Home Improvement

How to Clean & Maintain Beautiful Hardscape

The Concrete Advantage.

Table of Contents

reasons to consider a metal roof

to do if your mortgage application is

tips to organize your home for fall

ways to save the planet

your garden for better mental health

good the bad and the ugly ways people are banishing

you should plan ahead

to clean & maintain beautiful hardscape

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Three great reasons to consider a metal roof

One of the most important considerations for any major home project is its return on investment. That’s why ex perts point to metal as a solid choice for roofing.

“If you’re looking for that elusive combination of beauty, longevity and energy efficiency, metal roofing is a smart choice,” says James Alpeter, ProVia metal roofing marketing manager. “It offers superior performance and enhanced curb appeal, plus excellent resale value down the road.”

As Alpeter points out, your roof plays an important role in safeguarding your home, protecting it from the elements and providing a barrier to temperature extremes. With your roof covering at least 60% of your home’s exterior, consider these advantages that metal has over other roofing materi als:

LONGEVITY: Roofing takes a beating from all kinds of weather -- rainstorms, high winds, hail, harsh UV rays, and heavy snow. Materials like asphalt and wood shingles are susceptible to mold and deterioration, and clay or slate tiles

can chip and break. Metal roofing is durable, long-lasting, and withstands extreme conditions better than other roof ing options. Metal roofs typically last 40 years or more, and their warranties are stronger as well.

CURB APPEAL: Innovations in the metal roofing industry have resulted in beautiful panels and shingles that look identical to traditional materials, but without the associated damage concerns and maintenance issues that can quickly compromise curb appeal. For example, ProVia stamped panel metal roofing features an embossed surface that mimics the look and texture of cedar shake and quar ried slate, and the horizontal panels resemble shingles rath er than the industrial-looking standing seam metal roofs. At the same time, this roofing choice features built-in fade and chalk resistance, a premium architectural coating offering dirt, mildew and stain protection, and virtually no material degradation. Bottom line? Your roof will stay beautiful with minimal care.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: Metal roofing can offer significant energy savings when compared to asphalt shingles, helping you reduce your carbon foot print and lower your utility bills. You can take your environ mental stewardship a step further by choosing long-lasting, recycled and recyclable products, as well as products that are American made, which require less shipping. To learn more or get your project started, visit provia.com. The decision to reroof your home is a big step. As you weigh your options, be sure to select materials that are not only striking, but offer durability, strength and weather-re sistance.

What to Do if Your Mortgage Application is Denied

If you dream of homeownership, having your mortgage application denied can be devastating. If this does happen to you, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Thirteen percent of all purchase mortgage applications -- a total of nearly 650,000 -- were denied in 2020, according to federal government data.

Before quickly reapplying for a loan, it’s important to first understand the reasons your loan was denied. The lender is required to disclose that information to you within 30 days of its decision. You can also call your lender for further ex planation. Having this knowledge will help you work toward building your eligibility for a mortgage.

In some instances, the situation involves a quick fix, such as providing missing or incomplete documentation. How ever, if the reasons cited for your application denial involve down payment cost, a low credit score, an adverse credit history or a high debt-to-income ratio, here are six steps you can take toward recovery:

1. Consult a Housing Counselor. Consider speaking to a community-based credit counselor or a HUD-certified housing counselor. They can help you create a plan to

increase your savings, decrease your debt, improve your credit, access down payment assistance or take advantage of first-time homebuyer programs.

2. Improve Your Credit. In a 2022 Freddie Mac survey of consumers denied a mortgage application in the past four years, three in five cited debt or credit issues as reasons given for their initial denial. If this describes you, take time to improve your credit profile before applying for another loan. Good credit demonstrates responsible money man agement and gives you more purchasing power, opening doors to better loan terms and products. Visit creditsmart. freddiemac.com to access Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart suite of free financial education resources that can help you understand the fundamentals of credit and prepare you for homeownership.

3. Pay Down Debt. In the application process, lenders will look at your recurring monthly debts, such as car payments, student loans and credit card loans. By lowering or paying down monthly debts, you can build a positive credit history and lower your debt-to-income ratio. Not sure where to start? Tackle your debt with the highest interest rate first.

4. Obtain Gift Funds. If you’re short on money for your down payment, you may be able to use gift funds from a family member to decrease the amount you need to borrow.

5. Find a Co-Signer. A co-signer applies for the loan with you, agreeing to take responsibility for the loan should you default. The co-signer’s credit, income and debts will be evaluated to make sure they can assume payments if neces sary. In addition to ensuring your co-signer has good credit, you should make sure they are aware of this responsibility and have sufficient income to cover the payment.

6. Look for a Lower-Cost Home. Remember, you should only borrow an amount you feel comfortable repaying. You may need to look for a lower-cost home than you’re finan cially prepared to purchase and maintain. For more information and additional resources, visit my home.freddiemac.com.

If your home loan application is denied, don’t panic. There are ways to build your eligibility so that next time, your mortgage application is more likely to be approved.

Expert Tips to Organize Your Home for Fall

From the walk-in closet to the kitchen pantry, catch-all spots make all the difference in daily routines -- but only if they’re kept neat and tidy.

Family organizing expert Jessica Litman, also known as “The Organized Mama,” is on a mission to help families declutter and stay organized. She’s sharing her pro tips for getting your home in shape for this busy time of year.

Clear Away Cabinet Clutter. ‘Tis the season for autumn chili, stew and other comfort foods. That means it’s also time to put your essential slow cookers and pans where you can reach them, so food prep will be hassle-free.

“When the weather starts to cool, I swap out summer cook ware for winter bakeware,” says Litman. “I put the grilling items in the back of the cabinet and pull the turkey roaster and baking dishes to the front.”

For added storage, Litman recommends using a shelf rack or vertical organizer to keep cutting boards and pie pans neatly upright and easily accessible.

Prep the Pantry. Create a system that gives grab-and-go snacks and cooking necessities a home. This will help keep the kitchen tidy in the midst of busy work and school schedules.

“Do a pantry cleanout,” Litman says. “Remove everything from the area and wipe down the shelves. Take the canned goods you didn’t eat and donate them to a local food bank.”

Use a combination of Duck brand’s Clear Classic EasyLiner shelf liner and new containers to restore order to the space. Measure the shelves, cut the liner to length and then lay it flat. The shelf liner is durable, waterproof and designed to keep surfaces dry while making them easy to wipe clean. Use the measurements to get an idea of what size bins will best fit the area. Store crackers, cereal, oats and pasta in clear containers with labels, and put spices and seasonings in a slim organizer.

“Set up items similarly to grocery store shelves by placing like items together,” Litman suggests. “When you do this, it’s like you are shopping in your pantry instead of hunting for things.”

Out with the Old. Before pulling out your fall wardrobe, de clutter the piles of “stuff” from the closet. This will make your

space seem bigger and more organized. “Remove clothes from this past season,” Litman recommends. “Look through each garment. If you didn’t wear it, donate, toss or sell it.”

Now that there is more room, hang an over-the-door shoe rack for rain boots and work shoes and use a closet organizer to store accessories, such as belts, purses and scarves. Litman also recommends dry cleaning winter jackets now so they’re ready to wear when cold weather comes.

Find Balance in the Bathroom. Whether it’s the primary bath or the kids’ washroom, make the most of your space by organizing everything into different categories, like towels and haircare. Once everything is grouped, you can decide what will be kept where based on the available areas. Use a tray on the counter and bins in pullout drawers.

Litman says to wipe and line surfaces, especially under the sink, with Solid Grip EasyLiner with Clorox before putting essentials away. Antimicrobial agents inhibit mold and mildew growth to protect the liner, and will catch makeup smudges and water spills to give the area an extra clean feeling. She also recommends waiting until after the organizing process to buy bins and caddies, so you know exactly what you need.

Once these organizing projects are complete, your home will be ready for all the fun fall festivities and family gatherings.

503-623-FAST (3278) • www.FastOverheadDoor.com

503-623-FAST (3278) • www.FastOverheadDoor.com

Kevin J. Minahan is the proud owner of Fast Overhead Door. Born and raised in Dallas, Kevin is dedicated to providing excellent garage door services for residents and businesses in the community. He brings over a decade of experience to every install, repair or maintenance project.

Kevin J. Minahan is the proud owner of Fast Overhead Door. Dallas, Kevin is dedicated to providing excellent garage door and businesses in the community. He brings over a decade install, repair or maintenance project.

Fast Overhead Door offers a full line of garage door products and accessories. They can help you find the right product for your specific needs of your home or business. From garage door sales and installation to routine maintenance and repairs, you can look to them for all of your garage door needs. They even offer 24/7 emergency service.

Fast Overhead Door is your locally owned and operated garage door specialist. Give them a call for all of your garage door needs. Kevin

Fast Overhead Door offers a full line of garage door products help you find the right product for your specific needs of your garage door sales and installation to routine maintenance and them for all of your garage door needs. They even offer 24/7

Fast Overhead Door is your locally owned and operated garage them a call for all of your garage door needs.

503-623-FAST (3278) • www.FastOverheadDoor.com

503-623-FAST (3278)

www.FastOverheadDoor.com

Kevin J. Minahan is the proud owner of Fast Overhead Door. Born and raised in Dallas, Kevin is dedicated to providing excellent garage door services for residents and businesses in the community. He brings over a decade of experience to every

Kevin J. Minahan is the proud owner of Fast Overhead Door. Born and raised in Dallas, Kevin is dedicated to providing excellent garage door services for residents and businesses in the community. He brings over a decade of experience to every

Fast Overhead Door offers a full line of garage door products and accessories. They can help you find the right product for your specific needs of your home or business. From garage door sales and installation to routine maintenance and repairs, you can look to them for all of your garage door needs. They even offer 24/7 emergency service.

Fast Overhead Door offers a full line of garage door products and accessories. They can help you find the right product for your specific needs of your home or business. From garage door sales and installation to routine maintenance and repairs, you can look to them for all of your garage door needs. They even offer 24/7 emergency service.

Fast Overhead Door is your locally owned and operated garage door specialist. Give them a call for all of your garage door needs.

Fast Overhead Door is your locally owned and operated garage door specialist. Give them a call for all of your garage door needs.

Kevin J. Minahan is the proud owner of Fast Overhead Door. Born and raised in Dallas, Kevin is dedicated to providing excellent garage door services for residents and businesses in the com munity. He brings over a decade of experience to every install, repair or maintenance project.

Kevin Minahan - CCB#195532

Fast Overhead Door offers a full line of garage door products and accessories. They can help you find the right product for your specific needs of your home or business. From garage door sales and installation to routine maintenance and repairs, you can look to them for all of your garage door needs.

Fast Overhead Doors is your locally owned and oper ated garage door specialist. Give them a call for all of your garage door needs.

SALES SERVICE INSTALLATION RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Kevin Minahan -

THREE WAYS TO SAVE THE PLANET IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

“Think globally, act locally” is a motto that everyone should take to heart. It emphasizes the importance of real actions you can take at home and in your community, while stressing the fact that every creature on planet Earth is connected. With that in mind, here are three great ways to save the plan et in your very own backyard this fall:

1. Save the lives of birds: Bird populations are in decline due to a range of threats, including habitat loss and climate change. In fact, North America has lost more than one in four birds in the last 50 years, according to the Audubon Society. Amid this alarming trend, you can make the skies safer for birds by mitigating the chance of window strikes, one of the more common threats birds face. In the United States each year, 350 million or more wild birds are killed when striking windows. Research shows that applying decals that reflect ultraviolent sunlight to your home’s windows can substantially reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Check out the bird decals from WindowAlert, which feature patterns that give the appearance of slightly frosted translu cent glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds. The brand also makes WindowAlert UV Liquid, a high-tech liquid that offers even greater protection when applied between decals. Remember, wild birds migrate in fall, making it an especially important season to take this step. From hummingbirds to eagles, learn more about the beautiful birds you love and how to protect them by visiting WindowAlert.com.

2. Start a compost bin: Composting food scraps and yard waste is one action you can take with multiple benefits. It’s not just an excellent way to reduce the amount of trash you send to the landfill, your finished compost can be added to your lawn and garden to help plants thrive without chemi cal fertilizers. While it sounds simple since time does most of the work, there are some important composting do’s and don’ts to consider. Be sure to read up on best practices before you get started so that you only toss compostable items into the mix, and so you strike the right balance be tween nitrogen and carbon. This will speed up the process

and yield higher-quality compost.

3. Go low maintenance: According to the Natural Re sources Defense Council, Americans consume nearly 3 trillion gallons of water, 200 million gallons of gas, and 70 million pounds of pesticides on their lawns each year. You can reduce your contribution to the problem by swapping out your conventional lawn for a meadow (which is com prised of native plants already adapted to thrive in your region), xeriscaping (a drought-resistant option requiring no mowing and little to no irrigation) or by simply letting your grass grow wild and free. Talk to your neighbors about your decision and encourage them to do the same. By making your little patch of land a safe haven for animals and

DESIGNING YOUR GARDEN FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

Gardening is not only a means for beautifying outdoor spaces and growing delicious foods. According to those who spend significant time in the yard, getting outside can also support your wellbeing.

“Gardening is good for the mind, it’s good for the soul and it’s good for the body,” said legendary football coach, Vince Dooley. “I enjoy coming out to garden, and when I finish, I feel like I’ve done something, and I feel good.” Landscape architect Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground recently vis ited Dooley in Athens, Ga. to discuss gardening and mental health. Here are some of the insights they shared:

HEALTH BENEFITS

ACTIVE BENEFITS: Gardening exercises the body and clears the mind. Studies show that increased out door exposure leads to fewer long-term health problems, helping improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, strength, and dexterity—all leading to better mental health. Simply planting, growing, harvesting and maintaining plants gives you a direct emotional boost. Why? Gardening helps foster nurturing instincts and restores a sense of hope and pur pose, ultimately improving self-esteem.

PASSIVE BENEFITS: Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry. Scientific evidence proves that just being in nature has positive impacts on stress levels and brain chem istry. It can also lower blood pressure, increase concen tration and improve mood. What’s more, being outdoors offers a deeper sense of belonging and a new sense of purpose outside the daily grind.

DESIGNING YOUR GARDEN

Scott advises designing your garden to reflect how you want to live outside. He typically builds “rooms” connected by meandering paths for resting, unwinding, and feeling restored. However, your outdoor spaces don’t always need to be quiet. They can encourage activity as well. If you enjoy company, create gathering spaces. Or, if you have hobbies that can be done outdoors like exercising, painting or writing, you can set aside areas for them. Finally, Scott recommends designing your garden to awak

en your five senses. Here’s how:

1. Sight: Choose calming colors, or those that bring you joy. The simple sight of a breathtaking array of plants or an ar rangement of favorite flowers is bound to give your mental health a boost.

2. Taste: Growing your own food will provide you with an incredibly rewarding harvest. Not only will you be able to enhance meals with the fruits of your labor, you’ll get the personal satisfaction of a job well done.

3. Hearing: Among the plants and flowers, add fixtures, such as wind chimes and water features, that’ll produce soothing sounds. And with the new habitat you’ve created, you’ll enjoy bird song, too!

4. Touch: From the light, feathery textures of petals to the rough surfaces of bark or bush stems, touch offers a deeper sense of connection to nature.

5. Smell: You may already use aromatherapy indoors. Take this concept outside by growing fragrant flowers and herbs, so you can literally “stop to smell the roses.”

Scott and Dooley offer more insights in “Garden Therapy,” a recent episode of “Done-In-A-Weekend Projects,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Ex mark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners make the most of outdoor spaces. There you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.

By gardening, your mental health will be better off for it. Just be sure to start small, simple and stress-free.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Ways People are Banishing Bugs at Home

If you hate the idea of bugs in your home, you’re in fine company -- 1 in 3 Americans have seriously considered burning down their own home after experiencing a bug infestation, according to a new survey.

The study, commissioned by Zevo and conducted by One Poll, found that 66% of respondents are willing to do “nearly anything” to get rid of bugs at home -- including fumigating their entire home (51%), throwing the nearest thing at it, no matter what that nearest thing is (43%) and even DIYing a flamethrower (35%). Others have changed their diet and lifestyle to avoid sightings at home, with 59% saying they will even refrain from keeping fresh fruit in their homes or buying houseplants out of fear that it will attract flying insects.

In fact, some people would rather just leave it all behind and start over somewhere new. More than half of respondents (52%) have considered moving because of bug infestations, and of those who considered that option, 69% actually fol lowed through and packed up their things.

When it comes to putting up with bugs, there are a number of home woes people would prefer to live with, including broken appliances (29%), creaky floors (26%), broken windows (26%), not having television connections (25%) and even ro dents (24%).

Giving how bugged by insects people are, it’s no wonder that they have come up with some pretty creative and expensive ways to try to deal with the problem, with 48% of survey respondents having turned to DIY “hacks” and the average person spending $177 on creating homemade methods to deal with bugs. Some of the methods mentioned by respondents include using cinnamon, coffee grounds and even maple syrup to get rid of bugs. One person even recalled pouring gasoline on bugs to drown them.

Of course, many of these homemade solutions produce iffy results at best or are downright dangerous. The bug biology and behavior experts at Zevo say that if you want to rid your home of pests, there are much easier and more effective ways to go about it that don’t involve putting your home on the market and relocating.

HERE’S AN EFFECTIVE TWO-PRONGED APPROACH YOU CAN TRY FOR KILLING BUGS AND PREVENTING FUTURE INFESTATIONS:

1. Go worry-free. Most traditional insect sprays on the market today use synthetic pyrethroids as their active ingredients, which can have a noxious smell and make a room uninhabitable after spraying. For a solution that’s safe for people and pets when used as directed, check out Zevo Instant Action Sprays, which rely on essential oil to target and shut down biological pathways found in insects. The brand carries four different sprays to target everything from cockroaches and ants to yellowjackets and crickets.

2. Safeguard entry points. Pests enter the home most typ ically through windows, doors and the garage. Check screen doors and windows for tears, and patch or replace them. You can also plug Zevo Flying Insect Traps into outlets in areas where bugs typically gather in your home, like kitchens, bathrooms, garages and entryways. The traps use a combina tion of UVC and blue light to attract and trap flying insects, offering continuous defense for up to 45 days or until the trap is full.

The next time you spot bugs, put down the gaso line can and the flamethrower. Simple, worry-free solutions exist that can help you maintain a bugfree home and your sanity.

To learn more about defending your home against insects, visit zevoinsect.com.

Between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and sky-high oil and gas prices, a significant pellet fuel supply shortage is likely this winter season. Industry experts say you should plan ahead and secure your fuel now for the cold winter months. The good news is that, currently, there is plenty of supply to stock up.

As Tim Portz, executive director of the Pellet Fuels Insti tute explains, Russia is the second largest producer of wood pellets globally, supplying more than 2 million tons to glob al markets in 2020. But sanctions and restrictions due to the invasion of Ukraine have required U.S. pellet producers to fill the gap.

What’s more, the sticker shock Americans may experience this winter when reviewing their energy bills will likely have many switching to pellet heating in search of a better deal, and those with multiple heating options may start opt ing for pellets, putting extra demand on potentially short supplies.

“Wood pellet demand fluctuates year to year, however with heating oil, natural gas, electric and propane prices at near historic highs, we could see record sales of pellets in 2022-2023,” says Portz. “Consumers will need to be savvy. To ensure their annual supply is secured, they should stock up now.”

Wood pellets are used as primary or secondary space heat in more than 1 million homes nationwide. Pellets are a renewable, clean-burning fuel made from the waste streams generated by the manufacturers of products like dimen sional lumber, hardwood flooring, wood pallets and cabin etry. Although supplies are strong right now, pellet produc ers are highlighting the importance of keeping inventory moving through the system.

With the capacity to produce more than 1 million tons of wood pellets each year, Lignetics Group, the largest resi dential wood pellet manufacturing company in the United States, notes that taking advantage of the surplus while it lasts will allow producers to run at full throttle and build inventory before usage begins to outpace production in the depths of winter.

Because pellets are competitively priced nationwide, consumers who opt for this method of heating will save hundreds of dollars over the course of a winter season compared to heating oil or propane, and thousands of dol lars compared to electric heat.

“Many have already turned to wood pellet heating and many more are expected to do so amid the current energy crisis,” says Brett Jordan, CEO of Lignetics Group. “However, these consumers will need to take their wise choice a step further by being prepared. Fueling up now on your normal pellet supply will mean being able to take advantage of this sustainable and cost-efficient option all winter.”

How to Clean & Maintain Beautiful Hardscape

WESTERN INTERLOCK DIY

In this article, we’re going to cover the top five most effective

ways to clean, maintain, and protect your hard scape so it retains that just-off-the-pallet look.

MOSS AND WEEDS

Since we live in Western Oregon, we deal with a lot of moss, so here’s some good ways to remove it.

METHOD #1: MOSS B WARE

If you’re dealing with a large mossy area, consider using a sprinkle-on product like Moss B Ware. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions and walk away.

METHOD #2: BLEACH RINSE

First, mix a 50/50 bleach and water solution in a watering can. Add the bleach first then add cold hose water to help mix the solution.

Next, sprinkle the bleach solution on your hardscape. We recommend covering the affected area by applying as much bleach rinse as you’re comfortable with.

Last, rinse your pavers with fresh water. After 15–20 min utes, stretch out your garden hose again and rinse.

PRESSURE WASHING

Sometimes spot cleaning, bleach rinse, just doesn’t cut it. Any tenacious residue that’s still hanging on can be blast ed away using a pressure washer. This is effective but, we recommend using caution.

First, limit your water pressure to 1,500 PSI. This keeps the pressure low enough to protect your pavers from damage.

Second, keep your nozzle at least six inches away from your hardscape. Any closer and you risk damaging your pavers.

Third, sweep in fresh joint sand. Pressure washing, in partic ular, will lift the joint sand from between your pavers. To re place the joint sand, simply sprinkle it around the area you cleaned and use a broom to sweep it in.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll save your pavers and maintain exceptionally beautiful hardscape.