Home Care & Car Care Spring 2015
A special publication of the Ludington Daily News
4|
Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
Spring home maintenance checklist
Spring is here and it’s time to start thinking about getting ready for summer. Here are some ideas to think about when getting ready for the season:
1) Tune up lawn and garden equipment
air conditioning system 4) Seal the exterior 5) Clean out dryer venting 6) Replace refrigerator water filter
2) Replace furnace or air 7) Clean off refrigerator handler air filter condenser coils 3) Clean out the central
8) Troubleshoot and repair appliances and
| FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
Spring Cleaning
equipment Up to
9) Check for water leakage
50 to 75% Off Retail
SAT., APRIL 18 ONLY - 9 AM-3 PM WE NOW OFFER OUTDOOR GRILLS
10) Use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean home siding and decks.
Triumph Grill
With Free Rotisserie .....................
Mirage Grill With Free Rotisserie & Cutting Board & Bowl ............
11) Change batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. — Information from RepairClinic.com
$599
Caliber Fireplace
With surround ......................... Reg. $5,903
Vermont Castings Insert ................................... Reg. $4,000
$1,500 $1,500 $ 900
Regency U39...................... Reg. $2,986 Heatilator & Select Regency Models .............................. 20% Off
skoog
$999
Check Out Our Propane Tank Exchange
SKOOG HEATING & COOLING, LLC
the o est.
nly name you need to know. .. 1910
heating & cooling
1102 S. MADISON, LUDINGTON, MI 49431 • PH: 231-845-6302 • FAX: 231-845-6904
From Pebbles To Boulders, Man Made To God Made.
231-845-5196 605 S. PM HWY., LUDINGTON
Now in one convenient location!
We Always Bid With You, Never Against You.
231-845-0329 605 S. PM HWY., LUDINGTON
YOU CAN PUT YOUR TRUST IN US
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
|3
| Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
Don’t forget headlights when performing maintenance (MS) — Veteran and even novice drivers understand the importance of visibility when they get behind the wheel of their vehicles. When visibility is not an issue, drivers can easily see their fellow motorists and better anticipate potentially dangerous situations. But when visibility is compromised, drivers and their passengers are vulnerable to a host of dangers, including inclement weather and aggressive motorists. Many things can affect drivers’ visibility on the road, but those who take a proactive approach to improving their visibility can put themselves in a better position to handle any negative situations that may arise. One of the ways to do just that is to pay more attention to your headlights. The following are a few ways drivers can improve the performance of their headlights to make their vehicles safer for themselves and their passengers. • Pay attention to the headlights’ output. Perhaps the most noticeable indicator of an aging headlight is its light output. As bulbs start to dim, drivers may find themselves struggling to see during twilight and at night. That difficulty is not necessarily because drivers’ own vision is failing, but may be a result of aging bulbs whose light output is gradually reduced by the
As bulbs start to dim, drivers may find themselves struggling to see during twilight and at night. effects of humidity, electrical resistance and filament fatigue. • Say “so long” to the status quo. Recognizing dimming bulbs is just the first step toward improving the performance of your headlights. The next step is for drivers to recognize that all headlight bulbs are not created equal. Instead of replacing existing bulbs with the same type of bulbs provided by their vehicle’s manufacturer, drivers can vastly improve their visibility by upgrading to a bulb designed to provide more light than the standard halogen bulbs found in many of today’s vehicles. Headlight bulbs
that offer up to 100 percent more light on the road than standard halogen bulbs are offered by some major retailers. That’s a significant benefit to drivers, as motorists’ visual acuity is reduced by 70 percent at night, when statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate 49 percent of all fatal accidents occur. • Find the right fit. The right headlight bulb can dramatically improve visibility when driving at night, but what’s good for the goose is not always good for the gander. That’s because motorists drive for various reasons and on various roads, so the right bulb for seniors who don’t often take to the highways will not necessarily be the best fit for commuters who routinely drive long distances. • Let there be light. Regardless of how effective a bulb has the potential to be, drivers
who don’t routinely clean their headlights will continue to have their visibility compromised. Certain preventative measures can help drivers address
headlight issues before they appear, ensuring their visibility is not compromised. When checking your oil in the driveway or even
when you’re filling up at the gas station, take a few moments to inspect your headlights and address any issues that arise as soon as possible. Headlight Restoration Kits may include a post-treatment that provides long-lasting UV protection for headlight lenses. The kit also includes a cleaner/polish and restorer/protector so drivers can restore their headlight lenses to “like new” quality while increasing visibility and reducing glare. Quick and simple maintenance can ensure your headlights are performing optimally.
Serving West Michigan Since 1943
Roofing SiDing REMoDELing BARn RoofS WinDoWS
RESiDEnTiAL Roofing SPECiALiSTS
SHINGLES • SIDING Windows • Flat Roof Systems Steel Roofing • Exterior Remodeling “A Professional Job With A Down Home Touch” “We’ve Been Serving You For Over 50 Years and We’ll Be Here For You Tomorrow” 3925 N. 200th Ave., Walkerville
RESiDEnTiAL & CoMMERCiAL
3925 N. 200th Ave. WAlkerville
Roofing Co., inC.
Licensed • Insured Free Estimates
1-800-468-2613 873-2716 • 845-5969 CREDiT CARDS ACCEPTED Check us out on the web: www.tannerandsonsroofing.com
4|
Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
| FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
Advice from the pros: Do not neglect auto service (MS) — The average age of a personal vehicle on the road today is more than 11 years, according to recent news reports. In tough economic times, it’s natural to rein in spending. But the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) warn that putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring service intervals is false economy. Small issues can morph into more expensive repairs. For example, failure to replace worn brake pads or a faulty oxygen sensor — both relatively easy services for qualified auto technicians -- can result
Putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring service intervals is false economy. Small issues can morph into more expensive repairs. in expensive brake rotor service or costly replacement of the vehicle’s catalytic converter. Frequently neglected items include oil changes, tire and brake service, wheel alignment, air and fuel filters, and transmission service, according to ASE-certified auto technicians. Besides, a well-main-
Window Cleaning • residential & commercial • licensed • insured
KURT KNUTSON
tained vehicle gets better gasoline mileage, pollutes less, is safer to operate, and lasts longer than one that’s neglected, notes ASE. To help consumers choose a repair shop that fits their needs, ASE offers the following checklist:
DGL
SELF STORAGE UNITS NOW AVAILABLE All Sizes
Best Rates Guaranteed!
My Little Helper (231) 233-9024
repair work. • Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community, or customer service awards. • Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE. • Look for the ASE sign or logo; it means the shop employs nationally certified technicians.
757-9569
Proudly Serving The Area Since 1946
Wells 2” - 12” • Irrigation Residential • Municipal • Commercial Licensed & Insured
8736 N. US 10 & 31, Free Soil, Michigan
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for seasonal car care advice and more.
IT'S SPRING CLEAN-UP TIME ResponsiblE
to our Community Responsible
to You
We pay cash for scrap metal including: Copper, Aluminum, Brass, Steel and Car Bodies Join The Club!
2165 W. US-10 HWY. LUDINGTON
CAMERON BROTHERS WELL DRILLING 231-464-5801
• Look for a neat, wellorganized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. • Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions. • Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. • Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of
It’s all part of our commitment to the community we’re proud to have been part of for over 100 years.
Visit our Web site to learn more: www.padnos.com
PADNOS
PERE MARQUETTE 2601 W. US-10, Ludington
843-4455
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
|5
| Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
Signs your roof might be wearing down (MS) — Replacing a roof is a costly venture few homeowners look forward to. What’s more, homeowners who choose more upscale roofing materials can expect to spend almost more on their roofs. Such costs make it no small wonder that many homeowners fear the dreaded diagnosis that their home needs a new roof. While there’s little homeowners can do to reduce the cost of a roof replacement, there are warning signs homeowners can look for. Recognition of these signs can help homeowners be more financially prepared should the day come when the roof needs to be replaced.
The presence of algae If the roof has lots of dark streaks and stains clinging to it, that is likely algae, which can grow on
the roof for quite awhile. Algae does not necessarily do any damage to a roof, but it does do some damage to a home’s physical appearance, as algae on the roof is not very pleasing to the eye. Algae is most often found on the roofs of homes located in climates that have warm, humid summers. If algae is a problem on your roof, spray washing with a mixture of water and bleach can effectively remove it.
from the home. Buckling shingles also indicate that the roof is poorly ventilated, which can take years off the roof’s life expectancy while driving up home cooling costs along the way.
Granule loss
Granule loss is typically a byproduct of normal shingle wear and tear that results from inclement weather, such as hail. Older roofs might experience granule loss, but Buckling shingles granule loss can also ocLike algae, buckling cur on a new roof if a deshingles are another un- fective roofing product sightly problem on a roof. was used. But buckling shingles are more than just an eye- Mold sore, they actually might Unlike the warning signs indicate significant prob- already discussed, mold is lems. When shingles buck- not visible on the outside le, that’s typically because of the home. hot air from the attic is Instead, homeowners forcing the shingles away should look in the attic of
a home to see if there is any mold growth. If there is, the roof is likely leaking, and the health risks of mold growth in a home are substantial. Mold is not necessarily easy to detect, so a professional inspection might be in order if mold growth is suspected.
Roof rot Perhaps the most discouraging sign a homeowner can see on his or her roof is roof rot. Roof rot appears when a roof is in considerable decay and, if not addressed, its consequences can stretch far beyond the roof, damaging other parts of the home thanks in large part to water getting through the roof. If roof rot is either not noticed or just ignored, it won’t take long for water to get through the roof and blaze a destructive path through the
rest of the home. Homeowners might fear a full roof replacement because of the cost associated with such a project.
Customize Your Shower! Custom Shower Door Installation • Frameless or framed • Doors to fit any style • Various Pattern glass to choose from • Glass thickness up to 1/2"
MATT EWING
• Floor Covering • Lumber • Quality Tools
• Lighting & Electrical • Bathroom & Kitchen • Appliances
• Paint • Doors & Windows • Home Decor
• Lawn & Garden • Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
4460 West US 10, Ludington • 231-480-5100 • Monday-Saturday 6 am - 9 pm, Sunday 8 am - 8 pm
But if ignored, problems with a roof could eventually prove far more costly than the price of replacing the roof.
MARK COOPER
RANDY DERESKE
LUDINGTON PAINT & GLASS Mixing Paint & Service Since 1948
213 S. JAMES, LUDINGTON
843-8250
www.ludingtonpaint.com
6|
Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
| FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
Spring projects to spruce up your home (BPT) — Warmer weather and sunnier days are on their way and many homeowners are itching to begin home improvement projects. If you are one of them, consider these areas of your home when prepping for spring.
Windows and doors From a full window replacement to a simple coat of paint, updating your windows and doors can have a big impact on your home. If your windows felt drafty this winter, it may be time for replacements. Replace your old singlepane windows with energy-efficient double-pane windows. Double-pane windows can help you save on heating and cooling bills; they help keep the temperature in your home consistent year-round and help protect your furniture, carpet and window treatments from the sun’s fading rays. Need to bring some fresh color into your home but don’t want to paint? Try updating your blinds or shades. From different styles to colorful fabrics, blinds and shades can add a pop of color to your room. Motorized blinds and shades with Pella Insynctive technology come in more than 300 style and color options so you can find the right fit for your home’s decor.
Your front door is a major focal point of your home, enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Make a bold statement and improve your home’s energy efficiency with a new ENERGY STAR-certified front door. Consider options with decorative glass accents, and sidelights to add more natural light while maintaining a sense of style and privacy. Looking for something even easier? A new coat of paint to your existing door is a quick and easy way to give your home a
fresh, new look. Give Pantone’s Color of the Year marsala a try, or get inspired by your favorite Pinterest collection of favorite front doors.
Gutters and downspouts Excess water near your foundation can cause thousands of dollars in damages. Luckily gutter cleaning and downspout repair is fairly low-cost. After all the snow melts, you’ll want to make sure to clean your gutters and clean out any debris
that may keep spring rains from flowing freely through your downspouts. Along with replacing damaged gutter or downspout sections, you’ll also want to make sure you have added downspout extenders to ensure water is draining far away from your home’s foundation. Extenders should reach at least five feet into your yard. Gutter covers can also be added to minimize debris from gathering in gutters throughout the year.
Air conditioning It may be a few more months before you’re turning on the A/C, but spring is a great time to start getting your cooling system ready. Often you have to call in the pros for air conditioning work but things like spraying off any overgrowth or debris, cleaning coils and changing filters are fixes you can easily do on your own. Also, trim back any shrubs that are near by. Keeping the outdoor unit
clean from debris will boost your A/C system’s efficiency. You can keep part of your indoor duct work clean by removing register covers and wiping clean any of the visible parts. You’ll need to contact a professional for a full duct cleaning. Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest or Houzz for more home tips and design inspiration, or visit Pella.com for product information.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
|7
| Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
Call 811 before digging for landscaping and home improvement projects (BPT) - With the snow melted and the ground thawed, many eager homeowners and landscape professionals across the country will roll up their sleeves and reach for their garden shovels to start projects that require digging this spring. During the transition into “digging season,” Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the association dedicated to protecting underground utilities and the people who dig near them, reminds homeowners and professional
Know what’s below: A utility line is damaged every six minutes in America because someone decided to dig without making a call to 811 to learn the approximate location of buried utilities in their area. diggers that calling 811 is the first step toward protecting you and your community from the risk of unintentionally damaging an underground line. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a free call to 811. Installing a mailbox or fence, building a deck and landscaping are all examples of digging projects that should only begin a few days after making a
call to 811. Calling this number connects you to your local one-call utility notification center. Nearly half of American homeowners say they do not plan to make a free call to 811 before digging, according to data collected by CGA in late February. Extrapolated to the full population of U.S. homeowners, approximately 38.6 million people will dig this year without first calling 811.
A utility line is damaged every six minutes in America because someone decided to dig without making a call to 811 to learn the approximate location of buried utilities in their area. Unintentionally striking one of these lines can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, harm to yourself or your neighbors and repair costs. As a result, CGA offers the following tips to make sure you complete your project safely and without any utility service interruptions, so you don’t become a statistic. Here’s how the 811 process works: 1. One free, simple phone call to 811 makes it easy for your local one-
call center to notify all appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Call a few days prior to digging to ensure enough time for the approximate location of utility lines to be marked with flags or paint. 2. When you call 811, a representative from your local one-call center will ask for the location and description of your digging project. 3. Your local one-call center will notify affected utility companies, which will then send professional locators to the proposed dig site to mark the approximate location of your lines. 4. Only once all lines have been accurately marked, roll up those
sleeves and carefully dig around the marked areas. There are nearly 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States that your family depends on for everyday needs including electric, gas, water and sewer, cable TV, high-speed Internet and landline telephone, which equals more than a football field’s length of utilities for every person in the United States. With that much critical infrastructure underground, it’s important to know what’s below and call 811 before digging. To find out more information about 811 or the one-call utility notification center in your area, visit www.call811.com.
8|
Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
| FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
The perfect car tips for any trip
(BPT) — Across the country people are planning to take longer road trips this year. If you plan to be one of them, here are five maintenance tips to consider for today’s cars.
needed, but many newer cars do not have a spare tire. They may have “run-flat” tires or come equipped with an air compressor and sealant. Become familiar with your vehicle’s spare tire system before you leave town and decide if it is • New tires? adequate. Maybe you will “For four-wheel drive want to upgrade to a full cars and trucks, buy new size spare. tires as a complete set,” says RockAuto.com Engi- • Why new struts? neer and Vice President Tom Taylor. “Mixing old Pushing down on a and new tires or just mix- fender and counting the ing tire brands can cre- bounces is not a good ate small differences in test for the shocks and tire diameter that may be struts on modern cars. enough to overheat and “Some people are hapdamage four-wheel drive py that their struts seem parts.” to be lasting forever but they don’t realize that the struts actually wore out • What spare tire? thousands of miles ago,” Adding air to the spare says Taylor. “Bad struts used to be all that was
lead to unnecessary wear on a whole slew of additional parts including the brakes, rubber boots, suspension bushings and engine mounts.” For the safest handling and braking, replace your struts and shocks at 50,000 miles or at the mileage recommended by the manufacturer.
• Just the belt? Modern engine belts last a long time. Most car owners do not resist when their mechanic tells them it is time to replace the belts after many miles or years. “Owners should listen to their mechanics when they are told the belt tensioners need to be replaced along with the belt,” says Taylor. “Those are the spring-loaded pul-
leys that keep the belt at Some owners may get the correct tension. Put- away with leaving a rating a new belt on old ten- diator hose untouched sioners can mean prema- for decades, but for the ture wear on the new belt or damage to the alternator or other components spun by the belt.”
Ask Sherwin-Williams
• Hose looks new?
How You Can Save Every Day!
New engine hoses also now last much longer than they used to. Hoses do eventually fail and the damage often starts in the hose’s inner layers where it is out of sight. A burst radiator hose still means a disrupted trip and today’s aluminum alloy engines are often even more susceptible to heat damage. Follow the guidance of your repair manual or mechanic on when to replace hoses.
Come see us in
SCOTTVILLE We can assist you with creating & developing your dreams.
Open Wed. thru Sat. 10-5 Sun. 11-3 thru April
rest, common sense assessment of risks and rewards shows why these tips are worth following.
Sally & Jerry Cole
120 N. Main, Scottville • 231-936-1123 • www.colesantiquesvilla.com
Join our FREE Paint Perks Program for exclusive sale events, great decorating tips and how-to information, plus savings on paints and stains every time you shop. Visit sherwin-williams.com/preferred to sign up or see store for program details.
5862 W. US 10 LUDINGTON 231.843.2188
Ask Sherwin-Williams.™
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
|9
| Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
Success tips for DIY painting projects
(BPT) — Painting projects are more popular than ever with do-ityourselfers with 94 percent planning a painting project in 2015, according to a Sherwin-Williams survey of homeowners. If you plan to paint this year, here are some tips to help prepare you for success.
Choose colors with confidence A fresh coat of paint in the right color can quickly transform the look and feel of any space. To help choose the perfect color for your space, take advantage of the easy-to-use color selection tools available to help you find and try colors before you paint. Ho-
meowners can use the online Color Visualizer, for example, to virtually paint a space and try on different color combinations, making it easy to choose colors with confidence.
Find color inspiration Choosing the perfect paint color is key to creating the look you want, but how do most people find the right color? More than half of DIYers (56 percent) say they look to nature for color
traffic areas, like a hallway or a kid’s bedroom, satin and egg-shell paints are preferred as the finish is easy to clean and maintain. High gloss paints are also extremely durable and easy to clean, makinspiration, while more ing them perfect for winthan a third (36 percent) dows, doors and trim. For take their color cues from spaces that have something to hide, a flat finish Pinterest images. will work to your advantage. Select the right finish Once you’ve decided on the perfect color, make sure you’re getting the best finish for the space you are painting. For durability and washability, choose a semi-gloss paint. Semi-gloss is a good option for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, as well as trim. For high-
step. Then, paint the windows from top to bottom. After the windows, paint the baseboards, trim and doorframe.
THE PROFESSIONAL LUMBERYARD
Paint your space in the correct order When planning your painting project, also consider the order in which you paint your space. Start with the ceiling, followed by the walls. If two coats of paint are needed, finish both coats before moving to the next
Roofing
Windows
rs
Siding
Doors
Trim
Keep it Functional and Stylish
Your Building Supply Specialists!
Quality Contrac tor Referrals
Delivery Available HOMEOWNERS DO-IT-YOURSELFERS WELCOME
925 N. Washington • Ludington
(231) 843-3235
Finally, paint the door. Following this order will help ensure a smoother painting process and will require fewer cleanups.
FREE ESTIMATES PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Granite Solid Surface Quartz
At Carter Lumber’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom, we help make your project a success with the latest designs, model home programs, Yard Rewards, multiple price points, package discounts and on-time jobsite delivery.
Get a free kitchen estimate now at carterlumber.com/kitchenpricing
Cindy Hackert, Designer Do you want to trust your kitchen design to someone that learned last week or to designers with over 15 years experience designing kitchens and baths. Kitchen installation available
Ludington
231-757-9000
carterlumber.com
10 |
Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
| FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
From footballs to tires, inflation is important (BPT) - If 2015 has shown us anything so far, it’s that deflation can cause a frenzy, especially when it comes to footballs. Who would have thought that slightly flat footballs would become a national debate? One thing’s for sure, it’s now clear how important proper inflation is and how deflation can affect things, including your tires. “The whole ‘deflategate’ situation helped raise the awareness of the impact of air pressure on performance,” says Bob Abram, product planning manager for Yokohama Tire Corporation, maker of a variety of truck and car tires. Correct tire pressure is actually specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle, not the tire maker. You can find the proper inflation levels on a placard on the inside of the car door or in the owner’s manual. Tires that are underinflated by 8 pounds persquare-inch (psi) can reduce vehicle fuel economy by as much as 2 per-
cent, and tires can lose about 1-2 psi each month under normal driving conditions, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. That’s why Abram strongly recommends taking five minutes each month to check your tire pressure. “It’s quick and easy, and if you do it regularly, you’ll extend the life of your tire and get better fuel economy.”
Tires must be cold when inspected for tire pressure (at least four hours after the vehicle has been driven). Check tire pressure with a reliable tire gauge and make sure the valve stems have a plastic or metal cap to keep out dirt, water and foreign objects. Abram says that while today’s tires are true technical marvels, he suggests you manually check them
because you can’t tell a tire’s pressure is off by just looking at it. Checking your tires regularly will pay off, but Abram says there are many other ways you can maintain your tires for improved driving and fuel-cost savings. Here are a couple: • Rotating your tires will prevent uneven wear and promote a smoother ride.
AUDIO • VIDEO • SECURITY • REMOTE START • GLASS
THE BUSS GARDENS
Tax Refund Coming Soon? Treat yourself and your family to a new car stereo/ video system. Make those trips a ride in luxury.
GREAT LAKES AUTO GLASS 231-757-0497
2054 E. US-10, CUSTER
Because the weight distribution on your car or truck can vary, it’s best to rotate your tires. Tire companies advise drivers to rotate their tires in accordance with vehicle owner’s manual recommendations to ensure even treadwear and optimum tread life. Yokohama recommends that its tires be rotated at 6,000 8,000 mile intervals. • Tires that are bal-
anced correctly will provide a smoother ride and help prevent improper wear. • Check your tire alignment once a year. Misaligned tires create unnecessary tire wear and higher fuel consumption. • Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (the lowest legal limit). It’s best to replace them before they reach 2/32 depending on your drive (geographically and type of streets). For example, rural streets that aren’t regularly plowed are different than city streets that are regularly plowed. Winter traction and wet traction can decline as tread depth decreases. • Check your tread depth by placing a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire’s tread has worn down to the legal limit and you need to buy new tires. For more tire care and safety tips visit yokohamatire.com or www.rma. org.
A Garden for all Seasons
Give the Garage Back to Your Car.
GARDEN OPENING MAY 1, 2015
When you need your space, we have room for you.
Violet & Bill Buss 2879 W. Townline Rd. Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 464-5833 vmbuss@gmail.com www.BussGardens.com
From closet-size to garage-size units, we have the affordable storage space that’s just right for your needs.
Larson's Self Storage
2 Locations: 65 S. Jebavy Dr. | 263 N. Jebavy Dr.
845-7242
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
| 11
| Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
Raise your rooms to new heights with high ceilings (BPT) — Want to infuse your home with architectural interest? Start at the top. “The ceiling is the most overlooked design element in a space, hands down,” said Brian Patrick Flynn, whose interiors are regularly featured on HGTV.com and often showcased by his own company, FlynnsideOut Productions. Consider this: The largest solid surface in a room - besides the floor - is the ceiling. Instead of leaving it bright white or builder beige, convert this blank canvas into a decorative canopy of color and texture. Flynn and other influential designers are forecasting a ceiling “revival” in 2015. Fresh interpretations of vintage styles - such as gleaming metal tiles and textural wood beams - are helping inspire that trend, along with new, easy-to-install products that put these ceiling projects well within the reach of today’s DIY-ers.
ceilings offer practicality. They resist mold and mildew, offer sag resistance and last longer than plaster or drywall. The lacquered steel panels also can be painted to accent or blend with the rest of the room. Regardless of the finish, the texture of the tiles creates a tactile top layer to the space. • Mix and match ceiling styles. Some room designers are combining different decorating elements at the top, such as inlaying the recesses of coffered ceilings with gold or copper tiles. Flynn said
“Just like people, rooms need different layers to be one-of-a kind,” Flynn said. “That includes a ceiling that makes people look up and scan the entire space.” Here are some hot ceiling trends to take your
rooms to new heights: • Layer on the luster. Stamped metal ceilings have contributed shine and sophistication to American homes since they were introduced in the 1880s. Besides beauty, metal
he’s also a fan of tongueand-groove ceilings accented with beams. “This adds a ton of visual interest to the room, and can make it feel much larger,” he said. • Create character with wood. From rustic timber to sleek teak, wood hues help set the tone in a room. Besides imparting a sense of warmth, the grains and knots in wood panels add a textural layer that contrasts nicely with smooth surfaces like painted walls and granite countertops. • Add architectural
depth. Coffered ceilings first appeared in Roman architecture, and their geometric elegance has graced grand buildings ever since. Today, the cost and complexity of building coffered ceilings have been reduced by lightweight materials and easy-to-install prefabricated systems that boast features like mold, mildew and sag resistance. Flynn recommends homeowners start thinking about their ceiling by exploring websites for ideas.
Parking Lots • Patching Walkways Driveways and Roads...
PAVING OUR WAY INTO THE FUTURE.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
An Employee Owned Company
W. FIRST ST., LUDINGTON
845-7031
ON CALL 24/7 (877) 791-7477 www.patriotus.com
FIRE
WATER WIND
Restoration • Reconstruction • Contents • Residential • Commercial • Industrial
12 |
Ludington daily newS/SPRING HOME CARE CAR CARE
| FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
5 ways to redefine your outdoor space (BPT) - Winter’s coldest days make you appreciate spring and summer, as well as the warm afternoons spent outdoors enjoying these seasons. And when the time comes, there’s no better place to relax than in your own backyard. If your space isn’t all it could be, though, this is the perfect time for a little outdoor upgrade. Below are five projects you can tackle on your own to reinvent your backyard and turn it into the space you always knew it could be. • Landscape for the year. Landscaping pro-
is ideal for planter box-
There’s no better place to relax than in your own backyard.
vides a focal point in your yard, but don’t just landscape with the warmer months in mind - include plants for each season. Showcase blooming flowers and hostas in the warmer months, and pair
them with evergreen conifers for a look that’s inviting all year long. • One-of-a-kind planter boxes. Showcase your most beautiful blooms or delicious herbs in planter boxes. Western Red Cedar
es because it is naturally rot, decay and insect resistant. Plus, building the box is easy. • Sitting beside the fire. A fire pit is a great way to extend your backyard use into the evening hours, and giving the pit a professional look is easier than you think.
Start by measuring the pit area and then build your wall of pavers. Surround the pit itself with gravel, additional pavers or another non-flammable substance, then add some comfy chairs and prepare to enjoy. • The all-in-one pergola. Whether you’re looking for a little shade, a centerpiece for the yard or the perfect spot to entertain, a pergola delivers. Building the pergola out of a lighter wood will make the material easier to handle for any DIYer. • Let there be light. Enjoy your backyard any time of day with just a lit-
tle lighting. Solar-powered path lights are a low-maintenance way to showcase your new landscaping, and hanging track lighting can bring an evening glow to your pergola. Finally, don’t forget tiki torches. Adding a couple will give your backyard a rustic feel and keep the mosquitos away at the same time. What could be better than that? Your backyard is what you make of it, so why not make it great? Any of these projects will noticeably enhance your backyard.
HANKWITZ HEATING, COOLING & DUCT CLEANING, LLC.
Located in Ludington 609 S. Washington Ave. 231-843-2809
FREE ESTIMATES A Pair of Efficiency Winners!
OUR GOAL...is to provide the service and dependability our customers have ALWAYS counted on! Call Hankwitz now for your Heating & Cooling needs! Service & Installation for
Gas Furnaces • Boilers • Water Heaters • Fireplaces • Humidifiers • Heat Pumps • Duct Cleaning • Air Conditioning Licensed & Insured
Family Owned & Operated • Dealer for over 30 years
seasonal clean ups with haul away complete tree services comeplete lawn maintenance garden and mulch bed maintenance landscaping design and installation hardscapes water features full handyman services licensed and insured free estimates call us for your needs!!
SUNSHINE'S OUTDOOR SERVICES, LLC 6919 ABRAHAMSON RD., LUDINGTON, MI 49431 OFFICE 231-480-4707 • FAX 231-480-4749 • CELL 231-690-6033