2016 Spring Home Improvement by Leader Publications

A Supplement to Leader Publications

Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Beat wardrobe blahs with

a closet makeover

t’s that time of year when everything in your closet just seems drab. But instead of investing in a new wardrobe, try dressing up your closet. By getting organized and sprucing up a little, you’ll get a fresh perspective and maybe even find some lost treasures. Start by evaluating your closet. You may have heard of the Pareto principal, commonly known as the 80-20 law, and chances are good that it applies to your wardrobe. If you’re like most people, you wear 20 percent of your things 80 percent of the time. This means a lot of clothes are just taking up space. Weeding out the unnecessary items is your first step in a closet makeover. Once you’ve done the preliminary clean out, it’s time to reorganize. If you don’t have a closet system in place, you might want to consider a simple DIY product like ClosetMaid ShelfTrack. It’s a system that is completely adjustable and customizable, and a smart solution for someone seeking an affordable, easy-to-install closet product. The system also offers a variety of accessories, such as wire or laminate shelves, drawers and shoe racks, so it will serve as a good foundation for a functional closet. Once you have the right organizing system in place, it’s time to get creative and design a look that makes your daily trek to the closet more exciting. These ideas will help boost your outlook on all those clothes that seem tired and worn. Shine the light. Bad lighting can be a hindrance in any closet. In a crowded one, clothes are hard enough to find, but if it is packed tight, it’s almost impossible. Proper lighting is essential. A trendy light fixture can be lots of fun, but make certain it will provide adequate lighting to illuminate everything. Be sure to eliminate shadows by using diffused lighting. Add style to your storage. Colorful and patterned fabric bins can be your closet’s best friend. They provide a home to hide and consolidate more personal belongings and add pops of color and style to your shelves. Hang clothes with care. Get rid of the wire and pamper your clothes with good hangers. Critical for maintaining order, they help keep your wardrobe in tip top shape by eliminating garment stretching. Slim velvet hangers, available in an array of colors, are optimal for saving space, but if you have the room, a heavier wooden version is better. Whichever you choose, remember that a uniform set makes for a streamlined look. Whether it’s a full-blown makeover or a modest face lift, you won’t be disappointed in how a newly organized closet makes you feel. The tricky part is to be vigilant about keeping it organized. Dedicating about 15 minutes a week to your closet should keep it in great shape for seasons to come. (Family Features)

Photo by Jose Camões Silva

Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

How to make spring projects more eco-friendly

he arrival of warmer weather means different things to different people. Some anticipate opportunities for outdoor fun, while others may be considering redecorating or remodeling their homes. For the latter group, home improvement season provides a great opportunity to make homes more eco-friendly. When planning home improvement projects, it’s best to first choose a project and then look for ways to make the project more environmentally friendly. Such an approach may not only benefit the environment, but it also may benefit homeowners’ bottom lines. Interior decorating Longer days and warmer temperatures often translate into wanting to freshen up the interior of a home. Heavy draperies and comforters are put away, and lighter fabrics are taken out of storage. Whenever possible, reuse or repurpose items you already have rather

than purchasing new items. Longer drapes can be cut and hemmed to be used as window treatments in other rooms. Making a patchwork blanket out of old T-shirts is a crafty project that makes use of items that would otherwise be destined for landfills. When laundering linens, skip the energy-using dryer and let items line dry in the sun and fresh air. If you decide to purchase some new items, look for products made from sustainable or organic fabrics. Hemp and bamboo textiles have grown in popularity. Hemp and bamboo plants grow quickly, and their durability makes these materials smart choices. When replacing items around the house, donate older items to a charitable organization. Flowers and plants Spring and summer call to mind beautiful blooming plants. Relying on native, sustainable plants is practical, environmentally friendly and costeffective.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, sustainable plants are native plants. Native plants sustain local wildlife more effectively than non-native alternatives, so include native plants in your sustainable garden. Native plants also are less reliant on pesticides and herbicides to keep them healthy and viable. Don’t forget to bring plants indoors as well. Even though you may be opening the windows more, indoor plants can filter and purify indoor air. The NASA Clean Air Study, led in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, found that certain common indoor plants naturally remove toxic agents such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air. Efficient air cleaning is accomplished with at least one plant per 100 square feet of home or office space. Proper disposal Spring cleaning is another tradition for many families come the end of winter and dawn of spring. Many people use spring as a time to go through clos-

ets and garages to remove items they no longer use or need. In an effort to clean up fast, some people may dispose of chemical products, paints, treated lumber, and many other items in ways that can be damaging to the environment. Always learn local municipal guidelines for proper disposal of potentially harmful products. Area recycling centers may have drop-off areas for stains and paints, used motor oil and other potentially harmful products. Before discarding something, see if it can be donated or sold. This will result in fewer items ending up in landfills. Exercise caution outdoors as well. Runoff from cleaning products used on home siding or driveways can leach into the surrounding soil or find its way into sewage drains that ultimately direct fluids to public waterways. Choose environmentally responsible products whenever possible. Springtime renovation and cleaning projects provide the perfect opportunity to adopt eco-friendly practices that pay dividends for years to come.

Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Houseplants can clean indoor air

ardening is a rewarding hobby that can pay a host of dividends, both for the planet and the people doing the gardening. Healthy plant life can help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and various air pollutants, while the act of gardening can help gardeners combat stress. Published in 2011 in the Journal of Health Psychology, a study from researchers in the Netherlands found that gardening promotes relief from acute stress. In the study, two groups of participants were asked to complete a stressful task and then instructed to either read indoors or garden outdoors for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the latter group had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and even reported being in a better mood than the group instructed to read indoors. But gardening does more than just provide gardeners with a reason to spend some time relaxing outdoors in an effort to relieve stress. Gardeners who raise certain plants may be able to bring those benefits with them when going inside as well. According to an article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in October 2011, houseplants can work wonders when it comes to improving overall health, removing toxins from air, soil and water by metabolizing some toxic chemicals and releasing harmless byproducts while sequestering such toxins by incorporating them into plant tissues. Clean indoor air is important for everyone, but especially so for those people who suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma. In fact, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology considers indoor air filtration an

essential part of any strategy to improve respiratory health. But filtration systems and air purifiers are often not enough, and those who want the air in their homes to be as clean as possible may benefit from introducing certain houseplants into their homes. The following are a handful of plants that can help to improve indoor air quality. • Aloe vera: Aloe vera might be most often associated with hand creams and hand soaps, but the aloe vera plant, a succulent that even novice gardeners should have no problem growing, can clear indoor air of formaldehyde and benzene, two common byproducts of chemical-based cleaners many people use in their homes. • Spider plant: Spider plants are resilient, and that makes them great houseplants for busy men and women who tend to be forgetful when caring for their plants. In addition, spider plants are pet-friendly and can be used to combat benzene, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and xylene. • English ivy: NASA researchers exploring the possibilities of long-term space habitation found that certain houseplants were more effective at cleaning air inside energy-efficient, nonventilated buildings than others. One such plant was English ivy, which can effectively combat the formaldehyde found in certain household cleaning products. • Bamboo palm: Bamboo palms also found their way onto NASA’s list. Bamboo palm plants thrive indoors, where they are especially effective at filtering out the chemicals benzene and trichloroethylene. Gardening has been proven to be a soothing hobby that can help gardeners reduce stress. But the health benefits of gardening can extend indoors as well.

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Pet owners: Tips to keep floors in tip top shape

hether you share your home with dogs, cats, birds, turtles or anything in between, you are probably aware of the challenges of protecting and cleaning your floors. To make this chore as easy for you as it is for your non-pet parent peers, consider the following tips: Pets in boots Outfitting pets with boots before going outside will protect their paws from pollutants, hot and cold surfaces, and potentially sharp items on the ground. It will also keep their feet and your floors cleaner. There are many brands and styles available, so shop around for a design that your pets will enjoy wearing. Post-walk clean-up After walks or other trips outdoors, check your pet’s fur and feet. Keep a cloth by the door for a quick clean-up before animals settle in and get cozy on carpets. This will make maintaining floors easier as you go. Prevent accidents Prevent pooch accidents by getting your dog on a regular walk schedule. The knowledge that the next trip outdoors is on the horizon will make pets less likely

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to use the living room carpet as a toilet. If need be, you may want to consider employing a day-time dog walker to make trips outdoors a more regular occurrence. If you have litter box issues, keep the box clean to encourage dedicated use. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help ensure there are no health issues at play. Choose flooring wisely Until now, even the best prevention of stains and accidents has offered no guarantees. And shedding of fur, feathers and dander is hard to avoid. However, innovations in flooring are making it easier on those who love their pets but are not interested in forfeiting a clean, stain-free and odor-free home. Give yourself an advantage with a pet proof carpet, such as Mohawk’s SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet, which is designed to resist the challenges pets present. Compared to nylon carpet which absorbs up to five percent of its weight in liquid, this alternative has zero percent moisture absorption to resist stains and eliminate any residue that can be left in the fiber which can lead to a musty, dingy odor. (These features will also benefit those with kids.) It also offers a permanent spill and soil shield that makes cleanup of hair, soil and dander three times easier than with conventional carpeting.

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Naturally clean for spring A surprising way to make cleaning simple this season

iping away the grime of winter doesn’t have to mean launching an attack with dangerous chemicals. As you tackle this year’s spring cleaning chores, take a note from Mother Nature and rely on the cleaning power of a surprisingly effective natural product: vinegar. During the last century, vinegar has become increasingly recognized as a low cost and eco-friendly household product. From cooking and canning, to cleaning items indoors and out, homeowners are discovering that this eco-friendly, acetic liquid is as versatile as it is useful. “Cleaning with vinegar has always been an effective way to banish dirt and grime in kitchens, bathrooms, the garage and the outdoors,” said Mike Smith, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Mizkan Americas, the makers of Four Monks Cleaning Vinegar. Despite its strong cleaning power, vinegar does have one downfall: its distinctive odor. You can experiment with dozens of DIY recipes online to overcome this dilemma, or you can rely on a store-bought non-toxic cleaning vinegar such as Four Monks, which is made from a proprietary process that reduces the strong aroma and leaves a clean, crisp scent. Learn how vinegar can make it easier to tackle common tasks around the house with these hacks and discover more uses for cleaning vinegar at vinegartips. com. In the kitchen Clean off the blades of a well-worn can opener with an old toothbrush soaked with vinegar to help remove dirt and grease. Clean your ice/water dispenser by running vinegar through the system. Flush the vinegar out by running water through the system for 30-60 seconds. Rid your dishwasher of mineral buildup by pouring half a cup of vinegar into the reservoir and running an empty cycle. You can also use vinegar in the dishwasher instead of another glass cleaner to keep your glassware

sparkling. Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add one-fourth cup of vinegar and let them soak overnight. Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling two cups of vinegar. For stained and smelly plastic food containers and lunchboxes, wipe them with a cloth dampened with vinegar. To clean a grease-splattered oven door window, saturate it with vinegar. Keep the door open for 10-15 minutes before wiping with a sponge. Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar. Let sit for five minutes then run hot water down the disposal. Avoid using toxic chemicals where you store food; wipe up spills in the fridge with vinegar. In the bathroom Rid a faucet of lime deposits by tying a plastic bag containing one-third to one-half cup of vinegar around it and leaving it there for two or three hours. Wipe down with a sponge and scrub any remaining deposits with an old toothbrush. The same approach can be used to remove buildup on a showerhead. The fizzing combo of vinegar and baking soda can unclog and remove odor from a tub drain. Pour half a cup of baking soda in the drain, then follow with two cups of hot vinegar. Immediately plug the drain with a rag to keep the bubbles contained for 10 minutes. Rinse by pouring a kettle of boiling hot water down the drain. Spray shower doors with vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass – or before you turn on the water — to help release hard water deposits. Clean shower door tracks by filling them with vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and scrub away any remaining film with a toothbrush. To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of vinegar and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush. Remove old bathtub decals with vinegar heated in the microwave.

In the laundry room Remove coffee and tea stains by flushing the area with vinegar, rinsing and repeating. For wine stains, saturate the spot with vinegar and allow it to stand for several minutes. Then, wash as normal. Tip: For more delicate fabrics or precaution, test on an inconspicuous part of the garment first. Restore yellowed clothing by soaking garments overnight in a solution of 12 parts warm water and one part vinegar. Wash them the following morning. Soak new garments in a few cups of vinegar for 1015 minutes before washing to stop dyes from running in the wash. If frequent ironing has left your iron plate dirty, make a paste from one part vinegar and one part salt to scrub it clean. Remove scorch marks from an iron by rubbing it with a warm solution of equal parts vinegar and salt. If that doesn’t work, use a cloth dampened with vinegar. Forgot that you left wet laundry in the machine and it now smells moldy? Pour a few cups of vinegar in the machine and wash the clothes in hot water. Then run a normal cycle with detergent to rinse the clothes. Prevent lint from clinging to clothes by adding half a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle.

What is vinegar? Vinegar is the acetic liquid that results when a product containing sugar is allowed to ferment. Vinegar can be created from nearly any product containing sugar; fruit and grains, such as barley and corn, are common sources of vinegar. The ingredients in vinegar depend on the type of vinegar produced. For example, Four Monks uses distilled vinegar processed from corn, so it’s safe for your family. All vinegars are diluted with water to the preferred acidity before bottling. Four Monks has 6 percent acidity, which is 20 percent stronger than traditional vinegar, but gentle on everyday surfaces. This acetic quality is what enables vinegar to effectively clean while being safe for the body and the environment. (Family Features)

Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Create a budget-friendly

home landscape H omeowners understandably envy the award-worthy photo spreads in lawn and garden magazines, wanting to emulate those same looks on their own properties. Scores of designers and landscape architects are involved in the process of creating those amazing lush lawns and perfectly placed plantings. Although not every homeowner has the budget to create lavish landscape designs, it’s still possible for homeowners to create lawns they can be proud of. • Establish your budget. The first step in any project is to determine how much money you can devote to the job. Once you have established the budget, all other factors can be built around it. • Find an inspiration piece. Great landscapes are inspired by many things, whether it’s a memorable piece of art or a landscape layout in a lawn and gardening magazine. Use photos of other gardens or neighbors’ yards as inspiration and build off of them. As long as the theme is cohesive, it will look pleasing to the eye. • Consider the space and how you want to use it. Understanding the space will help you better allocate your budget. If your yard is more of a retreat, look for ways to create privacy and a vacation feel. If you have kids and entertaining friends is a main priority, focus on recreational aspects, such as a pool, playset and some durable plants. Understanding how to allocate your budget will help you to avoid spending money frivolously.

• Think about reclaimed or repurposed materials. Brand new items can quickly eat up a budget. However, repurposing salvaged or inexpensive items can stretch that budget while adding some unique flair to a landscape. See if you can find an outdoor patio set that someone is giving away or selling for a lower price. All it takes is a coat of paint and some new cushions to make it look like new. Discarded bricks or stones can be worked into a patio space or used to create raised garden beds. Purchase inexpensive flower pots and then paint

them to make them look like stone or another desired material. • Buy native plants. Native plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers will fare better than non-native, exotic plants. That means you’ll have to spend less time and money nurturing them into health, and less money having to replace plants that cannot withstand your climate. • Consider perennial plants. Perennials may cost more at the outset, but the savings will be realized in the years to come. • Hire a professional. It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a landscaping professional when you’ve established a strict budget, but that’s one way to save money. Landscape artists or garden designers have the experience to guide you in the right direction and help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. • Use gravel in spots where plants don’t thrive. Gravel is an inexpensive landscaping material that can fill in voids where plants or ground cover simply do not flourish. Those working on limited budgets may be happy to learn gravel is typically less expensive than concrete or pavers. • Ask friends or family for clippings. Don’t be shy about admiring the plantings of those you know. Flatter their good taste and ask if you can have some clippings to propagate yourself. These clippings can turn into lush plants in no time — with no additional spending required. With some frugal spending, planning and budgeting, anyone can create a beautiful landscape.

Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Tips to spruce up your

outdoor spaces for the season

hen the weather warms up, it’s all about relaxing outdoors. But it’s possible you’ve neglected upkeep on your home’s outdoor spaces during the chilly months of winter. To enjoy yourself more this season, take time to spruce up your yard. Here are some quick tips. Do a survey Take a walk around the perimeter of your patio, deck and yard to survey what needs to be cleaned, repaired or replaced. Did potted plants and lawn ornaments survive the cooler months? Are outdoor light fixtures functioning? Are fallen branches Degreaser, not only works indoors, but is littering the yard? Make a mental to-do ideal for my tough outdoor cleaning jobs.” Devlin recommends using the Super list. Strength multi-surface formula — which is lab-tested to clean and remove grease, Deep clean Like interior spaces, periodic deep grime, mildew, dirt, and oil more effeccleans are necessary outdoors too. But tively than its competitors — to clean and remove mildew from patios, outdoor furdon’t waste your leisure time. “With the right tools you can work niture, concrete, composite and wood smart, not hard,” says Jeff Devlin, host on fences and siding, as well as to clean and a popular home improvement channel. “A degrease tools, lawn equipment and heavy-duty cleaner, such as Mean Green grills. Use it as a concentrated spray or

diluted solution. Clean with a brush or sponge. “For your toughest jobs, add it to your pressure washer,” says Devlin. Helpful cleaning tips can be found at MeanGreenDegreaser.com.

larly, especially if they are situated under trees. Promote a healthy lawn by mowing it regularly, never removing more than one-third of the grass blade. Keep gutters devoid of leaves and debris so that water does not collect in your yard or at the base of your home’s structure. Rinse paRoutine maintenance tio furniture, umbrellas and awnings usPerform routine upkeep to keep items ing water or a diluted cleaner. from falling into disrepair or becoming Spring is in the air. With a little effort, overgrown or unkempt. you can be prepared to make the most of it. Sweep walkways and your deck regu- (StatePoint)

Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Why hiring a landscaper may be for you

he majority of homeowners want their properties to appear as appealing as possible. While many homeowners want to be proud of their properties and come home to a welcoming home each night, the benefits to maintaining landscaping go beyond the notion that well-cared for lawns make for more comforting retreats. Because numerous variables, including landscaping, influence property values, it’s difficult to assess just how much the property values of homes with impressive landscapes are influenced by those very landscapes. Indeed, studies have produced varying results regarding the effect of well-landscaped homes on property values. But what many studies have shown and what many realtors indicate is that impressive landscaping adds a significant amount to property values, with estimates suggesting landscaping increases home values by anywhere from 5 to 20 percent. Such estimates are good news for homeowners, and they also highlight the stakes involved when making landscaping decisions. Homeowners with green thumbs may embrace the challenge of revitalizing their lawns and gardens, but many, especially those pressed for time, can benefit greatly from working with professional landscapers. Why hire a professional landscaper? Maintaining a property requires more than just mowing the lawn every couple of weeks. Even homeowners committed to making their properties as pristine as possible can run into problems when adverse weather conditions pose a threat to lawns and gardens. The following are just a handful of reasons why homeowners may find working with landscaping professionals is the best thing for their properties and their bank accounts. • Professionals understand the local climate. Experienced professional landscapers will understand the local climate and the challenges it presents to your lawn. Experience can prove invaluable as lawns battle adverse conditions that threaten its survival. While homeowners going it alone may struggle through a trial and error period as they try to address problems threatening their lawns, experienced professionals are more likely to identify the problem immediately, providing a ready solution that can prevent potentially costly repairs down the road. • Professionals can provide inspiration. In addition to maintaining properties, many landscaping professionals have vast experience improving properties through landscape design. Professional landscapers may have a host of ideas for your property that you would never think of. Homeowners with little to no lawn and garden experience may not realize all the things they can do with their properties, and those who go it alone may end up with unappealing landscapes that do not attract buyers’ attention when the home hits the market. Professionals typically have a wealth of ideas and, perhaps more importantly, they understand which ideas will and won’t work on a given property. • Professionals can remove some of the stress of managing landscaping projects. Homeowners know that home improvement projects, whether they are addressing home interiors or exteriors, can be stressful. Professional landscapers typically have a network of professionals, including contractors, who they have worked with in the past. Such connections can ensure more complex projects that require both landscapers and construction contractors go as smoothly as possible. In addition, homeowners who receive contractor recommendations from their experienced landscapers tend to rest easier knowing the people working on their properties have already developed a rapport and established a successful track record working together. Professional landscapers can be just what homeowners need to turn their properties into appealing oases no buyer can resist.

Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

How and when to fertilize your lawn

arious components go into creating beautiful, lush lawns. Lawn maintenance involves ensuring lawns have all of the nutrients they need to thrive. Fertilizer is essential when feeding lawns, but fertilizing a lawn involves more than spreading fertilizer around the yard and hoping for the best. Fertilizing is a process that should be done carefully and timed correctly for optimal results. According to Scotts®, a premier lawn seed and care company, no two lawns are alike and each lawn has different needs. The type of grass and whether a lawn is mostly in the sun or shade may dictate fertilizer requirements. While many lawns are comprised of several different grasses, a general rule of thumb is that the lawn will need to be fertilized in the spring at the very least. After that, fertilization schedules should be customized according to grass type, climate and other factors. Spring is a prime time to fertilize because the lawn is reviving after a long season of cold weather and dormancy. Come spring, lawns need to be fed to turn green and grow. Soil supplies some of the nutrients grass needs, but many soils lack elements that lawns need to survive the growing season. Lawn and garden experts at Lowes say a healthy and actively growing lawn uses a great deal of energy, and fertilizer will provide the boost it requires. Fertilizer helps promote new root and leaf

growth, aid in recovery from damage, reduce weeds, and replace nutrients lost to water runoff. Fertilizing the right way Follow these steps to feed the lawn and help it thrive. • Identify the type of grass in your lawn and consult with a garden center to find the right type of fertilizer for your grass. Many grasses are categorized by season and may be referred to as cool season, transitional or warm season grasses. • Test the soil to check for pH. You want the soil to be as close to neutral as possible so it can readily pro-

cess the nutrients in the fertilizer. • Broadcast or rotary spreaders will evenly distribute fertilizer and will not cause striping on the lawn like drop spreaders might. Resist the urge to fertilize by hand, as you may lay an uneven amount of product, producing burns and brown spots. • Fertilizers come in slow-release, fast-release, and weed and feed formulations. Which fertilizer you use will depend on the type of grass you have and how much time you have to devote to lawn maintenance. Slow-release fertilizers may be preferable because they do not need to be reapplied often. • Use caution and set the spreader to distribute less product if you are unsure how much to apply. Excessive fertilizer can damage a lawn. • Water the lawn well after application, and always follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s instructions. • Keep people and pets off of the lawn for a day or two after application. • Scotts recommends that lawns with warm-season grass be fed over the summer as they grow steadily from spring to fall. • Another application of fertilizer in the fall will supply lawns with nutrients to continue to grow and then survive winter. Build a strong lawn by feeding it effectively. Dense, healthy lawns can strangle weeds and lead to beautiful landscapes.

Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Stop weeds before they take over your lawn

ew things can be as troublesome to gardeners and landscapers as weeds. Weeds seemingly spring up overnight and quickly can overrun lawns and/or garden beds. Landscaping enthusiasts may spend countless hours and weekends coping with weeds without truly getting to the root of the problem. However, preventing weed growth need not be so difficult. According to the experts at “This Old House” and The Family Handyman, the secret to preventing weeds is to maintain a thick, healthy lawn. A vigorously growing lawn will crowd out weeds and block the sun weed

seeds need to germinate and thrive. As a result, fewer grass. Shady conditions also will help the soil retain herbicides may be needed and homeowners can spend moisture and prevent the arid conditions crabgrass less times on their hands and knees pulling out weeds. likes so much. Mow at the right height Crabgrass is a notoriously virulent weed that can quickly snuff out blades of grass. Crabgrass likes hot, dry conditions, and it only takes one plant to spread the seeds that can overtake the lawn. Preventing these conditions can stop crabgrass from flourishing. Mowing at higher heights and leaving grass blades taller can shade the soil, helping to prevent the germination of crab-

Water deeply Weeds are accustomed to growing in adverse conditions, including especially hot temperatures. When such conditions arise, weeds establish deep roots while the roots of the grass can easily die off. Instead, when watering, wet the soil to a depth of four to six inches. This helps grass to establish strong root systems that will help lawns overpower pesky weeds.

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Time weed killers Whether you manually remove weeds or apply weed killers, timing is key. Combat weeds in the early spring before they have a time to fully form and start proliferating through seed dispersement. Once seeds spread, their growth is difficult to control. Recognize that no single herbicide or weeding tactic will work for every type of weed. Broadleaf weeds, like dandelions, unwanted grasses, and sedges are the three most common types of weeds. Homeowners will have to adapt based on the type of weed that is most prevalent in their lawns.

Watch fertilizer amounts Strike a balance with fertilizer, finding the right amount to deliver continuous nutrition to the lawn, but not overfeed it so that weeds can thrive. Many lawns only require fertilizer once or twice annually, in the autumn and spring. By following these guidelines, lawn and garden enthusiasts can prevent the proliferation of unsightly and potentially harmful weeds. Weeds, such as dandelions, can quickly take over lawns and gardens.

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Let natural light enhance your home decor

omething about warmer weather inspires homeowners to lavish attention on their homes. While painting and decluttering are great ways to revitalize home decor, there’s no better way to breathe new life into interior spaces than decorating with light. Incorporating light into interior design can go far beyond a few strategically placed, attractive lamps and some upgraded overhead lights. It’s possible to use both natural and artificial lighting to complement other decor and architectural elements, and to create a brighter, upbeat mood that makes your home more enjoyable year-round.

Skylights bring not only daylighting and fresh air into the bath but provide privacy as well. Enjoy abundant natural light and passive ventilation even when vertical window coverings are closed.

Lighting types Every home needs a little of each of the following types of lighting to meet your needs throughout the day: • Task lighting focuses light into a specific area, for tasks that require more illumination.

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• Accent lighting shines a light on decorative elements, such as art or architectural features. • Ambient lighting provides general lighting for everyday activities. • Natural lighting from above makes a home feel open and inviting, while also providing balanced light for reading, cooking and other every day activities. Natural beauty plus improved air quality There’s no debating the benefits of natural light for boosting mood. Enhance day lighting by lightening up window treatments to allow for as much sunshine as possible. Choose fresh paint colors that play well with the directional lighting and consider installing skylights in rooms where adding windows isn’t practical or where more balanced natural light can add drama and differentiate living spaces. Adding skylights is a relatively lowcost, but high impact home improvement

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Energy Star-qualified fresh air skylights, with decor-enhancing, energy-efficient blinds, add style while providing natural light and passive ventilation. Operated by programmable remote control, the solar powered skylights and blinds, plus installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

that can be accomplished by a professional in a day or two or over a single weekend. They not only enhance home decor, but deliver energy-saving benefits as well. Fresh air skylights can help reduce dependence on artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation, which saves money on electricity bills. Skylights can work in concert with vertical windows to provide improved passive ventilation that improves air quality and energy efficiency Manual and electric venting models are available, but top-of-the-line, solar-powered fresh air models offer all the features of modern, no-leak skylights plus significant savings on product and installation costs. They feature a solar panel that charges a hidden internal battery, which operates the control system. These skylights require no wiring, making for easy and costeffective installation. An integrated rain sensor automatically closes the units in case of inclement weather and all Velux skylights offer three layers of water protection backed by installation and no-leak warranties. A variety of light-filtering, light-blocking and lightcontrolling solar powered blinds are also available in a mix of designer colors and patterns to enhance decor while improving skylight energy efficiency by as much as 45 percent. The skylights, as well as the blinds, are operated by a programmable remote control and are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as are installation costs. Lightening colors Some hues absorb more light, making them appear darker and causing the room to look dark as well. Fresh paint brightens any room, but to amplify the effect choose lighter, less intense colors such as pastels, whites and grays. Remember that colors appear truer when they are awash in natural light. Continue the color upgrade through key decorating elements, such as upholstery fabric, accent rugs, window treatments and wall art. Replace heavy drapes with translucent sheers that admit natural light and give rooms an airy, open feeling.

Upgrading other light sources While you take steps to maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home, artificial lighting will always be needed, whether at night or for a dreary day. Choose light fixtures – including floor and table lamps – that continue the bright, easy atmosphere you’ve already created with color and natural light. Keep in mind the importance of layering light with a mix of sources throughout a room and choose lighting styles that fit the room’s purpose. For example, in kitchens where a lot of work gets done, overhead and under-counter lights provide the best illumination for cooking and other chores. In bedrooms, wall sconces and table lamps provide softer, more soothing light. Don’t overlook energy efficiency when you’re revamping your artificial lighting. You can boost your home’s energy efficiency by replacing old, electricityguzzling incandescent light bulbs with energy-sipping CFLs and LEDs.

day plus a light kit for 24/7 lighting. They are inexpensive and can be installed by an experienced DIYer or professional in a few hours. Family rooms Choose solar powered skylights and blinds operated by programmable remote control to adjust both light and ventilation. Open the blinds to reduce electric lighting costs and lower them for diffused lighting when watching television. Master bedrooms Skylights and blinds are a natural choice to provide lighting and ventilation, plus privacy, when you close bedroom drapes but still have light from above. With blackout blinds you can block up to 98 percent of daylight. And after dark, open the blinds for a view of the nighttime sky.

Bonus rooms Transform your bonus room or attic conversion area Which skylights are right for your home? from windowless storage to a home office, family room Here are some room-by-room basics for choosing where to add skylights and the types that are best for or children’s playroom with the addition of daylight and fresh air. Choose roof windows, which are very each space. similar to skylights but are operated by hand, for spaces where the units will be within arm’s reach. In addition Kitchens With skylights overhead, you can use wall space in to providing daylight and fresh air, many roof windows your kitchen for more cabinets and shelves without qualify under building codes as a point of emergency sacrificing natural light. For enhanced ventilation, fresh escape and egress, not to mention convenient roof air skylights let you release warm moist air and clear access for gutter cleaning and other maintenance. cooking odors from your home. Light from above also provides balanced kitchen lighting for cooking tasks, Closets, hallways and laundry rooms If you don’t need a view but need natural light, Sun such as chopping and peeling. Tunnel tubular skylights are a good choice for these areas. They funnel daylight through a highly reflective Baths Bathroom skylights provide the ultimate in natural tube to spaces below and are particularly useful in light and fresh air without compromising privacy. Use smaller, sometimes confined areas including closets, the remote to open the skylight when showering to hallways, interior baths and laundry rooms. Lowsilently whisk away moisture and humidity – with no profile, flat glass models are available that create a fan noise or power expense. For smaller, or half, baths sleek, unobtrusive look on rooflines that are readily where traditional skylights may not fit, Velux Sun accepted by homeowner associations and architectural Tunnel tubular skylights offer natural light during the review committees. (Family Features)

Spring Home Improvement • March 2016

Simple seasonal tips

to keep plumbing operating smoothly

roper seasonal maintenance can keep your plumbing running smoothly. Experts say that even those with no experience can inspect for issues and perform simple tasks to prevent costly repairs. “You don’t have to be a crackerjack plumber to handle basics and protect your home,” says Jeff Devlin, host on HGTV and DIY Networks. Devlin offers homeowners some key plumbing tips: Kitchens and bathrooms Ensure drains have strainers to prevent debris from clogging drain lines. Check faucets for drips and leaks. Inspect the toilet tank and bowl for visible cracks. Check for hidden leaks by adding six drops of food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. Ensure toilets flush properly. If the handle must be held down to flush, or jiggled to stop water from running, you may need to replace parts. Clean mineral deposits from the shower head. Unscrew it and soak in vinegar overnight. Then gently scrub with an old toothbrush. Water heater Carefully drain several gallons from the tank to flush out corrosion-causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater. Consider replacing those older than 15 years with a new, energy-efficient model. Appliances Check your dishwasher, washing machine and ice maker’s supply hoses for bulges or leaks. Replace hoses showing signs of weakness or those older than ten years. Use stainless steel hoses, which are more reliable and less prone to bursting.

Clean your washing machine lint trap, and place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the washer. General Pour water into infrequently used drains to fill traps and prevent odors. Slow floor drains should be snaked to ensure they’ll carry water away during flooding. Take a reading on your water meter before bedtime. The next morning, without using any water overnight, take another reading. If it’s changed, you have a leak that should be repaired. Outside Free yard drains, gutters and downspouts of debris. Check for bird nests in plumbing vent pipes. Check faucets and hose bibs to ensure water flows freely. If an outdoor faucet drips, or if there is leakage inside your home the first time the hose is turned on, you may have had a frozen pipe that cracked and needs to be replaced. Be equipped Look for commercial-quality products designed with average consumers in mind. For example, Roto-Rooter, the number one brand in plumbing, with 80 years of experience, now offers a complete line of consumer products that contain 25 percent more active ingredients and clear clogs 50 percent faster than the competition. “It’s stronger and faster which means you can get the job done right the first time,” Devlin said. Devlin, who lives in an historic farmhouse, recommends the brand’s Septic Treatment, which contains twice the amount of enzymes to keep septic tanks in balance. More information about the product line can be found at rotorooter-products.com. “Be proactive,” he said. “A few minutes of prevention could save you tens of thousands of dollars in costly repairs.” (StatePoint)

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