Your Guide to Winter by Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Fairbanks, Alaska

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

newsminer com newsminer.com

Snow is no trouble for fat-tired bikes

Also inside: • Readers give winter-living advice • Vitamin D: Your body needs it • Woodstove maintenance

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Some of the services we provide: • • • • • • • • •

4x4 fuel delivery trucks Competitive pricing Friendly staff Budget Payment Plans Auto-service available Prompt payment discounts Call-in delivery service Environmentally conscious 24-hour Emergency Service

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Aviation: • • •

• •

Off Airport Deliveries Full into-plane service at Fairbanks International Airport 24-hour self-serve Avgas Cardlock “Fairbanks International Airport/Chena Marina Airport” 24-hour self-serve Avgas-Jet-A cardlock “Nenana Airport” Full service FBO on West Ramp of Fairbanks International Airport

Products we deliver: • • • • •

Heating Oil Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Unleaded Fuel Jet-A Fuel Avgas

HOME HEATING OIL

P.O. Box 60669, Fairbanks, Alaska 99706 www.alaskaaerofuel.com • email: admin@alaskaaerofuel.com

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1982

Servicing Nenana, Salcha, Fox, North Pole and Fairbanks

F18511164

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Four differences to expect when switching from summer to winter biking By Sam Friedman

your bike

SFRIEDMAN @NEWSMINER.COM

Winter is the best time of year for bikers who like riding over snow. Fat-tired bikes got their start in Fairbanks with a wider tire developed in the late 1980s known as snow cats. The sport continues to grow in Fairbanks, attracting new cyclists each winter with the promise of year round biking and hundreds of miles of trails. To help fair-weather cyclists who are thinking about learning to cycle during Fairbanks’ longest season, I spoke to some experienced snow bikers about making the transition from skinnier tires to fat.

There may be some walking involved It doesn’t take any special skills to ride a fattired bike. Despite their ungainly appearance, first-time riders report they handle much like mountain bikes. But riding a bike in snow takes some adjustment. The fat tire’s huge

Chris Dauel, bike shop manager at Beaver Sports, demonstrates winter trail riding on his fat bike on Jan. 25, 2012. ERIC ENGMAN/NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO surface area helps keep the bike from sinking into snow, to a point, but while the bikes open new snowmachine trails to bikers, there are limits to the amount of snow the tires can float over. Walking and pushing the bike is unavoidable in some conditions. Tom Moran is a veteran of the White Mountains 100 race north of Fairbanks who skied the race before converting to fat biking a few years ago. It’s possible to have fast conditions for an entire fat

bike ride, but conditions can change quickly, especially on longer rides and in more remote ones, he said. “Different trails get different amounts of use. At some point, there’s always a possibility that the trail is going to go from great to terrible,” he said. “A lot of it depends on who used it last. If you’re behind mushers, it’s usually great. If a paddle track snowmachine comes through, then all of a sudden a trail that was wonderful and firm is all of a

sudden all turned up and you can’t really ride on it.” Although the snow can slow down the ride, it also cushions it. That was a big selling point for Christopher Knott, who organizes the Icicle Bicycle fat bike races each year for Fairbanks Cycle Club. The hard ground in winter transforms soggy swamps into fast trails and snow helps smooth out some of the bumps, he said.

Expect to pay more for

Fat - t i r e d b i ke s a r e new and trendy, so generally a retail purchase of a winter bike will set you back more than a mountain bike or a road bike. A $1,500 price tag is a pretty standard minimum for a bike that’s relatively lightweight and durable, according to bike shop staff at Goldstream Sports and Beaver Sport. But a lot of decisions go into picking a bike so prices range widely. Fat-bike prices have dropped in recent years as the bikes have become more common. Once the exclusive domain of boutique manufacturers, they’re now made by major bike producers like Trek and Specialized, Moran said. Moran also cited a $1,500 retail price point as a typical minimum for a quality fat-tired bike purchased new. Fat bikes aren’t universally considered the most expensive style of bike frame. Knott considers fat bikes the least expensive option when consideromh all features, such as fancy brakes

SPONSORED BY OUTPOST ALASKA

Go Winter! Expo Plan on Spending the winter in Fairbanks? You need to be at Go Winter!

your trailer specialists

452-6160

F17511218

Fairbanks 3060 South Cushman

F18510114

• Draw-tite Hitches • Atwood Accessories • Trailer Suspensions & Brakes

Energy, Interior Alaska Gun Show, health and fitness, indoor fun, outdoor fun, something for everyone!

and shocks, that summer bikers like. Most fat bikers prefer bare-bones setups, he said.

Expect to carry more stuff W i n t e r b i ke r s r o u tinely go out at subzero temperatures. Bikers need warm clothing to protect themselves from the cold and from the wind chill they generate as they pedal. But because cyclists are exerting themselves, they should expect to wear lighter, more breathable clothing than snowmachiners. B e av e r S p o r t s b i ke shop employee Phillip Sommerfeld recommends that customers start winter biking with a similar level of clothing as they would wear for cross country skiing. Bikes can break down, so it’s important to have warmer gear with you if you need to stop pedaling and change a flat. Cold weather gear for hands and feet is especially important. Many winter bikers use pogies, large insulated mittens that attach to the handlebars. They allow winFATBIKE » 4

at the CARLSON CENTER

This Weekend!

$5 Adults 12 and under free Military free Sunday

Sat. Oct. 8 Sun. Oct. 9 10am-6pm

11am-5pm

www.fairbanksevents.com

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Many benefits of vitamin D pills still untested By Romel Wrenn FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Historical Perspective

Vitamin D has long been known to be important for bone health. The association between industrialization of Northern Europe and the softening and weakening of bones in children (rickets) was made in 1822 (1). In 1921, Hess and Unger exposed children with rickets to sunlight and demonstrated significant radiologic improvement in the children’s rickets. By 1900, 80-90 percent of children living in northern Europe and in northeastern United States had evidence of rickets (2). In 1931 the US Department of Labor published the pamphlet “Sunlight for Babies.” Vitamin D became so popular in the United States in the 30s and 40s that dairy products, soda pop, beer, hot dogs, custard, soap and shaving cream were fortified with the vitamin (1). Increased sun exposure and vitamin D supplementation eradicated rickets within several years (1). Fear of vitamin D toxicity led to a ban of fortifying foods with vitamin D in Great Britain. Vitamin D stimulates reactions within the cells in which it is produced, and stimulates

FATBIKE Continued from 3 ter bikers to operate the gears and brakes with bare hands while still protected from the cold. Sommerfeld considers pogies useful but not mandatory gear for winter biking. Heavy mittens can

reactions at nearby cells, and reactions at distant cells. These endocrine, paracrine and intracrine actions of vitamin D lead to its skeletal and nonskeletal effects.

Vitamin D recommendations

The best source of vitamin D is adequate sunlight. In Fairbanks, the UV Index averages below 3 from September to April. It averages 3-5 during May to August. We cannot produce vitamin D from sunlight when the UV Index is below 3. It seems reasonable for adults to take a vitamin D supplement from September to April. Recommendations for vitamin D and calcium supplementation for infants and children should be under the guidance of the child’s health care provider. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation should be under the guidance of a physician to avoid toxicity.

Nonskeletal actions of vitamin D Although there’s an established link between vitamin D deficiency and several diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, studies have yet to show that taking vitamin pills lowers the risks of these disease.

also protect hands, but they do make it harder to operate the bike. Goldstream Sports store owner Joel Buth lists them as an essential piece of equipment for enjoyable winter biking. To carry the extra gear, many bikers mount bags on their bike frames. A trend Moran has noticed

North Star Borough Parks and Recreation worker Stuart Johnson runs a snow blower as he clears the most recent snowfall from the walkway on the north side of the Chena River near the William Ransom Wood Centennial Foot Bridge on Jan. 2, 2007. ERIC ENGMAN/NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO

Fo u r t r i a l s w i t h a b o u t 100,000 par ticipants are ongoing. Initial findings are expected in late 2017 (Vital Study.org). These trials may answer the question of whether Vitamin D at 2,000 international units daily can reduce the rates of cancer and heart disease incidence or mortality. References 1.Sunlight and Vitamin D; A Global

is that pannier bags hanging off the side of bikes aren’t as common in the winter biking as in summer biking. That’s because panniers can make it harder to push a bike through deep snow, he said. Illumination is also more important in winter than in summer. Head-

Perspective for Health. Walker M., Hollick M.; Dermato-Endocrinology 5: 1, 51-108; January/February/ March 2013. 2. Resurrection of vitamin D deficiency and rickets, Michael F. Holick; Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Diabetes, and Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Research Laboratory, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. 3. Vitamin D: non-skeletal actions

lamps and handlebar lights can help light up the trail. Taillights are important not only on roads but also on trails, where they can make bikers more visible to snowmachiners.

Maintenance is different

and rational use. Lichtenstein A1, Ferreira-Junior M, Sales MM, Aguiar FB, Fonseca LA, Sumita NM, Duarte AJ; Grupo de Estudos para o Uso Racional do Laboratório Clinico do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Dr. Romel Wrenn, M.D., FACC, is a board certified interventional cardiologist with the Porter Heart Center at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

Road bikers and mountain bikers inflate their tires to their preferred air pressures and leave them there. Fat bikers sometimes readjust their tires several times during a ride as they transition between powder conditions and icy roads. Fairbanks winter bik-

ers should also know that ordinary bike greases don’t work well a t Fa i r b a n k s ’ w i n t e r temperatures. A specialized winter oil is better suited to lubricate the bike’s moving parts. Contact Outdoors Editor Sam Friedman at 459-7545. Follow him on Twitter:

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

PEOPLE FIRST We are a community hospital. And we are not for proﬁt. Which makes what we focus on all the easier. Our mission is to continually improve health care for the people in Alaska’s interior. That was our mission 44 years ago, and that hasn’t changed. Please share your experience with us and let us know how we are doing. FMHcommunity.feedback@bannerhealth.com Maurina Weeks | Denali Center

F40511222

fmhdc.com

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Fun winter science experiments to try Reprinted from our 2015 Guide to Winter because all of these look like fun.

By Robin Wood RWOOD@NEWSMINER.COM

ambunctious children can make surviving winter difficult for kids and adults alike. When cabin fever strikes, it’s good to have some backup activities to give everyone a breath of fresh air. Staff at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Museum of the North provided some fun experiments to try with your children, all with minimal equipment, most notably a meat or candy thermometer.

Insulating properties of snow and fat

Jennifer Arseneau recommends exploring the difference in temperatures between the air and snow, and the insulating properties of blubber. For the first experiment, simply use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the air, and then measure the temperature under the snow, which is scientifically termed “subnivean.” Snow traps lots of air, and that makes it an excellent insulator. New snow is often 90-95 percent trapped air, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. “That’s why the subnivean is a great environment for many active winter animals, like voles,” Arseneau wrote in an email. If you want to play messy, pull out the shortening. Fat, or blubber, also makes a spectacular insulator. Put disposable gloves on your kid and coat their hands with shortening, then add the second larger glove to contain the mess. Dip both the bare and blubbered hand into ice water. “You will quickly feel the dif-

Wanzetta Morning, 10, prepares to throw a snowball at her brother, Wanzell Morning, 8, while they clear snow off the trampoline at their home on Sept. 25, 2015. Their mother, Stephanie Morning, told them she would keep the trampoline up during the winter as long as they kept it clear of snow. ERIN CORNELIUSSEN/NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO ference having a layer of blubber can make!” Arseneau wrote. Another experiment in the spectrum of losing heat is to compare the thermal mass of two different sized “animals.” Get two jars, one small and one large. Fill each jar, according to size, with hot water, and monitor the temperature with a thermometer. Before starting, ask your children to hypothesize which jar will stay hot longer. The ratio of surface area to mass is much lower for the large jars, meaning it will stay warm longer.

Salted snow

The effect salt has on the low temperature of water can be examined multiple ways. Put snow in a bag, take the temperature and feel it with a bare hand. Then add a few tablespoons of salt. Salt lowers the freezing temperature of water. Keep an eye on the thermometer because the snow “will get very cold!” Gabrielle Vance, museum staff, wrote. Alternately, put salt in regular tap water, then see how

cold the water gets before it freezes. Bonus: Use the lowerfreezing temperature provided by salt to make ice cream. Put one tablespoon sugar, 1/2 cup milk and some vanilla extract in a sandwich-size Ziploc bag. Insert the smaller bag with the ingredients into a gallon-sized bag. Inside the larger bag, put 2 tablespoons rock salt and enough ice cubes to almost fill the container. Seal shut and shake about 20 minutes, until the inner mixture is frozen.

Snow vs. water

Measuring the water content of snow is a fun and visual experiment. Gently scoop snow into a bucket or leave one out during a snowstorm — don’t pack the snow down. Measure and record the snow depth. Then, bring the bucket indoors, let the snow melt and again measure the contents. In many cases, you’ll need 20 inches of snow to produce one inch of water. Contact staff writer Robin Wood at 459-7510.

Readers share winter tips

• Never stop in the middle of an intersection, even when waiting to turn left. You will get hit if drivers coming from the other direction don’t stop in time and skid into the intersection. • If your vehicle slides into a snowbank, be sure to check your tailpipe for snow when you get pulled out. • Drive a little slower and leave a litter earlier so you can drive safe. • Have a hobby or sport or

of Fairbanks

something you can do so you don’t get depressed about the reduced sunlight. • If you’re thinking about buying a home or renting, consider living in the hills. It’s usually about 15 to 20 degrees warmer than in the valley. • Learn to ski. • Carry extra winter gear, blankets, flashlight and emergency kit in your vehicle. • Check your tires’ pressure once per week and fill them if they are anywhere below what your tire manufacturer recommends. • Be involved in the community. Have something to look forward to on a regular basis. • Learn an outdoor sport. Try cross-country skiing, dog sledding, something to

keep you active and off the couch. • Shovel your driveway throughout the winter. You’ll be better off come breakup. • Lift up the windshield wipers off your vehicle before you park for the night. • Hide a spare house key outside so you don’ t get locked out in the cold. • Carry a flare when snowmachining. It’s the best way to light a fire in an emergency. • Don’t leave your diaper bag in your car. Defrosting baby wipes on demand is impossible. • Have a chain and shovel in your vehicle so you can get pulled out or dig your way out. • Don’t use a debit or credit card to scrape your car window.

In-home Shopping Service...

To stay warm and fed • Keep outer gear suitable for a minimum of 30-60 minutes exposure. Include extra socks, hats, gloves and base layers. Avoid cotton because it provides zero insulation when wet. • Have the ability to make a fire with multiple means: wind- and waterproof matches, a lighter or flint and steel. Stuff an empty toilet paper tube with toilet paper for an emergency fire starter. • Enough blankets or sleeping bags to provide for the car occupants for extended periods of time. • High energy, nonperishable food such as candy, energy bars or trail mix. • Water and have the abili-

To stay safe • A first-aid kit, extra medications and pocket knife. • Flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries. • Emergency radio and extra batteries • Emergency flares, reflectors and distress flags. • A 12-volt cell phone charger. • A whistle.

WS80

To stay on the road • Ice scraper and snow brush. • Small shovel. • Tow ropes or chains. • Road salt, sand or cat litter for traction. • Jumper cables. • Fuel line de-icer. • Don’t forget to periodically inspect fluids, tires, lights and battery.

The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 has become synonymous with excellent winter performance. Equipped with innovative technology that increases snow-shearing force, this tire maintains the highest level of control when driving through ice, snow or slush.

All Bridgestone Blizzak Snow Tires on Sale

Budget Blinds has more energy efficient window coverings to choose from!

25% OFF

along with $70 Visa Gift Card!

Thru 12/31/16 Call DEBBIE for details

907-328-9926

See store for details. F18511054

www.budgetblinds.com/fairbanks

ty to melt snow, like an empty coffee can and a small stove with fuel.

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is our best winter tire; engineered for drivers of cars and minivans who want confident performance during demanding winter driving conditions. It delivers confident handling and stopping power on snow, slush and ice.

WE BRING YOU THE BEST BRANDS INCLUDING SIGNATURE SERIES® and ENLIGHTENED STYLE®

or visit us online at

The following should be included in any winter vehicle winter-survival kit:

BLIZZAK

Complimentary consultation for busy customers.

Debbie Petersen, Owner

Tools for winter survival

Limited to Stock on Hand

Cushman at Van Horn • 452-7131

F18511074

New to the Fairbanks region? Just got here from one of those states where it’s always warm? Maybe a little nervous about our winters? Take some advice from the professionals; our readers. Here are some tips they’ve offered through our social media sites in recent years:

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

ASK A BUILDER

How to properly maintain your pellet stove By Cold Climate Housing Research Center staff

Q: What type of maintenance does a pellet stove need? A: Are you thinking of purchasing a pellet stove or boiler? Pellet appliances have some advantages over their cordwoodburning counterparts — including less maintenance, as pellets produce less ash and particulates

than cordwood. However, you still have to clean a pellet stove or boiler. A clean stove is more efficient than a dirty one, because it will allow more air flow and the heat exchanger will transfer heat more efficiently. Also, a clean stove will last longer because the components will wear down more slowly. Finally, clean stoves are safe stoves, as removing buildup helps to prevent chimney fires. Each pellet-burning appliance will come with an owner’s manual that explains a cleaning procedure and recommended maintenance schedule. In general, though, cleaning a pellet-burning appliance is similar to cleaning a wood

stove. If done regularly, it shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. Before cleaning your stove, remember to turn it off and let it cool down. First, remove the ash from the burn chamber and ash pan. Some stoves will also have an ash trap located in the exhaust. You can use a small shovel or an ash vacuum. Avoid using your household vacuum because ash and soot can ruin it. Next, scrape the soot off of the burn pot and heat exchangers. The heat exchangers are usually a series of tubes in the firebox the hot air passes over. You can use a wire brush to scrape any soot off of them. If you see any “clinkers,” or

pellets from the stove, auger or hopper so they don’t collect moisture and rust. They might also settle down over the season and stick to the bottom or sides of the container. Servicing a pellet appliance is typically done annually just before the heating season. A heating professional will thoroughly clean the entire appliance, including the pipes. They will also inspect seals, lubricate any moving parts, and perform diagnostic tests to ensure the stove is working properly. They may adjust the controls to ensure the stove is operating efficiently. If the appliance is used a lot, STOVE » 9

PLOWS ...

Rain, Snow or High Water We’ll Go The Extra Mile To Find The Right Tires For You...

& the Kodiak & the Grizzlies to push them! WARN Provantage Side by Side Plow System

New Tires & Wheels All Cars & Trucks

In stock and ready to play. Your job just got easier.

• Studding • Siping • Mount & Balance • Used Tire Professionals • Road Service

ALASKA FUN CENTER F18511204

Call 456-2536 (Off Old Richardson Hwy at Greer Tank)

Many users clean their stoves each time the ash pan is full. This will depend on both how often you use the stove and the grade of your pellets. Premium-grade pellets have a lower ash content than standard or utility-grade pellets, so you don’t have to clean the stove as often. In addition to cleaning, there are two other maintenance tasks: cleaning the auger tube and hopper and scheduling a service of the appliance. Occasionally, when the auger tube and fuel hopper are empty, vacuum the sawdust so it doesn’t build up and block the feed system. At the end of the heating season, remove

How much can I plow? Depends. How much

IANT TIRE

751 Williams Gate

hardened deposits, make sure to remove them. Clinkers are formed from melted ash that then hardens and can block air pathways. While you do this, glance at the pipes and ensure they are clean so they facilitate good airflow. If they are getting dirty, it’s time for a service. It’s a good time to check the hopper and auger, too, to make sure there are plenty of pellets and no blockages. Finally, if your appliance has a glass door to the burn pot, clean the glass with a commercial glass cleaner. This will allow you to see the flame when the stove is burning; it should be bright yellow or white. A darker orange flame means it’s time to schedule a service.

1817 College Rd. • 907-452-3455 • 1-800-478-3455 www.alaskafuncenter.com

F12511286

This column first appeared in the News-Miner on Aug. 7, 2016. The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life.

Caleb Whitworth, right, checks his line while ice fishing with Johann Freeman on Dec. 28, 2010, on Ballaine Lake. Freeman had already given up as Whitworth continued until he finally decided the next outing would be at Birch or Chena lakes. “Any day spent fishing is better than a day spent at work,” Whitworth said.

Maintaining wood stoves

Operation and maintenance 1. If you use an airtight stove, open the intake damper fully before you open the door. The hot unburned fuel gases can burn explosively if air is introduced too quickly. 2. Never burn coal and wood in the same stove. Clearances for coal stoves and the construction of coal stoves are different than wood stoves because coal generates higher heat.

3 . B u r n d r y, w e l l s e a s o n e d wood. The wood should be dried at least one year. This will reduce creosote deposits. 4. If you burn artificial logs, never poke it or burn more than one at a time. They contain up to 60 percent wax or Sterno and will burn extremely fast if broken up. This will damage your stove and may cause a house fire. 5. Keep all wood, paper, matches or other combustibles away from the wood stove or chimney pipe. 6. When you reload your woodstove or start a fire, let it burn with dampers wide open for five minutes. This will help burn out creosote deposits in the chimney. Do not start a hot fire if there is a layer of creosote one-eighth inch thick or more in the chimney pipe. 7. N e v e r u s e f l a m m a b l e o r combustible liquids to kindle or rekindle a fire.

SAM HARREL/NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO

STOVE Continued from 8 service may be required more than once a year. To know when to schedule the service, it can be helpful to track the amount of pellets that are burned between services for your stove (one ton? two tons?) and use that weight to estimate when the next appointment should be. At CCHRC’s Research and Testing Facility located off Geist Road, we use both a masonry heater and pellet-burning boiler to heat the building. Our masonry stove burns cordwood to heat the front part of the building and a pellet boiler serves as the back-up heating appliance for the building addition. Join us for a public building tour at 2 p.m. on the

Winter Does NOT Stop ABC Inc.

second Thursday of each month to see and learn about these and other heating appliances in the building, or feel free to contact us with any questions on heating! (info@cchrc.org, 457-3454) Ask a Builder articles promote home awareness for the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC). If you have a question, contact us at info@cchrc.org or 457-3454.

CROWLEY FUELS

Complete your Remodeling Projects Throughout The Winter!

WARM HOMES & WARM SMILES

* Kitchen & Bath Remodeling * Windows & Doors * Finish Your Basement

When it’s cold outside, Crowley Fuels will make sure you have the home heating fuel you need to keep your family warm and happy. And we’ll deliver it to our Fairbanks neighbors with the warm, friendly service we’re known for. Give us a call today, and be sure to ask how you can save with our heating fuel auto-delivery program, so you never have to worry about running out of oil when you need it the most. Heating Fuel • ProPane Diesel • gasoline • aviation

907.328.4500 F13511304

170 E. Van Horn Rd. Crowley.com/Fairbanks F40511219

Here are some tips from the Alaska Department of Public Safety for proper operation and maintenance of woodstoves and about chimney fires. Additional information, including about proper woodstove installation, is available from the department online at dps.alaska.gov/fire/teb/ docs/woodstovesafety.pdf.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

ASK A BUILDER

Home maintenance necessary before winter sets in This column first appeared in the News-Miner on Sept. 15, 2016. The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life.

By Cold Climate Housing Research Center staff

As winter approaches, it’s a good time to look at a fall home maintenance punch list before it gets too cold. In addition to a boiler tune-up and chimne y inspections, there are a few more details worth considering. Now is the best time to make sure your roof system is in good working order. It’s not too late to replace shingles, add snow stops, patch l e a k s o r r e p l a c e a ny missing fasteners on metal roofs. When the leaves are down, the gutters are ready for inspection. In the spring, gutters clogged with frozen debris are virtually impossible to clean and can cause melt water to overflow and run down next to the foundation and into the basement or crawlspace. Check the downspouts, too — they should be unobstruc ted, firmly attached and pointed to direct water away from the house. While walking around the house, check the grade for drainage. Surface soils will remain unfrozen for a while longer, so it’s not too late to do any last minute dirt

A pair of skiers cross Ballaine Lake on a warm, wintry evening on Jan. 12, 2015. ERIC ENGMAN/NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO work to ensure spring runoff is directed away from the house. Inspect any heat traces to make sure they are in good (and safe) working order. Replacing heat trace now is a lot less hassle than a frozen waste or supply line in the winter. If you have any concerns about the safety of a heat trace — particularly if it’s older — consult an electrician. A malfunctioning heat trace can be a fire hazard. If you have an HRV

system, make sure all parts are in good working order. Alaskans tend to spend a lot more time indoors during the winter, and good ventilation is critical. An inspection should include a look at the supply and exhaust grilles on the outside of the house — not just those belonging to the HRV, but also dryers, range vents and bathroom fans, especially if they are close to the ground where the intake can become clogged

with leaves, grass or other debris. If an exhaust damper is present, make sure it is operating smoothly. Open up the HRV and examine the filters and the core. The cores can be removed and washed out if they are dirty. The condensate drain and drain line under the HRV should be free of obstructions; if a trap is present, it should contain water. A properly installed HRV is designed to bring in and exhaust the same

amount of air. The system should provide enough fresh air to ensure occupant health and control indoor humidity but not over-ventilate, as excess airflow is simply wasted energy. If you’ve never had your system professionally balanced and inspected, now is the time to call a residential ventilation contractor. I f y o u ’r e p l a n n i n g any air sealing with spray foam, the cut-off temperature for most

expanding foams is above freezing, although a few brands may go lower. Last but certainly not least, make sure your home has operating smoke alarms and at least one operating carbon monoxide detector all within audible distance of the bedrooms. Ask a Builder articles promote home awareness for the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC). If you have a question, contact us at info@cchrc.org or 4573454.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

ASK A BUILDER

Snow built up on roofs presents a danger to structures This column first appeared in the News-Miner on Dec. 25, 2015. The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life.

By Cold Climate Housing Research Center staff

Q: When should I worry about the snow load on the roof ? A: Snow loads var y across Alaska, from as much as 300 pounds per square foot (psf ) in Whittier to as little as 25 psf in northern Alaska. There are several factors that are used to

calculate snow loads, including the moisture content of the snow, seasonal accumulation and drifting. The weight of snow depends on its moisture content, which varies depending on the conditions. The moisture content of snow ranges from about 1 percent to about 33 percent (water weighs about 62 pcf ). Compressed snow — even snow that simply accumulates over time — will weigh more than freshly fallen snow. Fallen snow can also pick up humidity from the air and increase in weight. You determine weight by using a measurement called Snow Water Equivalent (converting

ON SALE NOW! ALL COOPER WINTER TIRES!

inches of snow to inches of water by taking a cylindrical core sample of snow and melting it.) You can find the daily Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) for different locations in the state, including Fairbanks, at the USDA Natural Resources Conser vation Services website (at www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ snotel/Alaska/alaska. html.) To calculate pounds per square foot, you multiply the SWE by a conversion factor of 5.2 (check out the formula here: www.ak.nrcs.usda. gov/snow/data). That gives you a snow load of roughly 12.5 psf. Keep in mind that this number is only designed to pro-

vide an estimate for the region. Current building code in the city of Fairbanks calls for roofs to withstand a minimum of 50 psf, but homes built before 1991 were required to carry 40 psf and older homes even less. Mobile homes can be built to carry just 20 psf. Keep in mind there is no building code outside of the city limits. Roof snow loads can vary depending upon type of roof, roof slope and melting and re-freezing of snow and ice, among other factors. Sloped roofs that periodically shed snow load present both benefits and risks. If snow slides safely onto open ground,

there’s no problem. But if that snow hits a deck on the way down, the force is multiplied many times more than its resting weight and can shear otherwise stable structures right off if they are not supported sufficiently. Or if snow slides onto a flat roof or other surface, its cumulative weight is magnified from that of normal snowfall. Structures should be designed with overhangs or other features to offer sliding snow a safe path to the ground. The ability of chimneys or utility poles to withstand sliding snow should also be considered. In addition, decks, sheds, greenhous-

es, campers and other structures built without permits or an inspection may not be able to handle much if any load depending on the quality of the workmanship. An underbuilt roof structure may also be at risk for collapse from imbalanced loading. For example, if the snow slides off one side of the roof yet remains on the other, the roof must be able to withstand the forces working against the structure during a change in weight distribution. Ask a Builder articles promote home awareness for the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC). If you have a question, contact us at info@cchrc.org or 457-3454.

Discoverer M+S

Thru December 31, 2016

Weathermaster S/T 2

F18510904

Limited to Stock on Hand

F18511084

Cushman at Van Horn • 452-7131

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

F17509814

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

F17511208

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

EVENT CALENDAR Looking for something to do in the winter months? Our events calendar is here to help. Also, check our What’s Ha p p e n i n g c a l e n d a r each week in our Latitude 65 section, in print and online. And don’t forget to check our sports pages for winter activities, too. See us online at newsminer.com

October

Art Oct. 7 — First Friday, Wilderness vs. Tech, unique cups, plates and other ceramic objects b y L a u r a C . He w i t t t o i n s p i r e e v e r y - d ay life, 5-8 p.m. at Alaska House Art Gallery, 1003 Cushman St. Oct. 8 — Watercolor & Wine, with Jill Marshall, all about painting watercolor in a relaxed setting while enjoying your favorite beverage. $65 class fee includes all supplies and even your first glass of wine or beer. Leave with a finished pansies painting, no experience necessary. 6-9 p.m. in the Glacier Room, down the hall from the Finish Line Restaurant (behind the La Quinta Inns & Suites) Contact Jill at jmarshall@alaska. net to reserve a space. See finished paintings at MarshallAr ts Design.com/watercolorworkshops. Bazaar Oc t . 22 — Monroe Holiday Bazaar, supporting Monroe athletics, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monroe High School, 615 Monroe St. Oct. 29 — Emblem Club Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore St.

Books Oct. 8 — League of Women Voters, book discussion group; discussion of “Broad Influence: How Women Are Changing The Way America Works,” by Jay Newton-Small; 10 a.m.; Noel Wien Library Conference Room, 1215 Cowles St. Free; open to all interested readers. Contact Georgine Olson at 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us for more info. Oct. 11 — Great Books Discussion Group, begin reading from “Great Books Foundation Great Conversations 5,” 7 p.m., Noel Wien Library Meeting Room #1, 1215 Cowles St. Free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us Oct. 24 — Science Fiction, and fantasy discussion droup; “The Woman in Black” by Susan Hill and selection of next year’s readings; 7 p.m.; Noel Wien Library Meeting Room #1, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us Family Oct. 22 — Creepy Critters, have fun learning about creepy critters with crafts and snacks at Creamer’s Field, noon4 p.m. at the farmhouse, 1300 College Rd., $5 suggested donation. Lecture Oct. 22 — Cofounder of worldbeyondwar.org, author, journalist, radio host and 2015-16 Nobel Peace Prize nominee David Swanson speaks at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Swanson has extensive knowledge about global security systems, 7 p.m. at Schiable Auditorium, sponsored by University Peace Club and Alaska Peace Center,

info@alaskapeace.org or 374-0577. Music/nightlife Oct. 30 — Fairbanks Community Band Concert, 3 p.m., Pioneer Park Arts Center Ticket price: free but donations welcome. 460-1606 Nature Oct. 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 — Noon Nature Walk, take a walk with a naturalist while learning about the boreal forest and history of Creamer’s Dairy and Creamer’s Field. Meet at the farmhouse at noon. Oct. 15 — Preschool Nature Discovery, “Looking at the Lynx,” program for ages 3-6, siblings and caregiver. Story, crafts and a walk at Creamer’s Field, 11 a.m.-noon at the farmhouse. $5 suggested donation. Special event Oct. 15 — Genealogy Fair, family history and genealogy how-tos, tips and tricks and research organization, presented by the Fairbanks Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Noel Wein Library Auditorium, 1215 Cowels St. For more information contract fgscontact@fairbanks genealogicalsociety.com Stage Oct. 21-23, 28-30 — “Blithe Spirit,” produced by Fairbanks Drama Association, written by Noel Coward and directed by Andrew Cassel, 7:30 p.m., Hap Ryder Riverfront Theatre, 1852 Second Ave. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors 65 and older, military and university students; and $15 for teens ages 13-18. Box office opens one hour before show time for walkup

ticke ts. Reser vations recommended by calling 456-7529.

November

Art Nov. 4 — First Friday, quilted fabric art and silent auction presented by State Farm and Arctic Fibers, 5:30-7 p.m., 3875 Geist Road Suite C. Nov. 4 — First Friday, “Wild Places,” new paintings by Bill Brody, 5-8 p.m. at The Alaska House Art Gallery, 1003 Cushman St. Nov. 12 — Watercolor & Wine, with Jill Marshall, all about painting watercolor in a relaxed setting while enjoying your favorite beverage. $65 class fee includes all supplies and even your first glass of wine or beer. Leave with two finished Christmas card paintings, no experience necessary. 6-9 p.m. in the Glacier Room, down the hall from the Finish Line Restaurant (behind the La Quinta Inns & Suites) Contact Jill at jmarshall@alaska. net to reserve a space. See finished paintings at M a r s h a l l A r t s Design.com/watercolorworkshops. Bazaars Nov. 5 — St. Nicholas Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 707 St. Nicholas Drive, North Pole. Free admission. Featuring handmade crafts, baked goods and vendors. A quilt raffle is slated for 3 p.m., and you do not have to be present to win. Vendor space is available. For more information, call 488-2595 or email stnicks@acsalaska. net. Nov. 5 — Fairbanks Lutheran Church, Christ-

mas crafts bazaar, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring handmade and handcrafted items by FLC members, and more than 40 Fairbanks and Interior community vendors/crafters. Free admission. 1012 Cowles St., across from the Noel Wien Public Library. 452-3425 Nov. 5 — C r e a t i v e Grandmas Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Senior Center, 1424 Moore St. Nov. 5 — University Women’s Association Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Civic Center in Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way. Free to attend, bazaar features items handcrafted in Alaska. Door prizes offered on Sunday. For more information, call 456-4009. Nov. 5 — Tanana Valley State Fair Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fair grounds, 1800 College Road. For more information contact Doreen Low, concessions @tananavalleyfair.org or 451-5555. Nov. 6 — University Women’s Association Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Civic Center in Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way. Free to attend, bazaar features items handcrafted in Alaska. Door prizes offered on Sunday. For more information, call 456-4009. Nov. 12 — Tanana Valley State Fair Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fair grounds, 1800 College Road. For more information contact Doreen Low, concessions @tananavalleyfair.org or 451-5555. Nov. 19 — Ticasuk B r o w n P TA Ho l i d ay Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ticasuk Brown Elementary School, 785 Lakloey Road, North Pole. $30 per space, $5 for table

rental, $5 for electricity (first come first served), $5 for wall space (first come first served). Make checks out to Ticasuk Brown Elementary PTA. Enjoy local vendors and handmade crafts and goodies. Concession will be provided by local Boy Scout Troop. Santa Claus may make a special appearance for you to take photos with your children. For information to register, contact Kathy Carpenter at 488-3200 ext. 43139 or kathryn. carpenter@k12northstar. org. Books Nov. 1 — Science Books Discussion Group, discussion of “Irrefutable Evidence” by Michael Kurland; 7 p.m.; Noel Wien Library Conference Room, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@ fnsblibrary.us Nov. 8 — Great Books Discussion Group, selections from “Great Conversations 5”; 7 p.m.; Noel Wien Library Meeting Room #1, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us Nov. 12 — League of Women Voters, book discussion group; “Defiant Brides” by Nancy Rubin Stuart; 10 a.m.; Noel Wien Library Conference Room, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@ fnsblibrary.us Nov. 15 — Osher Lifelong Learning Book Club, discussion of “Under the Wide and Starry Sky” by Nancy Horan; 1:30 p.m.; Noel Wien Library Conference Room, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us CALENDAR » 15

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Continued from 14 Nov. 28 — Science Fiction, and fantasy discussion group; discussion of “Bowl of Heaven” by Gregory Benford amd Larry Niven; 7 p.m.; Noel Wien Library Meeting Room #1, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@ fnsblibrary.us Nature Nov. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 — Noon Nature Walk, take a walk with a naturalist while learning about the boreal forest and history of Creamer’s Dairy and Creamer’s Field. Meet at the farmhouse at noon. Nov. 3 — Noon Nature Walk, take a walk with a naturalist while learning about the boreal forest and history of Creamer’s Dairy and Creamer’s Field. Meet at the farmhouse at noon. Nov. 5 — Babes in the Woods, “Pursuing Porcupines,” enjoy a story, crafts and a walk at Creamer’s Field, program for ages 0-2, siblings and a caregiver, 11 a.m.-noon at the farmhouse, $5 suggested donation. Nov. 19 — Preeschool Nature Discovery, “Pursuing Porcupines,” program for ages 3-6, siblings and caregiver. Story, crafts and a walk at Creamer’s Field, 11 a.m.noon at the farmhouse. $5 suggested donation. Nov. 26 — Thanksgiving for the Birds, make assorted bird feeders at Creamers Field, 1300 College Rd., noon-4 p.m. at the farmhouse, $5 suggested donation. Stage Nov. 4-6 — “Blithe S p i r i t ,” p r o d u c e d b y Fairbanks Drama Asso-

ciation, written by Noel Coward and directed by Andrew Cassel, 7:30 p.m., Hap Ryder Riverfront Theatre, 1852 Second Ave. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors 65 and older, military and university students; and $15 for teens ages 13-18. Box office opens one hour before show time for walkup ticke ts. Reser vations recommended by calling 456-7529.

December

Art Dec. 2 — First Friday, jewelry by Carol Wilbur, 5-8 p.m. at the Alaska House Art Gallery, 1003 Cushman St. Dec. 3 — Watercolor & Wine, with Jill Marshall, all about painting watercolor in a relaxed setting while enjoying your favorite beverage. $65 class fee includes all supplies and even your first glass of wine or beer. Leave with a finished snowshoe hare painting, no experience necessary. 6-9 p.m. in the Glacier Room, down the hall from the Finish Line Restaurant (behind the La Quinta Inns & Suites) Contact Jill at jmarshall@alaska.net to reserve a space. See finished paintings at MarshallArtsDesign.com/watercolorworkshops. Bazaars D e c . 2 — Ho l i d a y A r t B a z a a r, a t Mo r ris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, 101 Dunkel St., 5-8 p.m. The bazaar is a hybrid of a bazaar and a First Friday art show. Dec. 2 — Art Bazaar, 5-9 p.m. at Trax Outdoor Center, 310 Birch Hill Road. D e c . 3 — Ho l i d a y Art Bazaar, at Morris

Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, 101 Dunkel St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bazaar is a hybrid of a bazaar and a First Friday art show. Dec. 3 — Art Bazaar, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Trax Outdoor Center, 310 Birch Hill Road. Books Dec. 6 — Science Books Discussion Group, discussion of “Fifty Machines that Changed the Course of History” by Eric Chaline; 7 p.m.; Noel Wien Library Conference Room, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us Dec. 9 — Fairbanks Community Band Concert, 7 p.m., Pioneer Park Arts Center. Free to attend but donations welcome. 460-1606 Dec. 13 — Great Books Discussion Group, selections from “Great Conversations 5”; 7 p.m.; Noel Wien Library Meeting Room #1, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us Dec. 19 — Science Fiction, and fantasy discussion group; discussion of “Memory of Water” by Emmi Iräranta; 7 p.m.; Noel Wien Library Group Study Room #1, 1215 Cowles St. Free. Open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@ fnsblibrary.us

7:30 p.m., Pioneer Park Theatre. Ticket info at fairbankssweetadelines. com. Contact Carol Ann Field at carolann@ alaska.net or 479-3356 for info. Dec. 9 — Sing-ItYourself-Messiah, 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 547 Seventh Ave. Dec. 16-18 — Opera Fairbanks, presenting “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” an opera by Gian-Carlo Menotti. Performances with orchestra conducted by George Rydlinski and sung in English, 7 p.m., Salisbury Theatre UAF campus. Tickets and info at operafairbanks.org and 479-7372. Nature Dec. 3 — Babes in the Woods, “Curious about Caribou,” enjoy a story, crafts and a walk at Creamer’s Field, program for ages 0-2, siblings and a caregiver, 11 a.m.-noon at the farmhouse, $5 suggested donation. Dec. 3 — Luminary Trail and Holiday Open House, enjoy the winter season, walk our trail of laights, maybe see the aurora and warm up in the farmhouse with holiday treats, 7-9 p.m. at Creamer’s Field, 1300 College Road, $5 suggested donation. Dec. 17 — Preeschool Nature Discovery, “Curi-

Stage Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 — “A Christmas Story,” presented by Fairbanks Drama Association, written by Jean Shepherd and directed by Steve Mitchell, 7:30 p.m., Hap Ryder Riverfront Theatre, 1852 Second Ave. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors 65 and older, military and university students; and $15 for teens ages 13-18. Box office opens one hour before showtime for walkup ticke ts. Reser vations recommended by calling 456-7529.

January

Books Jan. 3 — Science Books Discussion Group, discussion of “Darwin: Portrait of a Genius” by Paul Johnson; 7 p.m.; Noel Wien Library Conference Room, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us Jan. 10 — Great Books Discussion Group, selections from “Great Conversations 5”, 7 p.m., Noel Wien Library Meeting Room #1, 1215 Cowles St.;

free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us Jan. 14 — League of Women Voters, book discussion group; “Treat Me, Not My Age: A Doctor’s Guide to Getting The Best Care As You Or A Loved One Gets Older,” by Mark Lachs, 10 a.m., Noel Wien Library Conference Room, 1215 Cowles St.; free; open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us Jan. 17 — Osher Lifelong Learning Book Club, discussion of “America’s First Daughter” by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, 1:30 p.m., Noel Wien Library Conference Room, 1215 Cowles St., free, open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson@fnsblibrary.us Jan. 28 — Science Fiction, a fantasy discussion group; “Clariel: The lLst Abhorsen: by Garth Nix, 7 p.m., Noel Wien Library Group Study Room #1, 1215 Cowles St., free, open to all interested readers. 459-1063 or golson @fnsblibrary.us Nature Jan. 7 — Babes in the Wo o d s , “ Wo n d e r i n g about Wolves,” enjoy a story, crafts and a walk at Creamer’s Field, program for ages 0-2, siblings and a caregiver, 11 a.m.-noon at the farmhouse, $5 suggested donation.

XC SKI RENTALS

Family Dec. 3, 10, 17 — Holiday ornament making, make natural ornaments from cones, feathers, twigs, berries and seeds, noon-4 p.m. at Creamer’s Field, 1300 College Road, $5 suggested donation. Music/nightlife Dec. 2-3 — Fairbanks Swee t Adelines, and Great Land Sounds, annual Christmas show,

ous about Caribou,” program for ages 3-6, siblings and caregiver. Story, crafts and a walk at Creamer’s Field, 11 a.m.noon at the farmhouse. $5 suggested donation.

PLUS... NEW & USED SKI SALES FORTHEWHOLE FAMILY!

O U T D O O R

C E N T E R

310 Birch Hill Road Ski ons e L ss le ab

il Ava

378-7800

traxoutdoorcenter.com Mon.-Fri. 11 am–8 pm Sat. 9 am–5 pm • Sun. 9 am–5 pm

F18511274

CALENDAR

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Family Owned since 1997

Metropolitan Garage we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t view ourselves as working on cars. We work for PEOPLE who happen to own cars. And tires are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle.

Nokian Tires. The stickiest, most predictable tire available. F18510117

3208 International Street (907) 455.7450 Hours: Monday-Thursday 8AM-6PM info@metropolitangarage.com

MetroplitanGarage.com