e m o H Hunter

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Sunday, April 17, 2013

Home of the Week...

ALK TO HITCHCOCK WOODS! Hillside acre lot in Houndslake North provides incredible privacy for custom home with designer kitchen, sun room, LR, DR & den. Secluded Master Suite and spacious office. Ideal home for young professionals or family. What peaceful views!

103 Northwood Drive

MLS #78377 $439,000 Peggy Penland, 803-270-7993

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Home Hunter

Built Stronger to Last Longer

Building product manufacturers have come a long way over the past several decades when it comes to the creation of products for the home. Decades ago wood roofing shingles or wood millwork had a relatively short lifespan due to environmental conditions the products faced. In todays marketplace, homeowners can easily locate building products that have lifetime warranties and are constructed to withstand almost anything Mother Nature throws at them. Synthetic products are a huge advancement for the building industry, says Mark Clement, contractor and host of MyFixItUpLife radio show. In particular, products like DaVinci Roofscapes slate and shake roofing tiles are made of polymer and have a 50-year warranty. And, fiberglass doors, urethane millwork and vinyl windows are all great examples of products constructed for lowmaintenance ease combined with very impressive product warranties -- plus they look great! If youre constructing a new home, start by paying special attention to the basement. By requesting precast wall panels you can add valuable living space to your home. Superior Walls (www. superiorwalls.com) offers Xi insulated concrete wall systems that are custom created for homeowners and installed in less than 24 hours by certified crews. The energy-efficient walls, which received the first National Association of Home Builders Green Approved rating for foundation systems in the country, help lower energy costs for homeowners. The Xi wall panels feature steel reinforced concrete and 21/2-inches of insulation to
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create a permanent barrier against sidewall water penetration. The sturdy panels are designed and constructed in a factory-controlled setting using steel rebar inside the studs and beams for strength. Built to last, Superior Walls Xi foundations systems are backed by a 15-year warranty. Moving up the house, vinyl windows are crafted for maximum energy efficiency and low maintenance. One manufacturer, Simonton Windows (www.simonton.com), offers a limited lifetime warranty for their durable products. Why vinyl? Because vinyl windows and doors offer excellent thermal performance for year-round comfort and help lower utility bills. Vinyl is an effective insulator, and combined with a strong glass package, provides optimum energy efficiency. The energy-efficient features of the Simonton products are very impressive, which is why I selected them for my own home, says Clement. Ive found that a glass package that includes Low E glass, an Argon gas fill and Simontons Intercept spacer system really outperform other windows Ive seen. Select a fiberglass entryway system married with urethane millwork and youve chosen more building products meant to last. Therma-Tru Doors (www.therma-tru.com) offers a wide variety of reliable, energy-efficient fiberglass door systems. Each door is constructed of durable fiberglass with a polyurethane foam core, can be ordered ENERGY STAR qualified and provides five times the insulation of a wood door. Best of all, fiberglass doors will not rot, split or crack, plus they will not rust, dent or ding. Backed by a limited lifeYELLOW-OOAO BLACK 012908

With wild weather patterns impacting the country in recent years, homeowners nationwide are constantly on the lookout for better ways to prepare their homes to handle tough weather conditions. Smart homeowners have been taking the weather into consideration when purchasing replacement windows, roofs and trim Durable vinyl windows and polymer roofing tiles help create products that are subjected to extreme weather conditions year a low-maintenance exterior for this home. after year. Realistically, the products on the exterior of a home need time warranty, Therma-Tru harmful ultraviolet rays, the to stand up to a wide variety of doors create the tightest seal roof is easily the building possible, creating an energyproduct that is most subjected weather conditions, including efficient envelope that stabito the elements. To make sure high winds, hail, driving rain, and ice and snow accumulation lizes interior temperatures your roof overhead can proin many parts of the country, and helps decrease the homes tect your family and home, says Mark Clement, co-host energy costs. investigate the benefits of of the MyFixitUpLife home When using decorative polymer roofing tiles. improvement radio show. StartFypon (www.fypon.com) The DaVinci slate roofing at the top of the house, its trim around a fiberglass ing tiles on my home resist important to purchase a roof that entry door, you create a fire, impact, wind and other is made to withstand these inwinning combination. The weather conditions, says credible weather scenarios while crisp, architecturally-correct Clement. These tiles have looking good on non-extreme details on Fypons urethane their colors blended comproducts are crafted from pletely throughout each piece weather days. Clement recommends a roofing tough, weather-proof, highand will resist fading over performance materials. Pitime because of the UV pro- product hes installed on several homes in recent years. Polymer lasters, crossheads and door tection built into each tile. slate and shake roofing tiles from pediments are all impervious Products like polymer DaVinci Roofscapes are tested to decay, insect infestation roofing tiles, which are a to withstand hurricane-force and water damage. Other good environmental choice exterior urethane pieces, such and are guaranteed to last for winds, resist hail, fire and impact. Backed by a 50-year limited as column wraps, louvers 50 years, are a smart choice and brackets, are also crafted for a home. All of these prod- warranty, the manmade tiles replicate real slate and shake while for long-lasting beauty and ucts are a sound investment low maintenance. Also apfor a new home and when re- featuring exceptional benefits to propriate for interior applica- modeling an older, cherished withstand almost any weather scenario. tion, the urethane pieces are home. Doing your research Moving down from the roof, backed by a limited lifetime up front to find the best prodwindows are another key area of warranty and are ideal for ucts in the marketplace will the home that must be durable high humidity areas of the result in many savings -- on home such as the kitchen, long-term maintenance, util- enough to withstand severe bathroom and laundry room. ity costs and repair or prema- weather. When investing in new windows, I tell homeownWhile all areas of a homes ture product replacement. ers to install impact-resistant exterior can take a beating laminated glass products, like from severe weather and

Help Protect Your Home From Wicked Weather

Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows. These windows are made especially for coastal areas, but Simonton also offers a similar SafePoint glass package so that homeowners across the nation can be safe and secure in their homes. These durable windows are tested to resist flying debris during a storm, which is critical to keeping the envelope of the house intact. If the windows, door, garage door or roof are punctured, then air pressure can build up inside the home and ultimately destroy the house. Helping to protect the home with impact-resistant glass in energy efficient vinyl windows is a smart investment, according to home improvement experts. For the louvers, shutters and other millwork, I like urethane and PVC pieces from Fypon because theyre easy to maintain and resist humidity, salt air, moisture and insects, says Clement. The selection is also impressive -- door and window trim, louvers, trellis systems, column wraps, shutters and structural balustrade systems. With these products, you can have your homes exterior stand up to tough weather. For more insights into products that help protect the home from severe weather, visit www.myfixituplife.com. Detailing your home with long-lasting, weather-resistant materials like vinyl windows and polymer roofing tiles can increase the longevity of these items and add value to the home, say experts. So by doing your best to weatherize your home you also can improve its curb appeal and your bottom line.

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Sunday, April 14, 2013 |

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Dirty windows are unsightly, and they can prevent beneficial sunlight from entering a home. Cleaning windows need not be done every week, but it shouldnt be overlooked completely, either. While it certainly may be a chore to clean windows, there are ways to make the task much more tolerable. Curb appeal can be very important when selling a home. Even a home with a perfectly manicured lawn and the newest roofing and siding can seem unappealing if the windows are dirty. Keeping windows clean requires a good deal of work. For the acrophobics, cleaning second-story windows can test the nerves. Having the right tools on hand and a strategy in place will make the job easier to manage.

How to clean dirty windows

* vacuum * ladder or step stool * garden hose 2. Take down and clean drapery or blinds when cleaning the windows. Re move the curtains so you will have an unobstructed surface with which to work. 3. Start with the interior side of the windows, as they are easier to access. Place a towel on the sill to catch any drops so the sill or the floor will stay dry. 4. Spray a lint-free cloth or the window directly with the cleaning solution. The edges and corners of the window tend to accumulate the most grime, so begin by cleaning those areas first. Once they are clean and you will not exchange dirt to the center of the window, work on the middle. Wipe the windows in a horizontal direction to help alleviate dripping. 5. To create a streak-free surface, some people prefer to use a squeegee to drag out any pockets of moisture for more even drying. Be sure to wipe the rubber strip of the squeegee after each pass on the window. You may choose to buff out any other streaks with newspaper. 6. Vacuum the window sill and frame afterward to catch any dust and debris. 7. Repeat the process for all interior windows. 8. Move outdoors and start off by spraying the window with a garden hose to loosen any of the accumulated grime. Use your cleaning so lution to dissolve the rest of the dirt. You may want to let it sit on the window if there is stubborn grime. Repeat the cleaning process used indoors for each window. 9. If exterior second-floor windows are hard to reach, consider using a ladder and extension pole to extend your reach. Upper windows will not be scrutinized as closely as lower windows, so you may have a greater margin for error. If the windows are simply too high up, rely on a professional window cleaner to get the job done rather than risk falls or other injuries.

Mix your own cleaning solution

It may take trial and error to find a solution that works. Here is one recipe you may want to start with. 1 cup white vinegar 11/2 cups rubbing alcohol 2 drops of dish soap Pour into a clean and empty spray bottle. Remember: Never mix bleach and ammonia together to create a cleaning solution, as toxic fumes will result.

Cleaning windows
Cleaning windows wont necessarily be easy, but the following nine-step process can make the task less difficult and time-consuming. 1. Choose a day when it is overcast so you will not be blinded by the sun while cleaning. This also helps prevent streaking. Begin by gathering what youll need to get the task done. Having everything at the ready will enable you to move from one window to the next. Here are the basic supplies you will need: * cleaning solution * cloth, newspaper or squeegee * towel * spray bottle * extension pole to reach high windows

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Sunday, April 14, 2013 |

Tips to Make Home Get Your Homes Air Seven Painting Projects Easier Conditioning Ready for Warm Weather
When the weather heats up, your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system quickly becomes a most valuable player in your home life and stays that way for several months. However, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 3 million HVAC systems fail each year. Do you know if its time to maintain, repair or replace your air conditioning system? Air conditioning is a big investment in your home. Learning what maintenance steps you can take on your own and what questions to ask your air conditioning contractor, can save you time, money and keep you comfortable this season, says Frank Landwehr, Vice President of Emerson Climate Technologies, a major provider of equipment used in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Remember, not all maintenance needs to be outsourced. Here are some preventive tasks to take that can extend the life of air conditioning equipment: Change air filters: A general rule is to change indoor ductwork filters every three months or at the beginning of every heating and cooling season. Ensure the filter is sized correctly, fitting snuggly. Keep the outdoor unit clean: Keep coils free of debris by hosing off with light pressure. Any bushes or shrubs should be trimmed back away from the unit. Let air flow: Maintain a reliable airflow to reduce moisture buildup which can lead to mold. Keep vents open. Similarly, keep internal doors open inside your home to maintain air flow. Clean duct grills: Annually, clean the vents and grills at the opening of each duct in every room by lifting the grill out of the floor, wiping with a rag or Painting your home yourself? Dont be intimidated. Whether youre a rookie or an experienced do-it-yourselfer, anyone can produce professional-looking results efficiently with the right techniques and tricks, says home improvement expert Lou Manfredini, a regular contributor to NBCs Today Show. Manfredini, who is passionate about home improvement, is offering seven tips to help make your home painting projects easier: Even a steady hand is liable to make mistakes and drip. Protect your furniture and flooring with drop cloths. Good masking is necessary for sharp, clean paint lines. Be sure to use tape designed to remove cleanly from the particular surface with which youre working. For example, ScotchBlue Painters Tapes are specifically designed with appropriate adhesion levels to come off cleanly, creating super sharp paint lines without leaving behind residue or harming the surface. For a smoother finish, clean and dust the surfaces youre painting and sand them down before getting started. Dont forget to wear a respirator to protect your lungs from fumes and sanding particles as well as safety eyewear, especially if you are painting overhead. Most of the work involved comes before you even pick up your paintbrush or roller, says Manfredini. New products that can help you cut steps and get the same results will save you time and energy for the actual painting. For wall repairs, skip traditional patching products as theyre susceptible to water absorption and liable to shrink, crack and flash, or show

through the finished painted wall. 3M makes a spackling and primer in one that eliminates the need for priming called 3M Patch Plus Primer. Paint separates over time, so always mix your paint when you open a can, and do so periodically as you go for better color and texture consistency. Always use higher quality paints for professional results. You get what you pay for. Load rollers and brushes with the proper amount of paint. Too little paint will make you inefficient and too much paint will have you dripping. Youll get a feel for the right amount of paint for your tools through a bit of trial and error. More practical tips and creative inspiration can be found at www.3MDIY.com. Without cutting corners, you can learn to paint your home yourself quickly and precisely.

vacuuming to remove dust and debris. Keep condensate drain open: A stopped up condensate line can lead to expensive water damage. Keep the drain line clean and the drain tube open and clear to prevent backup. Good maintenance will only get you so far. Eventually, your equipment will need to be replaced. Landwehr offers these tips for when that time comes: Hire wisely: Even the best equipment wont provide comfort if its not sized and installed properly. Hire only a certified A/C technician you trust. Also, remember that not all contractors will carry the brand you want. Determine what features and comfort level you want so you can identify a contractor that can fill your need. Educate yourself: You can

make smarter investment decisions if youre speaking the same language as your contractor and they understand what you want. You can hone your A/C knowledge online at factbased, objective resources like www.AC-HeatingConnect. com. Save money: A few features can go a long way toward maximizing energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run. Use a programmable thermostat to avoid wasting money on cooling costs when no one is home. Also, consider a high efficiency air conditioner with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of above 16. This season, keep your cool. Take the time to maintain, repair and replace your A/C equipment when necessary.

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