Leap into Spring 2016

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 31, 2016

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Leap into

SPRING

March 2016

Sit back and let our knowledgeable staff look after your vehicle David Yaworski Service Manager

Spring Service Special

Starting at

$

74

95

• Lube, Oil & Filter Up to 7 Litres of Oil (synthetic & diesel extra) Sheri McLardy Parts & Service Advisor • 50 Point Inspection • Wheel Alignment Check

Tire Mount & Balance

10000

$

FERNIE

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Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm Saturdays, 9am-5pm | 250-423-5532 | 802 - Hwy 3, Fernie | www.ferniechrysler.com

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Leap into SPRING

Exterior painting pointers

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fresh coat of paint on a home’s exterior can give a property a vibrant new look.

Whether you decide to go with a bold new colour or repaint a house in an existing colour, new paint can add some life to the exterior of your home.

Summer has long been considered the ideal season to paint home exteriors, but advancements in technology have made it easier to paint home exteriors later in the year. Traditional latex-based paints need temperatures above 16 celsius to cure properly. One of the more common mistakes home-owners make when painting their homes’ exteriors is to paint during times of the year when temperatures fluctuate greatly between the days and nights. When nighttime temperatures dip considerably lower than they were in the afternoon, dew will form and the paint can stop coalescing. When that happens, moisture gets into the uncured paint and surface staining and adhesion problems may result. So even if the temperature is a comfortable 60 F during the day, homeowners should avoid painting if the nighttime temperatures figure to drop considerably.

In addition to choosing the right time of year to paint, consider the following painting pointers to ensure your home’s exterior gets the fresh look you are aiming for.

• Monitor weather reports. It’s not just the temperature at night after you paint that should be monitored. The temperature should be in the suggested range and above the dew

point for at least 48 hours after application so the paint film can form properly.

• Don’t skimp on quality. Some paints cost more than others, and homeowners working on a budget may be tempted to choose the least expensive option available. While price and quality are two different things, it’s important that homeowners avoid choosing a paint solely because it is the least expensive option.

Research paints before buying a particular one, emphasizing quality over cost. Today’s paints last longer than the paints of yesteryear, so you likely won’t need to paint your home’s exterior again for a long time. A budget-friendly yet low-quality paint will not only make your home less appealing, but you will likely need to paint again sooner than you will if you go with a higher quality paint.

• Don’t paint to cover up a problem.

Rotting wood or siding is unsightly, and some homeowners think paint can cover up such a problem. But paint will not stick to rotten wood and siding, and the problem will still be noticeable after you paint. A fresh coat of paint is not the solution to rotten wood or siding.

Consult a professional contractor if your home is experiencing such a problem.

A fresh coat of paint on your home’s exterior can be a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal. But it’s important homeowners consult and follow the same rules the pros adhere to when painting the exteriors of their homes.

A guide for beginner gardeners

H

SPRING Projects All it takes is one phone call!

Land Clearing Basements Bobcat Service Dump Truck Road Building & Construction Site Prep

downtoearth5840@hotmail.com www.downtoearthexcavatingltd.ca

Mine Services Property Maintenance Plowing and Sanding Snow Removal

ave you ever wanted to make a salad from vegetables you grew yourself ? Or give a bouquet to your loved one made of fresh flowers picked from your own garden? Now is your time to shine and grow like a pro with a few tips to get you started: Research While your first attempt may not be as beautiful as Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, it can certainly serve as inspiration as you begin to visualize how you would like your garden to look.

Hop on the web, take a stroll through your neighbourhood or head to your local garden store for some creative inspiration.

Tools You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools for preparing the soil/space, for planting your seeds and for garden maintenance: • Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some sturdy gardening gloves on hand.

• Hand Trowel – This will act as your best friend when it comes time to plant your seeds, excavate weeds and transport items from pots to your garden.

• Wheelbarrow - Investing in a wheelbarrow is a must for gardeners. You’ll likely need to purchase some gardening soil to mix in with your ground soil. Having a wheelbarrow on hand to help you transport the soil from your vehicle to your garden is gold.

Gardening Gear To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe: • Overalls – There’s a reason traditional Carhartt overalls (available at Mark’s) have stayed in style for so long. With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are essential.

• Footwear – You’ll want to wear shoes that are comfortable and functional. A great option are Mark’s WindRiver rain boots which come in a shorter profile and are antimicrobial to keep your feet fresh. Not to mention, they’re easy to hose off after a day in the dirt.

• Sun hat – You’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside so it’s best to protect yourself with a wide brimmed hat in addition to wearing sunscreen. www.newscanada.com

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 31, 2016

Leap into SPRING

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY Request an in-home or in-store consultation for your next home improvement project from Home Installs, Canada’s Installation Experts For all your home improvement needs.

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✓ Our simple process lets you modify an existing model from our collection, or custom design one with help from a Home Building and Design Consultant. ✓ Plans are included with a material package, not available separately. ✓ Make the experience of building the custom home or cottage of your dreams easy, affordable and enjoyable. ✓ Standard, Timber Frame and Hybrid packages are available.

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Leap into SPRING

Backyard Mechanical We Do It All

Commercial • Automotive • Diesel Repair & Performance B.C. & COMMERCIAL INSPECTION FACILITY S6381:

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Congratulations Dale Blumhagen on completion of your 4-year apprenticeship in Automotive Service Technician

All Import Vehicles Welcome!

24 hr Mobile Repair

ANYWHERE IN THE KOOTENAYS

• Complete Field Service • Small Welding & Fabricating

Al Komarevich, Dale Blumhagen, Dave Fuller, Angus MacDonald & Darcy Zuffa

Want to ask a question about a car problem or book an appointment?

Check us out at www.backyardmechanical.com or call us at 250-423-6389 • 250-423-1436 or visit us at #36 Shadow Road, Fernie

We would like to thank all of our regular customers for their continued patronage and we also welcome all new customers.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 31, 2016

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Leap into SPRING Tips to keep your car running safely this spring

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fter a long winter, you’re likely ready to give up your hibernating ways for some adventure and sunshine. For many Canadians this means family vacations, trips to the cottage, camping excursions, and weekend road trips. Whatever your style, chances are you are getting ready to hit the road, but are you confident that your car is in good enough shape to get you there safely and efficiently?

Winter’s cold temperatures and icy conditions have been hard on your car, so it is likely showing some signs of wear and tear. Spring is the perfect time to bring your car in for a full inspection to identify any minor problems, before they become major ones.

Here are some tips to keep your car running safely this spring:

1. Change your oil and oil filter. Changing your oil and oil filter at the intervals recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual is one of the best ways to keep the engine running trouble free. Neglecting to replace engine oil can result in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and even severe engine damage.

2. Check your fluids. When you change your oil and oil filter, you should also check your fluids.

Check your power steering, brake, and transmission fluids; your windshield washer fluid; and your coolant. If the levels are low, top them up, and flush/replace them as recommended in your owner’s manual. Keep in mind that your power steering, brake and coolant systems are closed, so low fluid levels may indicate a leak.

3. Replace your wiper blades. If they’re torn or cracked your wiper blades won’t do you much good in the middle of unrelenting spring showers when visibility is reduced.

4. Check your charging system. Cold temperatures can do a number on your battery, so now is a good time to have it tested. You should also check to make sure that your battery is securely mounted and that the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion free. If your battery is more than five years old, you should consider having it replaced.

it’s important to have it repaired or replaced immediately.

6.

Check your lighting. Check all exterior and interior lighting to identify any problems. When your vehicle’s lighting is defective, other motorists may not get the message that you intend to stop or turn. The end result could be disastrous.

7.

Lubricate your chassis parts. Many newer cars are “lubed-for-life,” but some still require regular chassis lubrication so check your owner’s manual. Replacement steering and suspension components may also require periodic lubrication.

8.

Check your belts and hoses. Cold temperatures can harden and/or damage rubber, so it’s important to check your belts and hoses for damage. Check your hoses for hardening, softening, leaking, cracks, blistering, or other visual damage, and check your belts for looseness, cracks, frays, or glazing. If you have to replace one of your belts, you may also have to replace the tensioner and pulleys to keep the new belt from slipping.

9. Check your filters. Your car has a number of filters that are important to its longevity and should be replaced regularly. Check your engine air filter, your cabin air filter, and your fuel filter for damage or clogging and replace them if necessary.

10. Check your tires. Your tires are the only point of contact between you and road, so it’s important to take care of them. Check the pressure of all your tires (including the spare) monthly, and maintain the optimal pressure recommended in your owner’s manual. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and for cuts or bruises on the sidewalls. Rotate your tires every 10,000 kilometers, and replace them if they are worn or damaged.

Make vehicle maintenance a priority this spring to protect yourself and prolong the life of your vehicle!

5. Fix your windshield. In cities where sand and rocks are used on icy roads, motorists often end up with chips and cracks in their windshields. Although these may not seem like a big deal, any damage to your windshield can decrease the overall effectiveness of airbags, seatbelts, roof stability, and your personal safety in the event of an accident. If your windshield has a crack,

250-423-0681 al@alignsurveys.com www.alignsurveys.com

• • • •

Topographic surveys Site improvement surveys Construction layout/as-builts Underground line locating

TEPHENSON S PAINT & PERFORMANCE HAS MOVED! After 30 years at our old location in West Fernie, we are happy to say our new location at

#2 Manitou Road

(next to Fernie Auto Parts) offers more convenience for our customers.

Along with our existing services we now offer many new services including:

• Tire Change/Repair • Oil Changes • Windshield Replacement

• Small Engine Repair • Snowmobile/Recreational Repairs and Parts

AND SO MUCH MORE!!

Come and see us for special deals through April & May on Winter Change Overs & Mount/Balancing.

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We appreciate the support we have received over the years and look forward to continuing to provide our customers with the quality service they deserve!!

on any accepted quote for the month of April

Drop by and see us, or call for an appointment 250.423.7467

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Leap into SPRING

Things to know before building a deck

5 landscaping tips to increase your property value

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O

nvesting in landscaping can bring some of the biggest returns for homeowners, yet too often it remains overlooked or underdone. The same care and attention we apply to interior renovations should be applied to the garden. “Curb appeal plays a huge role in selling your home and adding value to it,” says Michelle Sordi, director of marketing at Husqvarna, the world’s largest producer of outdoor power products.

“Enhancing your outdoor space with smart landscaping solutions is a great way to invest in your home.”

Sordi shares the following landscaping tips for homeowners looking to increase their property value: Nurture your lawn – Once the snow melts, do an assessment of your lawn and look for any dead grass or thinning patches so you can quickly treat them. Also, remove any weeds as early as possible so you can avoid breeding pests and diseases.

Landscape with a purpose – If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, tailor the landscaping plan to appeal to your target buyer. Families typically enjoy more greenery and yard space for children to play, and a small patio for entertaining. They are also likely to have less time to groom the property, so select plants that are native to the region and easy to maintain.

Be equipped with the right tools – Quality tools produce professional grade results and help you complete tasks more efficiently. A lawn mower with an adjustable cutting deck makes it easier to select the height for cutting while a lightweight trimmer that is compatible with multiple attachments minimizes the number of tools in your shed.

Pave the way – Commonly referred to as hardscaping, consider adding a stone walkway or patio section. As well, care for the shrubs and greenery that surround your home. This adds immediate curb appeal and helps buyers understand the outdoor living space available.

Consult a pro – Take a walk around your property with a realtor or landscaper for tips and additional pointers on where to make improvements. Their industry insights will ensure you are investing dollars in the right places.

More tips and information can be found online at www. husqvarna.ca. www.newscanada.com

ne of the most popular ways to improve your outdoor living area is to add a deck to a home. Decks are beneficial in many ways. Grillmasters love decks because they make the perfect place to set up a grill and a table and cook for family and friends. Those who simply love being outdoors find decks the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun or idle away the evening hours.

But homeowners who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins. * Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it. Before buying any materials or consulting any contractors, make certain you know which permits you need and how to get them. If the proper permits are not secured before the project begins, you might have to tear down the whole project and start all over again. * Decks don’t have to go on the back of the house. If the back of your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it’s probably best to build the deck elsewhere, and that’s perfectly alright. So long as the property and permits allow, decks can be built on the side of a home as well, and putting a deck on the side might be more comfortable. * Decks don’t have to be made of wood. It’s easy to assume all decks are made of plain wood. However, decks can be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural or synthetic. Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most popular material for decking because it’s not very expensive. But manmade materials that are a mixture of recycled plastic and wood bits or sawdust are also popular because they require no maintenance. But homeowners should know that manmade materials can get hot in the sun, which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes.

* Expect to do some digging.

If you’re going to build your own deck, expect to do some serious digging. Local building codes will dictate how deep you will need to dig for the pier footings, which support the deck’s weight. Just how deep you’ll dig depends on your climate’s specific frost line, but it’s safe to assume you’ll get a workout in when digging. * The deck can have multiple levels. Though many people associate decks with one level, it’s possible to have a multi-level deck if you simply don’t have enough room to build a deck that will be big enough to meet all of your needs. A multi-level deck can break up those long flights of stairs while ensuring you will always have somewhere to go to escape the sun on a hot day. * You will want to protect the deck. Decks are a costly investment, and you will want to protect that investment. If you’re building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun will beat down on the deck for most of the year. You can protect the deck by painting it. Paint provides sunscreen for the deck, stopping the sun from breaking down the material. Once you’ve finished painting, apply sealant, whether it’s oil- or water-based. * Don’t forget fasteners. Fasteners will hide the screws for aesthetic appeal. But not all woods and fasteners are the right fit, as certain woods are only compatible with certain fasteners.

Find out which fasteners make the right fit ahead of time.

Because fasteners conceal the screws, they also make it possible to go barefoot on the deck.

A deck makes a great addition to many homes, but homeowners should learn as much as possible about decks and what goes into building them before making any decking decisions. Consulting a local contractor may be an option you want to explore.

Is your home ready for spring?

Before welcoming the spring weather with open arms, there are a few essential jobs you need to do in order to take care of your biggest in­ves­t­ment: your home.

1. Carefully examine the foundation for possible cracks, water in­filtration or signs of moisture. If any foundation walls appear to be da­ma­ged in any way, have them repaired im­media­tely by a professional re­pair service.

2. Have your heating system inspected and ser­ viced by a qualified technician. March is also the perfect time to clean your fireplace or wood stove. And don’t forget to have the chimney swept as well.

3. Check the gutters and make sure the water from melting snow drains as far away as possible from the foundation walls. If necessary, unblock gutters and downspouts, tighten loose joints and affix all parts securely to the house.

4. Have your French drains inspected, as they often take a lot of punishment over the winter. You definitely want to be sure they are working properly in order to avoid water infiltration and unpredictable overflows from your sump pit.

250.423.1665 Info@MowAndSnow.ca Irrigation Installation + maintenance

Full Service Landscaping

Spring Is Fast Approaching...

Let’s see what we can do to update and keep your property looking great for summer

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Leap into SPRING

Break ground with the right tools Proper tools can churn up soil in a short amount of time to make landscaping projects that much easier.

T

he right tools for the job can be the difference between an interminable landscaping project and one that goes smoothly and efficiently. Aspiring landscapers probably have a few shovels and rakes hanging in their garages and sheds for basic landscaping work. But while such tools are effective for certain projects, when it comes to churning soil for garden beds or digging holes for outdoor structures, additional tools come in handy. It may be well worth a trip to a nearby home center to purchase or rent one of these tools ideal for breaking ground.

Rototiller A rototiller, sometimes called just a “tiller,” is a powered garden tool designed to loosen soil prior to planting. A rototiller also can help aerate soil during the growing season.

Because they reduce the need for manual spade digging or hoeing, tillers can be useful landscaping tools, particularly for homeowners who want to work efficiently.

Rototillers will break through tough soil and any plant roots. They come in a variety of sizes, and it’s best to match the tool to the size of the job. Many homeowners can get by with smaller, less powerful models, especially if the tiller is only necessary at the beginning of planting season.

Professional landscapers or those with large swatches of property may benefit from larger models.

Auger Augers, both mechanical and manual,

are essentially large drill bits that help move materials from one location to another. Augers are typically used to cut holes in landscapes, and they are good for post-hole drilling, which is part of the process of installing deck footings, fencing posts or other structures. Augers come in a variety of sizes, and homeowners can choose how much power they prefer. Augers can be heavy and cumbersome, and many do-it-yourselfers will find that one-person augers are more than adequate for their projects.

Augers dig deep holes, so it is always smart to have the property surveyed prior to use. This way pipes, gas lines, buried electrical lines, and any other obstructions are clearly identified prior to drilling.

Cultivator Cultivators are similar to tillers in that they loosen soil. Cultivators are effective during the growth period of

plants, when they can be used to aerate the soil and remove weeds. Cultivators come in hand-held versions and push models, and some are even motorized.

Cultivators get close to plants to remove weeds without disturbing the plant. They also are used to stir in compost or fertilizer.

While many people think cultivators and tillers are the same, that is not the case. The former is less powerful and will mix the soil or stir up the top layer, while the latter can break up moderately hard ground and loosen firm soil.

When using any tools around the garden, wear the proper protection.

This includes devices to protect hearing when power tools are in use as well as gloves and safety goggles.

Tillers, augers and cultivators have the potential to toss soil and rocks into the air, so make sure others keep their distance while work is in progress.

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Fernie Ford offers 3 locations in the Elk Valley for all your servicing needs.

All Makes & Models - No Appointment Needed - Fleet Service Fernie Ford Fernie Ford/Legacy 6165 Brenner Road Fleet Services Fernie, B.C. 15 Bear Paw Crescent V0B 1M0 Elkford, B.C. (250) 423-9211 V0B 1H0 (250) 423-9211

Legacy Fleet Services 641 Sparwood Drive Sparwood, B.C. V0B 2G0 (778) 518-5006