Home Hunter, April 17, 2013

7/28/2019 Home Hunter, April 17, 2013

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Sunday, April 17, 2013

103 Northwood Drive

Home of the Week...

WALK TO HITCHCOCK WOODS! Hillside acre lotin Houndslake North provides incredible privacy

or custom home with designer kitchen, sun room, LR, DR &den. Secluded Master Suite and spacious ofce. Ideal homeor young proessionals or amily. What peaceul views!

MLS #78377 $439,000

Peggy Penland, 803-270-7993


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CYAN-AOOO MAGENTA-OAOO YELLOW-OOAO BLACK 012908

Built Stronger toLast Longer

Building product manufac-turers have come a long wayover the past several decadeswhen it comes to the creationof products for the home.Decades ago wood roongshingles or wood millwork

had a relatively short lifespandue to environmental condi-tions the products faced. Intodays marketplace, home-owners can easily locatebuilding products that havelifetime warranties and areconstructed to withstand al-most anything Mother Naturethrows at them.

Synthetic products are ahuge advancement for thebuilding industry, says MarkClement, contractor and hostof MyFixItUpLife radio show.In particular, products likeDaVinci Roofscapes slateand shake roong tiles aremade of polymer and havea 50-year warranty. And,

berglass doors, urethanemillwork and vinyl windowsare all great examples ofproducts constructed for low-maintenance ease combinedwith very impressive productwarranties -- plus they lookgreat!

If youre constructing anew home, start by payingspecial attention to the base-ment. By requesting precastwall panels you can addvaluable living space to yourhome. Superior Walls (www.superiorwalls.com) offers Xiinsulated concrete wall sys-tems that are custom createdfor homeowners and installedin less than 24 hours by certi-

ed crews. The energy-ef-cient walls, which receivedthe rst National Associationof Home Builders Green Ap-proved rating for foundationsystems in the country, helplower energy costs for home-owners.

The Xi wall panels featuresteel reinforced concrete and21/2-inches of insulation to

create a permanent barrieragainst sidewall water pen-etration. The sturdy panelsare designed and constructedin a factory-controlled settingusing steel rebar inside thestuds and beams for strength.

Built to last, Superior WallsXi foundations systems arebacked by a 15-year warranty.

Moving up the house, vinylwindows are crafted for max-imum energy efciency andlow maintenance. One manu-facturer, Simonton Windows(www.simonton.com), offersa limited lifetime warrantyfor their durable products.Why vinyl? Because vinylwindows and doors offer ex-cellent thermal performancefor year-round comfort andhelp lower utility bills. Vinylis an effective insulator, andcombined with a strong glasspackage, provides optimumenergy efciency.

The energy-efcientfeatures of the Simontonproducts are very impres-sive, which is why I selectedthem for my own home, saysClement. Ive found that aglass package that includesLow E glass, an Argon gasll and Simontons Interceptspacer system really out-perform other windows Iveseen.

Select a berglass entrywaysystem married with urethanemillwork and youve chosenmore building products meantto last. Therma-Tru Doors(www.therma-tru.com) offersa wide variety of reliable, en-ergy-efcient berglass door

systems. Each door is con-structed of durable berglasswith a polyurethane foamcore, can be ordered ENER-GY STAR qualied and pro-vides ve times the insulationof a wood door. Best of all,berglass doors will not rot,split or crack, plus they willnot rust, dent or ding.

Backed by a limited life-

time warranty, Therma-Trudoors create the tightest sealpossible, creating an energy-efcient envelope that stabi-lizes interior temperatures

and helps decrease the homesenergy costs.

When using decorativeFypon (www.fypon.com)trim around a berglassentry door, you create awinning combination. Thecrisp, architecturally-correctdetails on Fypons urethaneproducts are crafted fromtough, weather-proof, high-performance materials. Pi-lasters, crossheads and doorpediments are all imperviousto decay, insect infestationand water damage. Otherexterior urethane pieces, suchas column wraps, louversand brackets, are also craftedfor long-lasting beauty and

low maintenance. Also ap-propriate for interior applica-tion, the urethane pieces arebacked by a limited lifetimewarranty and are ideal forhigh humidity areas of thehome such as the kitchen,bathroom and laundry room.

While all a reas of a homesexterior can take a beatingfrom severe weather and

harmful ultraviolet rays, theroof is easily the buildingproduct that is most subjectedto the elements. To make sureyour roof overhead can pro-

tect your family and home,investigate the benets ofpolymer roong tiles.

The DaVinci slate roof-ing tiles on my home resistre, impact, wind and otherweather conditions, saysClement. These tiles havetheir colors blended com-pletely throughout each pieceand will resist fading overtime because of the UV pro-tection built into each tile.

Products like polymerroong tiles, which are agood environmental choiceand are guaranteed to last for50 years, are a smart choicefor a home. All of these prod-ucts are a sound investment

for a new home and when re-modeling an older, cherishedhome. Doing your researchup front to nd the best prod-ucts in the marketplace willresult in many savings -- onlong-term maintenance, util-ity costs and repair or prema-ture product replacement.

Durable vinyl windows and polymer roofng tiles help createa low-maintenance exterior or this home.

Help Protect Your HomeFrom Wicked Weather

With wild weather patternsimpacting the country in recentyears, homeowners nationwideare constantly on the lookoutfor better ways to prepare theirhomes to handle tough weatherconditions.

Smart homeowners have beentaking the weather into consider-ation when purchasing replace-ment windows, roofs and trimproducts that are subjected toextreme weather conditions yearafter year.

Realistically, the productson the exterior of a home needto stand up to a wide variety ofweather conditions, includinghigh winds, hail, driving rain,and ice and snow accumulation

in many parts of the country,says Mark Clement, co-hostof the MyFixitUpLife homeimprovement radio show. Start-ing at the top of the house, itsimportant to purchase a roof thatis made to withstand these in-credible weather scenarios whilelooking good on non-extremeweather days.

Clement recommends a roongproduct hes installed on severalhomes in recent years. Polymerslate and shake roong tiles fromDaVinci Roofscapes are testedto withstand hurricane-forcewinds, resist hail, re and impact.Backed by a 50-year limitedwarranty, the manmade tiles rep-licate real slate and shake while

featuring exceptional benets towithstand almost any weatherscenario.

Moving down from the roof,windows are another key area ofthe home that must be durableenough to withstand severeweather. When investing innew windows, I tell homeown-ers to install impact-resistantlaminated glass products, like

Simonton StormBreaker Pluswindows. These windows aremade especially for coastal areas,but Simonton also offers a similarSafePoint glass package so thathomeowners across the nationcan be safe and secure in theirhomes.

These durable windows aretested to resist ying debris dur-ing a storm, which is critical tokeeping the envelope of thehouse intact. If the windows,door, garage door or roof arepunctured, then air pressure canbuild up inside the home andultimately destroy the house.Helping to protect the home withimpact-resistant glass in energyefcient vinyl windows is a smart

investment, according to homeimprovement experts.

For the louvers, shutters andother millwork, I like urethaneand PVC pieces from Fyponbecause theyre easy to maintainand resist humidity, salt air, mois-ture and insects, says Clement.The selection is also impres-sive -- door and window trim,louvers, trellis systems, columnwraps, shutters and structuralbalustrade systems. With theseproducts, you can have yourhomes exterior stand up to toughweather.

For more insights into productsthat help protect the home fromsevere weather, visit www.my-xituplife.com.

Detailing your home withlong-lasting, weather-resistantmaterials like vinyl windowsand polymer roong tiles canincrease the longevity of theseitems and add value to the home,say experts. So by doing yourbest to weatherize your home youalso can improve its curb appealand your bottom line.

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How to clean dirty windowsDirty windows are un-

sightly, and they can preventbenecial sun light fromentering a home. Cleaning

windows need not be doneevery week, but it shouldntbe overlooked completely,either. While it certainlymay be a chore to cleanwindows, there are ways tomake the task much moretolerable.

Curb appeal can be veryimportant when selling ahome. Even a home with aperfectly manicured lawnand the newest roong andsiding can seem unappeal-ing if the windows are dir ty.Keeping windows clean re-quires a good deal of work.For the acrophobics, clean-ing second-story windowscan test the nerves. Having

the right tools on hand and astrategy in place will makethe job easier to manage.

Cleaning windows

Cleaning windows wontnecessarily be easy, but thefollowing nine-step processcan make the task less dif-cult and time-consuming.

1. Choose a day when itis overcast so you will notbe blinded by the sun whi lecleaning. This also helpsprevent strea king. Beg in bygathering what youll needto get the task done. Havingeverything at the ready willenable you to move from onewindow to the next. Here arethe basic supplies you willneed:

* cleaning solution* cloth, newspaper or

squeegee* towel* spray bottle* extension pole to reach

high windows

* vacuum* ladder or step stool* garden hose2. Take down and clean

drapery or blinds whencleaning the windows. Re-move the curtains so youwill have an unobstructedsurface with which to work.

3. Start with the interiorside of the windows, as theyare easier to access. Place atowel on the sill to catch anydrops so the sill or the oorwill stay dry.

4. Spray a lint-free cloth orthe window directly with thecleaning solution. The edgesand corners of the windowtend to accumulate the mostgrime, so begin by cleaningthose areas rst. Once theyare clean and you will notexchange dirt to the center

of the window, work on themiddle. Wipe the windowsin a horizontal direction tohelp alleviate dripping.

5. To create a streak-freesurface, some people preferto use a squeegee to drag outany pockets of moisture formore even drying. Be sureto wipe the rubber strip ofthe squeegee after each pass

on the window. You maychoose to buff out any otherstreaks with newspaper.

6. Vacuum the window sill

and frame afterward to catchany dust and debris.

7. Repeat the process forall interior windows.

8. Move outdoors and startoff by spraying the windowwith a garden hose to loosenany of the accumulatedgrime. Use your cleaning so-lution to dissolve the rest ofthe dirt. You may want to letit sit on the window if thereis stubborn grime. Repeatthe cleaning process usedindoors for each window.

9. If exterior second-oorwindows are hard to reach,consider using a ladder andextension pole to extendyour reach. Upper windows

will not be scrutinized asclosely as lower windows, soyou may have a greater mar-gin for error. If the wi ndowsare simply too high up, relyon a professional windowcleaner to get the job donerather than risk falls or otherinjuries.

Mix your owncleaning solution

It may take trial and errorto nd a solution that works.Here is one recipe you maywant to start with.

1 cup white vinegar11/2 cups rubbing alco-

hol2 drops of dish soapPour into a clean and

empty spray bottle. Remem-ber: Never mix bleach andammonia together to createa cleaning solution, as toxicfumes will result.



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Get Your Homes AirConditioning Ready

for Warm WeatherWhen the weather heats up,your heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) systemquickly becomes a most valu-able player in your home lifeand stays that way for severalmonths. However, the U.S.Census Bureau estimates thatmore than 3 million HVACsystems fail each year. Do youknow if its time to maintain,repair or replace your air condi-tioning system?

Air conditioning is a big in-vestment in your home. Learn-ing what maintenance stepsyou can take on your own andwhat questions to ask your air

conditioning contractor, cansave you time, money and keepyou comfortable this season,says Frank Landwehr, VicePresident of Emerson ClimateTechnologies, a major providerof equipment used in heating,ventilation, air conditioningand refrigeration systems.

Remember, not all mainte-nance needs to be outsourced.Here are some preventive tasksto take that can extend the lifeof air conditioning equipment:

Change air lters: A generalrule is to change indoor duct-work lters every three monthsor at the beginning of everyheating and cooling season. En-sure the lter is sized correctly,tting snuggly.

Keep the outdoor unit clean:Keep coils free of debris byhosing off with light pressure.Any bushes or shrubs shouldbe trimmed back away fromthe unit.

Let air ow: Maintain a reli-able airow to reduce moisturebuildup which can lead to mold.Keep vents open. Similarly,keep internal doors open insideyour home to maintain air ow.

Clean duct grills: Annually,clean the vents and grills at theopening of each duct in everyroom by lifting the grill out ofthe oor, wiping with a rag or

vacuuming to remove dust anddebris.

Keep condensate drainopen: A stopped up condensateline can lead to expensive waterdamage. Keep the drain lineclean and the drain tube openand clear to prevent backup.

Good maintenance will onlyget you so far. Eventually, yourequipment will need to be re-placed. Landwehr offers thesetips for when that time comes:

Hire wisely: Even the bestequipment wont provide com-fort if its not sized and installedproperly. Hire only a certiedA/C technician you trust. Also,remember that not all contrac-tors will carry the brand youwant. Determine what featuresand comfort level you want soyou can identify a contractorthat can ll your need.

Educate yourself: You can

make smarter investment deci-sions if youre speaking thesame language as your contrac-tor and they understand whatyou want. You can hone yourA/C knowledge online at fact-based, objective resources likewww.AC-HeatingConnect.com.

Save money: A few featurescan go a long way towardmaximizing energy efciency,saving you money in the longrun. Use a programmable ther-mostat to avoid wasting moneyon cooling costs when no oneis home. Also, consider a highefciency air conditioner with aSeasonal Energy Efciency Ra-tio (SEER) rating of above 16.

This season, keep your cool.Take the time to maintain,repair and replace your A/Cequipment when necessary.

Seven Tips to Make HomePainting Projects Easier

Painting your home yourself?Dont be intimidated.

Whether youre a rookie oran experienced do-it-yourselfer,anyone can produce profession-

al-looking results efcientlywith the right techniques andtricks, says home improve-ment expert Lou Manfredini,a regular contributor to NBCsToday Show.

Manfredini, who is passion-ate about home improvement,is offering seven tips to helpmake your home painting proj-ects easier:

Even a steady hand is liableto make mistakes and drip. Pro-tect your furniture and ooringwith drop cloths.

Good masking is necessaryfor sharp, clean paint lines.Be sure to use tape designedto remove cleanly from theparticular surface with which

youre working. For example,ScotchBlue Painters Tapesare specically designed with

appropriate adhesion levels tocome off cleanly, creating supersharp paint lines without leav-ing behind residue or harmingthe surface.

For a smoother nish, cleanand dust the surfaces yourepainting and sand them downbefore getting started.

Dont forget to wear a respi-rator to protect your lungs fromfumes and sanding particlesas well as safety eyewear,especially if you are paintingoverhead.

Most of the work involvedcomes before you even pick upyour paintbrush or roller, saysManfredini. New productsthat can help you cut steps andget the same results will saveyou time and energy for theactual painting.

For wall repairs, skip tra-ditional patching products as

theyre susceptible to waterabsorption and liable to shrink,crack and ash, or show

through the nished paintedwall.

3M makes a spackling andprimer in one that eliminatesthe need for priming called 3M

Patch Plus Primer. Paint separates over time,

so always mix your paint whenyou open a can, and do so pe-riodically as you go for bettercolor and texture consistency.Always use higher qualitypaints for professional results.You get what you pay for.

Load rollers and brusheswith the proper amount ofpaint. Too little paint will makeyou inefcient and too muchpaint will have you dripping.Youll get a feel for the rightamount of paint for your toolsthrough a bit of trial and error.

More practical tips and cre-ative inspiration can be foundat www.3MDIY.com.

Without cutting corners, youcan learn to paint your homeyourself quickly and precisely.


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Home Hunter, April 17, 2013

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