plant. In fact, the National Gardening Association (NGA) states that most plant roots continue to grow until soil temperatures drop into the 40s.

Gardening in the fall can be better for both your plants and you.

Which of these scenarios sounds more appealing as you toil away in your garden: Sweating in the sum-

mer heat while you pick the neverending assortment of weeds or planting a new tree in comfortable, crisp weather conditions?

The soil will also be your best friend during the fall, since it is not likely as muddy as it is during the springtime. You will be able to pop your new shrubs, perennials and container-grown trees right into the ground without much of a struggle.

Clean Up The fall season brings leaves, dried foliage and seed heads to your garden, and you may feel the urge to quickly tidy up. Not so fast, says the NGA. Of course, aesthetically speaking, you can decide to keep your garden area nice and clean for the next planting season. But the NGA recommends leaving fallen leaves within your garden bed, because they are nature’s way of insulating the soil. They also add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.

You can also rake up the leaves and add them to a compost pile, or simply choose to mow over them to add small, nutrient-filled pieces to your grass.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | GARDENING

Handy tips for revitalizing paneled rooms P

aneling is a lowcost way to cover problem walls. In the 1960s and 1970s, paneling was very popular. Sold in large panels, paneling was relatively easy to hang, and quickly became a staple of dens and finished basements.

But few of today's homeowners are enamored with the look of faux wood paneling. Those who purchase homes that have paneling on the walls often search for ways to transform the look of rooms in which the walls are covered in paneling. While paneling does go up quickly, removing it may not be as simple. Explore these options for giving paneled walls a new look.

Paint over the paneling The fastest way to breathe new life into a paneled room is to paint over the paneling. The texture of the paneling will show from beneath,

giving the room appeal without the dark hue of the wood or veneer panels. Consult with a paint store or home improvement center to determine the most effective way to cover up paneling with paint. Sometimes it is wise to lightly scuff the paneling with a fine-grit sandpaper so that the paint will adhere. Shiny or glossed paneling can be dulled with a de-glossing product. Sometimes a combination of a thick primer and color will grip the paneling and reduce the number of coats needed to cover it. Also, invest in a high-quality, professional-grade paint. It may cost a bit more, but such paint will be well worth it when it glides over the paneling, covering it completely. If you don't want the grooves showing between the panels, fill them in with spackle and sand down to create a smooth surface before painting.

Cover the paneling Covering up the paneling is another tactic. Rather than coating the wall in paint, consider a wallpaper liner. Liners are essentially a thick, plain wallpaper that is applied on top of the paneling or used when dealing with damaged walls. In lieu of tearing down the walls and putting up new drywall, the liner will

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cover imperfections. Many of these products can be painted directly and may not require priming beforehand. This can be great for homeowners whose goal is to cover paneling quickly and easily.

Those who prefer a patterned look on the walls can opt to cover paneling with a printed wallpaper.

However, depending on the thickness of the wallpaper, this may be a two-step process. You may need to fill in the creases between the panels first, or first use a thick wallpaper liner to create a seamless surface.

Cut the paneling If you desire a cottage or country look in a room, remove half of the paneling, leaving the bottom portion intact. Then place molding or a chair rail where you made your cut, creating a wainscoting effect. The top portion of the wall can be painted, while the bottom portion can be left as the wood color or painted a complementary color.

Remove the paneling The most labor-intensive way to give a paneled room a new look is to remove the paneling. Pry at a portion of the paneling in an inconspicuous spot in the room to determine which method was used to install the paneling. Some people only tack it into place with small, finishing nails, while others glue the paneling to the wall for a secure installation. Glue will be much more difficult to remove and could further damage the walls and paneling in the process. If the paneling is too difficult to remove, covering or painting it may be a smarter option.

Small nails can be removed by pulling at the panels. Spackle holes before painting over the walls.

Paneling is an inexpensive deco-

rating option that was first popularized 40 years ago. Though less popular now, paneling still shows

up in homes and can be remedied with some relatively easy tips.

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JG-TC

OCTOBER 2014 — 5

FALL HOME & GARDEN | SECURITY

Safe Garage, Safe Home trips to family members’ homes and the shopping mall, it’s time to check all of the doors, windows and other features of your garage to measure its security level when you’re away from home.

G

arage security is a crucial, yet often-overlooked aspect to the overall safety of your belongings and family.

Some reports have shown that experienced burglars can open a locked, yet deficient garage door in only six seconds.

Service and Entry Doors The side door on your garage is the most common point of entry for burglars. Why? Because many homeowners overlook the importance of have a dead-bolted door to the garage, which is just as important a feature on other exterior doors.

Install a dead bolt and heavyduty strike plate to make forced entry a difficult task.

And once they’re in your garage, they can get away with valuable tools and toys, not to mention having easier access to the inside your home.

And with the fall season full of

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lighting that not only can spook a thief, but will also be more cost-efficient for you than lighting that stays on all night.

As for the interior of your garage, think on the opposite end of bright lighting when you are away or sleeping. Cover all of your windows to keep visibility from the outside to a minimum. A crook may be more

likely to pass on trying to enter if he can't see inside.

Keep the Clicker Close If you leave your garage-door remote affixed to your sun visor, you are in danger of simply giving away access into your home. A thief who breaks in to your car – no matter where you are – can also swipe the

remote for easy access into your garage.

Why not opt for a keychain remote that can be in your pocket or purse at all times? These small, handy clickers are perfect for ensuring garage security every time you leave the car.

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FALL Home & Garden

6 — OCTOBER 2014

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | WINTERIZING

Beat the Wrath of Winter W

intertime brings with it holiday gatherings, beautiful snowflakes and adventure-filled sledding expeditions.

But if your house could talk, it would tell you that winter is also accompanied by biting winds, damag-

ing ice and dropping temperatures that correlate with increasing heating bills. The fall is the perfect time to listen to your house and prepare for those chilly conditions.

Doing so can help you save time and money in costly repairs come springtime. There are certain pain points of your home – drafty windows and outdated furnaces come to mind – that may need immediate overhauls. Other improvements require only a bit of sweat equity to fully ready your home for the wrath

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of winter.

Replace Your Windows An inefficient window can lead to more than an uncomfortable draft once winter arrives. It can also welcome damaging frost or condensation on the inside of the window, which can lead to rotting wood frames.

Replacing a window is a fairly straightforward process, but you may want to consult a licensed professional to ensure warranty-protected installation. Find a company dedicated to carrying the latest, most efficient models for your home.

Service Your Furnace Gas and electric furnace systems are projected to efficiently operate for about 10 to 15 years and require annual service checks for optimal operation. Do you know how old your furnace unit is? Check the sticker with your model number for the date of manufacture and installation. If you’re around the 10- to 15-year mark, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

A lower heating bill is one of the immediate benefits of having your unit replaced or repaired. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that residential energy costs

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have been rising across the board for several years. With this trend likely to continue, now may be the time to dramatically improve your family’s bottom line in terms of heating and cooling expenses.

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Other Tips You can complete plenty of other basic tasks to winterize your home:

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• Add a fresh coat of exterior sealer to your home to minimize the impact of snow or ice.

• Check your roof for any leaks or damaged shingles – or have a professional do it for you.

• Power wash your siding and decking to prevent the growth of mold and mildew that grow on dirt and grime.

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Did you know?

Homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects should prioritize dust removal to avoid the potentially negative side effects of exposure to lead dust. When undergoing a renovation, homes built before 1978, the year the use of lead paint was banned, are likely to produce lead dust, which occurs when lead paint is sanded or chipped. That dust can be especially harmful to children, pregnant women and pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead dust that is as small as a grain of sand is enough to poison children, who may suffer brain damage, hearing loss, nervous system and kidney damage, and decreased muscle and bone growth after exposure to lead dust. When pregnant women are exposed to lead dust, that exposure may affect the baby's cognitive development while increasing the mother's blood pressure. Household pets exposed to lead dust may suffer from a series of side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and possibly death. When making renovations to their homes, homeowners can open windows and wear protective gear such as masks and safety goggles to avoid direct exposure to lead dust.

FALL Home & Garden

JG-TC

OCTOBER 2014 — 7

FALL HOME & GARDEN | GARDENING

Love Garlic? Plant it in the Fall

G

arlic can absolutely thrive out of the garden, especially if you plant it during the fall months. It is a perennial bulb that, when planted in the fall, will root, make limited growth before the first hard freeze and produce a bountiful harvest the next summer.

The Chill Factor What many green thumbs may not realize about garlic is that it has an internal chill requirement, ac-

cording to the University of Illinois agriculture extension center. When planting it in the spring, garlic should be stored in the refrigerator for at least eight weeks prior to planting. This will ensure proper chilling.

Not as much planning is needed if you decide to plant garlic in the fall, since it will obtain its chilling directly in the soil. Fall-planted garlic will also have the advantage of gaining much earlier maturity.

Planting Your Garlic Here are the proper planting methods for garlic, according to the University of Illinois extension: • Soil recommendations include high organic matter levels, good drainage and a couple of pounds of fertilizer per every 100 square feet.

• Lay out your planting rows 15

to 18 inches apart.

• Separate individual cloves from the main bulb and plant them about four to six inches apart in the row.

• Set your cloves tip up and one to two inches below the soil surface.

Weed Control The University of Illinois identifies garlic as a “weak competitor,” which explains its needs for extra help fighting against garden weeds.

You shouldn’t have to worry about the weeds much in the fall or winter, but be prepared to stave them off during the spring and summer seasons.

Since you will likely consume your garlic, avoid all chemicalbased weed killers and instead opt for mulch, straw or other organic materials that can help keep weeds

from taking over. Doing so directly after planting the bulbs can also

help alleviate winter soil frost.

FALL HOME & GARDEN | SAFETY

Avoiding Autumn Ouches A

s the wind chills and the leaves begin to fall, our outdoor activities turn from yard maintenance to cleanup. And taking care of the clutter can be a physically challenging endeavor.

There’s the raking, mulching, wheel-barrowing and bagging of

leaves, not to mention cleaning them out of your gutters.

The fall season can be one of the most dangerous in terms of injuries suffered while performing yard work. Consider the following safety tips from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons to prevent injuries while performing yard work.

• Use a rake that is comfortable for your height, strength and physical ability. If you generally don’t use your hands for manual labor, wear special gardening gloves or use rakes with heavily padded handles to avoid painful blisters.

• Wet leaves can be slippery, so be safe by wearing shoes or boots

with slip-resistant soles.

• Do not overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. Lifting too many leaves at once can cause back or neck injury, so be sure you can lift your bags comfortably before transporting them.

• Avoid throwing bags of leaves over your shoulder or to the side.

The twisting motion required to do so places undue stress on your back.

• Make sure the engine is off and cool before you begin any maintenance work on your lawnmower, mulcher or leaf blower.

• Wear protective gear such as goggles, gloves, boots and long pants when mowing. Never mow barefoot or in sandals and always check areas for poison ivy,

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branches or other obstructions that could harm you or your mower.

• Never use your hands or feet to clear debris from under a lawnmower. Use a large stick or

broomhandle instead. Also, never touch the blades with your hands or feet, even if the engine is off. The blade can still jar forward and cause serious injury.

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FALL Home & Garden

8 — OCTOBER 2014

JG-TC

FALL HOME & GARDEN | TERMINOLOGY

Your Gardening Glossary H

ave you ever brought a plant home from your local gardening center only to be confused by the directions for actually putting it in the ground?

The gardening industry has lingo all its own, which can be somewhat

perplexing for the novice green thumb. What does it mean when a plant is “bolting?” How exactly do you “broadcast” seeds? And those are just a couple of gardening terms that start with ‘B.’ Use this simple glossary the next time you are staring in bewilderment at the directions for planting your seeds.

• Annual: A plant that grows, flowers and dies all in the course of one year. Petunias, violas, marigolds and dianthuses are some

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of the most popular annuals.

• Bolting: The early stages of flowering for a plant, even before it enters the development phase of its crop. Some of the most common bolting plants include lettuce, radishes and cabbage.

• Broadcast: A method of scattering seed by hand instead of sowing it in rows.

• Compost: An organic growing matter comprised of decomposed garden waste such as fallen leaves, grass clippings and even food byproducts like banana peels.

• Deciduous: Plants that naturally lose their leaves during the

cold winter months.

• Herbs: Used for seasoning, medicinal purposes or garnishes, these aromatic plants have fragrant leaves or flowers.

• Leaching: Occurs when substances such as fertilizer or pesticide are dissolved and transported by rain water.

• Outcropping: When landscape beds extend beyond their designated surroundings. Vines, expanded shrub beds or climbing plants fall into this category.

• Perennial: A plant that grows, flowers and comes back year after year. Evergreens are perennials, as

are many plants that actually die back to the ground but grow again the following season.

• Sandy Loam: A soil mixture made from a combination of sandy soil and loam, which is a mixture of silt, sand and clay.

• Thatch: A dead-grass layer between the soil level and blades of grass. It restricts air, water and fertilizer from reaching the soil.

FALL Home & Garden

JG-TC

OCTOBER 2014 — 9

FALL HOME & GARDEN | BUDGET

How to stay within your home improvement budget H

ome improvement projects range from small scale undertakings that can be tackled in a single weekend to large remodels that can take several months to complete. While no two projects are the same, every home improvement project demands that homeowners dip into their pockets and spend some money.

Much like the scale of projects varies greatly, so, too, do the financial commitments required of homeowners to make those projects a reality. But no matter the size of the project, homeowners can find ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing the quality of their improvements. * Do your homework. Before you decide to make changes to your home, it's best to first do some research into any potential projects you're considering. Many homeowners have decided to dive into a project before they fully realize its scope and cost, and going in blind can bust a budget, turning what might have seemed like a relatively simple project into a money pit.

Understanding just what a project entails and how much it's likely to cost can give homeowners an idea of what they can afford and where they might be able to stretch their budgets. For example, if you want to replace your kitchen countertops but can't afford engineered quartz countertops, you might be able to find a less expensive alternative, such as tile, that you like just as much. But it's best to research such alternatives before you decide to replace your existing countertops. If you can't find a less expensive alternative, you might want to postpone the project until you can grow your budget. But starting the project without first grasping its true cost is a recipe for disaster, so do your homework before you find your toolbox and start working. * Build unforeseen expenses into your budget. Another way to stay within your budget is to include budget-busting unforeseen expenses into the budget from the get-go. Whether you're doing the project yourself or paying a contractor, nearly every home improvement project will present some unforeseen, and costly, hurdles. For example, you might find mold inside

the walls when you're converting a basement, and it can cost a pretty penny to make that mold go away.

If you go into the project expecting such hurdles, then the financial sting of addressing them won't prove too great a burden. But if the mold catches you and your budget completely off guard, you might be forced to overextend that budget or make sacrifices elsewhere in order to complete the project. Build some contingency money, including permit and permit fees, into your home improvement project to safeguard against such unforeseen issues. * Get to work. If you're hiring a contractor, speak to him or her before signing a contract to see if there is anywhere you can pitch in to keep the labor costs low. You might be able to pitch in during the demolition phase, saving the cost of paying your contractor's workers to tear down walls or remove debris you can just as easily remove yourself. Another way to pitch in is to do the end-of-day cleanup yourself.

Any role you play with regard to labor will likely need to be negoti-

ated upfront, but you can save yourself a substantial amount of money on labor if you're willing to get your hands dirty. * Determine if piecemeal is the most affordable option. Sometimes it makes sense to tackle one project at a time, while other times you might want to combine projects to save on the cost of materials. For instance, if your ultimate goal is to install wood flooring throughout your home, determine if it makes more financial sense to install the flooring all at once rather than doing one or two rooms at a time. You might save by buying all of your materials at once rather than buying a small amount of materials several times over the next several years.

Home improvement projects often go a long way toward making a home more enjoyable for its owners and inhabitants. And while such projects can be costly, homeowners who stay disciplined can still get their dream homes without busting their budgets.

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FALL Home & Garden

10 — OCTOBER 2014

JG-TC

FALL HOME & GARDEN | COLOR

Recolor your kitchen and make it more efficient A

lot goes on in the kitchen: preparing food, sharing meals, spending time with a friend over a cup of coffee, helping children with homework, baking for holidays -- and much more. If your kitchen could use an update to become an easier-touse, more pleasant room, Woodcraft has some ideas and products to help you get started.

"It's amazing the difference you can make with just a few functional and decorative changes to your home's kitchen area. Most of these projects can be completed in a weekend. If you live close to a Woodcraft store, the staff will be happy to help you match products to any home improvement job you plan to do -- and offer knowledgeable how-to advice for using the

products," Darin Lawrence, Woodcraft director of product development, said. "For more project ideas, check out Woodcraft on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/woodcraftsupply. Woodcraft also offers how-to video, articles and instructions at www.woodcraft.com/search2/learn. aspx."

Cabinets If you are not ready to replace kitchen cabinets, consider changing the color and hardware. Since the current trend is for darker cabinets, select an easy-to-use dark General Finishes Gel Stain, such as the popular java or antique walnut. If you choose to remove some doors for an open-shelf look, consider using a General Finishes Milk Paint shade for the interior to complement the exterior color.

For easier door opening and closing, choose a Salice Hinge in a darker titanium finish that will complement the darker cabinets. Add Hickory Hardware Door Knobs or Pulls that come in several styles and finishes. For kitchen drawers, upgrade the slides, changing from side mounts to undermount slides with Blum Tandem Plus Blumotion Concealed Drawer Runners.

Reface the face frames and cabinet ends with Sauers & Co. Wood

Veneer backed with 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) that is pre-sanded and ready to finish to match the cabinet doors. For cutting, use a Quad Pro Trimmer with tungsten carbide double-edge cutters that trim veneer in either direction. For easy application of this veneer product, the FastCap Speed Roller Pro ensures consistent pressure for good results.

To add or replace decorative molding for your cabinets and/or walls, cut perfectly mitered corner joints with the EZ Pro Crown King Crown Molding Jig. The handy SharkGrip 8" Bar/Nail Puller can pry in a tight spot with little damage to molding and has curved blade that lifts molding easily. To help with molding installation, use the 3rd Hand's articulating foot to support crown molding at an angle.

Say goodbye to constant searches for items in cabinets with a DIY 22"-24" Pullout Shelf Kit. The shelves are easy to measure, cut, assemble and install. Or custom build your own pullout shelves using the Pre-cut Prefinished Drawer Side and Drawer Bottom material with the easy-to-use KREG Micro Pocket Drill Guide.

Countertop For cluttered countertops that are home to too many small appliances and other items, consider storing ones used only occasionally elsewhere, perhaps in cabinets.

To protect your valuable kitchen knives and save counter space, follow Woodcraft product development manager Ben Bice's example and build a knife block to mount underneath the kitchen cabinet. Bice designed the block to hold his high quality ZHEN knives. See Woodcraft Magazine Issue 60 (Aug/Sept 14) for Ben's step-by-step directions to make your own knife block -- and knives, if you are interested.

Furniture General Finishes Gel and Milk Paint are also good choices to recolor your wood furniture in shades that match or complement the new cabinet look. Milk Paint offers an opportunity to add a splash of color

Save countertop space with an undermount knife block like this one built by Woodcraft product development manager Ben Bice and featured in Issue 60 of Woodcraft Magazine. (Photo by Jim Osborn, Osborn Photographic, Williamstown, WV.)

on a small piece of furniture, shelving or a plant stand to brighten the look but not overpower the kitchen.

If your wood cabinets and/or furniture only need a cover-up for nicks, scratches and other damage, Touch-Up Pens, Fill Sticks and Burn-in Sticks from Touch-Up Solutions may be the answer. They come in 10 colors, ranging from light oak to black.

Lighting Add subtle lighting with Haefele 12-Volt Loox LED Strip Lights in cool or warm white. Ideal for background lighting, use under or around cabinets, around doorframes, and pretty much anywhere you want. Strips are flexible, easy to install and can be cut to size. LED lighting generates very little heat, uses less energy, and has a long service life.

For more information about Woodcraft products, contact the store nearest you, visit www.woodcraft.com or call (800) 535-4482.

Did you know?

Many home improvement projects involve hanging decorative items, such as photo frames or shelving. Homeowners frequently wrestle with nails, screws and hanging hardware, perhaps creating more holes in their walls than is necessary to get items level and in the right spots. Instead of playing a guessing game of figuring out where the hanging holes or hooks are located on the back of items, use your office equipment to make life easier. Make a copy of the back of the item you're trying to hang with a printer/scanner or a copy machine, making sure to copy the item to full scale. Print the copy at full size and use it to drill the hanging holes. If you don't have access to a copy machine or scanner, use a piece of tape to measure the distance between the hanging holes on the back of the frame. Stick the tape to the wall and then put your nails or screws at the ends of the tape.

WE BUILD YOUR KITCHEN TO FIT YOUR NEEDS!

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Get started today, call or come in for a free design estimate!

NO JOB IS TOO SMALL!

Our goal is to provide you with a functional space that fits your individualized needs with E custom countertops at IC R P TA !

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428 W. Lincoln • Charleston, IL 61920 www.kitchengallerycharleston.com • 217.345.0404

FALL Home & Garden

JG-TC

OCTOBER 2014 — 11

FALL HOME & GARDEN | MAINTENANCE

Asphalt Driveway Cracks I

t’s too bad asphalt doesn’t stay smooth and flawless forever. Potholes, cracks and weathering are are common enemies of asphalt as it battles the elements year after year.

Luckily for you, repairing driveway cracks may be simpler than you realize.

High-grade crack fillers are likely available at your local hardware store and are relatively inexpensive, depending on the size of your crack. You will generally need the filler, a wire brush and a trowel tool to get the job done.

Preparing the Surface Before applying the driveway crack filler, it is important to clean the entire area thoroughly. Use your wire brush to remove any dirt or vegetation from the crack for a nice, smooth surface. Next, prepare your crack filler by shaking up the bottle.

The mixture can be a bit thick, so be vigorous in your motion.

Doing so will ensure that the mixture is completely mixed for optimal application. Also, carefully cut the top of the applicator, making sure to match the opening with the width of the crack.

Applying the Filler After your surface and filler are

ready for application, fill the crack flush with the surrounding pavement. Be careful not to overfill the crack, which will result in an oddlooking raised spot in your driveway once dried.

Use your filler tool or trowel to smooth out the crack filler even with

the height of the adjoining pavement. The most important requirement of this DIY process is patience. Depending on the brand of filler you choose, it may take up to 24 hours before appllying a second coat is recommended.

You will also likely need to wait

at least 24 to 48 hours before driving or walking on the repaired area.

Read all of your manufacturer in-

Great coverage and great discounts Taking steps to make sure your home is safe can save you money. We offer discounts when you install fire and theft prevention devices, safe heating and more. See your COUNTRY Financial representative to find out more.

Matthew Taggart 105 S.Washington Street Westfield, IL 62474 217-967-5222

Did you know?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, inadequate ventilation in a home can increase indoor air pollution levels.

Those pollutant levels rise in a poorly ventilated home because not enough outdoor air is making its way into a home to dilute emissions from indoor sources of pollution. In addition, in a poorly ventilated home, indoor air pollutants are not being carried out of the home, leaving the pollutants to linger and potentially putting the health of the home's residents at risk. Though it might seem counterintuitive to allow outdoor air into a home during winter, when such air tends to be at its coldest, such outdoor air can protect a home's inhabitants from the immediate effects of indoor air pollution, which include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

Long-term effects of prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution can include respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. But homeowners who want to increase outdoor air infiltration in their homes do not have to open the windows even when temperatures dip. A simple in-

spection of mechanical ventilation systems, such as bathroom and kitchen fans and air handling systems that employ fans and ducts to remove indoor air and distribute filtered and conditioned outdoor air throughout a home, may be all

metal roofing

that's necessary to ensure indoor air stays healthy during the winter. If such systems are in need of repair, homeowners should ensure those repairs are made prior to the arrival of winter.

new construction outbuilding repair home repair home additions interior remodeling contact us today for a free estimate!

matthew.taggart@countryfinancial.com 012014-00606AC

call us!

Ed Yoder, Owner 1720 East State Route 133 Hindsboro, IL 217-317-3714 dagneybuilders.com

structions to make sure your repair stands up to daily use and the elements.

Coverage and discount may vary by state. Policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.

consolidated 20669653