OST_Fall Home Improvement_091919

THE

T

2019 HOME IMPROVEMENT

fall

YOU VOTED - HERE ARE YOUR WIN September 2019 A Special Supplement to

Times

A special suppliment to THE

July 2019

2

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

| FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

The right way to store firewood fires if left unchecked.

According to BioAdA fireplace is a cozy and vanced, a science-based warm spot around which a lawn, garden and home family can gather. The home improvement innovator, and real estate resource seasoning wood typically HomeGuides.com indicates takes six months to a year. that 60% of new homes have Homeowners may opt to a fireplace, which is up from purchase seasoned wood 36% in the 1970s. that already has sat and Naturally, fueling a dried. fireplace for the season may Homeowners who have require homeowners with an abundance of firewood wood-burning units to keep have to store it somewhere. an ample supply of wood Log Splitters Direct sugat the ready. How that wood gests choosing a dry, breezy is stored is important, as area of the property that properly stored firewood is about 20 feet from the can prevent waste and other nearest door to the house. issues around the house.

This helps avoid hitchhiker Wood that is freshly cut pests from coming inside has a water content of 60% with the wood, such as or more. Yet, for best burntermites, ants, spiders, and ing ability, wood should be mice. Do not stack the wood near 20% in water content. flush against a structure.

Green wood is hard to ignite It should be at least a few and will not burn nearly inches away to allow airflow as well or efficiently as behind the stack. seasoned wood. Another conStick to organized rows cern associated with green of wood no more than four wood is that it can contribute feet high. Log racks and more to creosote accumulapallets and posts will keep tion in the flue of a fireplace. the wood up and off of the Creosote is a combustible ground where moisture and material that may lead to rotting can develop. Placing the logs in an unorganized pile will impede air flow and cause the wood to rot rather than continue to dry and season even more.

Homeowners also should use a cover to protect seasoned firewood from the elements.

Position a tarp or plastic sheeting so it blankets the top of the stack and extends a few inches down the sides. Keep the sides mostly exposed to air.

Others prefer to stack it in a barn or shed or under an overhang.

Green wood is less expensive Metro Creative Services than seasoned Bankrate says that the cost of a cord of wood. Those who wood varies across the country, but in prefer this method general one can expect to pay between should do so in the $120 and $180 for a cord of hardwood early spring and that is split and seasoned. This price let it season over the next several may be higher in mid-winter when months. demand increases.

Metro Creative Services

Metro Creative Services

Homeowners who take steps to protect their decks throughout the winter months can ensure these popular areas are ready once entertaining season returns in the spring.

Preparing your deck for winter Metro Creative Services Homeowners often take steps to winterize the interior of their homes in the weeks before winter’s arrival, but such efforts should extend to the outside of a home as well.

Decks make for great gathering places when the weather permits. Decks are where many people spend their free time and eat their meals come spring and summer, when the temperatures climb and the sun sets well into the evening.

But as summer turns to fall, homeowners must take measures to protect their decks from potentially harsh winter weather. u INSPECT THE DECK FOR PROBLEMS. Decks tend to be used more often in summer than any other time of year.

That makes fall and early winter an ideal time to inspect for wear and tear and any additional issues that may have cropped up throughout the summer.

Damaged boards and loose handrails should be fixed before winter arrives,

As summer turns to fall, homeowners musttakemeasures to protect their decks from potentiallyharsh winterweather. especially for homeowners who plan to use their decks in winter.

Fixing such issues in winter and even into spring may be difficult thanks to harsh conditions, so make good use of the relatively calm autumn weather to fix any issues on the deck. u CLEAR THE DECK OF POTTED PLANTS. Even homeowners who intend to use their decks in winter should remove potted plants from the deck in the fall.

The home improvement experts at HGTV note that moisture can get trapped

between deck boards and plastic, wood or ceramic containers in cold weather, and that can contribute to mildew, discoloration or decay. u STORE UNNECESSARY FURNITURE. Homeowners who like to sit on their decks in winter will no doubt want to leave some furniture out over the winter.

But those with lots of furniture for entertaining guests can likely move the majority of that furniture into a garage or shed for the winter. HGTV notes that doing so will prevent the potential formation of blemishes on the deck that can result from inconsistent weathering. u REMOVE SNOW, BUT DO SO CAREFULLY. Prolonged contact with snow and ice can damage a deck. As a result, homeowners should clear snow from their decks when accumulation is significant. HGTV recommends using a snow blower on the deck to avoid scarring. If a shovel must be used, push snow with the planks to reduce the risk of damaging the deck.

Why homeowners should add exterior light to their properties Homeowners are increasingly realizing the benefits of improving the exteriors of their home, which can be just as valuable as improving the interior spaces.

As individuals design picturesque garden beds and cultivate lavish lawns or revamp exteriors with architectural features, they probably want to spotlight these improvements. This is where exterior lighting can be put to great use.

Exterior illumination can cast a glow on various features, but there are many other reasons to increase lighting around the exterior of a home. u SAFETY: Trips and falls can occur at night when trying to traverse walkways and landscapes in the dark, as it can be difficult to see rocks, stairs and uneven pavement. Outdoor lighting can illuminate pathways, entryways and other areas for safer access for homeowners and their guests. u EXTEND OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING: Ample lighting can increase the amount of time one can use outdoor spaces and make them the perfect gathering spot.

As autumn arrives, days become shorter. However, patios, porches and more can get extended use with lighting. u SAFEGUARD SECURITY: A well-lit home may be less likely to be targeted by burglars than one swathed in darkness and shadows.

Lights can remain on all evening or be motion-triggered. Setting lights on timers also ensures that the home is illuminated whether residents are home or not. u CREATE DRAMA: Landscape lighting designers can establish focal points around the landscape and highlight the best features of a property. Uplighting in trees, silhouetting techniques to showcase plants and spotlights to show off architectural features are all options for homeowners to consider. u ADD VALUE: The experts at Parker Homescape, a

landscape design service, say that exterior lighting can add roughly 30% to the value of a home. They also indicate that 50% of all home buyers say that outdoor lighting is important when buying a home.

If current residents are thinking about selling, now may be the time to invest in exterior lighting.

AT RIGHT: Exterior illumination can cast a glow on various features, but there are many other reasons to increase lighting around the exterior of a home.

MetroCreativeServices

www.mazelumber.com WATER STREET, PERU | 815-223-1742 SM-CL1702449

Custom Made Cabinetry Competitively Priced.

Complimentary Design Consultation and Drawings Provided.

Snell

Visit houzz.com for more projects.

SM-CL1700313

woodhillcabinetry.com 3381 N. Rt. 23 Ottawa

(4 miles N. of I-80)

815-431-0545

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

Metro Creative Services

3

Easy ways to clean up leaves Metro Creative Services

Metro Creative Services

Leaves will fall in autumn, but luckily homeowners have various methods at their disposal to tame the mess.

Autumn is marked by colorful foliage and plummeting temperatures. Once those leaves reach peak color, they fall from the branches and collect on lawns, necessitating cleanup projects. For homeowners with big yards, such a project can be tiring and time-consuming. However, there are ways to make leaf cleanup easier.

One of the easiest ways to clean up leaves is to reach for a lawn mower rather than a rake.

The mower will cut leaves down to smaller sizes, creating an effective mulch that can add nutrients back into the lawn. Davey, a lawn and landscape solutions service, says that mowed leaves also can be collected in a mower bag and added to garden beds or compost piles.

For those who prefer manual raking, select a rake with tines that will not skewer the leaves in the process. Big rakes also

can make faster work of gathering leaves into piles.

The home improvement resource The Family Handyman advocates for the use of a lawn sweeper. This is a manual device that has a rotating sweeping brush that gathers up lawn debris and leaves into an attached hopper bag. Like mowed leaves, the bag can be emptied into a compost pile or distributed where needed.

Raking leaves onto a large tarp is another option. Once it’s full, the tarp can be taken to the curb where many towns will collect the leaves seasonally. Otherwise, the tarp can be used as a funnel to put leaves into a gardening bag or another appropriate receptacle.

Leaf blowers remain a fast option for cleaning up yards, but they require electricity or gas and can be noisy. Still, they are a popular choice for large landscapes or when quick work needs to be made of leaf clean-up.

How mulching your leaves can help your lawn Metro Creative Services Various chores are synonymous with certain times of year. For example, cleaning a pool is a summertime task. In addition, rare is the instance that Mother Nature forces anyone to break out the snow shovels outside of winter.

Raking leaves has long been a task for fall afternoons, but homeowners may be surprised to learn that they might be better off putting their rakes in permanent mothballs.

In the 1990s, turfgrass specialists at Michigan State University began exploring the potential benefits of leaving mulched leaves on a lawn instead of raking them and leaving them for curbside pickup. While the researchers noticed an obvious leaf residue on the lawn after mulching, they noted that it only sticks around for a few days. Eventually, the tiny pieces sifted down into the lawn, ultimately serving to control future weed growth while also providing the lawn with essential nutrients. Over time, researchers noted that

homeowners who mulched rather than raked their leaves needed less fertilizer to give their lawns a green look in spring, saving homeowners the effort and cost associated with fertilizing.

Researchers also noted that decomposing pieces of leaves cover up bare spots between turf plants, which have traditionally proven to be excellent spots for weed seeds to germinate.

of mower being used, up to 6 inches of leaves can be mulched at a time. Push mowers can handle smaller amounts, though can still be as effective as ride-on mowers.

In fact, MSU notes that homeowners can expect a nearly 100% decrease in dandelions and crabgrass after mulching leaves for just three years.

Depending on the type

E STOMIZ U C S U LET OR

ITCHEN

K

Metro Creative Services

Fall may be synonymous with raking leaves. However, homeowners who want to give their lawns a healthy boost should consider putting their rakes away and mulching their leaves this fall.

SM-CL1702055

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

| FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

4

YOUR

BATH!

407 N. Bloomington St. Streator www.mctluxbath.com

815-672-6992

art, odd-numbered groupings often look the most

cohesive and interesting.

Experiment with different

scales and heights for even more dimension.

Spark your creativity with these fresh Frigidaire kitchen looks

SHAW

APPLIANCE 127 S. Vermillion St. • Streator

815-672-2901

S M - C L 1 7 0 2 7 0 2

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

BE CAREFUL WITH COLOR: Many high-end homes Photo spreads in home showcase neutral shades design magazines can be that are enhanced by pops awe-inspiring. Quite often of color. If you like a rich, homeowners wish they royal purple, leave room for could lift the looks right off other colors as well. Add the pages of magazines and touches of purple in vases, transform their own homes throw pillows and other into picture-perfect retreats. accessories.

It takes an eye for design Also, many designers to pull a room together — work in shades of three for even with inspiration — and room colors. There may be make it both functional and one main color for walls, attractive. While hiring an another color for larger interior designer is one way accents, such as couches to go, homeowners can use and chairs, and then a third some of the tricks and techcolor that pops in accessoniques the designers employ ries such as flowers, pillows to do a remarkably good job and collectibles. These can of improving the interiors be any colors, but the most of their homes without such muted tends to be the more help. abundant shade.

EMBRACE TEXTURE: The ADD A BIT OF BLING: Glitcolors used in a home can tery items and metallics can add impact, but designers add a touch of luxury feel often utilize various textures to any space. A shiny table to create aesthetic appeal. A lamp, mirrors, a sparkling single color scheme can be chandelier, and the like are enhanced by various fabrics. easy ways to produce a highConsider a leather sofa made end feel. Reflective surfaces more cozy with chenille also will cast light around pillows next to a rustic side the room, giving the illusion table. Figure out ways to of a larger space. incorporate a few different CHOOSE A BIG STATEMENT textures to add depth to the PIECE: Many homeowners room. make the mistake of filling a room with several small pieces of furniture that only contribute to clutter.

Instead, look for a statement piece, which can be a cabinet, armoire or chaise.

Mix and match large and small elements for a sense of balance.

ACCESSORIZE: Finish the room with accessories and flowers. When placing Metro Creative Services and hangWhen inspiration hits, take some cues from ing knickinterior design pros to make spaces look like they knacks and wall belong on the pages of your favorite magazines.

Metro Creative Services

5 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT |

Secrets to making your home look like you hired a design pro

Making trick-or-treating fun in rural areas Metro Creative Graphics Halloween is a day for ghouls and goblins, tricks and treats.

Halloween is a child’s dream, and some of the more indelible images associated with this beloved holiday feature neighborhood children ringing doors all across suburbia and urban centers. But country kids celebrate Halloween, too.

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, urban areas make up just 3% of the land area of the United States? Twenty percent of the population calls the countryside home. The numbers are quite similar in Canada, where Statistics Canada indicates roughly 18% of the population resides in rural areas.

Children who live in rural areas can still experience the magic of Halloween. They just may need to be a little more creative in their pursuit of candy.

spooky songs along the way and decorating the vehicle with some Halloween imagery.

HEAD TO TOWN Another work-around to rural Halloween celebrations is to move the trick-or-treating to an area where homes are closer together.

It’s not uncommon for children to trick-or-treat in their friends’ or relatives’ neighborhoods — even if they live in urban or suburban areas. Rural kids can make plans with friends from school and traverse new neighborhoods for their candy.

GATHER AT SHOPPING CENTERS Shopping malls, strip malls, supermarkets, and other retailers often have candy on hand for trickor-treaters who like the safety of being in highly trafficked areas.

These can be viable spots to meet up for trick-or-treating.

DESIGNATE A DRIVER

ORGANIZE A MEETING SPOT

Many children in rural areas find the distances between two houses are simply too great to walk. As a result, youngsters need the help of a parent or older sibling to helm the wheel and take them around to various homes in the area. The process can be made even more festive by listening to

Rural residents can coordinate a Halloween mixer at a community center, school or another building with a lot of space. The gathering also may take place at a farm or corn maze. Each family can contribute a snack and/or some candy, and the children can have fun together.

Pay less now and you will be paying more in the end!

THEIR PAVERS AFTER 5 YEARS

OUR PAVERS AFTER 5 YEARS

PAVERS & MORE RT. 23 • 1/2 MILE NORTH OF I-80 • OTTAWA

• Unilock Pavers • Retaining Walls • Flagstone • Boulders • Patio Blocks • Concrete Edging • Bulk Stone • Mulch • Pulverized Black Dirt • Statuary • Low Voltage Lighting SM-CL1699021

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

| FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

6

www.paversandmore.net •

Metro Creative Services

Country kids may have to travel a bit to load up their bags with Halloween candy.

Rates are Low It’s a bright idea to think about a mortgage refinance with First State Bank.

We make the process easy

TARA STEFANICH

815-431-1108

Mortgage Originator 815.433.3727 tstefanich@firststatebank.biz NMLS#688620

• EXCELLENT RATES • PERSONALIZED SERVICE • INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION • QUICK LOCAL DECISIONS

ASHLEY RZASA

Mortgage Originator 815.673.4381 arzasa@firststatebank.biz NMLS#1900504

SM-CL1702417

Metro Creative Services A warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter, the fireplace can be a great place for families to gather.

Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crack-

ling flames.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises homeowners with fireplaces to hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to clean their fireplaces. After a lengthly period of nonuse, various issues could be affecting the chimney, many of which might not be noticeable to an untrained eye. Professional, certified chimney sweeps have extensive knowledge of fireplaces, making them valuable resources who can

let homeowners know if any safety issues developed since fireplaces were last

used. The National Protection Agency recommends that chimneys be swept at

least once per year.

See FIREPLACE, page 8

Sleep More. Smile More.

SAVE MORE! Metro Creative Services

Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crackling flames.

Fall Heating Tune-up Get your furnace cleaned & checked at Grasser’s We’ll make sure your system is running effectively and efficiently.

Call for details and an appointment today, and beat the winter rush!

Queen Sets FACTORY POSTUREPEDIC Floor Model Closeouts SAVINGS Queen Sets Queen Sets Cushion Firm Pillow Top

Firm or Plush

$

SAVE UP TO

699 699 600 $

$

STREATOR 311 E. Main St. 815-673-3700

OTTAWA

2571 N. State Rt. 23 815-433-5313

MON-SAT 9-5

PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.

www.grassersplumbingheating.com 404 W. Main St., McNabb, IL

815-882-2111

SM-CL1702419

State ID No. 58-100249

Furniture, Inc

donsfurnitureinc.com

• FREE DELIVERY • FREE SET-UP • FREE REMOVAL FREE FINANCING AVAILABLE

SM-CL1702712

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

Things to consider before warming up next to your first fire this winter 7

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

| FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

8 FireplaceFrompage7 A full inspection of the chimney might be in order as well. Chimney service technicians will conduct thorough examinations of readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. The CSIA recommends that homeowners who plan to use their chimneys as they have in the past request a Level 1 inspection, which will examine the soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. Technicians also will verify if the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Homeowners also should inspect their chimney dampers before lighting their first fires of the season. Dampers should open and close smoothly. If not, a service technician can help fix or replace the damper.

Firewood is another thing homeowners must consider before lighting their first fires of the season. The CSIA says that well-seasoned firewood works best, noting that wood that is not well-seasoned will produce more smoke than heat. In addition, the home improvement resource This Old House recommends using dense wood that’s been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months. Oak is an example of dense wood that, when stored properly, can make for an enjoyable fireplace experience. Avoid softwoods like pine. Pine can produce a lot of creosote, which is a byproduct of wood combustion. Creosote is highly flammable, and as it builds up in a chimney, the risk for a chimney fire increases. Choosing the right wood, making sure it’s well-seasoned and having a chimney professionally cleaned can reduce the risk of a creosote-related chimney fire. A Level 1 inspection should determine if there are potentially dangerous levels of creosote deposits in the chimney.

Protecting wood floors from inclement weather Metro Creative Services

Metro Creative Services

Mold and mildew are problematic, but with diligence they can be kept at bay.

Preventing the growth of mold/mildew in colder months Metro Creative Services Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, but unhealthy. These fungi grow readily in damp areas and are found in the air breathed both indoors and outside. If left unaddressed, mold and mildew can threaten the health of a home’s inhabitants.

Mildew is a type of mold that remains relatively flush with the surface it grows on. Other molds can grow puffy in appearance. Molds serve the purpose of destroying organic materials, but in high amounts, these microorganisms can cause respiratory problems, sinus congestion, throat irritation, headaches, and other issues, particularly when mold grows unchecked indoors, says Better Homes and Gardens. As a result, it is essential to address mold before it becomes problematic.

According to Polygon, a drying technology and temporary climate solutions company, the wet season in winter is when molds often grow and expand. Mold can break down the integrity and strength of the surfaces where it grows.

Homeowners can employ the following strategies to prevent mold growth. u Keep all surfaces clean, using proper cleaning products. Diluted bleach solutions are highly effective at killing microscopic fungi, viruses and bacteria.

u Reduce moisture and humidity by ensuring sufficient air circulation in rooms, particularly bathrooms and kitchens. An exhaust fan will help remove moisture quickly. u Fabrics covered in mildew that can be laundered should be carefully removed and washed in chlorine bleach and hot water. An oxygen bleach product also can be effective. u Invest in a dehumidifier that can reduce moisture in the home in problem areas, such as damp basements or garages. u Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible. u Remove damp leaves and snow from areas around the foundation of the home.

Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and can shuttle water away from the house effectively. u Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements. u Make sure all seals on windows and doors are not compromised and are in good working condition. u Be sure an HVAC in-line humidifier is adjusted to the right setting and isn’t pumping too much moisture into the heated air; otherwise, the added humidity can contribute to mold. u If there is a flood or water infiltrates a home in other ways, hire a professional service to help clean and dry the home effectively.

Wood floors are a worthwhile investment that can improve the beauty and function of just about any room in a home. Even though wood floors are durable, and new protective treatments help seal out many of the things that may have damaged floors in the past, homeowners still need to prioritize protecting their hardwood floors.

Certain seasons of the year can be more harsh on wood floors than others. For example, seasons characterized by moisture and precipitation, particularly the early spring, winter and fall, can be hard on wood floors. The experts at ServiceMaster Clean say that cold, snowy days can damage wood floors, and Lumber Liquidators agrees that winter weather can be harsh on flooring.

Homeowners need not give up on hardwood if they live in an area that sees all four seasons. They just need to take a few steps to keep floors looking beautiful. u CLEAN UP THE SALT. Salt that keeps sidewalks and streets clear of snow and ice inadvertently gets tracked inside a home. Hard chunks of salt can scratch wood floors, and, if left to sit, that salt can eventually cause white marks and other stains. Routinely vacuuming and sweeping up salt is necessary to protect wood floors. u INVEST IN SHOE STORAGE. Wet or snowy boots can create puddles around the house. Have a special mat or

tray by the front door where wet shoes can be kept. A nice bench in the entryway makes it easy for residents and guests to remove their shoes until it’s time to go back outside. u USE WATER-WICKING MATS. Homeowners will probably need a few extra mats around to tame errant drips and wipe shoes. Any entrance that might be used by people or pets should be protected. Try to avoid petroleum-based, rubber-backed mats, as they could discolor the wood floor. u CONTROL HUMIDITY INDOORS. Cold, dry air in a home can be problematic because the moisture in the wood can eventually evaporate into the air. The heat will suck that moisture from the flooring, causing it to shrink, creak and splinter and become more brittle. Think about investing in an in-line humidifier for the home’s HVAC system that can keep a moderate amount of humidity in the home.

Hardwood floorboards are installed to accommodate minor temperature and humidity fluctuations.

This is typically a range of between 60 and 80 degrees with a relative humidity range of 35 to 55%, advises ServiceMaster. u USE THE RIGHT CLEANING PRODUCTS. Avoid excessive water to clean wood floors, and select soaps that are specially designed for wood flooring. Consult with the flooring manufacturer for a list of detergents that are safe to use.

Metro Creative Services

With proper care, hardwood flooring can survive rain, snow and cold weather.

Look up these local businesses for essential home improvements TREE SERVICE, INC. RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Professional Tree Removal Service Expert Tree Trimming Stump Grinding Specialist

10% OFF

Estimates

FULLY Insured

Any Service from CMJ’s Tree Service Offer Expires 10-31-19

FREE S IMATE T S E

FREE

Providing Quality Tree Services Since 2008 Professional Clean Ups After Every Job!

FULLY INSUR ED

Landscape Contractor • Free Estimates Computer Image Landscaping Authorized Unilock Contractor

No Job Too Big or Too Small!

Call Today! 815.257.2700 SM-CL1702805

cmjstreeservice.com

1000 Bernstein Streator

815-672-8135

Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5:30 • Sat. 8 to 5 • Closed Sun. www.danchrisnursery.com

Don’t let winter catch you by surprise

Let us customize energy efficient replacement windows for your home.

“HOME OF THE PROFESSIONAL” - Since 1991

Celebrating

32 YEARS

of llocal honest work 1603 Peoria Street, Peru 815-224-3371 proremodeling.org

QUALITY WORK. FAIR PRICE. GUARANTEED.

SM-CL1702460

• New Construction (commercial, residential) • Remodeling • Siding • Roofing • Windows • Doors Hardware • Bulk Landscape 1021 Fosse Road, Ottawa, IL 61350 Ph. 815-433-1434 • Fax 815-433-1692 www.goldenrulelumber.com

SM-CL1700019

SM-CL1702052

Serving Streator and the Surrounding Area

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

Handy Services Guide

9

SM-CL1702689

Handy Services Guide Look up these local businesses for essential home improvements ROLL OFF DUMPSTERS Show this ad for

10% off your FIRST SERVICE CALL not valid with any other offer

815.579.1791 • 815.579.2174

Perfect For: • Roofing • Clean Up • Remodeling • Construction

• Fast • Local • Reliable • Affordable

815-303-DUMP (3867)

starvedrockhvac@yahoo.com | www.starvedrockheatingandcooling.com 1767 Chessie Ln. | Ottawa, IL 61350

SM-CL1702280

J. ALLISON & SON • DRIVEWAYS • PARKING LOTS NEW OR REPAIRS

10% Discount for Veterans & Seniors

CALL

1417 Champlain St. Ottawa, IL 61350 service@mayouroofing.com Phone: 815-433-0823 www.dhmayou.com

Over

25 YEARS SM-CL1702704

Experience

SM-CL1702755

FREE ESTIMATES

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

| FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

10

Look up these local businesses for essential home improvements

SB &

Also Specializing in Snow Plowing & Fencing

Licensed and Insured

Owner Mark Schimek

SM-CL1702648

Call Today for a FREE Estimate 815-992-3171

We are your local fencing experts.

When it comes to choosing the right fence for your property and budget, we have the products, advice and experience to help you make the right decision.

Poly-Vinyl Western Red Cedar Aluminum Chain Link

Illinois Valley Fence & Pool, Inc. 2923 N. IL 178th Rd. • Utica • 815-667-3667

www.ivfenceandpool.com

SM-CL1703393

KITCHEN • BATH • ENTERTAINMENT • OFFICE

MaryFrances Passini Owner

The Cabinet Shoppe

116 2nd Street Standard, IL 61363 Ph. 815-339-4108 | Cell 815-481-7664 thecabinetgirl@hotmail.com

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

Handy Services Guide

11

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, September 19, 2019

| FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

12

How to level an uneven yard Metro Creative Services

Many things can cause a yard to be uneven. Drainage problems, leaky pipes beneath the grass and pests can wreak havoc on a yard, resulting in uneven turf that can be both unsightly and unsafe.

Addressing an uneven yard might be homeowners’ ultimate goal, but the home experts at BobVila.com note that homeowners should first figure out what’s causing the problem and make fixing that their first task. Fixing uneven ground above leaky pipes will only be a temporary fix if the leaks themselves are not addressed. Professional contractors might be necessary depending on what’s causing the problem. However, once the underlying issue has been addressed, many homeowners can handle the task of leveling an uneven yard on their own. u Get the right tools and materials. Leveling an uneven yard may require various tools. Thatch will likely need to be removed from the lawn before it can be leveled out, so homeowners will need a thatch rake or dethatching machine to get this task started. Dethatching machines are generally necessary for especially large lawns, and these can typically be rented from

home improvement retailers.

A shovel, bow rake and push broom are other tools homeowners will likely need. Materials such as topsoil, compost and sand will be necessary as well, and these are typically sold at local garden centers. u Fill in areas beneath the grass. Areas beneath the grass can be filled in with a mixture of sand, topsoil and compost.

The experts at BobVila.com advise using two parts sand, two parts topsoil and one part compost. Each of these components plays its own role in restoring the yard to full health. Sand helps the ground stay level, while the topsoil and compost provide the grass with valuable nutrients.

If the low spots are not especially deep, this mixture can be applied without removing the grass. However, before filling in holes when addressing spots that are deeper than two or three inches, remove the grass then place it back in place once the hole has been filled. To dig up the grass, put the blade of the shovel at the outside of the low spot before sliding it under about two or three inches so you do not upset the grass roots. u Spread the top dressing.

Once the holes have been filled and the grass has been placed back on the ground (if it was removed), spread

the top dressing mix with a shovel. The mix should be spread evenly with the back of the bow rake at a depth of no more than half an inch.

Make sure the mix is worked into the low spots and that it’s not completely covering the grass, as that will suffocate the lawn. If necessary, use the push broom to work the mix into the soil. u Water the lawn. Finally, water the lawn to help the top dressing settle into the grass.

If necessary, repeat the process of applying top dressing and watering until the lawn is even and has returned to full strength.

Metro Creative Services

An uneven lawn is an eyesore and potentially harmful. But fixing an uneven lawn is simple once homeowners discover and address what’s behind the issue.

Creating a winter-friendly outdoor space u Cover your deck. A covered deck may appear to make the space less enjoyable during spring and summer. However, covered decks can protect residents from the sun on especially hot days while also making the space more functional in winter. An overhead shelter on a deck can be outfitted with heaters (and fans to provide a cooling effect in summer) and allow residents to sit outside and watch snow fall without getting wet. u Plant the right trees.

Coniferous trees prevent wind, which can be especially harsh in winter. Homeowners who are unsure about which direction wind typically comes from can consult a landscape architect to determine where to plant the trees to ensure they’re most effective. u Fire up the patio. A firepit or fireplace can warm up an outdoor living area, making such a space warm and cozy even on a cold winter night. A patio with a built-in firepit can cost a pretty penny, but such an addition can withstand winter weather better than a standalone firepit, which might be vulnerable to being tipped over by winter winds. u Install lighting. The sun sets early in winter, so homeowners won’t be able to rely on natural light to illuminate their outdoor living spaces well into the evening like they do in summer.

Heat lamps can be used to both warm and illuminate a space, serving dual, budget-friendly functions.

SM-CL1699589

OTTAWA

321 Dayton Rd.

815-433-6061

PERU

Rental Pros

1150 38th St.

815-224-2800

Celebrating 29 Years!

FOR F OR A ALL LL Y YOUR OUR R RENTAL E NEEDS

Contractor Tools & Equipment • • • • • •

Air A ir Com Compre Compressors presso pre ssors sso rs Skidloaders Lawn Tractors Trenchers Mini Excavators Garden Tillers

•S Sewer Sewe ewerr Mach ewe M Machines achine ach ines ine s Aerators/ • Lawn L Thatchers •P Power Washers •C Cement Saws •C Cement Mixers

• • • • • •

Jackhammers Jack J ackham ack hammer ham mers mer s Lawn Rollers Post Hole Diggers Wallpaper Steamers Appliance Dollys U-Haul Rentals

Party Rentals

• Tents • Tables • Chairs • Dance Floor • Arches • Tuxedo Rentals

Machin hin • Po Popcorn Mac Machine • Snow Cone Machine • Helium Rentals • Linen Rentals • Bounceys/Obstacle Course • Prom/Tux Special

Call Ca ll ffor or iinformation nformati nf about bout our G Graduation, duatio W Wedding eddi di and nd P Party ty T Tentt Pack Packages

SM-CL1702584