Saturday, November 4, 2017 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal
REMODELING
A sunroom with style Designer gives room a finished look page 6 n Controlling lawn weeds, page 2 n Pre-winter roof repairs, page 7 n Thanksgiving table finesse, page 9
Keith Horinek/The Capital-Journal
2 | Saturday, November 4, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Timing essential for lawn weed control The timing of weed control depends on weed type — annual or perennial, broadleaf or grasses and a few miscellaneous identifiers. For all who have been anxiously waiting, now is the time to control broadleaf weeds in your lawns. Whether they’re actively growing to prepare for winter or newly germinated, broadleaf weeds are vulnerable. Control now will be much easier than after the weeds are established or during times of slow growth, when they may be less receptive to chemicals. Dandelions, henbit, chickweed and knotweed can all be controlled in the fall. During late October and early November, dandelions, a broadleaf perennial, are producing a new flush of growth. Even established dandelions are easier to control, because they are actively moving materials from the top portion of the plant into the roots. That process means the plants will absorb the herbicides, as they would nutrients, killing them from the bottom up. They can be controlled with combination products such as Trimec, WeedB-Gon or Weed-Out, which contain 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), meta-Chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) and dicamba. Henbit and chickweed, broadleaf annual weeds, are newly germinated and easy to kill. The chemical control for these weeds
Control dandelions with products, such as Weed-B-Gon, that contain 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), meta-Chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) and dicamba.
Ariel Whitely-NOLL
arielw@ksu.edu
is the same as it is for dandelions. For optimal results, spray on a day that is at least 50 degrees. A warmer day will encourage the weed to grow more, moving more chemicals to the roots. Cooler days sometimes can be effective but may slow the process and, in some cases, render the chemicals ineffective altogether. Weed Free Zone (also sold under the name Speed Zone) contains the three active ingredients mentioned above, plus carfentrazone. It will give a quicker response than the other products, especially as temperatures approach 50 degrees. Knotweed, another annual broadleaf, thrives in compacted soils. Soil aeration creates an unfavorable environment for knotweed and is the best first step. Maintaining a healthy lawn also will help eradicate this weed. Unlike the newly germinated henbit and chickweed, knotweed germinates in late February or early March. For that reason, fall is the time to apply the pre-emergent herbicide that will prevent germination. Pendimethalin (Scotts Halts) and Surflan (Weed Impede, Barricade, Dimension and XL) are all labeled for knotweed. It’s important to note that Pendimethalin, Barricade and Dimension can be used on all Kansas turf grasses, while Surflan and XL can only be used on tall fescue and
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For optimal results when trying to control weeds in the fall, spray on a day that is at least 50 degrees. A warmer day will encourage the weed to grow more, moving more chemicals to the roots. Cooler days sometimes slow the process, or render it ineffective. warm-season grasses. In the spring, a post-emergence product such as Trimec, Weed-Out, Weed-B-Gon or Weed Free Zone can be applied after the knotweed has germinated but when it’s still young. A spring seeded lawn will impact chemical selection. Trimec requires a month before overseeding in order to allow for thick lawn to establish. Never use a pre-emergent herbicide if you’re trying to establish a new lawn. As with all chemical use, reading and following the label is essential. Weed identification is also key to a successful
control. Contact your local Extension office (Shawnee County Extension for Shawnee County residents) or your local county weed department. Timing, temperature, proper cultural methods and chemical selection will help your lawn look beautiful year-round. Brand names appearing in this article are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. Ariel Whitely-Noll is the horticulture agent for Shawnee County Research and Extension.
homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, November 4, 2017 | 3
Adhesive tape fixes holes in vinyl siding By John Nalley Angie’s List
A rock spits from your lawn mower, hurtling toward the side of your house. Someone overthrows a baseball during a game of catch, striking your home. No matter how it happened, you now have a nasty crack in your vinyl siding to fix. Now what? The good news is you have a quick and easy vinyl siding repair option when such mishaps occur. You likely can at least patch the damage and protect your home until a siding pro comes out to replace the panel. Q: Why should siding be fixed ASAP? A: Siding acts as a first layer of defense against the elements, so leaving any hole or crack exposes your home’s envelope to water, wind and pests, according to Amy Grishman, of Coastal Windows & Exteriors in Beverly, Mass. Water trapped beneath the siding panels also can lead to mold or rot over time. Also, a crack or hole in the siding could expand if left unchecked, turning what started out as a minor issue into a bigger problem down the road. Q: What’s the best way to patch cracked vinyl siding? A: Grishman recommends using a Tear-Aid “Type B” vinyl repair patch kit, which can be found at hardware and sporting goods stores for about $10. This ultra-adhesive clear tape, designed specifically for vinyl products, will quickly bind to the siding, creating a strong weatherproof seal and giving you time to schedule a permanent siding replacement with a pro. Be sure to clean the surface with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly before
applying the tape. Follow the instructions on the package and be careful when applying because the adhesive is strong. Other clear strong-adhesive tapes may also do the trick, but be sure the tape is designed to stick to vinyl before buying it. Q: How can you prevent siding cracks and holes? A: Vinyl siding is susceptible to holes and cracks because there’s a small but hollow space between the siding and the home’s wall sheathing. The solution: Next time you get a siding installation or repair, ask your pro about contoured progressive foam insulation, which conforms to the style of the panels and supports your vinyl siding. Essentially, you get a double bonus of better insulation and increased impact resistance because the insulation helps to absorb the blow. “So when you and junior are outside playing baseball,” Grishman says, “all you have to worry about is breaking windows, not siding.”
DAVID MULDER
Cracked vinyl siding can be patched quickly using adhesive clear tape.
4 | Saturday, November 4, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Touchless faucets: A perfect mini upgrade By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service
Q: Dear Ed: I’m happy with my original kitchen, except the faucet needs to be replaced. Since we only need a new faucet, I want to do things right for my mini kitchen upgrade. I don’t plan on any other kitchen work. So, what highend plumbing features should I include in my kitchen faucet to keep me up to date for years to come? – Sally, Rhode Island Ed Del Grande: High-end
technology is currently the new trend with plumbing fixtures. Smart toilets, showerheads with wireless speakers and electronic mixing valves are just some of the new innovations. For the kitchen, I like the new touchless kitchen faucets. A touchless kitchen faucet allows you to turn the faucet on and off electronically without touching the handle. This can help you maintain a cleaner environment while preparing food.
Touchless kitchen faucets now include popular faucet options like pullout spray heads, single-handle mixing valves and high-arch spouts. Bottom line: If you want a faucet for the future, hands down a touchless kitchen faucet can be a good choice. Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@ cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.
KOHLER
A touchless kitchen faucet allows you to turn the faucet on and off electronically without touching the handle.
homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, November 4, 2017 | 5
6 | Saturday, November 4, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
STYLISH REMODEL
Keep on the sunny side By Linda A. Ditch
Special to The Capital-Journal
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEITH HORINEK/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL
A sectional sofa fits nicely in one corner of the remodeled sunroom. The sofa sits on top of a graphic rug of beige squares outlined with off-white and gray lines. In the center is a large circular beige ottoman.
‘‘
Tammy (Thiessen) asked us what color did we want, and I just told her to do whatever she wanted. She did a wonderful job.” MARY BETH FRYE homeowner
Doug and Mary Beth Frye remodeled the sunroom in their 1923 home into a stylish hang-out space. They turned to Golden Rule Remodeling and designer Tammy Thiessen to help bring their idea to fruition.
Doug and Mary Beth Frye made lemonade out of lemons. When rain leaked into their sunroom from a less-than-perfect new roof, the couple turned to Golden Rule Remodeling to fix the problem. What they got in return was a stylish space that is now Mary Beth’s favorite hang-out spot in the house. Built in 1923, the home is in the Washburn University area. Previous owners had enclosed what was originally an outdoor porch some years before Doug purchased the house in 1994. “They used nice Pella windows with the blinds inside,” Doug said. “The rain damaged the ceiling and interior.” Golden Rule took care of the leak, reshingled the roof and repaired the interior and ceiling. Then the couple turned to Golden Rule designer Tammy Thiessen to give the room its finished look. “Tammy asked us what color did we want, and I just told her to do whatever she wanted,” Mary Beth said. “She did a wonderful job.” Three walls of the finished room are filled with those original floorto-ceiling windows. What walls are visible were painted a bright white. A sectional sofa fits nicely in one corner on top of a graphic rug of beige squares outlined with offwhite and gray lines. In the center is a large circular beige ottoman. The custom-built furniture for the sunroom came from Home at Last in Fairlawn Plaza. Again, Mary Beth credits Thiessen’s designer experience for the final selections. That includes the circular ottoman Mary Beth was uncertain about purchasing.
“She said we needed something round to offset the squareness of the room, and she was right. I love the final look,” Mary Beth said. What process did the couple go through to choose Golden Rule for the project? Mary Beth went to the websites of different remodeling contractors to see what was available. “I liked what Golden Rule had to say,” she said. “I didn’t just want anybody. I wanted these guys.” They are pleased with their choice. The positives were the workers always being on time when they said they would be. They also kept the mess to a minimum and cleaned up after themselves. “They didn’t make themselves present, but they would answer any questions we had for them,” Doug said. For homeowners contemplating a remodeling project, Doug advised they have reasonable expectations about how long it will take, because many times it will be longer than expected. In their case, the room was finished pretty much on time. It was the furniture that took the longest because it was custommade. Doug and Mary Beth aren’t done yet with Golden Rule’s services. They have other projects in store for them. The home still has its 1920s knob-and-tube wiring that will be replaced. “We will have them install all new LED lighting, along with recessed lighting,” Mary Beth said. “My husband is an artist, so we’ll also need some focal point lighting to highlight his artwork.” Linda A. Ditch is a freelance writer from Topeka. She can be reached at lindaaditch@ gmail.com.
homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, November 4, 2017 | 7
BRANDPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
Roof needs to be inspected in fall Brandpoint As fall gives way to changing colors and colder nights, now is an ideal time to tackle the necessary home maintenance projects that get put off during the sun-filled months of summer — especially when it comes to one of the most protective and necessary aspects of any home, the roof. Cold weather can aggravate a roof and quickly turn minor defects into costly repair bills. In fact, the latest “Cost vs. Value” report from Remodeling Magazine estimates the average roofing replacement cost more than $20,000. So, whether you’ve already noticed signs of wear on your roof or just want more “overhead” peace of mind, pay special attention to two seemingly small aspects of the roof
homeowners often overlook: — Seal it, patch it. Be sure to check for any gaps around gutters, skylights and roofing vents, then utilize the correct caulking, patching and sealants. The easy act of sealing these areas can make a big difference in keeping out moisture and reducing heating costs — and many sealants are especially designed to adhere directly onto exterior surfaces. Even the tiniest cracks and gaps can allow moisture to enter, not to mention rodents, squirrels and other unwelcome varmints. Don’t be a welcome mat for squirrels. — Another area to closely inspect are the roof venting pipes. One of the more common roof problems involves cracked rooftop venting pipes made with cheap lead tops, because they eventually
corrode over time. To make matters worse, squirrels and other critters are known to relentlessly chew their way into a home via these thin pipe flashings because the lead entices these unwelcome varmints to gnaw at them, thus providing interior access for damaging rain, snow and more pests once whittled away. “Squirrel infestation is a very big problem throughout many areas of the United States, especially older homes,” explained Amanda Williams, marketing manager at Quarrix. “This is exactly why we developed a durable, lead-free and easy-toinstall vent pipe flashing called Pipe Boot that simply slides over the existing vent, nails into place and then twists securely to form a weather-tight seal.” With Pipe Boot, no specialty installation tools are
A common roof problem involves cracked rooftop venting pipes made with cheap lead tops that eventually corrode over time versus a lead-free option. needed, as the telescoping sleeve allows for varying pipe sizes and can withstand frigid winter temperatures via a patented design. It comes in four color options and is paintable to cleverly camouflage the vent pipes, reducing unwanted sight-lines. Enlist the pros quickly when there’s trouble. Waiting too late to call in a certified professional
can lead to much bigger issues. For example, squirrels quickly reproduce and can potentially gnaw on electrical wiring or crawl into difficult-to-reach wall spaces, making extraction a nightmare. It’s a wise move to seek out a reputable roofing specialist, especially when it involves roof damage from weather or critters, or both.
The roof is no place to cut corners, and no matter the season, even seemingly minor roofing issues can put your home and valuables at risk. To learn more about preventing costly squirrel damage on the roof with a lead-free Quarrix Pipe Boot or review a thorough seasonal roof maintenance checklist, visit quarrix.com/Checklist or call (800) 438-2920.
8 | Saturday, November 4, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Bold color on kitchen cabinets is a ‘thing’ By Melissa Rayworth The Associated Press
Conventional wisdom says to use neutral colors or simple wood stains for anything as permanent as kitchen cabinets. Homeowners craving a burst of color have generally been advised to bring it in through easily changeable items like curtains or seat cushions. But home-design TV shows and blogs are changing that calculus by showing colorful, painted kitchen cabinets that look like a commitment worth making. Lately, “the natural materials are just not satisfying people,” says designer and apartmenttherapy.com founder Maxwell Ryan. “People are loving contrast right now,” including kitchens with bold colors and stark contrasts of black and white. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn recently filled the kitchen of HGTV’s new “Urban Oasis” giveaway house with bright blue cabinets and a blue island in the center of the room. This cheerful color fills the room with energy in a way that traditional stainedwood cabinets couldn’t. “I think designers love painted cabinetry in kitchens because, as opposed to wood, it’s the strongest way to create a defined palette,” Flynn says. “It’s a great way to really add tons of personality to a space that’s more about task than it is decoration.” Ryan, Flynn and Massachusetts-based designer Kristina Crestin offer advice on how to fill a kitchen with on-trend colorful cabinetry while still having a room you’ll love for years to come.
Colorful compromises
Neutral cabinets, especially white ones, remain a safe and popular bet. But Crestin says homeowners who are drawn to bolder colors and use them thoughtfully often end up happy. Sometimes, the answer is putting color on only half the cabinets. “Since I’m a fan of going big, I can go with fire-engine red cabinets all over and never flinch,” Flynn says. “However, if a client
Robert Peterson/Rustic White Photography/Scripps Networks via THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
A kitchen, designed by Brian Patrick Flynn, features an L-shaped perimeter design with lower cabinets painted a rich shade of navy blue, a style choice that has become increasingly popular in recent months. is hesitant about that much color in the kitchen, I’m a fan of doing the lower cabinets or just the island cabinets in a color, then going white or gray with the others.” This approach, he says, “will balance out the intensity of the cabinets and also make sure there is some visual breathing room so the eye can rest.” Colorful lower cabinets can also look great combined with open shelving on top, Ryan says. Or paint the lower cabinets black, and then tile or paint the wall behind the upper, open shelving in a bold color you love. “If you can get away with less storage,” Ryan says, this openshelf approach makes small
kitchens feel larger, while the colorful wall behind the shelves adds personality without being as overpowering as a full room of colorful cabinets. Pairing bold cabinets with natural elements like slate or stone flooring and countertops also can make this look easier to live with long-term, says Crestin.
Embracing the blues
Although black cabinets are trendy — Ryan just did his kitchen with black cabinets and white countertops — Crestin says many homeowners fall in love with a blue kitchen. Blue shades, especially navy, can feel “historical and timeless,” she says, but also a bit more ex-
citing than basic wood or crisp white. A stately navy blue is a safe bet that can then be enlivened further in ways that are risk-free, like “layering on a spring green or chartreuse” through dish towels and curtains.
Choosing your shade
“My rule for choosing the right color is to stick with those that have gray, white or black undertones, versus those with yellow or yellow-beige undertones,” Flynn says. “Once the sun goes down and you use your interior lights, the color will probably read somewhat true to its values. However, those with beige undertones when mixed with artificial light will instantly read way
more muddy than intended.” If you’re ordering new cabinets, ask about getting a custom paint color for a slightly higher charge — probably as much as a 20-percent upgrade — rather than settling for a shade you don’t love, says Crestin. If it’s not possible to order the exact color you want, consider ordering cabinets unpainted and hiring a painter once they arrive. Or if you’re comfortable with ambitious DIY projects, you could paint new or old cabinets yourself. But Ryan points out that while older cabinets made of solid wood can be sanded and painted successfully, the results are often different with cheaper ones.
homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, November 4, 2017 | 9
A warm color palette for a lovely feast By Mary Carol Garrity Tribune News Service
There’s the Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving. Beautiful, perfect. Then … there is the Garrity Thanksgiving. Not so beautiful, not so perfect. In fact, after the last friends and relatives wobble out our door after a raucous day of thanks, my home is fitter for a hazmat unit than a photo shoot. I guess that’s what happens when you pack 30 loud and fun-loving Irish Catholics into a small cottage, open lots of bottles of wine and start telling stories. So, needless to say, my home wasn’t my first choice for a blog on setting a beautiful table for Thanksgiving. But my friend Lisa’s home is. The day we invited ourselves over to photograph her home, Lisa’s dining room was so lovely, I knew we had to do
one last blog about it this fall. Here the table is great inspiration for a fall or Thanksgiving dinner. My favorite thing about Lisa’s dining room is how gracious yet intimate it is. It’s the kind of room you want to linger in. One of her secrets is to mix together interesting furnishings and accents, including great antiques she’s discovered on her treasure hunts. One wall of her dining room is filled with a stunning antique cabinet that is packed full of her enviable collection of dishes. I wish Lisa would set up a dish lending library because I would be one of her most earnest patrons, showing up with my library card to check out stacks of dishes on a regular basis. Thanksgiving at Lisa’s house is a time for family. Lisa’s husband, Jon, is the chef for the day, preparing rotis-
serie grilled beef tenderloin, smoked turkey breast and smoked mashed potatoes. While Jon focuses on the feast, Lisa creates a visually stunning table, one of her favorite things to do. That’s where you see her art director skills at their finest. On the main level of her home, Lisa has stayed true to a warm color palette that blends shades of brown. For her fall table, she starts with a rust-colored plaid blanket as a table topper, then layers up with wicker chargers and a mix of dishes. Lisa is a fanatic about details and she has an exquisite eye, instinctively knowing how much to add and when to stop. In her dining room, your eye dances from place to place, as you try to drink it all in. This column was adapted from the blog of Mary Carol Garrity at nellhills.com. She can be reached at marycarol @nellhills. com.
This dining room, with its warm color palette that blends shades of brown, is the kind of room that you want to linger in at Thanksgiving time. BOB GREENSPAN
10 | Saturday, November 4, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Tip of the week: Toilet tune-ups Newer-model toilets with shiny finishes are easy to maintain by scrubbing with the toilet brush for a minute several times a week rather than only once a week. This will prevent a hard-water buildup. Here are some other tips: — For regular cleaning, use a disinfecting cleaner, and don’t forget to clean under the seat, the lid and around the base. — Make sure the debris you’re removing from the toilet doesn’t fester on the brush bristles and in its holder. — After cleaning the toilet, sandwich the toilet brush between the toilet rim and seat, so that the brush head is suspended over the bowl. Spray with a disinfecting cleaning spray and allow to sit for a few minutes. Rinse with hot water and allow to sit until dry. — Don’t put the brush back when it’s dirty or wet, because it will trap germs in the holder. — Replace the brush every six months. Source: heloise.com
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