Wednesday April 24, 2019 An advertising supplement
REAL ESTATE THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
B
Envision Distinction composite decking in Rustic Walnut.
Create your dream outdoor oasis BPT
The dream of a perfect outdoor space where homeowners can enjoy the beauty of nature while still being completely comfortable is no longer limited to a specific climate or time of year. A oneof-a-kind, all-seasons deck is possible if the right features are included in the design. The key is to combine features that protect from the elements, and then use the right materials to make it happen. Whether you're revamping an existing area, or creating a brand-new outdoor living space to enjoy all year long, the following deck additions can turn any project into an all-seasons oasis to enjoy with family and friends. Overhead covering on a
deck can shield guests from the elements directly, as well as provide a scaffold for features such as a ceiling fan, which can cool the area in the warmer months and improve heated air flow during cooler months. Homeowners can choose from deck shades or awnings in a variety of materials to defend against rain and wind, or to reduce sun exposure and cool the area. A pergola is also a beautiful addition to a custom deck that doesn't provide full coverage like a roof or awning, but can serve as a solid framework for other features such as climbing vines or hanging plants that both provide cover and add ambiance to the outdoor oasis. Retractable walls are a
high-tech option that allows for free air movement during the mild spring and fall, and protection from sun, wind, rain, snow and even bugs during the extreme summer and winter. Some luxury decks and patios utilize retractable glass walls for a defense against wind or rain that doesn't obstruct the view. A more common tactic is to install retractable screen walls, which can be motorized, and are meant primarily to keep insects out of the patio area. Retractable privacy walls, usually in the form of canvas or polyester fabric horizontal shades, can provide a respite from weather and enhance the feeling of a private sanctuary. Beautiful low-maintenance materials are a must
for any outdoor living space that homeowners would like to spend time enjoying, rather than performing backbreaking annual maintenance. Taking care of traditional wood decking can be a difficult and frustrating process since it is subject to staining and splintering, and may require annual sanding and painting. Composite decking is growing in popularity across the U.S. not only for its lower maintenance requirements, but also its unparalleled beauty that can emulate anything from the rustic beauty of reclaimed wood to the highimpact look of exotic hardwoods. "What kind of decking you choose makes a huge impact on the overall look and feel of
Envision Distinction composite decking in Spiced Teak.
*** SPONSORED AD CONTENT ***
your outdoor living space," said Shara Gamble, director of sales and marketing for TAMKO's Envision Decking. "One of the best things about composite decking is it's easy to preserve its beautiful appearance throughout the seasons, which means you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your outdoor spaces with family and friends." Incorporate the elements into the deck in a controlled way to boost enjoyment of an outdoor living space regardless of the season. For colder months, adding a fire element can provide a cozy and mesmerizing focal point. Arranging comfortable seating around a fireplace or fire pit provides a great place to gather with friends and family and provide warmth on a cool summer night or fall weekend. During the hotter months, installing a water element to the deck can provide a cooling touch and a visual centerpiece. Fountains, misters, or even a lap pool can provide a welcome respite from the heat during the summer, and a soothing, meditative backdrop for the rest of the year. Although decks are generally a mild-weather attraction, there are many ways to make an outdoor living space functional and enjoyable during the rest of the year, regardless of the geographic location. Transform a deck into an allseasons sanctuary through the use of special features and beautiful low-maintenance composite decking to make the most of the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing the comfort and style of your unique outdoor retreat.
PAGE 2B âœŚ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019
REAL ESTATE
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Take your weedy lawn from awful to awesome BPT
Whether it's splotched, patchy or completely covered, a lawn choked with ugly weeds can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to transform an awful lawn into an awesome one that's thick, green and weed-free.
What is a weed? Any plant that is unwanted is considered a weed. Many plants earn their weedy reputation because of their aggressive reproduction systems. Some of the worst weeds proliferate so quickly that they can overtake a lawn in just a season or two. Whatever the weeds are - dandelions, chickweed, thistle, knotweed, plantain, henbit, spurge or another - you want them gone as quickly and easily as possible. Here are some top ways to take control of a seriously weedy lawn from the experts at Preen:
Mow strategically The first step in reclaiming a lawn is mowing because it strengthens the grass by forcing it to grow more vigorously to get the water and energy it needs. This helps the grass grow stronger so it can push back against invading weeds. Before mowing, set your mower to a higher cut height. By leaving grass longer, you allow it to retain more water, plus the height of the grass blades helps shade the ground underneath to protect roots, limit evaporation and stop
weed seeds from reaching the soil. How high to leave the grass varies according to grass type, but always follow the rule of thirds: Never cut more than one-third of the blade height off per mowing. Mowing sets the stage for attacking the weeds directly.
time to soak up the H2O before peak sun periods. Strive to water deeply, penetrating the ground 6-8 inches, to build strong, drought-tolerant roots. Keep in mind, a healthy lawn needs about an inch of water per week to stay strong.
Attack One of the best ways weeds directly
Water regularly
to encourage vigorous grass growth is to water regularly. Try to water early in the day because this helps ensure water doesn't evaporate and gives grass adequate
Use a selective weed killer to knock out the weeds that are choking your lawn. Preen Lawn Weed Control kills more than 200 types of tough lawn weeds down
to the roots. This product kills just the weeds, not the grass. Unlike a weed and feed, it doesn't contain fertilizer, so you can use it any time weeds are growing without worrying about burning your lawn, even if you've just fertilized with another product. Treat the whole lawn or just spot treat the weedy patches. Apply it when the grass is wet, so the granules stick to the weed leaves, which absorb the active ingredient and send it down to the roots. The weeds it treats should begin to
shrivel and die over the next week or two. For seriously weedy lawns, it's OK to reapply in 30 days, if needed.
Follow up with a smart lawn care routine After weeds have been knocked out, it's time to build up your lawn so it can take care of itself. Continue your mowing and watering regimen and begin a feeding program. Lawns recovering from weed problems are stressed out, so avoid
high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers at first and instead use a balanced formula designed to help recovering lawns such as Turf Nurture. This routine will help the grass spread to bare spots left by dead weeds and begin to build a beautiful lawn. Don't settle for an awful weed-covered lawn all season long. With a few simple steps you can win the war on weeds and get the strong, lush lawn you want.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
REAL ESTATE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 âœŚ PAGE 3B
Refresh your home and your spirit this spring BPT
Every spring, the changing season brings a desire for renewal. It's a time of growth, transition and revitalization. The latest trend in home cleaning popularized by Marie Kondo reveals what many of us yearn for - not just decluttering, but a fresh start, a clean slate. We dream of an open, airy, bright home where everyone can thrive and be their best selves. But how do we get there, when our houses are filled with stuff - not to mention the accumulated dust and stale air of winter? Here are three ways you can re-energize your home and yourself this spring. Take a tour of your home Whether mentally or literally, tour your home with a notebook or tablet and jot down the areas causing you the most tension or stress when you look at them. Is it the laundry pile that never seems to go away in the bedroom? The kitchen cabinet that's so overstuffed that something falls out every time you open it? Prioritize the ones that bother you the most. Take a good look at each problem and prepare for a radical declutter. Maybe the laundry pile exists because your closets and dresser drawers are overfull. When was the last time you assessed your pajamas or jeans collection? As recommended by the Kondo technique, take out the entire contents of the pajama drawer, hold and look at each item. Which ones do you really love to wear? You'll be able to fit them back in your drawer more neatly when you have fewer items. For the others, if you don't love them, it's time to let them go. If you would love them "if only" they didn't have a button missing, but you haven't had the interest in replacing the button in over a year, it's time to move on. Same thing with your kitchen cabinet - take out all the pots and pans and examine which
ones are taking up space, but you never use. For items you only use once a year, like a roasting pan big enough for a turkey, store them elsewhere. Do the deep clean Once you've tackled a couple of the biggest trouble spots, you'll start to feel lighter and less stressed every time you enter that room or area of the house. You can now accomplish the cleaning and dusting under and around the problem area that you couldn't manage before. For each area you declutter, clean thoroughly before putting back the items you're keeping. If it's a drawer, wipe out the dust and grime and make sure it's dry before replacing items. For a closet or room in the house, dust and wipe down from top to bottom, removing dirt from ceiling to floor. Refresh your rooms Typical cleaning products won't have the desired effect of leaving your room not only looking good, but smelling and feeling good every time you enter it. Take the time to clear, refresh and revive your space and your mind with aromatherapy. Using essential oils from Aura Cacia will result in not only refreshing the entire environment of your home, but will invigorate and energize your spirit. Try the Springtime Forest Diffusion Blend, which uses 8 drops of Aura Cacia's Sandalwood Essential Oil, 5 drops of Vetiver Essential Oil and 5 drops of Lemon Essential Oil to infuse your rooms with the fresh, natural aromas and a feeling of spring. See auracacia.com for more ideas to not just clean, but refresh your entire home - and spirit. Spring cleaning gives you the chance for renewal - and inspires a sense of new purpose as you enjoy the changing season. Let your home become a vital part of your re-energized attitude this spring.
PAGE 4B ✦ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019
REAL ESTATE
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Downsizing as you age: ■8 smart organization tips and tricks large boxes and labeling end table clutter to them with Keep, make room for a lamp It's easy to accumuDonate, Gift or Throw that provides extra light. late a lot of things Away. throughout your life. Consider your new From clothes and Enlist some help: space: If you're movhousehold goods to Ask your spouse or kids ing, evaluate how much antiques and treasured to help you go through space you will have in keepsakes, decades of your items and decide your new home to help living often means what to keep and what decide what to keep. decades of stuff. When to get rid of. Some That massive claw-foot you get to a certain age, items that you find diffi- couch might not be suitit can be smart to start cult to part with may able for a modest living downsizing your not be things that your room. Smaller storage belongings. children want: books, space might mean getSometimes downsiz- figurines, antique furni- ting rid of clothing you ing is inspired by a ture and silver serving- haven't worn for over a move and other times ware. Keep a few mean- year or consolidating it's simply a proactive ingful mementos, but printed photographs by effort to keep a home consider parting with transferring them into clutter-free and make the items your kids digital files and storing things easier for the aren't interested in online for easy access next chapter of life. inheriting. by family. Although it can feel overwhelming, with a Think about safety: Memory care confew smart steps, the Whether you're moving cerns: Juliet Holt process can be easy and into a new home or Klinger, senior director even enjoyable. Use preparing to age in of Alzheimer's and these eight tips to get place, it's important to dementia care at started: consider safety factors Brookdale Senior as you age. Clutter is a Living, says if a loved Sort it out: Creating a trip hazard for seniors, one is moving into a system before organiz- so keep this in mind as memory care communiing and downsizing can you go through items. It ty you want the new help the process go might be time to get rid space to be as comfortsmoother. This can be of throw rugs, exposed able and familiar as as simple as getting cords and cut down on possible. "Set up the BPT
new apartment as close to the layout at home as possible. For example, put the nightstand on the same side of the bed and decorate the room with familiar items," she suggests. Peruse paperwork: Take this opportunity to get paperwork in order. Invest in a file cabinet and organize important documents, such as your will and advanced care directives. It's also smart to have electronic records of these types of documents and have a conversation with loved ones who need to be aware of their existence. eBay, Craigslist or tax time. Make some money: Facebook Marketplace. After you have sorted No matter the specific through all the rooms in Support a good your home, consider cause: Take your reason, it can feel great having a garage or unwanted items to a estate sale. This is a family in need or a local to downsize and organgreat way to make extra nonprofit. These can ize your belongings. To money off of things you benefit a number of otherwise no longer use. good causes you can learn more about memAlternatively, take feel good about. List ory care and assisted items to a consignment items and get a donation living, visit store or sell your goods slip so you can consider online using a site like it as a deduction come Brookdale.com.
Expert lawncare tips for a happy summer lawn BPT
It's been a rough winter in many parts of the country, but spring is here at last - and that means it's time to give your lawn a bit of TLC. Although grass is highly resilient, you can help your lawn recover from winter and make sure it's in top shape for summer with these tips from turfgrass researchers around the U.S. ■ Aerify to relieve soil compaction. If your lawn is old or heavily trafficked, or if it sat under wet snow for much of the winter, the soil may be compacted. Aerifying the turf with a core aerator (you can rent the equipment or hire a professional) can open up the soil, allowing water, nutrients and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass more easily. Aerification is recommended annually for cool-season lawns, but according to Clint Waltz, Ph.D., of the University of Georgia, a warm-season lawn that suffered drought-induced dormancy the previous summer can also benefit from aerification through mid-May. ■ Interseed for a thicker lawn. Lawns that are sparse or have worn patches can be interseeded when the soil warms up in the spring. Aaron Patton, Ph.D., of Purdue University said, "The earlier in the year that you seed, the more time the turf will have for root development before summer." Be sure to use a high-quality seed that is a good match for your geographic region and
your lawn's soil type, sun remove the grass clippings exposure and irrigation pat- the first few times you mow, terns. to reduce shading, but once your lawn gets going, consid■ Watch your mowing er "grasscycling" - simply leaving the clippings on the height. Don't wait too long to start lawn. Grady Miller, Ph.D., of Carolina State mowing your lawn. Scalping North an overgrown lawn causes University said, "Grass clipstress that can affect the grass pings decompose quickly and the rest of the season. As a can provide up to 25 percent rule of thumb, never cut more of the lawn's fertilizer needs." than one-third of the grass ■ Fertilize - but sparingblade height at a time. Leaving the grass a bit taller ly. can also improve the wear Even if you're grasscycling, tolerance of the turf, said you should fertilize your Geoffrey Rinehart of the lawn at least twice a year University of Maryland. (mid-May and midMore leaf tissue allows the September work well in most grass to better withstand foot areas). Cale Bigelow, Ph.D., traffic and protects the grow- of Purdue cautioned that the ing point at the base of the spring application should be blade. sparing and should feature slow-release nitrogen fertiliz■ Grasscycle to feed your er to minimize excess growth. Too much fertilizer lawn naturally. You'll probably want to can lead to rapid but weak
growth, leaving your turf invaders out. Issues will more susceptible to wear and often resolve themselves if stress. you create the conditions that favor the grass. If infestations ■ Water properly. recur, your county extension Proper irrigation in the agency can help you identify spring can help prevent or the underlying problem and reduce pest problems and provide recommendations environmental stress later in that are specific to your the summer, said Miller. He region and type of grass. recommended watering to a A little spring maintenance soil depth of 4 to 6 inches. can pay off big later in the (You can check the depth by year. If you want healthy, pushing a screwdriver into wear-resistant turf for the the soil. If it goes in easily, high-traffic summer season, the soil likely has enough now is the time to start setmoisture.) Watering deeply once or twice a week is better ting your lawn up for sucthan frequent light watering. cess. Learn more about quick, easy lawn improve7. Take it easy. Moss, mushrooms and ment and maintenance tips other lawn pests may make from the experts at Grass an appearance in early Seed USA, a coalition of spring, but once your grass grass seed farmers and acacomes out of dormancy and demic turf specialists, at begins growing quickly in www.WeSeedAmerica.com late spring, the hardy turf- or follow @WeSeedAmerica grass will push many of these on Facebook and Twitter.
REAL ESTATE
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 âœŚ PAGE 5B
Ready, set, mow:
An easy 10-minute lawn mower tuneup
BPT
The incredible look of lush, green grass. The feel of soft lawn beneath your toes. The smell of the freshly cut yard on a warm sunny day. A healthy lawn starts with good maintenance and the most important step is mowing. Is your lawn mower ready to go? A lawn mower is an investment, and if you take a few proactive maintenance steps, you'll keep it running efficiently all season long. However, research from Briggs & Stratton Corp., the world's largest manufacturer of small engines for outdoor power equipment, found that only 30 percent of mower owners are performing regular maintenance. Think lawn mower maintenance is a time-consuming headache? It doesn't have to be. All it takes is 10 minutes and you'll give your gaspowered mower the tuneup it needs to run its best and extend its life. Expert tip for before you get started: Disconnect your spark plug wire and leave it disconnected for the entire tuneup.
season. Over time oil gets dirty and can harm the machine components. Be sure to use new oil made specifically for small engines of outdoor power equipment. This will help ensure maximum efficiency and protect the engine. Wondering what type of Step 1: Lube it up Oil is the lifeblood of the oil you need for your mower engine, so it's essential to and how much to use? change it with each passing Access an interactive oil
finder tool to help answer those questions and more at www.BRIGGSandSTRATT ON.com/oilfinder. Keep in mind, changing the oil on your mower is faster, easier and less messy when you use an affordable oil removal kit. These kits allow you to easily extract old oil and add new with minimal mess and headache. Step 2: Let the air flow As you can imagine, lawn mower air filters catch all kinds of dirt and debris while you mow the lawn. Over time, this debris can block the airflow needed for your engine to run well. If you own a walk-style mower, the engine likely has a paper or foam filter. Pleated paper air filters should always be replaced once visually dirty. If your
mower uses a foam filter, you may be able to clean it by hand using dish soap and hot water, allowing it to dry completely before replacing it back in the machine. Keep in mind, changing the air filter should be done seasonally and is surprisingly simple. Take off the filter cover using a screwdriver if necessary, remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. If your mower uses a foam filter, there are likely extra steps involved, so be sure to check your engine operator's manual or the new filter box for instructions. Step 3: Get fresh gas Did you know that gas can go bad in as few as 30 days? This bad gas can potentially clog the engine's fuel system, which could lead to your mower not starting and
require costly repairs. Adding a fuel treatment like STA-BIL, the official fuel additive for Briggs & Stratton engines, to your red gas can every time you fill it can help prevent this type of damage. Learn more at keepfuelfresh.com. Once you complete these three simple steps, reconnect the spark plug wire and you're ready to mow. In just minutes you can tune up your mower and help it work at peak performance so you can mow efficiently and then sit back and enjoy your freshly cut lawn. For easyto-access instruction, check o u t www.BRIGGSandSTRATT ON.com/askalexa to have Alexa help you with an easy oil change and provide information about which oil to use.
Money-saving tips about roof shingles BPT
Replacing an aging or damaged roof is an important step in providing crucial protection from the damage the elements can dish out - from heat, wind and rain, to snow, sleet and hail. But homeowners may not realize that the type of roof shingle they choose can make a big difference, not only in the protection it offers to the home, but also in the cost of their homeowners' insurance. Here are a few things homeowners should keep in mind when looking to save money with a new roof. Roof replacement can save money Even though it's initially costly, homeowners in large parts of the country can actually save money by installing a new roof, as long as they choose the right shingle. For years, insurance carriers have been incentivizing homeowners to install shingles that are rated for impact resist-
ance in an effort to reduce the number of roof claims. As a result, using qualifying impactresistant roofing products may qualify for significant premium discounts on homeowners' insurance in some states. "Insurance companies are spending so much each year replacing roofs that we've started to see some companies change their straight deductible to a percentage of the home's total value," said Curt Boyd, owner of Academy Roofing in Aurora, Colorado. "Homeowners see a $4,000 deductible and they don't want to spend that to replace their roof every two years. They start looking for ways to buy value." The nudge toward impact-rated shingles (sometimes called "IR" shingles) is increasing. Recently, some municipalities in Colorado went as far as mandating UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance classification for all new roofs, a trend that's anticipated to con-
tinue growing into other severe weather-prone areas. The type of shingles you use matters Most major shingle brands now have a UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance classified shingle available, but the way the shingles are reinforced differs widely. The newest IR asphalt shingle on the market, the Heritage IR shingle from TAMKO Building Products, Inc. reinforces the entire back of the shingle with a strong polyester fabric. Other methods used to reinforce IR shingles include using fabric over just portions of the shingle or coating the shingle with another substance. While they are distinctly different than traditional shingles because of their reinforcement, these UL 2218 classified options still offer the pleasing aesthetics homeowners have come to expect from modern asphalt shingles. Heritage IR features the
same naturally-deep shadow lines that portray the look of wood shakes, and they are available in some of the company's most popular color choices. Check with your insurance carrier Many major insurance providers offer premium discounts for UL 2218 Class 4 classified shingles, but the percentage of savings and the areas of the country where the
discount applies vary by insurance carrier. Homeowners should check with their insurance carrier online to see a list of pre-approved shingles and regions, and check with their local agent for a quote of the premium discount for their specific home. Boyd with Academy Roofing said that he's seen premium discounts close to 30 percent in Colorado for Class 4rated products.
Learning about the newest and most effective shingles on the market can help save money and worry, both by protecting the home from the top down and potentially reducing insurance costs. Homeowners contacting their insurance carrier and getting educated about roofing options can help them make a smart choice for both their homes and their wallets.
PAGE 6B âœŚ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019
REAL ESTATE
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
How daylighting can brighten up your home Daylighting systems bring true natural Looking for relatively light into your home quick, doable home First, let's talk about improvement projects that won't break the what daylighting sysbank? You can create a tems are, because there bright, cheerful home are many lighting just by changing the options available today lighting. A well-lit that claim to provide space can make rooms natural daylight. These appear more spacious, lightbulbs that are as well as brighten the labeled as "daylight" colors of your new are designed to mimic decor or accessories. As natural light as closely you begin to plan your as they can, but these lighting, consider a day- bulbs are not true lighting system that sources of natural light. Solatube Daylighting brings natural brightness to all the areas in Systems, on the other hand, are designed to your home. These daylighting capture the sun's perfect basics will help you natural brightness and find the best system for deliver it into indoor spaces, like traditional your space. skylights. Unlike tradiBPT
tional skylights, however, daylighting systems are much more versatile to work in any room in your home. They are also leak-proof, plus more cost-effective and time-effective than traditional skylights that are built into the home's architecture. Natural light reduces energy use Daylighting systems harness the sun's light, which means you're using less energy to light up your home. If you're environmentally conscious and trying to incorporate more sustainable living practices into your day-to-day routine, adding daylight into your home is an
easy and long-term solution. Because they use less energy, daylighting systems also cut down on utility costs. You'll save money even taking installation costs into consideration in the long run. Daylighting systems are designed to maintain brightness even in corners Traditional skylights can provide natural lighting, but these structures are limited and not possible for all rooms in the home. New daylighting systems can be installed for any interior. Plus, the Spectralight Infinity
Tubing is designed using the most reflective materials and in configurations that allow all areas of the room to be bright, including hard-to-reach corners. Accessories are available to help your daylighting system meet your needs exactly Every interior is different, and that's why daylighting systems can be modified with accessories to fit your needs. Whether you're looking for a solar-powered nightlight solution, a dimmer add-on or a ventilation component for rooms like the bathroom, there's an acces-
sory to help your daylighting system work for your space. Installing a daylighting system in your home is easy The technology for daylighting systems might be complex, but installing one in your home is not. Transforming your space with a daylighting system only takes two hours and requires minimal structural changes to your home. Ready to bring true natural light into your home? Learn more about daylighting systems and how you can use them to improve your home by v i s i t i n g https://www.solatube.com.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
REAL ESTATE
Clearing the air:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 ✦ PAGE 7B
5 facts to know when choosing new roofing
BPT
When choosing products and materials for a new roof, many homeowners focus mainly on color and what their shingles will look like next to their existing siding or brick. Naturally, aesthetics and curb appeal are important. But an even more crucial element of your new roof is the attic ventilation system. If your roofer doesn't install a well-designed ventilation system through your attic, your home could be subject to problems ranging from moisture damage to irreversibly warped shingles to hazardous mold on your walls and insulation. Not only can smart choices in ventilation have a positive effect on your wallet (a well-conceived roof replacement can produce an ROI of some 68% when you go to sell), but they can significantly impact the beauty of your home and help you avoid costly repairs. Here are five key facts you should know about residential attic ventilation systems before installing a new roof. ■ All homes accumulate moisture. The USDA reports a standard U.S. household produces up to six gallons of incidental moisture each day, thanks to sources like showers, dishwashers, washing machines, weather and potted plants. For reasons of health, however, the CDC recommends keeping interior humidity below a standard 50%. If excess dampness isn't released outdoors through effective attic ventilation, it can promote mold and mildew growth on walls and insulation and/or rise to linger in your attic.
movement in the attic and ventilation that only happens where those vents are installed. Ridge vents are the only vent type that can be installed in a continuous line along your rooftops to ■ Today's homes evenly vent across the are more airtight. In entire roof and elimithe past, less-sophisti- nate trapped air. cated residential con- Handy ventilation calstruction meant interi- culators are available or moisture was able online and can help to escape more easily you determine the through walls, seams, ventilation needed for chimneys, etc. That's that optimal balance; if less likely to happen in your roofer seems today's more energy- unfamiliar with the efficient homes that 50/50 concept, you are sealed up tight, may wish to seek a experienced which means that more proper ventilation is roofer. more important than ■ Ridge vents don't ever to help eliminate any trapped moisture. look like old-fashioned vents. While older vent ■ Many of today's styles tend to jut out of ventilation systems your rooftop and stand are ineffective. Boxed, out against shingles or slant-back and turbine tiles, today's more vents are intermittently modern ridge vents installed and often fail are nearly invisible. to create the neces- That roof accessory sary 50/50 balance of choice is one area intake and exhaust. homeowners seem to This means less air overlook the most, and In cold weather the excess heat and moisture in your attic can melt the snow on your roof, creating ice dams that can cause damage to the shingles and roof deck.
it can make or break the overall beauty of your roof. Today's ridge vents are a safe choice because they fit with any architectural style and work with a variety of roofing materials including asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, flat tiles, metal and stone-coated steel.
■ Certain vents can be high-maintenance. Static varieties can get clogged by snow, leaves, brush, insects, birds, rodents or other debris, and if they're mechanically powered they may be prone to electric shortages or wiring issues. Ridge vents, conversely, are self-powered and built
with a membrane that prevents rain, snow or debris from sneaking in. For more tips on making smart choices in roofing, visit the Quarrix website to download the "Homeowner's Guide to Ventilation."
PAGE 8B ✦ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS