At Home in Southwest Montana Spring 2021 by Bozeman Daily Chronicle

IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA SPRING

A S p e c i a l P u b l i c at i o n

of the

2021

B o z e m a n D a i ly C h r o n i c l e

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Southwest Montana At Home 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 TREE CARE 8

POUF!

HILLBILLY HOT TUB

DECKED OUT

DECOR FROM THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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Tree Care

The expert info you need to treat your trees this season

pring is here and that means it’s time to get outside and check the health of your trees and garden. If you don’t already have trees in your yard, don’t worry. Bozeman Tree, Lawn & Pest Certified Arborist John Noreika says tis’ the season to get growing. “Early Spring is the best time to plant trees,” Noreika says. “The nurseries will be receiving fresh orders of trees so there will be a great selection of high quality nursery stock to choose from. ‘Bare root’ trees are available in the early spring and are the easiest and least expensive to plant because there are no heavy containers or root balls containing soil to wrestle with.” Not sure where to plant your new trees? Noreika has a few rules of thumb to help you get started. The most important consideration, the expert arborist says, is matching the right tree to the location. Always remember, “Right tree, right place.”

As an example, Noreika says you should never plant a large, maturing tree beneath an overhead power line. “A smaller maturing variety such as a Japanese Tree Lilac will stay tidy beneath the power lines without need for regular clearance pruning that can destroy the aesthetics of a large maturing variety,” he says. In low-lying areas with moist soil, plant trees that will perform best like a maple or birch tree. In upland areas with drier soils, plant drought tolerant trees like pine and juniper. Once you’ve picked out the perfect tree for your yard (or you’re excited to get out there and care for what you’ve already got), it’s time to think about pruning. Now you may be wondering how exactly do you know what and how much to prune. “Pruning is the most widely performed but also misunderstood practices in tree care,” Noreika

explains. “The old rule of thumb is to remove no more than 25% of the trees’ live foliage or branches per pruning cycle (every two to five years). But for an older or unhealthy tree, this may be too much, and for a young vigorous tree, not enough. Pruning can be one of the best things you can do for a tree or the worst depending on how and when it is done.” Because a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for pruning, Noreika advises conducting some research on your tree. But don’t trust everything you see on the internet. Noreika and other tree experts recommend turning to reliable resources like university extension services or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists at the ISA offer these tree pruning tips to help you carefully cut this Spring. 1.

Always have a purpose in mind before making a cut. Each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree.

Southwest Montana At Home 2021 1.

Poor pruning can cause damage that lasts for the life of the tree. Learn where and how to make the cuts before picking up the pruning tools.

Trees do not heal the way people do. When a tree is wounded, it must grow over the damage. As a result, the wound is contained within the tree forever.

Small cuts to the tree do less damage than large ones. Correcting issues when a tree is young will reduce the need for more drastic pruning later.

If you’d rather have some inperson help, Noreika, an ISAcertified arborist himself, teaches introductory pruning classes at Cashman Nursery each Spring and hopes to resume classes soon. In the meantime, Noreika says it’s a good time to reach out to a certified arborist who can offer a tree inspection. While you gather tips on planting and pruning, it’s imperative to keep safety in mind at all times. “Tree pruning can be a very dangerous activity,” Noreika warns. “If you ever find yourself on a ladder with a chainsaw, stop immediately and call an ISA-certified arborist before you hurt yourself or your tree!” Once your trees are safely and properly trimmed, it’s time to think about watering. As with pruning, a tree’s watering requirements vary. “A newly planted tree may need relatively small amounts of water but very frequently during the summer (5-10 gallons every day),” Noreika says. “Whereas a large, mature tree may need hundreds or

even thousands of gallons but only once a week or even less.” Other tree watering considerations include soil and drainage around the tree. In a flat area with clay-based soil or a spot with poor drainage, even a newly planted tree may not need much water. Conversely, in a welldrained, sloped area with sandy or silty soil, a tree of any size may need daily watering during the dog days of summer, Noreika explains. For large trees, remember that roots can spread far from the base of the trunk. So placing a hose at the base of a mature tree does little to provide water to the absorbing roots that can be 50 or more feet away from the trunk. To give large trees the moisture they need, water the entire area beneath the “drip line,” and thoroughly soak the soil to be sure water reaches the right depth for the roots. Here are a few more watering reminders from Noreika: •

Constantly wet soil can be just as bad for a tree as perennially dry soil.

•

The soil should be moist to the touch but not soggy or bone dry.

•

Don’t forget to water “native” trees during hot, dry summer months.

Native forests often struggle with pest and disease infestations that are made worse by prolonged periods of drought. Your Montana trees will need plenty of drinks on toasty summer days, too! Once you’ve found the right trees, figured out a plan of attack for watering and pruning, it’s time to think about mulch. Noreika says proper mulching is one of the best

things you can do for your trees. But beware a common mulch mistake many make. Do not plant grass right up to the base of your tree’s trunk. “Turf grasses can really compete with young trees for water and nutrients,” he explains. “Young trees grown with turf grass planted up to the trunks may only grow half as fast as trees with mulch around the base. Mulches composed of natural materials such as bark provide tremendous benefits to trees as they conserve water, suppress weeds, provide organic matter and nutrients, and help prevent mechanical damage from mowing practices.” Steer clear of inorganic mulches like rocks and synthetic products. These mulches do little to help trees and in some cases can harm the tree. Similarly, Norieka does not advise the use of weed mat or plastic as an underlayer to the mulch. “Never pile mulch against the trunk forming a ‘mulch volcano’ as this can damage the trunk and allow diseases to attack it,” Noreika warns. “Protect your bark and trunks! The bark is the tree’s Achilles’ heel.” Noreika explains that tree bark, or phloem layer, that surrounds the wood of the tree is the essential conduit for sugars and carbohydrates produced via photosynthesis in the leaves to travel down the trunk to the tree’s roots. “If anything damages the bark of the trunk, the results can be catastrophic,” he says. “The number one killer of young trees in the urban environment is the modern string trimmer. The bark layer of a young tree can be very thin, one quarter of an inch or less, so just one pass

Southwest Montana At Home 2021 around the circumference of the trunk with the string trimmer can mean a slow death of the tree.” Mulching and a simple trunk guard or wrap can help avert this catastrophe. Wrap a trunk guard from the soil up to six feet on the trunk to deter pesky deer and voles from rubbing and chewing your tree. It’s ideal to wrap your tree in late August and leave the guard on until early Spring. For more questions about your trees’ health, consult with your local ISA-certified arborist and visit the website www.treesaregood.org. The City of Bozeman also offers a guide with planting recommendations available on the city’s website (search “tree guide” to get there quickly from Bozeman.net). Additionally, local nurseries and garden centers can offer guidance as well as resources like the MSU Extension Service (msuextension.org).

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Pouf!

The magic of moveable furniture & home decor to love

f Merriam Webster determined a phrase of the year instead of simply a word of the year, I suspect it would be “unprecedented times.” Though truly we’re living in them, the phrase is worn out. Yet, when reﬂecting on how much time we have collectively spent on our couches, in our recliner chairs, or at our makeshift office desks, it seems we’ve all spent unprecedented time actually using our home furnishings. Perhaps you even had that moment where you realized you hate your uncomfortable green velvet couch that shows absolutely every pet hair and child spill. Or perhaps you came to know first hand why the dining room chairs make horrid office chairs after sitting in said chair for nine straight hours. Whatever

your

home

furnishing

revelation, if you’re anything like fellow Americans, you’ve decided to freshen up your space, organize that junk drawer, invest in a proper desk (and chair), and add some decor to those naked walls. Online furniture juggernauts like Wayfair saw more than a 65% jump in year-over-year sales in 2020, the company’s CEO said in November. While convenience and safety remained paramount for shoppers, there are a plethora of local stores offering great furniture selections and a safe shopping environment. One of those local shops is Livingston Home Outfitters. For inspiration on how to transform a room, we talked to the furnishing gurus at LHO. Hannah Pauli, one of the shop’s furniture buying experts, offered three suggestions for adding some zest and function to a space.

1. Poufs. You’ve likely seen them at a friend’s house or a trendy hotel. Poufs are the comfy quasi chairs that come in an assortment of sizes and fabrics. Available in a variety of shapes cubes, rounds, rectangles - poufs can easily be moved around a room to offer additional seating. Poufs also add a punch of color, texture or pattern to liven up your space. So whether you’re into leather, wool, knitted fabric, velvet, or denim, there’s a pouf (or two) for you. “Poufs are a fun way to incorporate color, pattern and versatility to a room,” Pauli says. “The shapes people gravitate toward are our square poufs that loosen up over time. Poufs that are a little malleable are very popular because

Southwest Montana At Home 2021 they’re like a comfy stool. They are also great for extra seating for kids or lounging with the animals.” 2. Benches. We’re not talking the church-pew type that illicit memories of sore backs and hymnal books. Pauli says benches are gaining popularity for their versatility. Bonus, you can tuck those handy poufs under many benches, just check the dimensions on both items. Benches are handy for just about everything, but especially in a space where you need to put on or pull off clunky winter boots and muddy tennis shoes. “Benches have been fairly popular recently,” Pauli says. “In the entryway, or in a utility room, or at the end of a bed, benches offer extra storage or a place to rest that’s not a formal sitting place. You can also hide things, like a vent, with a bench.”

3. Wall Art to Inspire So, you’ve added more comfy seating to accommodate everyone at movie night. You also bought a bench to offer a pop of practicality where you need it most. Now, it’s time to personalize your home with wall decor. Banish the old “Live, Laugh, Love” craft store sign in the hallway and replace it with something with panache, something you actually love (or that makes you laugh). At LHO, Pauli says art with a Montana flair appeals to customers. A Hamilton man makes barnwood signs for the store that showcase the best of what the Treasure State has to offer.

If Montana-themed art isn’t for you, Pauli and the LHO team have plenty of other vibrant art options for you. If you’re in the market for something else altogether, LHO offers lamps, bedding, rugs, lighting, leather lounge chairs, sectionals, ottomans, poufs, coffee tables, throw blankets, desks, decorative trunks, bar stools, and more. If that sounds overwhelming, start with a simple consultation with an expert by calling or visiting the pros at Livingston Home Outfitters. Whatever your home revolution this season, picking quality, comfort, and colors you love will help you enjoy your space, no matter how much time you’re spending there.

“We’ve got rodeo signs, Yellowstone signs, Glacier signs, signs in the shape in Montana, we have ‘Get Lost in Montana’ signs,” Pauli says. “They’re great for gifts, too.”

Southwest Montana At Home 2021

Hillbilly Hot tub A Trough of Endless Summer Fun

y the time we were able to cobble our pennies together and buy a house in Bozeman almost two years ago (when we only thought the prices were absurd…), we were spent. Our savings cleared for a downpayment, we didn’t think spending our rainy day fund on, well anything, was a good idea. So when I decided I really, really wanted a way to cool off and enjoy the backyard during the short summer months, I knew I’d have to find a cheap solution. Now, if you’re a parent, or an adult who loves an inflatable pool, you’ve likely run into the same problem our family faces each summer. You buy the pool with the nifty “waterfall” feature (i.e. drag the garden hose to the proper spot and attach it to the jankety pool). You set it up on a blazing summer day. Then after crashing around in the pool, a child (or adult), manages to puncture the pool. Try as you may, you can’t patch that sucker. There’s $50 down the drain and a sulky child (or adult) to boot. Well, we played out this scenario at our house for far too many summers. Out of sheer desperation, I started thinking of something sturdier than an inflatable pool, but cheaper than a hot tub to place in our

backyard. Insert Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply. Driving by the Jackrabbit location one hot day, I noticed the lot full of metal stock tanks. You know, the kind animals drink from. But if you live in town, without livestock, that stock tank, glittering in the hot summer sun, looks a lot like pool potential. So I drove home and decided to pull up Murdoch’s website and read more about the stock tanks. What I found, in a word, was hope. Let me attempt to describe this trough of potential for a moment. The tank is made from fully galvanized steel. The sidewalls of the tank are double welded, on both the external and internal surfaces. According to Murdochs, the welds are composed of deoxidized copper wire that creates smooth, one-piece sidewalls, which are corrugated for greater strength and durability. Hear that? Strength, durability, double welding. Consider this horse led to water. I borrowed a pickup truck from a family member and loaded up my dubious husband. After deciding on a six-foot tank (hello postage-stamp-sized city yard) we wrangled the tank into the truck. At home, we flattened earth and put down sand for our tank “pad.” After weeding a rocky path to the pool, we purchased some

cheap paving stones from Lowe’s to create a path from lawn to pool. Since a piece of metal sitting in the sun can get hot fast, I went searching for a large, moveable umbrella to partially shade the pool. I found a gorgeous cloth umbrella a friend was selling on Facebook for $10. I nestled two cozy patio chairs nearby and arranged a few tables for drinks. We were ready to chunky dunk. After a few dips in that arctic pool, my engineer husband decided to jerry rig a heating system for the pool. Enlisting the help of the world wide web, he landed on the idea of using a propane-fueled heater (normally intended to warm camp shower water). To circulate the water, he rigged up a boat bilge pump. He buried Pex piping in the ground to transfer the hot water from heater to pool. Then he built a wooden box to surround and protect our propane flame on a windy day. While the hillbilly tub doesn’t heat quickly, by evening, it’s a dream to sit in bathtub water and listen to red-winged blackbirds and ducks touchdown in the nearby marshland. On the warmest summer days, we don’t even mind the nip of cold water. At least the cold water isn’t seeping out of a deflating pool, we figure.

Southwest Montana At Home 2021

Decked Out Tips to create the perfect outdoor oasis to enjoy all summer

f ever there was a time for al fresco dining to have its revival, 2020 and 2021 would be it. After months of being cooped up, spending time outdoors on a sunny patio or deck offers a slice of heaven and harkening to pre-COVID times. Though Montana will predictably be late to the patio party, it’s never too soon to start planning your dream deck. With a little help from the pros, you’ll be creating the most coveted outdoor lounging spot in town. As a bonus, the drinks from your own

fridge provide a budgetconscious happy hour. To take your backyard deck dreams and turn them into something more tangible, we enlisted the help of the experts at Kenyon Noble. Bridger Nelson, Marketing Director at Kenyon Noble, corralled answers to all our burning questions. First, we asked what advice the Kenyon Noble team has for folks looking to build a deck from scratch or overhaul what they currently have. Nelson said that while customers can search the myriad of decking options on the internet,

seeing materials in person (and talking to an actual person) can be helpful. “We offer a full estimation service to help walk our customers through the entire construction project,” Nelson explains. “This estimation service can begin with a simple drawing or detailed description of what the customer has to work with, whether it’s a new deck or removing an existing deck and starting over, or perhaps they just want to add to what they have.” In store, employees can showcase different decking displays and finish options

while helping customers understand the true costs associated with creating a dream deck. From a detailed accounting of what each item costs to helpful tips to get through the project, sometimes a human touch is exactly what’s needed to tackle that outdoor project, Nelson explains. “We can supply you with the concrete to pour footings, the lumber to frame your area, the fasteners to hold it together, decking to cover it, and all the amenities to make the outdoor space comfortable as well,” he says. “Our staff has been

Southwest Montana At Home 2021 trained to put emphasis on customer care as it is just as critical as the items you need to complete your project. Our staff will partner with the customer to help them through their project.” That partnership could look like Kenyon Noble staff sourcing materials that aren’t currently in stock, researching to ensure customers are receiving the best value on their project, and following up to ensure project materials are delivered to customers’ front door in a timely and respectful manner.

“We don’t want to simply just take your money,” Nelson says. “Our sales staff will guide you through your selections and needs for your project while keeping your budget in mind. Then, our warehouse and our daily delivery service makes getting the products onsite quickly to better help your project

along. We recognize that not everyone can haul an entire construction project in your personal vehicle. Kenyon Noble has invested in a fleet of vehicles that will make this delivery something the customer doesn’t have to worry about.” And if, after scouring all the options, a customer decides

tackling a deck project is too much hassle, Kenyon Noble can make referrals. “We work with several very qualified professionals and we are happy to refer our customers to the right contractors to create their ideal end result,” Nelson says. For folks who are sick of putting the proverbial lipstick on the pig (or stain on an existing deck in this case), but eager to upgrade their deck, there are non-wood options to consider, like engineered decking.

Southwest Montana At Home 2021 “Though it’s hard to replace the appearance of wood, engineered decking has come a long way,” Nelson explains. “Most engineered decking comes from plastic composites mixed with wood fibers, and is now available in pure PVC. These composite options make for a maintenance-free, longterm deck you can enjoy without sanding, pressure washing, and staining.” Kenyon Noble offers several engineered decking options including Trex, TimberTech, AZEK and Fiberon brands. Nelson notes that manufacturers offer warranties with engineered decking products, which buyers don’t get when

buying wood for a deck. For the most economic way to update a deck, Nelson says starting at square one isn’t always necessary. “In many cases, you don’t have to completely remove your entire deck and patio area, you can simply improve it,” he says. “This could mean replacing deck boards, adding an updated railing, replacing the furniture, adding a fireplace, adding garden beds with foliage, or a simple addition of pavers to accent the outdoor living space.” As Nelson says, your outdoor living area is an extension of your home. In addition to considering new pieces - like outdoor

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furniture or enhanced landscaping - it’s also important for customers to determine what amenities they feel their outdoor space is lacking. Maybe that means a new grill. Or, if you’re ambitious, an outdoor kitchen. “You need to add amenities that create a place you and your family will want to spend time,” Nelson says. “These additions don’t have to be grossly expensive. Adding a fire pit, for example, lets you add hours of time a day that you would normally spend inside.” And who doesn’t want to add a few hours to Montana’s

glorious summer days? “We have a limited summer in Montana,” Nelson says. “So whether it’s decking, pavers, furniture, firepits, grills, smokers, or simply something to keep your drinks cold on hot days, Kenyon Noble has invested substantially to partner with our community and make your outdoor space the most comfortable and inviting place possible.” Before you hire a contractor or spend a small fortune on deck materials, the Kenyon Noble professionals advise stopping by the store to review your options. Inspiration is also offered on site, free of charge.

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Decor from the Great Outdoors T

Local artist features Montana’s favorite landscapes & critters in whimsical renderings

here’s a kind of magic in a painting, photograph, or drawing that has the ability to transport us. Art, it’s said, is subjective, and beauty in the eye of the beholder. So when you find a photo or drawing that speaks to you, that evokes something deep within or stirs up a memory, it feels precious to hold that memory and, if you’re lucky, put it on display in your house. For local artist Mimi Matsuda, her work is all about connecting people to the outdoors. Through her art, she hopes to inspire others to become careful stewards of Mother Nature. While that sounds like a daunting task, Matsuda accomplishes her goal in the most whimsical ways. Her beloved paintings feature unlikely pairings, like a bear riding a bicycle. Or iconic Yellowstone National Park animals holding binoculars and cameras, as if they are the tourists capturing geysers and wildlife while on vacation. Or the drift boat with an eagle manning the oars while two other birds cast lines from the bow and stern of the boat. The ec-

centric motifs are part of Matsuda’s collection titled “Animals: Secret Lives.”

“I’ve always loved science, sports, conservation, and the universality of humor,” Matsuda says. “People can identify with the imagery and put themselves in the animals’ situation. It’s a different kind of wildlife watching. The humor in my art seems to cross boundaries of age and culture. If people have an emotional connection, which is easy through humor, it is my hope they will care to preserve animals and their habitats.” Not all of her art follows the humorous vein of “Animals: Secret Lives.” Matsuda captures the pensive side-eye of a Great Blue Heron with little fanfare surrounding her subject. She paints otters in an embrace that emulates a kind of anthropomorphism that is difficult to capture just right. She creates landscapes of well-known Montana mountains and trails. In short, Matsuda’s art has the ability to transport. Whether the beholder is mentally transported to a favorite hike in Hyalite or sunny day on the river, Matsuda’s nature render-

ings capture the marvels and magic of Montana.

“My trout art is popular with area anglers and my landscapes of the parks are appreciated by park visitors,” Matsuda says. “I work in a variety of mediums, soft pastel, acrylics, oils and watercolors. I keep busy filling notecards, matted print and canvas print orders.” Though her burgeoning portfolio is impressive, Matsuda keeps busy when she’s not painting, too. The mother of identical twin boys, Matsuda knows that the work of conversation starts at home. She hopes her art allows other parents to start conversations with kids about taking care of the great outdoors. And when Matsuda needs to pick up the paintbrush in peace, she straps on her headphones. “I’m currently painting while listening to Mumford and Sons, Michael Franti and First Aid Kit,” she says. “The music helps me problem solve, transports me into my painting and runs like a theme song to the ‘documentary’ I’m painting.” While painting tucked away with headphones is a

solitary endeavor, Matsuda said her customers find ways to share their delight and gratitude. “When customers take time to send me a note about my art or when they stop to tell me how much they enjoy my art, that is really the ultimate joy and reward,” she says. “Creating art is a solo endeavor, so I draw a lot of joy from hearing these positive words. Some people remark on the beauty of my oil-painted great blue heron, or some people love the view of my mama bear reading to her cub. I’m proud when anyone sees a need for art in their lives and especially honored when they relate to the imagery I create. I hope it brings much happiness to their lives.” Matusda is one of many talented artists listed on the Made in Montana website. The local creator sells her work at Altitude Gallery, the Bozeman Community Food Co-Op, Country Bookshelf, The Museum of the Rockies, and on her website www. MimiMatsudaArt.com. To find more art and homegoods made in Montana, visit madeinmontanausa.com.

Southwest Montana At Home 2021

Guest Column by Bridget Wilkinson, Executive Director, One Valley Community Foundation Randy Carpenter, Program Director, Future West

Join the conversation! Affordable Housing Update

hink about it – half of the people who will live in our community in 25 years have not yet arrived. That’s right, at the rate we have been growing for the past few decades – about 2.8 percent a year – we will double our population to over 200,000 in the next 25 years. That is the equivalent of adding the population of Boulder, Colo., to the Gallatin Valley.

This may seem daunting, but this growth also presents a huge opportunity to shape our future. What kind of neighborhoods do we want to create? How can we conserve the essence of the Valley’s beautiful rural landscape of farms, ranches, and open space?

How do we ensure that all community members have a chance to succeed here? The answer to these questions, and more, will be found in a regional response that acknowledges our shared values and brings Gallatin County’s elected officials and residents together to maintain them. As many of us know, affordable housing - that is, homes people can afford - is one of those complex challenges facing our region. The COVID-19 health crisis has shown us that while housing was a pressing issue in the Gallatin Valley, it is now a critical one - one that must be addressed using a regional approach. In 2018, the One Valley

Community Foundation, in partnership with Future West, a Bozeman-based nonprofit, hosted A Seat at the Table, a countywide conversation about our communities and their future. In one day, hundreds of neighbors across Gallatin County gathered in small groups to share what they loved most about our community as well as what they saw as the greatest challenges to living here. Not surprisingly, housing and affordability was a concern for everyone, with 75% of participants citing these as their top concern. This year, The One Valley Community Foundation and Future West will launch a three-year initiative to address the

housing issues facing our community. We will soon complete a Regional Housing Assessment for Gallatin County; the resulting information will inform a county-wide dialogue, using our proven A Seat at the Table model, on housing challenges and solutions. Through this effort we will then create a Regional Housing Council to accelerate solutions to our housing challenges. The Regional Housing Council’s mission will be to identify and achieve shared regional goals identified in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. This actionoriented report will create a common understanding of housing needs in various areas of Gallatin County,

Southwest Montana At Home 2021

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catalogue previous and current efforts to create more housing that people can afford, and identify a comprehensive spectrum of solutions for meeting the housing needs of current and future residents, both for rental and ownership. The Council will be comprised of community residents, employers, local governments, and nonprofit partners. Most importantly, if this initiative is to be successful, we will need your help. We ask that you attend future events that the Council will hold and share your ideas for how Gallatin County can be a place that grows to be more inclusive and less exclusive - that is, keep this a community that residents can continue to be part of, and proud of.

At the One Valley Community Foundation and Future West, we take a holistic, future-focused approach to the issues we see on the horizon for Gallatin County. We do this through leadership, and crucially, through collaboration: we collect and share community data, convene community conversations, and empower our neighbors to take collective action to address the challenges that we, like all fast-growing communities, face. Those challenges are complex, and yes, daunting. But we know that strong, vibrant communities don’t happen by accident. They require intentional leadership and bringing people together, because together, we are all stronger.

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Southwest Montana At Home 2021

Windows Feeling the Pane? It might be time for a fix or upgrade!

f eyes are the windows to the soul, then windows add soul to a house. That’s something Sandy McKay knows something about. McKay has worked at Lake Glass in Bozeman for that past 45 years, since her father purchased the company in the early 70s. “Like most small companies, I wear many hats,” McKay says. “Sales, bookkeeping duties, estimating, whatever needs doing.” Wearing all those hats means Lake Glass can offer customers gorgeous, budget-conscious windows from lines including Jeld-Wen, Pella Windows & Doors, PURE Windows, Hope’s Windows, and VELUX skylights. Though there are many quality brands to choose from, homeowners don’t always realize the value a squeaky clean, brand new windows can add. “Good quality windows and doors enhance the building envelope performance and will add aesthetic appeal and will last the life of a home if maintained correctly,” McKay says. Think of a building envelope as the separation between the exterior and interior of a building.

The building envelope helps control a structure’s climate while protecting the indoor environment. Climate control from a solid set of windows? Heck, yes! In chilly Montana winters, robust windows are one way to help keep the cold air out. McKay says she could write a book on the subject. “Condensation and dew points on all windows in the winter months is a challenge,” she explains. “Especially if the windows are older. Taking simple actions to reduce moisture on the windows is important to keeping this frost away. Open blinds, circulate air in the room and reduce the humidity in the house to reduce condensation.” Northwestern Energy recommends inspecting your windows and doors for air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. Seal up the leaks by caulking, adding weather stripping, or installing a door sweep, the energy company recommends. Thankfully, choosing energy efficient windows doesn’t mean sacrificing fashion for form. McKay says today’s window trends offer contemporary

Southwest Montana At Home 2021

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design, sleek geometry, large panes of glass and crisp black window frames. And if you like the idea of sourcing those windows near home, Lake Glass can help. “We offer North American made products to fit a lot of budgets,” McKay says. “Our USA products rival any product from Europe and in most cases are better.” Lake Glass sells windows from companies that have been in business for over 30 years that boast robust features like thermally broken steel, high quality fiberglass and furniture grade wood clad windows and doors, according to McKay. “Even the most discerning owner will love and appreciate these options,” McKay says. A new set of windows is certainly an investment. Before upgrading your windows, the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit consumer protection organization, has a few tips. First, create a budget to stick to. Next, interview several window companies. Do your research. Make sure your vendor of choice has a good reputation for following through on promises. Don’t forget to get your quote and other pertinent documents in writing, always.

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Southwest Montana At Home 2021 When trying to set a budget, McKay recommended consumers be aware of a few factors. “Windows have such variability from one to the next,” she explains. “Wood windows versus vinyl are night and day different from a cost point. There can be huge differences between one style and another, even within the same company. The good, better, best features of a window can dramatically change the price from one to the next.”

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Remember that those luxury window brands can cost significantly more than a standard window package. And while you might not know what kind of windows you’re looking for, what price point to budget around, or whether your current windows are up to snuff, the best way to find out is by picking up the phone. McKay says Lake Glass consultants pride themselves on top-notch customer service and working within a customer’s budget. That, combined with the company’s decades of experience with glass put clients at ease from the start. “Our combined experience in every area of glass glazing and fenestration, product knowledge, installation and waterproofing experience - has been successful for as long as we have been in business,” McKay says.

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Southwest Montana At Home 2021

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At Home in Southwest Montana Spring 2021

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