home appeal merchandiseredition
SUMMER 2015
home / garden / renovation
this issue: fun and functional OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
UPGRADE your ENTRYWAY how to lessen a POOL’S IMPACT on the ENVIRONMENT Published by Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc.
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chester county [2] Summer Home Appeal 2015
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chester county [3] Summer Home Appeal 2015
Upgrade Your Entryway:
Greet Guests with a
Touch of Glass The trend of using decorative glass to create dramatic entryways continues to grow as homeowners c h o o s e to stay in their homes longer and remodel for extended p er s on a l enjoyment. Adding a “touch of glass� with a new front entry door can be one of the most effective and economical ways to enhance a home’s curb appeal. Beyond aesthetics, a new entry with decorative glass can add value to the home. According to a national home valuation study conducted by ThermaTru(R) and TNS, an independent research organization, simply installing a new entryway door has been shown to increase the perceived value of a home by more than $24,000 on average. Manufacturers offer a wide array of choices for entryways that incorporate decorative glass doorlites, sidelites, and transoms. These choices allow homeowners to create a custom look for the home while making a statement about their own personal sense of style. Entryway systems that incorporate decorative glass also offer the added benefit of allowing more sunlight into the home without energy loss, making for a more attractive, more energy-efficient interior. Some of the most stunning designs are available in impact-rated versions that provide added home security and protection from severe weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rain. Other decorative glass options include vented sidelites to allow both air and natural ventilation into the home. chester county [4] Summer Home Appeal 2015
Let In The Light
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Creating a Fun and Functional
Outdoor LIVING SPACE More and more, homeowners are attempting to make their yards an extension of their homes and create beautiful, functional outdoor living space. A patio is one area of a home that can boost a home’s curb appeal while also providing a great place for the current homeowners to relax, dine, and entertain outside. In the warm weather, homeowners can enjoy a cookout with family and friends, and, when temperatures drop, they can gather around a fire pit and make s’mores. Whether hiring a professional or undertaking a do-it-yourself project, homeowners should consider a number of factors regarding the installation of the patio to ensure it is a space that meets their needs, budget, and caretaking commitment level.
CHOOSING A PATIO MATERIAL
When designing a patio, homeowners must make a host of decisions, not the least of which is choosing a patio material. Wood, stone, concrete, paving blocks, and tile all can be used to create appealing and functional patios. Because of the widespread availability of concrete, pavers, and wood, many patios are constructed of these materials. Many homeowners waver when choosing a material for their patio because each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the more affordable patio materials. With stamped concrete, homeowners can enjoy more colors and designs than ever before, and new technology in tinting and styling enables concrete to look like other expensive stone materials at a fraction of the cost. For the experienced mason, laying concrete is a relatively easy job. It may be more difficult for the novice do-it-yourselfer because laying concrete requires knowledge of grading and also installing spacers correctly to deter cracking. Because concrete is not as labor-intensive as some other materials, homeowners may save some money if they choose concrete. Concrete is durable, but over time cracking is inevitable. Some concrete requires the application of a sealant every few years to protect coloring and durability. Around pools, concrete can become slippery when wet if an anti-skid agent was not applied.
Paving Stones
Many homeowners gravitate toward paving stones because their varied texture and shapes can create an appealing look in a yard. If installed correctly, pavers will not crack. Also, it is possible to easily add on to an original design because of the portability of these stones. And because they can be moved, pavers can be replaced without any demolition. Homeowners like that pavers can quickly
make a yard look high-end. Although pavers can be installed as a do-it-yourself project, such installation can be labor-intensive. The ground needs to be accurately leveled and prepped before the stones can be placed to help ensure there is no shifting or movement. Polymeric sand should be applied and pushed into the joints between blocks to alleviate shifting. The sand contains a polymer that hardens and locks the blocks in place. Such detailed work is beyond the abilities of many homeowners, who typically pay a substantial amount to have the stones professionally installed. Though the sand may inhibit weed growth, weeds can still pop up between the blocks, so maintenance is necessary. Also, paving blocks are slightly uneven and they can loosen, which can be a safety hazard to the elderly or young children who aren’t surefooted.
Wood
Wood is often thought of in a raised deck scenario, but it can also be laid at ground level to create a low-lying patio. A wood patio can be stained or painted in a variety of colors. It also may be less expensive to install than concrete or pavers. If the shape is relatively simple, a do-it-yourselfer also may be able to do the job without hiring a professional. Though wood is a good choice for many homeowners, it is one of the more maintenance-heavy materials. Wood must be routinely cleaned, stained, and sealed. Even with the best care, wood can warp, splinter, and chip. When surrounding a pool, wood may deteriorate after coming in contact with chemicals from the pool water. Though most wood is treated, it may be susceptible to boring insects and other pests.
HOW TO CREATE A PAVER WALKWAY OR PATIO
Homeowners who install their own pavers can save a considerable amount of money. The following are the basic instructions for installing a paver walkway or patio to help a homeowner decide if it is a project that he or she wants to attempt. 1. Measure and plot out the area that will become the path or patio. The area of the space can be figured out by multiplying length times width. This will help determine just how much material is needed. 2. Visit the home improvement store or a supplier of stone and other masonry supplies to determine the style and color of the paving stones to be used in the project. Some homeowners prefer to have the materials delivered to their home to save the hassle of extra heavy lifting and moving.
chester county [6] Summer Home Appeal 2015
depth of four to six inches from the area that will become the path or patio. 4. Fill in the dug area with a paver base material, using a tamper (either manual or power-driven) to tamp down the paver base until it is level and smooth. 5. Apply about one inch of paving sand to further level out the path or patio. This will be the material on which the paving stones are laid. 6. Begin laying the paving stones. Leave the appropriate distance between stones. If the paving stones will not have any gap and serve as a continuous patio, leave only the smallest gap between them. 7. Spread more paving sand on top of the paving stones and, using a broom, sweep it over the stones and into the crevices between them to set the stones. 8. Create the rest of the garden design around the patio or pathway using gravel, plants, and even edging material to finish the look.
PREPARE A PATIO FOR ENTERTAINING
Few things are better than having a functional and beautiful outdoor space to entertain guests. There are many things homeowners can do to ensure their entertaining space is safe and functional going into the summer season. Be sure to include some landscaping and decorating components into preparatory plans to make the space as comfortable and aesthetically appealing as possible. Here are a few key tips for readying for entertaining possibilities. Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs. Continued on page 8
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3. Using a shovel or a tiller, dig down and remove the grass to a
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chester county [7] Summer Home Appeal 2015
Continued from page 7
• Check the area for any needed repairs. Prior to your
first entertaining session, look over the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may present safety hazards. Are there any loose railings? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks? Be sure to remedy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. • Hire a reputable contractor. If you are just laying the groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vetted. Check qualifications and licensing before hiring a contractor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members are helpful, and you can also double-check qualifications by contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged.
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The use of a canopy, netting, or even greenery to protect an entertaining space can help minimize weather-related damage to outdoor furniture. Netting will keep a good number of biting insects at bay when the weather is warm and humid. Having a bit of concealment also means you can create a private space that isn’t easily viewed by neighbors or passersby. • Plan well-defined areas. Just as rooms serve different purposes inside of the home, outdoor areas can be separated according to usage. Establish a sitting nook where guests can gather and talk. Have a bar or serving area where refreshments are made and served. Make sure there is a shaded area for when the sun is too uncomfortable to make sitting outside enjoyable. Similarly, have a sunny area where people can soak up a few rays or dry off after a dip in the spa or pool. Don’t forget to establish a spot for the kids. • Consider a fireplace or fire pit. Having a backyard fireplace, pit, or chiminea is a conversation-starter, a decorative focal point, and a functional tool to extend the number of seasons in which outdoor entertaining can take place. Place the fire wisely and with concern for safety. It should be out of the way of foot traffic, but central enough to be a gathering point. • Invest in quality outdoor furniture. Today’s yards are extensions of a home’s interior. There are many different outdoor sofas and chairs that are as stylish as they are comfortable. These pieces can be matched to the decor inside your home for a cohesive look. • Accessorize. Consider the creature comforts of indoors and mimic that outdoors. Don’t shy away from hanging artwork on an exterior wall or using urns or pottery to decorate the space. Weather-resistant materials ensure everything from clocks to televisions can be used outdoors. Think about having an entire set of serving dishes and other entertaining items for the outdoors.
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chester county [8] Summer Home Appeal 2015
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chester county [9] Summer Home Appeal 2015
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FS 38 TRIMMER
Pool’s Impact How
to
Lessen a
Environment on the
Backyard swimming pools provide hours of summer fun, exercise, relaxation, and relief from the heat. To maintain a safe swimming environment, pool water and equipment needs to be sanitary. This necessitates the use of various chemicals to ensure the water is free from bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. Pool chemicals and the natural environment are not always a good mix; however, there are ways to reduce the chances a backyard pool will have a significant negative effect on the environment.
Maintain proper upkeep
Chlorine derivatives are the primary sanitizing agent used to keep pool water sparkling clean. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlorine is one of the most commonly manufactured chemicals in the United States. Chlorine is used in cleaning products to kill harmful bacteria as well as in the sanitation for industrial waste and sewage. In high amounts, chlorine can be poisonous. Burning and irritation can occur when the skin is exposed to liquid chlorine. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, chlorine can be very harmful to any living organism in the soil or water that is contaminated by it. Chlorine in the atmosphere can contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. The best way to keep chlorine use under control is to carefully stay on top of pool maintenance. Algae blooms or dirty water will require concentrated treatment with chlorine. In contrast, pool water that is maintained will necessitate only marginal levels of chlorine to maintain cleanliness. Routinely test water levels to ensure everything is in order. It can only take a day or two for pool water condition to spiral out of control.
Consider newer alternatives
Ozone and ultraviolet light are two other methods recognized by the EPA for sanitizing water. Homeowners considering the installation of a new pool can look into these alternative
filtration systems. Another option is a saltwater filtration system. Salt naturally contains chlorine, and through a chemical process, salt in the filter will convert into chlorine, eliminating the need to handle dangerous chemicals.
Reduce evaporation
Depending on the size of a pool, it will require several thousands of gallons of water to fill. Water is an expensive commodity and not one to be wasted. Yet, leaving a pool exposed to the sun will result in water evaporation. A solar cover or pool blanket can help keep water from evaporating. Some estimates say that covering the pool can reduce evaporation by 90 to 95 percent. Not only will a cover keep water in, but it will also slow down the degradation of chlorine and other chemicals sanitizing the water. Chlorine breaks down more quickly in sunlight.
Minimize energy costs
Maintaining a pool requires increased energy consumption. Filters and cleaning systems can drive up electric bills. Plus, those who heat their pools often find that the venture is quite costly. Energy bills rise dramatically to fuel electrical pool heating systems. Pool filters should run a certain number of hours each day, usually between 10 and 12 hours. They should not be running constantly unless there is a serious issue that needs cleaning or the system is designed for constant filtration. Energy rates tend to decrease in the evening, so this may be a smarter time to run the filter. A solar cover does more than just prevent evaporation. It is an inexpensive and environmentally powered method of heating pool water. The cover will intensify the rays of the sun and transfer the added warmth to the water. It will also help lock in the heat and may prevent a certain measure of debris from entering the water, thus cutting down on filtering needs.
chester county [10] Summer Home Appeal 2015
PA 044636
home appeal
Expires 6/20/15
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