Spring Home Improvement, May 2, 2010

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How to protect the beauty of your hardscape investment Pavements are especially susceptible to the abuse of nature and traffic. This is why hardscape experts highly recommend the application of a sealant to protect and enhance the aesthetic qualities of your paving projects.

Selecting the right sealant for your particular project is often an exercise in confusion, with plenty of options. While sealant technology continues to evolve, sealants can be broken down into a few key categories: * Film-forming versus non film-forming * Color enhancing (wet look) versus non color enhancing (dry look) * Solvent-based versus water-based * All are stain resistant According to Rick

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"Whatever the application, an appropriate sealant can help decorative hardscape materials look their best and keep them looking great for years," DeMarchi added.

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ing, creating the need for a water repellent sealant to protect the surface integrity of the pavers. On the driveway, you may want to use an oil resistant protective sealant making clean up of messy engine oil drippings easy.

And in both cases, the sealant can be color enhancing, enriching the colors of your pavers, or

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DeMarchi, Director of Marketing for Techniseal, the leading manufacturer of polymeric sand and treatment products for the concrete paver industry, it's important to understand this framework when choosing a product because each category brings its own features and benefits with regard to aesthetics, protective qualities and application procedures.

"For example, different sealants may be applied to a pool deck and a driveway at the same house," he explained.

"The pool deck is a candidate for a non film-forming sealant that has no impact on slip and skid resistance. Also, today's popular salt water pools can be corrosive to deck-

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You finally made the plunge to spruce up your outdoor space with the beauty and durability of hardscape pavers. You're not alone.

Home improvement trends show that outdoor spaces, such as patios, paths, decks, and driveways continue to be just as important to market appeal and value as gourmet kitchens and luxury bathrooms.

In fact, Smart Money magazine estimates that landscaping and "hardscaping" can increase home values by as much as 15 percent.

Hardscape materials such as concrete, natural stone, clay brick and other choices are rapidly growing in popularity to form the foundation for inviting new outdoor spaces. Many of these time-tested options are being used in new ways with the rise of decorative paving and ongoing innovations in veneer products.

While many of today's hardscape materials are excellent options for their environmental qualities, flexibility of design and their ease of installation, it is their aesthetic beauty that remains their main attraction.

However, once installed, these decorative materials are exposed to weather and staining from use, which over time can lead to fading, discoloration and deterioration.

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Let More Light Shine In Many times the arrival of warmer weather makes homeowners reconsider the decor of their home.

After a long winter spent indoors, homeowners often yearn for some changes around the house.

One cost-effective way homeowners can give their homes a new look for feel without breaking the bank is to address lighting throughout the house. With some easy changes to a home's lighting scheme, homeowners can notice a stark difference in their home's appearance. * Assess lighting needs.

First and foremost, evaluate your lighting situation by looking at how much light is currently around

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the house, including the home's exterior. Is there adequate light available for activities such as reading? Is there sufficient light outside the home to safely see the stairs or walkway? How much sunlight enters your home, and are you unknowingly blocking that light from getting in?

Let the sun shine in by opening curtains, pulling up shades and keeping windows clean. This can add life to a room while simultaneously benefitting the environment and lowering your energy bill. * Consider new fixtures.

For older homeowners with an empty nest, consider lamps with rocker switches. These are large

enough to be turned on even if hands are full or if you're suffering from arthritis that can make it hard to maneuver hands and fingers.

Busy homeowners might benefit from fixture styles that clean easily and don't require much maintenance. Seniors might also want lights that make changing the bulbs easier.

Ceiling lights with bulb covers may look pretty, but they are often hard to change and clean. And, if one of the bulbs burns out or if the fixture is dirty, it won't emit the right amount of light. * Get outdoors. Lighting outside the home is as important as lighting inside. In addition to mak-

ing it easier to get around, external lighting can also keep prospective thieves at bay. External stairways should be completely illuminated and on motion sensors if not already on a nighttime timer. * Add extra lighting to work areas. Add extra light fixtures in work areas or areas of heavy traffic, such as the kitchen or living room. Those with a home office should keep the areas well lit, as you likely spend extended periods of time in the home office.

* Add lighting to reading areas. Reading in poorly lit areas is a recipe for eye trouble. To lessen the likelihood of developing eye trouble, place reading chairs near windows or add lamps or other lights to areas commonly used for reading. * Install nightlights throughout the home.

There's no reason midnight walks to the refrigerator or restroom should be done in the dark. That only increases the likelihood for falls and injury.

Install nightlights in hallways and near the bottom and tops of all staircases to decrease the chances of injury.

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tion may be concerned with how hot the building material will be underfoot.

Wood tends to reflect the sunlight more readily than composite materials, particularly if the decks are made from wood is light in color. plastics, which do not Therefore it could be decompose easily when more comfortable to walk upon. disposed of.

Both wood and composite decks require Appearance many chemicals for Many composite matericleaning and other main- als come close to looking tenance, which can seep like wood, but they may into the ground and leach still appear plastic. It's hard to improve upon the into water supplies. timeless and cozy appearance of wood Heat Factor Homeowners placing a environmental landscapdeck around a swimming ing items. pool or in a sunny loca-

Choosing the Right Decking Material Billed as low-maintenance and attractive solutions for the yard, vinyl or composite decks have become the materials of choice for more homeowners in recent years.

They're supposed to last longer and require less maintenance than wood counterparts -- perfect for homeowners who would rather enjoy their outdoor spaces, rather than spend hours each season maintaining them.

But how do composite materials really stack up against wood? Before you choose your decking material, consider the pros and cons of any available options.

durable than wood decks.

It's true that composite products resist weatherrelated damage better.

However, a relatively high rate of expansion and contraction can cause composite decks to warp and hardware to loosen. Composite decks also are not as easy to repair as wood decks -they must be replaced.

Therefore their longevity could be compromised by this fact.

ing codes require composite decks be built upon wood structural supports, so a composite deck could have some wood material after all.

Wood decks require routine staining, cleaning, sanding, etc. This can be time-consuming, which is why many homeowners seek options in composite decking.

'Green' Factor There are supporters and detractors to both wood and composite decks in terms of environmental impact. Wood decks seemingly are harmful to the environment because of the harvesting of wood and depletion of forests, but forests can be replanted. Composite

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Durability Composite decks, those made of vinyl, plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination of plastic and wood pulp would seem to be more

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Maintenance Composite decks will require considerably less seasonal maintenance than wood decks.

Manufacturers recommend certain cleaning and tightening of joint Resistance No decking product is spacing to avoid sagging. completely indestructi- However, certain buildble. Both composite and wood decks can warp, fade or be scratched and Central Air Conditioning dinged. $ 00 Wood decks may have the advantage over Any Competitors composite materials in this arena simply because Written Estimates* of their ability to be on an Air Conditioning Installation refinished. Therefore, if *Some restrictions apply an area is damaged or faded it can be repaired.

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Moving Daylight Windows are a great way to bring light into the home, but unfortunately walls and doors often stop that light from moving throughout the house. To continue daylight's natural flow in the home, designer Sherry Mitchell, IIDA, recommends incorporating acrylic block panels, door inserts and partition walls throughout rooms in the house.

"Daylight adds energy and warmth to a home, so why stop it from penetrating the entire house?" says Mitchell. "I've specified Hy-Lite/U S Block Window acrylic block products for many projects when homeowners desire natural light in hallways and interior rooms. These lightweight products add a decorative style to the interior of the home while promoting the flow of light."

In addition to brightening the interior of the home, moving daylight through the house can also help save on energy bills. The natural lighting that comes into the home through energy-efficient windows can reduce the use of electric lights in the home's interior, thus saving on energy costs.

Mitchell believes the addition of "positive diffused daylight" into the home can be achieved with acrylic block products that help reduce homeowner energy needs while also protecting the privacy of the home's occupants. "You can have an acrylic block door insert in a home office that keeps the room private but allows the light to softly diffuse into the hallway," says Mitchell.

"I've also seen room dividers created out of acrylic block panels that

provide a distinct barrier between the dining room and kitchen, but still allows natural light to flow through."

For more information on acrylic block windows, walls, door inserts and other decorative items in the home, visit www.hy-lite.com.

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Sunday, May 2, 2010 waterproofing job: Surface preparation and application of the waterproofer itself.

Don't let a spring thaw lead to a wet basement need a waterproofer, not a watersealer. There are differences between the two. Watersealers only repel water but will not stop actual water penetration. A product, such as DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer penetrates the surface and bonds itself to the masonry to act as an integral barrier to stop water seepage.

Ordinary paint merely adheres to the surface, and oncoming water pressure can force it off.

Here are the steps to take to address seepage and stop basement damage.

coming from a variety of sources such as leaky downspouts or gutters, blocked drainage pipes, improper grading, or ruts that direct ground runoff toward foundations.

Correcting these problems -- combined with the application of a quality waterproofing paint -is the best way to prevent water on masonry surfaces.

Similarly, it is necessary to find out if seepage or condensation is the source behind wet walls. This can be determined by performing a simple test. Tape a onefoot square piece of aluminum foil tightly to a dried interior basement wall. You can dry a small area to test with a cloth or hair dryer. Remove

the foil after several days. If the room side is wet, the problem is condensation and a dehumidifier should be used.

If the wall side of the foil is wet, there is seepage.

Remember that both problems can occur at the same time.

Once you determine your problem, there are two main parts of any

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Whether your region is covered in a blanket of white snow or water from continual rainfall, you may experience basement moisture problems. New homeowners may not even be safe from the water Mother Nature delivers each year.

The majority of homeowners' water seepage problems can be attributed to seasonal conditions. Rapid runoff and the frozen ground's inability to absorb the water leave only one place for the water to go -- and unfortunately, it's right through the walls.

Typically, the spring and fall rainy seasons are peak times to experience water seepage.

Homeowners commonly associate water problems with expensive excavation and drainage.

But, a waterproofing project can be completed for around $500.00 using a high-quality masonry waterproofing paint, such as DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer

by United Gilsonite Laboratories, a Scranton, Pennsylvania based manufacturer that has been helping homeowners safeguard against water seepage problems since 1957.

The first thing to remember when looking for a product to stop water seepage is that you

Surface Preparation As in any painting job, surface preparation is a critical step. Loose or broken mortar, dirt, dust and other foreign matter should always be removed before putting on a new coat of paint.

Before applying the waterproofer, clean the surface thoroughly.

Waterproofing paint works best when applied to a clean, bare masonry surface. It may be applied on a slightly

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Holes should be patched with an hydraulic cement.

A common area that may be overlooked as a source of water seepage is the floor/wall joint.

Normally, when concrete floors cure, they shrink and pull away from the wall, allowing a space for water to enter. That's why it's necessary to seal all gaps between floor and walls with a fastdrying cement, such as DRYLOK® Fast Plug.

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Clean the area and wash stop seepage. However, possible, or if you are with water prior to seal- if seepage is still present sensitive to solvent after several days, an odors, the experts at ing. additional coat may be UGL recommend using Applying the a latex-based product, necessary.

Waterproofer Open windows and such as Latex Base Now, you're ready to use a non-sparking DRYLOK® or DRYLOK apply waterproofer to exhaust fan to provide Extreme®. Remember to your basement walls. For adequate ventilation read the label of the best results, apply the when applying a water- product thoroughly for first coat with a nylon or proofer in closed areas. application and ventilapolyester bristle brush. In places, where good tion requirements.

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damp surface but best results are obtained when applied over a dry surface. To determine if the wall is too wet to paint, try this simple test: Rub your fingertips over the surface you want to paint. If your fingertips are wet, do not paint the surface. Wait 48 hours and repeat the test. For best results, wait for a dry spell.

Remove old paint by wire-brushing, sandblasting or another suitable means. The worst enemy for any masonry paint is efflorescence, or white, crystal-like salt deposits that prevent a waterproofer from adhering to a surface.

Muriatic acid or a product like DRYLOK® Etch should be used to rid the surface of efflorescence.

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Backyard Luxury Without the Luxury Prices seem that much more luxurious and comfortable," says J.R. Pelletier, manager of TheHammock Company.com, an international leader in hammock sales.

"For a couple hundred dollars' investment," Perkins notes, "not only have you just boosted the visual appeal of your property, but you've also just created a luxury destination right outside your own back door. Plus, your neighbors are going to envy you every time they catch sight of you across the fence, stretched out and content!"

The hammock wasn't

always so connected with luxury, however. Far from it.

Prior to the late 19th century, hammocks functioned primarily as sailors' beds, and were neither particularly comfortable nor all that safe. Fabric hammocks back then were cramped, hot and prone to tipping, while rope hammocks, equally unsturdy, were woven typically of rough hemp or manila, and riddled with bulky knots.

Then along came Pawleys Island, S.C., riverboat captain Joshua Ward, whose quest for a

better night's sleep led him in 1889 to reinvent the rope hammock and, in the process, set the standard for what's now the classic American hammock style.

Ward switched to heavy cotton rope and a knotless, lattice-like weave, placing wooden spreader bars at both ends to hold his hammock open -- and what was once a clingy, scratchy, knotty sleeping-cocoon became a soft, open, airborne leisure space.

Within no time, Ward's effortlessly comfortable new hammock style was intricately assoLicensed

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"You might call it a boost in luxury by association," says Perkins of The HammockSource. "Of course, once you're in your own hammock, you're gonna feel like a million bucks regardless of the fact you didn't have to spend a fortune to buy it!"

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"Affordable" and "luxury" never used to be words you'd see cozied up together -- luxury, after all, implies a lifestyle the average person can't afford!

But much has changed with our changing economy. The once-contradictory notion of low-cost luxury is fast becoming the new operating philosophy of the savvy homeowner: How can I capture the most extravagance for the least money?

Well, for starters, consider a well-made hammock.

A quality hammock is one of the most economical face-lifts you can give your back yard, confirms Walter R. Perkins III, CEO of The Hammock Source, home to such trendsetting brands as The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock and Hatteras Hammocks.

"With a good hammock, you look and feel lavish without having to spend lavishly," Perkins explains.

Paired with an attractive powder-coated steel stand or a luxuriously curved cypress-wood stand, a quality rope or fabric hammock quickly becomes the sumptuous centerpiece of any deck, patio or poolside, or a lovely, functional addition to a large flower garden.

"People tend to be really surprised how just having a hammock there makes the whole area

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tor's license and insurance and check with your local Better Business Bureau before spending money on your most prized possession, your home.

- Dave Gelo

Tax Credit For Energy Saving Products Vinyl replacement windows, entry doors and other energy saving products can be good or bad. It's like buying a product that cost $1,000 and not putting it in right.

Therefore, in some cases, you are better off keeping what you have.

A poor installation can make a great window or door worthless. On the other hand a $500 item that is put in the proper way can and will benefit your home but might not last that long because it is of poor quality to start with.

Somewhere in the

middle is the best way to go. You want a good product that is installed the proper way with a good manufacturer and then you are a winner. An experienced installer is just as important as the product you are installing. One must always determine the payback time but also the convenience of having a new up dated product in your home.

With today's Federal Tax Credit there seems to be some confusion.

There is a Federal Tax Credit of 30% of the MATERIAL ONLY up

to a maximum of $1500 for replacement windows, entry doors and other energy saving products. It is not for labor. This tax credit expires as of Dec. 31, 2010.

These products must meet the new federal standards of a U-Factor of .30 in order to get the credit.

Therefore you must spend $5,000 on MATERIAL ONLY in order to get the full $1500 in a direct tax credit. If you spend $3,000 on material you will still get 30% of that so it will be a $900

Tax Credit and so on. Not every product will meet these standards so therefore each product will have a sticker on it or paperwork to determine what the U-factor is.

The State of Connecticut does not have tax on most products that have an "Energy Star" rating as of this writing.

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Heating your pool?

How to save energy & money Energy efficiency is a hot topic everywhere these days and, in homes and communities nationwide, swimming pools and spas are becoming a focus of that conversation. That's because pools and spas require energy for heating and filtering water. And everyone, from owners to local and state government leaders, is looking for ways to significantly reduce this energy use. In fact, in some communities, energy-efficient pool operation is no longer an option, but a requirement mandated by law.

For pool owners, the perfect solution would be a way to maintain a comfortable water temperature, while conserving energy and saving money.

Fortunately, research and development by the pool industry over the past few years has led to new products

and options that make that ideal entirely possible.

The Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA), an organization representing the pool and spa industry in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern New England regions, is leading a comprehensive energy initiative to educate builders, pool owners and government organizations about these options.

"Conserving energy in pool operations is a real win-win for everyone involved," notes Lawrence Caniglia, NESPA's executive director. "Pool owners save money, fewer carbon emissions are created, and communities can conserve resources, while reducing their costs for energy delivery infrastructure."

According to NESPA, whether you

reducing evaporation is a through a system of product known as a liquid pipes. Design engineers solar blanket. This taste- have found that by using less, odorless, colorless larger pipes and changing chemical is simply added 90-degree pipe joints to a to the pool once a month wider, curved design, less to prevent evaporation. horse power (HP) is The product is complete- needed by the pump to Keep the Heat ly safe, and about half as push the water through with a Solar Cover One way that heat loss effective as a solar blan- the system. That opens the door for smaller, from a pool occurs is due ket. high-efficiency pumps. to water evaporation. By For new pools, this new Reduce Power with using a solar cover on pump and piping design Pumps and Piping your pool, you can prevent evaporation, and A swimming pool is real- offers a 40 to 50 percent keep the heat. In fact a ly just an oversized tub, reduction in energy use solar cover can reduce with a pump that pulls compared to traditional water loss by 30 to 50 water from the skimmer designs.

While it would be percent, and reduce heat- and pushes it through a ing costs by 50 to 70 per- filter, sending the cleaned impractical to replace cent. An added benefit is water back into the pool piping in an existing that reducing water loss also reduces the amount of chemical water treat- GREAT OUTDOOR LIVING ... ment required. Solar cov- BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE AWNING PLACE ers are fairly inexpensive, RETRACTABLE DECK AND PATIO AWNINGS WINDOW AWNINGS and new devices are available from pool Off 15%ric Awning retailers that make taking any FEaxbp. 5/31/10 the cover on and off easier than ever.

Another option for have an existing pool, or are building a new one, energy conservation can be accomplished with a combination of covers, pumps and piping.

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pool, it is possible to capture energy and cost savings by upgrading to a new two-speed, or variable-speed, pump. Both save energy by offering the capability to run at lower speeds when less pressure is needed.

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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Sunday, May 2, 2010

A two-speed pump offers a low- and highspeed setting, and a time clock or automated control system that allows you to set the hours of operation to off-peak time periods, or to coincide with your use of the

pool. A variable speed pump can have as many as eight speed settings, and can be programmed to run at different power levels in response to power needs for the heater, cleaner or water features.

While the new pumps are more expensive than the traditional one-speed pumps, they usually pay for themselves in one or two seasons. And, many utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to the newer pump designs.

Safety Upgrades While thinking about improving your pool's energy efficiency, remember to also consider safety improvements.

NESPA stresses that a fun pool is a safe pool.

Among the layers of protection, NESPA recom-

mends the installation of anti-entrapment systems to prevent swimmers from becoming entrapped by drains or section outlets. If you're already thinking about pipes, filtration and pumps, it's the perfect time to also protect against this danger.

To learn more about increasing your pool's energy efficiency and safety, start with the

NESPA Web site, w w w. n e s p a p o o l . o rg .

You'll find a list of NESPA members, photos of award-winning pools, and a wealth of information on pool designs, maintenance and more.

For educational pamphlets on how to build, operate and maintain a safe pool, write to NESPA at 6B South Gold Drive, Hamilton, NJ 08691.

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