CLARION NEWS ❖ Fall Improvement 2020 Edition ❖ TUESDAY, September 22, 2020 ❖ Page 3

5 Seasonal DIY Home Improvement Projects renovations you'll love (Family Features) Does it seem like like drying Consider these five easy your is always racks. DIY tasks that can set full and the washing you up for a warm, safe machine is running con- Figure out and pest-free fall: stantly? You may not be your room Perform routine imagining it. Laundry needs HVAC maintenance. Butler for You, a wash, Heating and cooling sys- dry and fold service, A laundry tems need regular service says the average - room need not to operate at peak effi- hold washes 50 pounds be limited to ciency. Some tasks are of laundry a week and laundry only. best left to the pros, but 6,000 articles of cloth- Many home- there is plenty you can do ing every year. Families owners make on your own to minimize with children at home large laundry expenses and ensure are doing laundry most catch- your unit maintains its often, and those with all spaces that performance level. With room for the foam to such as missing or expand. Wipe away cracked shingles or pets may find there is can serve as the breaker and gas off, ample laundry to wash utility or mud wipe the exterior of your imperfections and let sit noticeable sagging. Gut- 10-15 minutes until it’s ters can also accumulate as well. rooms, furnace with a damp rag With so much laun- overflows, or then remove the access no longer tacky. Gently a great deal of debris press the expanded foam from falling leaves. dry being generated, off-season and vacuum the homeowners may want storage areas. burners, base and blower into the gap using a put- Clearing these before ty knife. cooler temperatures set to consider paying extra Consider the compartment. Remove attention to the space functions you and clean the blower Check for damage in can help ensure rain to hardscaping. Walk- has a clear path away in the house where want the room with a vacuum and small their is being to serve and brush then use a drink- ways, and decks from your house, protect- provides a convenient are all susceptible to ing the and founda- cleansed. Laundry room include those ideas in place to handwash ing straw to blow dust off renovations may not your designs. the pilot. Also inspect the wear that can lead to tion. Also pay attention to items, clean tools or tripping hazards or allow other elements like paint top homeowners' priori- paintbrushes, or store flame sensor, drive belt ty lists, but it may be Add some natural and air filter, and clean or rain, snow and ice to seep that may require periodic items that perhaps you in and create larger prob- updates to maintain its time to give these light do not want to bring replace as needed. rooms another look. Air seal drafty lems. Take time to thor- protective function. into a or oughly assess these hard- Eliminate entry If possible, include a sink. areas. The gaps around in your laundry and door frames scape features and points for pests. When Assess your give unwanted air an identify issues like loose temperatures start drop- . Natural light can Include some flair open invitation into a stones and cracks in con- ping, you’re likely to see help make the room home. However, you can crete that need repairs. some movement with If your appliances more enjoyable. It also This utilitarian quickly and easily block Securing materials, fill- creatures who want to are aging, a laundry can help you identify space need not be bor- the flow of air for greater ing cracks and patching enjoy the comfort of your room renovation can on clothes that ing or bereft of design comfort and lower energy problem areas can help home. Make it clear start with an invest- need to be addressed elements. Mirror your bills. If the and prevent further damage they’re not welcome by ment in new appli- and make it easier to home's style in the windows are already fin- during the colder months sealing up places they ances. New models have fold matching items laundry room, and ished, start by removing while restoring aesthetic may be creeping in. A large capacity loads, like socks. include hangings, the trim. Prep the area appeal. solution like Great Stuff tend to be energy-effi- Inspect your home’s Pestblock Insulating plants, accent items, by removing dust and cient and could have Think about a and even task . debris. Using a quality exterior. Many elements Foam Sealant lets you fill innovative features utility sink of your home serve essen- gaps and openings with a that help fit with your Play up certain features sealant like Great Stuff with a bold tile or Window & Door Insulat- tial roles in protecting quick bead of foam. If a laundry lifestyle. Pur- Many washing your safety, regulating rodent has an established chasing front-loading machines drain out brightly colored walls. ing Foam Sealant, apply Updating laundry the foam to fill in about your home’s efficiency pathway, try using a com- models also can free up directly to waste pipes and preventing damage. bination of steel wool and design space, as you can in the floor or wall, but rooms can be a great 50% of the gap around way to make doing the window or door and It’s important to regular- the foam to deter it from install a counter direct- you also can opt to have framework, allowing ly check your for gnawing through the bar- ly above the units, sav- them empty into a utili- laundry more enjoyable signs it needs repaired, rier. ing room for other items ty sink. This sink also and efficient. Loan or Line? Home Equity The value of mulched leaves

Loan or Line of Credit: Which Homeowners who positive. Researchers three years could pro- don't look forward to found that tiny pieces of duce a nearly 100 per- dusting off their rakes mulched leaves eventu- cent decrease in dande- is the best option for you? each fall might be hap- ally sifted down through lion and crabgrass py to learn that the turf and provided growth. Homeowners Submitted by First ing a vacation, home ness check and a possible mulching fallen leaves the lawn with essential with mulching mowers United National Bank improvement, higher edu- appraisal are needed for a with a mower may be a nutrients. Mulched that also have bags can - The FUN Bank cation costs, and consoli- home equity loan, the healthier and less labor leaves also served to even help their gardens dating and paying off same would be true for a One of the benefits of intensive way to con- control future weed by alternating using the high interest debt. line of credit. front a yard covered in growth by covering up mower with and with- homeownership is the A home equity line of Finding the right lend- ability to gain equity, or credit differs from a home ing solution is important leaves. For 20 years, tur- bare spots between turf out the bag on once build value, in your prop- equity loan in that it gives to maintaining a positive fgrass specialists at plants. Such spots typi- leaves begin to fall. erty over time. You can the borrower access to a and beneficial financial Michigan State Univer- cally provided openings When mowing with the use that equity to obtain a revolving source of funds, future. Professionals in sity studied how lawns for weed seeds to germi- bag on, mulched leaves home equity loan or home like a credit card, that the financial lending busi- reacted to having nate and ultimately can then be used as equity line of credit. Both they can use as they ness should be a trusted ground up leaves left on infect lawns. In fact, mulch in landscape types of loans are secured choose. Home equity resource in helping bor- the lawn and the results researchers found that beds and vegetable gar- with a mortgage on your lines of credit are typical- rowers make an educated were overwhelmingly mulching leaves for just dens. primary residence. ly a variable rate loan decision. Whether you To be considered for a which means your rate apply for a loan or a line loan or line of credit, the will change throughout or credit depends on sev- borrower will need to the life of the loan. Also, eral factors. If you are in apply at a financial insti- your payments will fluc- need of a loan or line of tution. That financial tuate each month depend- credit, reach out to a institution, also known as ing on your outstanding trusted financial institu- the lender, will work balance. These loans tion and ask questions to through an application have a draw phase, typi- fully understand your process with the borrower cally 5 years, followed by options and make the that will include a credit a repayment phase. best, informed decision check and may also Just as a credit worthi- you can. include an appraisal of their primary residence. An appraisal will determine the equity, val- ue, of your residence. The lender will utilize that appraisal to make a deci- Free Estimates, Kitchen Design, Blueprint Takeoffs, sion on eligibility. An and all your , and HVAC Needs appraisal of the borrow- Call any of our Sales Associates er’s residence may not be or Stop in Today! necessary in some cases. Your lending institution Phone: 814-764-5196 • Fax: 814-764-3511 can advise you on what [email protected] • www.carterlumber.com situations will require an 731 Main St., Strattanville, PA 16258 appraisal. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 to 4 Closed Weekends Upon approval of a home equity loan, the bor- rower will receive their LIST YOUR AUCTION WITH US TODAY! funds in a lump sum. The Farm • Livestock • Antiques • Estates loan will be repaid in equal monthly install- Business Liquidation • Appraisals • Machinery ments. These types of Let us explain how the auction methods of marketing can work for you! loans are typically associ- ated with a one-time expense or need. A bor- rower can use the funds from their loan for any reason they choose. Some Professional Auctioneers of Pennsylvania popular options include: 2490 Lake Lucy Rd., Tionesta, PA 16353 paying for a wedding, tak- (814) 354-2290 AU-002818-L Page 4 ❖ CLARION NEWS ❖ Fall 2020 Edition ❖ TUESDAY, September 22, 2020 Options abound when Simple ways to improve shopping for home siding a kitchen pantry

Home improvement non-flammable People have been projects run the gamut and resistant to spending more time at from minor repairs to termites. Home- home in 2020 than in complete overhauls. Advisor notes years past, and certain Replacing exterior sid- that fiber- projects around the ing is one of the most cement siding house have become a significant home can create the priority. One home improvement projects look of wood, improvement idea that homeowners can under- stucco or mason- serves the double benefit of creating organization take. Such a project can ry, making it a and making cooking at give a completely versatile option home more efficient is to new look, which is why capable of creat- reimagine the kitchen choice of siding is such ing various pantry. an important decision. looks. In addi- A pantry is a room or Homeowners have tion, fiber- where food, bever- many siding options to cement siding is ages and linens or dish- choose from, and the fol- known for its es are stored. lowing guide can help durability, with can be highly useful them make the best some products spaces that provide ancillary storage in choice for their homes. coming with . Many modern warranties last- homes are equipped ing as long as 50 sponding storage sys- such as in a or Vinyl siding with pantries, but older tems. For example, stor- . years. homes may require some age solutions may fea- · Pull out drawers are Vinyl siding is easily ural appeal of stone, but modification to create ture wine bottle racks, convenient. Pull-out maintained and among Wood siding the price tag, which more useful pantries. baskets for potatoes and drawers can reduce the the more budget-friend- tends to be costly, may Whether starting from other produce, shelving need to seek and reach ly siding options. Accord- Homeowners have not be as awe-inspiring. scratch or modifying an for small appliances, and for items. These drawers existing pantry, these ing to the home improve- many choices if they pre- HGTV notes that stone even pull out racks for conveniently roll out so tips can help projects go baking pans or cutting items in the back can be ment resource fer wood siding on their can be difficult to add to more smoothly. HomeAdvisor, vinyl sid- homes. Cedar, cypress, boards. accessed without dis- an existing home, and · Maximize vertical · Use clear storage. turbing foods in the ing is made from a PVC fir, pine, and spruce are doing so may drive the storage. Utilizing verti- Put ingredients in clear, front. Drawers can be plastic that does not rot just a handful of the price up even further. cal areas can help airtight containers of custom built for any or flake. Siding profes- many wood siding Stone siding is durable, increase storage capaci- similar dimensions so pantry space. sionals note that the options homeowners can and there are many ty. Build in extra nooks that you can easily find · Make it accessible. technology used to cre- choose from. HomeAdvi- by investing in under- items you need. Transfer Think about who will be options, including solid shelf storage baskets. ate vinyl siding has sor notes that cedar stone and natural stone bulky items, like cereals taking items from the changed considerably in shingle siding offers a These baskets can and baking supplies, to pantry. Put children's cladding, that make this recent years, making natural look that blends instantly create desig- storage containers for snacks on the bottom an option capable of pro- this option more diverse well in wooded and nated areas for different uniformity. pantry shelf where they viding an array of looks. types of ingredients. · Store bulk items can reach them, and than traditional vinyl waterfront landscapes. Homeowners also can siding. So homeowners Wood clapboard siding is Stone-veneer siding is elsewhere. Bulk shop- then organize other less expensive than nat- look for ways to use the ping can be cost-effi- shelves for adults in the turned off by the poten- another popular option, inside of doors or cient, but bulk items can home. tially plastic look of though it tends to ural stone and also add extra shelves on comes in an array of quickly eat up real A pantry remodel can vinyl siding might be require more mainte- walls or in eaves. estate in the pantry. add valuable storage surprised at how differ- nance than cedar shin- styles. As is the case · Consider your Designate another area space and make one of ent modern vinyl siding gle siding. Homeowners with wood, stone siding needs. Figure out which for non-perishable bulk the busiest rooms in the looks compared to the who want wood siding options are so extensive items you would like to products, like paper house operate more effi- vinyl siding of yester- should discuss their that homeowners are store in the pantry and goods or canned items, ciently. year. options with an experi- urged to discuss each then shop for corre- enced siding profession- one with a siding profes- Fiber-cement siding al, as many factors, sional before making including the choice of their decisions. Types of home insulation The home improve- wood, must be consid- These are just a ment television network ered before making a handful of the many sid- HGTV notes that fiber- final decision. ing options homeowners and where to install them cement siding has grown can choose from. Siding in popularity among Stone and stone- can give homes a com- When thinking about Blanket batts and Sprayed foam homeowners in recent veneer siding petely new look, making renovating their homes, rolls years. This material choice of siding a signifi- homeowners may imagine Sprayed foam is just does not require much Many homeowners cant decision worthy of changing wall colors, Blanket batts and as the name implies, a maintenance and it's fall in love with the nat- careful consideration expanding room sizes or rolls typically are con- foam made from upgrading appliances and structed with fiberglass, polyurethane, polyiso- fixtures. However, unless so proper safety gear, cyanurate, cementitious, people take inventory of such as a mask and or other materials that How to recognize when the less glamourous com- gloves, is needed when are applied by a spray ponents of the home, such container. DIYers who as structure, plumbing, handling them. Installing this type of need only small applica- heating and cooling, and tions can use canned insulation, other improve- insulation is relatively you can stop mowing easy since the materials products . Large quanti- ments may be for naught. ties are pressure- A home insulation pro- are designed to fit the sprayed by professionals. Each weekend in it's hard to determine if ject certainly doesn't offer standard width between spring, summer and fall, frosts have occurred, the wow factor of a studs, rafters and floor Foam board/rigid millions of homeowners homeowners can try kitchen remodel, but insu- joists. foam panels fire up their mowers and checking the tempera- lation serves a vital func- cut the grass in their ture of their soil to decide tion in the house that Loose fill Ideal for unfinished yards. A few hours spent if they need to keep mow- helps keep people com- walls, such as mowing the lawn can be a ing. The lawn care fortable and reduces ener- Loose fill is usually or walls, great time to get some experts at Pennington gy consumption. Insula- made of fiberglass or cel- and , these sun and some exercise in recommend homeowners tion is typically placed in lulose (recycled paper are boards of the great outdoors. continue mowing warm- areas where air escapes, fiber). It is blown or polyurethane or poly- As fall gradually tran- season grasses so long as such as between the stud sprayed into place with styrene. Foam boards sitions to winter, home- they keep growing. cavities inside the walls pneumatic equipment, tend to reduce energy owners may wonder Lawns may not grow as and in the , and according to The Home consumption more effec- when to stop mowing quickly in fall as they do serves to slow and reduce Depot. Loose fill can be tively than other types of their lawns. Each lawn is in spring or summer, and heat transfer. ideal for hard-to-reach insulation. different, and when to growth may not be as vis- The U.S. Department areas in or inside Homeowners consid- stop mowing may depend ible to the naked eye dur- as grass can still keep of Energy says between 50 wall cavities. It's good for ering upgrading their on a host of factors, ing this time of year as it growing even if leaves and 70 percent of the adding insulation to insulation or amending including local climate is in other times. Home- have been falling for energy used in homes is irregularly shaped existing insulation and the type of turf. In owners can routinely weeks. In addition, using for heating and cooling. areas. Since it requires should do their home- addition to climate and check soil temperature to a mulching mower when By improving home insu- special equipment, this work on the type of insu- turf, homeowners can determine if their grass- leaves begin falling is a lation, homeowners can lation that will be most keep an eye on these con- es have stopped growing. make their homes more is a job best left to pro- great way to provide the fessionals. effective for their homes. ditions to determine Warm-season grasses lawn with nutrients it comfortable, consistent when the time is right to tend to stop growing once can use throughout the and efficient. In fact, the put their mowers away the soil temperature is winter. Some trees shed ENERGY STAR program for the winter. consistently at 55 F or their leaves more quickly overseen by the U.S. Envi- · Frost: Warm-season below, while cool-season than others, but it's a ronmental Protection grasses typically go dor- grasses tend to stop good rule of thumb that Agency says homeowners mant after a couple of sig- when temperatures are lawns will need to keep stand to save an average nificant frosts. Homeown- 45 F or lower. being mowed if trees are of 15 percent on heating ers can jot down each Falling leaves have still retaining more than and cooling costs by frost during fall. Frosts long been a barometer half their leaves. adding proper insulation. are most noticeable in the used by homeowners to A host of factors can To do so, homeowners can early morning hours, so determine if they need to help homeowners deter- take a crash course in be sure to check lawn keep mowing their mine when it's safe to put home insulation and find conditions each morning lawns. That's not neces- their mowers away for the products that fit their as the weather begins to sarily a reliable metric, the winter. needs. grow cold. Frost may be noticeable without even going outside, but home- owners may need to go 6 Months Interest Free Financing* outside to check on chilly Dumawall Save an extra mornings or on days when the previous night Waterproof 20% OFF in 2020! was especially cold. 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