Fall Home Improvement 2018

IMPROVEMENT

SEPTEMBER 2018 WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE

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D2 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D3

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D4 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

MANY AFFORDABLE WAYS TO SNUG UP HOME FOR WINTER Energy audit will help you know where to start

By Tom Cherveny tcherveny@wctrib.com MONTEVIDEO – Kevin Hein was home schooled on the subjects of home energy conservation and weatherization.

His big, four-square house “leaked

live a sieve,’’ said Hein.

He had an energy audit done on the house, and realized this was for him.

He took a series of classes in 2008 and 2009 to become certified and conduct home energy audits for others.

He’s no longer in the business.

There’s no competing with the subsidized energy audits offered by many of the public utilities serving the region, he said.

But Hein, of Montevideo, continues to recommend home energy audits as the starting point for anyone thinking about home weatherization projects.

They’re very affordable, and the testing will identify problems that many of us might otherwise overlook.

You can do much of this yourself, too, he said. Hook a powerful fan to a window and seal it and feel for air leaks throughout the house.

It’s possible to rent or purchase equipment, and even download an app on your phone, to use infrared technology to see where heat is escaping as well.

Homeowners don’t typically start thinking about weatherization until after Labor Day, but it’s never too soon, according to Hein. He recommends homeowners start by thinking about any of the tell tale signs of energy loss. Do you have icicles dangling from eavestroughs

and ice dams in the winter?

They may be the result of a structural issue. Homes built in the 1950s and earlier often have air leaks because they relied on boards, not plywood, and that equates to the likelihood of more air coming through.

But Hein said he’s also seen modern homes with hidden, structural issues of their own, which is why an energy audit or a visit by a professional can help.

Adding insulation is always a good step. A rule of thumb for the attic: “If you don’t have 12 inches of insulation I’d think about adding,” said Hein.

Most people can add insulation to the attic without professional help.

He recommends a professional when adding insulation to the walls.

Nobody likes leaky windows, said Hein. Caulking around windows and adding weather stripping to doors are easy, do-it-yourself projects sure to pay for themselves, he said. Caulking around windows can be done on the inside as well as outside of the house, said Hein.

WEATHERIZATION: D5

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Tribune file photo Kevin Hein conducts a blower test in a home in Milan in this file photo. The test helps reveal air leaks that can be sealed to stop heat loss in the winter.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D5 WEATHERIZATION: From D4 Check electric outlets and light fixtures in upstair ceilings for air leaks. Check the base trim around the flooring for air leaks as well.

All of these are sources for small air leaks. Think of these small leaks as being like dripping water, said Hein. “It doesn’t seem like a lot, but over time it really adds up.’’

He also recommends checking the rim joists in basements. They are an area of energy loss many people overlook. Adding rigid insulation and sealing it along the rim joists can go a long way toward saving energy and making a home more comfortable.

While we often equate home energy savings with weatherization, Hein reminds us that furnaces, appliances and lighting are also of major

importance when it comes to reducing energy costs. An investment in a highefficiency furnace is one of the most important things you can do, he said.

An energy-efficient refrigerator can save lots of money year around.

In summer, inefficient refrigerators are adding heat and, ironically, can increase your air conditioning costs as a result, he pointed out.

Low energy, LED lights are now very affordable and well worth adding, he said.

When it comes to weatherization, Hein said he’s hesitant to offer any blanket statement on what kind of payback to expect, or which projects should be taken on first. The devil is always in the details, he explained.

It’s why he continues to recommend an energy audit, or a walk through by a professional contractor, to help you get started.

Tom Cherveny / Tribune Check around the baseboard of your flooring to look for air leaks, advises Kevin Hein. There are many easy, low-cost weatherization projects the average homeowner can take on.

Tribune file photo Tom Cherveny / Tribune The simplest test any homeowner can do is to feel around areas of potential air leaks. Think of Kevin Hein recommends a home energy audit as the starting point for homeowners looking to these small air leaks like dripping water. “It doesn’t seem like a lot but over time it really adds weatherize their homes and reduce their heating costs. There are many, low-cost projects that up,’’ said Kevin Hein. the average homeowner can do.

D6 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

IS YOUR HEATING SYSTEM READY FOR COOL WEATHER?

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avvy homeowners know that with cool weather, comes a bit of preparation. A quick audit of your heating equipment can mean less wasted energy, a more comfortable home and lower energy bills.

Nearly half of all heating and cooling equipment in U.S. homes never performs to its advertised capacity and efficiency due to incorrect installation, according to U.S. government estimates. And if you have an older system that was built before current efficiency standards, you could be spending more than needed on heating your home.

If it’s time to replace your system, be sure to have it properly installed by an HVACR professional, certified

by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation’s largest nonprofit certification body for HVACR technicians. NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVACR industry by passing specialized certification tests.

“The NATE-certified techs who perform maintenance and repairs do a consistently great job. We never have

any concerns if the job is done right,” says Rob Kirkpatrick, a longstanding customer of Thermal Services, a Nebraska-based contractor.

Beyond having an efficient heating system properly installed, you can prepare for the season in the following ways:  Clean heating filters. Check them every couple of weeks and change them at least twice in the season, or as directed by the manufacturer.  Check and maintain insulation.

Improperly insulated walls, floors, attics, basements and crawlspaces drain away heat and can also lead to moisture imbalance. Adding weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors can also improve a home’s insulation.  Turn down the thermostat or install a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature.  Clean the furnace area. Don’t keep chemicals or cleaning products near a heater, and don’t store anything next to it that could impede ventilation.  Free all vents and returns of obstructions. Don’t lay carpet over vents, place furniture over or in front

StatePoint of them, or obstruct the flow of air.  Dry air feels cooler than moist air, so install a humidifier. A simple humidifier may make the home feel five degrees warmer than a home with dry air.  Look into geothermal heating systems which use earth’s natural heat and are among the most efficient and energy-conserving heating and cooling technologies currently available.  For optimal performance of your HVAC system, get an annual service contract which includes both heating

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and cooling maintenance. But take care to avoid poor service and scams. To find a qualified local contractor who employs certified HVACR professionals, look for the NATE logo or go to www. natex.org.

By incorporating a few energyfriendly habits into your routine and by making sure your heating system is operating optimally, this season, you can keep utility bills low while maintaining a cozy, comfortable home.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D7

WEATHERIZATION MYTHS DEBUNKED!

eatherizing your home for each season can make it more comfortable – but how to do it can be confusing. Here are four common weatherizing myths – busted! – to help get your home ready for cooler weather to come.

Myth 1: It doesn’t matter where your thermostat is placed.

Truth: Location, location, location!

You may be spending more on heating and cooling than you need to be if your thermostat is in the wrong place.

Placed in direct sunlight, you run the risk of getting false readings, as it can “think” the room is warmer than it actually feels, causing your air conditioner to turn on when it isn’t needed. Similarly, a thermostat placed near the kitchen often reads that the home is far warmer than it truly is due to the stove and oven. The best location is on an interior wall, centrally located and near areas where you spend the most time, ensuring these rooms are the most comfortable.

Myth 2: Closed curtains and blinds in cold weather prevent heat escape.

Truth: According to the Department of Energy, shades and drapes can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10 percent. However, opening curtains and blinds during the day when direct sunlight hits can also allow for a warming effect. In winter, draperies should be closed at dusk but opened at dawn.

In addition, heat escape through windows can be prevented with window insulation products such as Duck brand Roll-On Window Kits, which create a barrier between outdoor air and a home’s interior, helping block drafts and air leaks.

And, it’s also a myth that these are hard to install: A pre-taped edge makes for easy roll-on application, requiring no measuring, while fitting snuggly to indoor window frames to provide an airtight, crystal-clear seal.

Myth 3: It’s expensive to draft-proof your home.

Truth: Homeowners can actually save hundreds of dollars annually

proper weatherization early in the season. How do you do it? There are many inexpensive, do-it-yourself weatherization products that are easy on the wallet and easy to install, requiring minimal — if any — tools.

Windows and doors are the two largest draft sources in any home and should be top priorities for homeowners. Duck brand MAX Strength Silicone Weatherstrip Seals are quick to install and seal various size gaps around windows and doors that may be allowing air to escape.

Myth 4: It’s cheaper to keep your home at a constant temperature.

Truth: A common misconception is that it’s better to keep your home at a constant temperature, even when you’re not home. However, if the system runs less during the day, it uses less energy. According to Energy. gov, you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling

StatePoint by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.

Still need more help? For additional tips and information, text “Weather” to 84444 to access Duck brand’s Project Selector, an online resource

for project guides, instructional videos and more, or visit DuckBrand.com.

Don’t let common myths scare you.

Weatherizing can be an affordable, easy do-it-yourself project — especially if you plan ahead.

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D8 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

REUPHOLSTER OR REPLACE? IT’S NOT AN EASY ANSWER

By Jura Koncius The Washington Post ost people who go to Cape Cod on vacation come home with something like a shark snow globe or cranberry-scented soap.

A few years ago, I drove back from the beach with a yellow club chair wedged into the back of my station wagon. The chair had caught my eye on a visit to a favorite church thrift shop in Dennis Port. Priced at $35, it had the perfectly petite dimensions (32 inches high and 29 inches wide) to fit into the compact guest room of my 1937 brick Colonial. It’s hard to date the chair, but I would guess 1940s to 1960s.

I was always planning to reupholster or slipcover it, but I put off the project until the arms of the chair were threadbare and the bottom cushion flat as a pancake. Not a very nice way to welcome a house guest.

My husband and I assumed the chair’s perfect dimensions made it worth putting money into saving it. But after doing a little investigating, we weren’t so sure. Labor estimates from several upholstery shops were about $500 to reupholster and a bit less to slipcover. We would need eight to 10 yards of fabric, which even at $20 a yard would be about $200, and there would probably be additional charges such as wrapping the seat cushion to plump it up.

With tax and extras, our little chair’s makeover probably would cost $800 or $900. That’s a lot of money for a place to sit while pulling on your socks. We began to wonder whether we would be better off buying a new chair, although we cringed at the wastefulness of sending this one to the dump.

I checked in with some experts in the design field to ask their opinions, and to get their go-to choices for small

M

John Bessler The designers at Madcap Cottage, Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke, love reupholstering and slipcovering vintage furniture and did so to most of the pieces in their living room in High Point, N.C. bedroom chairs should we choose to replace ours. Their suggestions for replacements ranged from the $399 Stocksund chair at Ikea – about half the price of reupholstering – to Ballard Design’s Olivia chair, too pricey at $1,444 in the fabric I’d prefer.

There were also lots of differing opinions on our situation in general.

Washington designer Sally Steponkus is a big fan of reupholstering. “If it’s a good brand or very sturdy and fits the space perfectly, or it means something to the owners, I will reupholster it. The old ones have more soul,” Steponkus says. She finds a good upholsterer can breathe new life into an old chair with good tailoring and extra padding. “Lots of vintage chairs you find at estate sales have very interesting shapes you don’t find in a lot of the new stuff today.”

She says fabric can be expensive, but consumers can find reasonably priced

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textiles at designer outlets and on Etsy. Slipcovers? She’s not a fan. “The furniture then looks really messy,” she says.

Susan Pilchard of Pilchard Designs, a Washington drapery and upholstery workroom, says upholstery can be worth it for a favorite piece. Finely tailored slipcovers made “so they fit perfectly like a custom-made dress” are extremely pricey, she says, but look very elegant.

E.C. Robinson, who runs a thirdgeneration-owned upholstery business in Alexandria, Virginia, will quote you on labor and material charges if you email him photos and dimensions of your piece. But he cautions it’s a ballpark estimate until he takes off the old fabric and gets a look inside. “A lot of times the frame is loose from all the sitting and moving in and out of it for years. It may need frame work,

spring work or re-webbing. You may need new foam,” Robinson says. So don’t be surprised if the project is more expensive. “It’s not done by machine; reupholstering is all done by hand,” he says.

The expense of reupholstering usually discourages design blogger Emily A. Clark. “In general, for my decorating purposes, I stay away from investing too much in reupholstering – unless it’s a really unique piece,” Clark says. She does find slipcovering a viable option, especially for families with young kids, which is her situation.

She calls it “the Ikea Ektorp slipcovered sofa season of life.”

Jason Oliver Nixon, co-owner of design firm Madcap Cottage, is a fan of saving old furniture through reupholstering and slipcovering. He points out that today, everything is over-scaled to fit larger homes, while vintage pieces are often more compact to fit smaller homes from decades past. But it’s all about finding the right upholsterer. “It’s like having a really good cobbler, seamstress or tailor on your speed dial,” Nixon says.

Nixon and his partner, John Loecke, developed a line of more petite furniture for Stein Mart because they noticed too many “hulking, oversized options out there,” Nixon says.

My husband and I are now leaning toward buying new, if we can find a chair in an appropriate size and fabric for about the same cost as the reupholstering. We’ll be watching the fall upholstery sales.

As for my cute little yellow chair, it will be donated to a charity or offered on Freecycle. Our wish is that it will be adopted by a new family who might toss a colorful suzani or an antique quilt on it and turn it from shabby to boho chic.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D9

DECLUTTERING INSIGHTS FOR MAKING A MOVE oving can be emotional and the ways you manage it – including M the downsizing of your possessions

– may be influenced by your age, suggests a new study.

“From heirlooms to kitchen gadgets, moving is one of the few times in life when you’re forced to consider all your possessions and decide what goes and what stays,” says Pat Baehler, senior vice president, Mayflower Moving. “It can be a journey of ups and downs, from feeling brief guilt over purging gifts or older furniture, to pure joy in remembering the story behind a family heirloom and thinking of the memories you’ll soon make in your new home.”

Baby boomers (64 percent) and Generation Xers (60 percent) are more likely than millennials (53 percent) to put an heirloom in a safe place to pass along, according to the 2018 Mayflower Mover Insights Study, which explored different generations’ relationships with their belongings.

However, millennials (17 percent) are more likely than Generation Xers (12 percent) and baby boomers (10 percent) to refurbish or repurpose an heirloom into something new.

The survey, conducted by Mayflower, which moves approximately 50,000 families annually, also explored how Americans feel about decluttering and purging unused items: 80 percent of survey respondents agree that clutter stresses them out, and half declutter their living space to feel more relaxed.

While such emotional stressors are often unavoidable during a move, the following tips from the experts at Mayflower can help you ease the logistical and financial burdens.  Most people want to move on a Thursday or Friday, so if you can move earlier in the week there will likely be more availability. Likewise, it’s best to move in the early or middle part of the month, as well as to avoid summer — the busiest time for most moving companies.  Prevent mishaps. Consider letting professionals pack breakable items.  Help offset relocation costs by looking into programs such as CityPointe, provided by Mayflower, offering cash back on the sale and purchase price of your home.  Of the millions of Americans that move annually, fraud occurs in

SolisImages/stock.Adobe.com as many as 3,000 cases. Don’t get scammed. Ask for a moving quote from three companies and don’t be hooked by the lowest price.

If one estimate is much lower than the others, it could be a red-flag that the company isn’t legitimate.

Generally, reputable moving companies will not require a deposit, so don’t pay up-front.  Reduce energy spent packing and unpacking. While 57 percent of survey respondents say they’ll purge everything they don’t need before moving, only 44 percent have actually

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done this in the past. Luckily, there are both new and lucrative channels for doing so: 47 percent of Americans say they use some kind of online service, social site or app to help them declutter, 26 percent are considering selling unused items through a resale or consignment shop and 35 percent are considering selling unused items online, according to the Mayflower survey.

Whether you’re a minimalist or a pack rat, smart strategies can mean a low-stress move.

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D10 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR ENTRY DOOR? WHAT TO KNOW... s it time to replace your home’s entry door? If your foyer is drafty, the answer is yes. Particularly with winter around the corner. Not only will a new door boost exterior appeal, it will prepare interiors for a temperature dip, making your home more comfortable, while saving you money on utility bills.

So, what should you be looking for in a door?  A tailored fit. Nothing feels quite as good as well-tailored clothing created specifically to your size, shape and style preference. Off-the-rack clothing just doesn’t fit everyone’s measurements.

Similarly, off-the-rack doors fall short of expectations in the same way.

The materials and workmanship that go into custom-made doors are of exceptional quality and durability, and far exceed what is available as readymade. Unlike consumer-grade doors, which are cut down to fit your need, professional-class doors are built to your exact measurements for a more secure and energy efficient door.  Energy efficiency. Look for ENERGY STAR certified doors, which have been independently tested and certified to meet strict energy-efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

While a new door does come with a price tag, it’s important to keep in mind that the right choice can help you lower your utility bills and ultimately present a return on your investment.  Quality materials. While wood

doors offer a beautiful classic look, they require regular maintenance and lack the endurance, security and energy efficiency of fiberglass or steel.

Consider opting for quality materials that will last a long time but not force you to sacrifice the look you want.

For example, the low-maintenance fiberglass options offered by door system manufacturer ProVia include the Signet and Heritage collections and provide the classic look of real woodgrain, but are engineered to be highly energy efficient.

The Legacy steel collection provides durability and energy efficiency, whether you opt for a woodgrain texture or smooth steel look, and is a good choice if security is your top priority.  The right style. When selecting a style and color, take into consideration the current architectural elements of your home. Use online tools that allow you to upload an image of your home’s exterior and play with various combinations to determine the right fit.

Keep in mind that an entry door can either be a place to maintain the overall mood of your home’s exterior or a way to add a pop of color.

For more tips and resources, visit provia.com.

This fall, set yourself up for a comfortable winter. Upgrade your entry door for substantial energy savings and a more secure home.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D11

TO FRESHEN UP A KITCHEN, REFINISH THE CABINETS W

By Daniel Bortz Special to The Washington Post

ant to give your kitchen a facelift without draining your wallet?

Consider painting the cabinets.

Wood cabinet refinishing entails removing the existing paint, sanding the surface (depending on the type of paint you are using) and applying new paint to the bare wood.

This cosmetic project revives cabinets that have become scratched, faded or discolored, and breathes new life into an old kitchen.

“Refinishing cabinets is a fantastic, cost-effective way to transform the look and feel of a kitchen,” says Dan DiClerico, home expert at HomeAdvisor, a remodeling project resource.

It’s also a fraction of the cost of doing a full kitchen remodel, which runs, on average, $22,632, according to HomeAdvisor.

Even replacing old kitchen cabinets with new cabinets starts at about $4,000 for a typical 10-by-12-foot kitchen, according to HouseLogic, an online resource for homeowners.

HomeAdvisor says the average cost to repaint kitchen cabinets is about $1,000 - if you hire a professional.

If you do it yourself, your base cost would be $200 to $600, depending on the brand of paint and the supplies you have to buy, according to the Kitchn, a kitchen design and renovation website. You might already own some of the supplies you’ll need.

Though cabinet refinishing isn’t as large of an undertaking as a full kitchen remodel, it’s still a big project that takes time, patience and elbow grease.

Before diving into step-by-step instructions, let’s look at how to choose the right paint.

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A quick primer on paint There are six main types of interior paint: matte, matte enamel, eggshell, satin, gloss and semigloss. DiClerico finds that either a semigloss or satin paint is best for cabinet refinishing.

He says semigloss is the most durable and stain-resistant, and it won’t lose its luster if you scrub it with a sponge.

Want a more modern look? “The trend in kitchens these days is for a softer matte look, including on countertops and floors, as opposed to the high polish that was popular a decade ago,” DiClerico says.

There are also a number of specialty paints that can be used on cabinets.

Chalkboard paint, for example, “could be a fun option, converting a cabinet or pantry door into a message center,” DiClerico says. Chalk paint (not the same as chalkboard paint) is a good option if you want to avoid sanding first - but it can require multiple coats and still appear uneven in places, according to designer and artist Jeanne Oliver.

If you’re going for an antique look, consider another specialty option: milk paint. Its organic formula, which includes milk and color pigments, is a nontoxic option that delivers an old-fashioned, translucent finish, DiClerico says, but “specialty paints won’t give you anywhere near the protection of a traditional highperforming latex paint.”

Whichever paint finish you choose, choose a high-quality product.

“There are plenty of fine options in the $25-per-gallon range,” he says.

“Stay away from the $10-per-gallon economy stuff. You’ll end up needing multiple coats so it might not save you much in the long run, plus it won’t stand up to the demands of a busy kitchen.”

If you have doubts about which

Pixaby paint to select, ask for help at your local paint store.

A step-by-step guide First, remove all food and kitchen items from your cabinets and drawers.

Then label all doors and drawers with their respective location so you can reinstall them correctly. Put labels on the inside of doors and drawers so they don’t interfere with the refinishing process, DiClerico says.

Remove the drawers, doors, knobs and other hardware with a screwdriver. (A little WD-40 can help you remove rusted hinges.) Store the items in a plastic bag if you’re going to reuse them. If you plan on installing new hardware in a different style, fill the existing hardware holes with wood putty. This gives you a clean surface to drill in the new

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Next, clean layers of grease and dirt off the cabinets using a wood cleaner, trisodium phosphate or mineral spirits. “If you don’t clean them, the new paint finish isn’t going to go on properly,” DiClerico says.

Afterward, sand the wood using a medium-grit (60 to 100 grit) sandpaper either manually or using an electric sander, concentrating on rough areas where the existing paint or varnish has bubbled or peeled.

Then lightly sand the entire cabinet surface in the direction of the wood grain. “You don’t want to be gouging the wood with a heavy hand,” DiClerico says. “You’re doing a light sanding to knock the shine off the existing finish so that your new

FRESHEN UP: D12

D12 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

3 UNEXPECTED UPGRADES TO ADD BEAUTY AND COMFORT TO YOUR HOME

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hile a simple home upgrade once meant a new area rug or fresh coat of paint, these days, there are new and unexpected ways to update your space in order to add beauty and comfort to your home.  Think Smart: New technology can add unexpected convenience and luxury to your everyday life. Virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit, can help

make your space cozy, comfortable and secure, giving you the ability to control light bulbs, door locks, blinds, music and more with voice commands.

Companion apps also allow you to control home elements through your phone from anywhere.

Particular about your shower? Create the perfect experience every day by programming temperature and water

FRESHEN UP: From D11

peeling later on,” DiClerico says. “If you can do this work outside, things will dry more quickly, and you’ll have better ventilation.”

After the primer is applied, it’s time to paint the cabinets. DiClerico recommends applying two coats of paint using a high-quality paint brush, which will be able to reach any crevices in the door detail. (If you’re working with flat-fronted cabinets, a

paint can be absorbed into the wood.”

After sanding, clear the cabinet surfaces of dust with a damp rag and let them dry. When dry, apply a coat of primer. A paint roller will make quick work. “Primer not only helps bond the paint to the cabinets but also improves their durability and decreases the chances of bubbling and

THREE UPGRADES: D13

Diana Elizabeth Blog for Hunter Fan Company roller will do the trick.) For an even finish, “it’s a good idea to do a light sanding between coats with a fine-grit sandpaper, say 220-grit,” he says.

After painting, let the cabinets dry.

“It might take a full day to let them dry depending on the humidity,” DiClerico says, and it will take the paint at least a week - and up to a month in some cases - to fully cure.

Most people don’t want to live that

long with an unfinished kitchen, but if you can wait a couple days before reattaching the doors and hardware, that will help protect the finish. If not, treat them gently for the first week or so, opening and closing softly, and avoid cleaning the painted surfaces with a sponge or cloth.

Then step back and bask in the glory of your newly refinished kitchen.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D13

HOW TO CUT YEARS OFF THE MORTGAGE OF YOUR HOME, SWEET, HOME W

THREE UPGRADES: From D12 flow settings to your liking.

Enjoying family movie night and don’t want to get off the couch? With a WiFi-enabled SIMPLEconnect smart fan from Hunter Fan Company, for example, you can turn the light and breeze on and off the back end of the mortgage.“We talk to our customers about their complete financial picture, from their loans to savings to retirement. We know that most people want to retire in a financially sound position, and typically their biggest debt is a mortgage,” says Titsworth.

“Consider meeting with a financial advisor who can take a look at your complete picture and calculate the benefits of paying off your with simple voice commands.  Living gallery wall: Add vitality and beauty to your space with a living gallery wall, whereby plant life becomes a work of art. Known as a vertical garden, there are many ways to go about it, whether it’s affixing planters in a pattern to your wall or hanging a flat panel of succulents and

baranq / stock.Adobe.com and apply it to the principal of your mortgage. It’s simple to do on a yearly basis, plus you are not parting with a large portion of your regular paycheck to fund that extra payment,” she says.

Another strategy is to add a little extra to each month’s mortgage payment and apply to the principal. moss and bordering it with a picture frame. This will create a lively visual and a healthy one at that – adding oxygen to the rooms of your home, or even nutrition, should you choose to plant herbs.  Add a breeze: Whether you live in an old house where central air is non-existent or you just want to add some ventilation to your space with a low-key upgrade, there’s no need to call in an HVAC team. Adding a ceiling fan to the landing of your staircase, for example, can help pull and circulate cool air into the upstairs space. Or, consider transforming the traditionally neglected laundry room into a space that’s comfortable for getting chores done. The addition of a ceiling fan can create a breeze and alleviate the heat created by the dryer.

Low-profile versions are a good fit for the small square footage of a laundry room.

Thinking outside the box when updating your space can go a long way toward adding beauty and comfort to your home.

StatePoint

That way it doesn’t hurt quite so much.

As an example, with $200,000 borrowed at a 4.5 percent fixed rate, making one extra payment of $1,013 annually can take 4.25 years off the loan and save more than $2,500 in interest. Double that extra payment and you could shorten the term by

seven and a half years and save more than $9,600 in interest.

In the early years of a 30-year mortgage, the bulk of the payment goes toward interest and the interest is calculated on the outstanding principal balance, so every extra dollar that you can put toward that balance is going to take cost off the back end of the mortgage.

“We talk to our customers about their complete financial picture, from their loans to savings to retirement.

We know that most people want to retire in a financially sound position, and typically their biggest debt is a mortgage,” says Titsworth. “Consider meeting with a financial advisor who can take a look at your complete picture and calculate the benefits of paying off your mortgage faster while also managing your long-term goals.”

More tips and resources can be found at www.pnc.com.

With a comprehensive approach, you can make paying for your home a little sweeter.

StatePoint

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Deanna Savoie

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hether you’ve just moved into your dream home and are experiencing the elation of making it your own or you are a few years into paying off your mortgage, if you are like most homebuyers, chances are you have the standard 30-year mortgage and may feel daunted as you anticipate decades of payments.

What if there were a simple way to cut years off that mortgage and potentially save yourself thousands of dollars in interest? By making just one extra payment a year to your mortgage or by spreading that one payment over 12 months, you can do just that, say experts.

“If you have a nest egg and are in a good place financially, put a little extra money to work to cut the mortgage term and add equity faster, suggests PNC Bank’s Staci Titsworth, a regional manager for mortgages.

Titsworth offers strategies to help make the extra payments easier to handle.

“A good rule of thumb is to take a tax refund or year-end bonus

D14 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

StatePoint

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST CEILING FAN

I

f you have a “less is more” outlook on home decorating purchasing decisions, you probably want your lighting fixtures to not only be functional, but also fashionable elements that complement other accessories and contribute to your overall interior design.

When it comes to ceiling fans, experts say that by shopping around, you can find a highly functional fixture that can even serve as the focal point of a room.

“Today’s ceiling fans incorporate beautiful features, such as hand carved blades, sleek finishes and natural elements — to appeal to a variety of different design trends,” says Steve Register, ceiling fan product manager for Progress Lighting.

So how do you select the best one for your space?

Choose your features  Versatile functionality. Do you want to use your ceiling fan yearround? Simply select a fan with

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reversible blades for the option to circulate cool air in summer or warm air in winter.  Efficiency. To save energy and green your home, consider an ENERGY STAR rated fixture.  Lighting. To get in on today’s lighting trends, go for a layered lighting design in your space by installing a light kit or selecting a fan with a pre-installed fixture.  Control. Some fans feature full-range dimming and fullfunction remote control capabilities, to offer added convenience in controlling a room’s environment.

Size it to your space Size is really important when selecting a ceiling fan. If a fan is too large, it can overwhelm the space.

On the flip side, if the fan is too small, the airflow may be inadequate.

The American Lighting Association suggests the following fan sizes compared to square footage:  Up to 75 square-feet — 36 inches or less

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 75-144 square-feet — 36 to 42 inches  144-225 square-feet — 44 to 40 inches  225-400 sq. ft — 50 to 54 inches Find your style Once you’ve identified the size and application of your fan, it’s time for the fun part — choosing a style that complements your style. Consider fan

shape, blade features and finish to help you meet the room’s design needs. You can view Progress Lighting’s ceiling fan offerings, which include Coastal, Transitional, Traditional and Farmhouse styles, at progresslighting.com.

For a simple home upgrade that goes a long way, consider a ceiling fan with all the features you’ll want and need for year-round comfort and beauty.

StatePoint

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D15

5 WAYS TO SET UP THE ULTIMATE WORKSTATION FOR KIDS

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his school year, you can help set up your kids for success. It’s all about having the perfect study zone at home. Here are five cool ideas for creating a workspace for kids that will promote great study habits and inspire learning.

1. Find the right real estate.

Every child learns differently. So, depending on the person doing the studying, the perfect space could be a quiet, bright corner of the house away from the hustle and bustle, or it could be in the midst of family life and activity. Experiment with each set up, periodically checking in with your child to see what’s working and what’s not.

2. Upgrade visual learning. Is your child a visual learner? Upgrade study time in any sized space with a short throw projector that automatically adapts the projection brightness to the lighting conditions in the room. One option that allows you

to control the projector wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet is the Casio Ultra Short Throw LampFree Projector XJ-UT351WN which features a mercury-free laser and LED hybrid light source, making it an eco-friendly and safe option for young students.

3. Embrace the principles of natural wellness. It is said that certain essential oils can promote focus and improve concentration. These can be diffused, rolled, or simply inhaled to give students a boost when it comes time to cram for an exam.

4. Make time for music. Studies have found that music can help improve memory. And making music can be an effective stress reliever in the face of school-induced stress.

Consider outfitting your child’s study area with an affordable, lightweight instrument like a Casio CT-X Keyboard, which features an extensive library of 600 tones and

leszekglasner/stock.Adobe.com 195 rhythms, supporting diverse musical genres. Whether it’s a 20-minute study break, or a jam session once homework is completed, make it possible for musical creativity to come to life.

5. Incorporate educational tech.

Education tech tools can help synthesize classroom concepts.

Be sure your child’s workspace incorporates new tech like ClassPad.

net, a web-based mathematics resource for K-12 and beyond, which students can use to draw geometry figures freehand and input calculations as they would on real scratch paper. Great for study buddies, the tool allows for simultaneous work with calculation, graphing, geometry and data analysis/statistics.

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D16 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

UPGRADE YOUR KITCHEN TO COOK LIKE A PROFESSIONAL CHEF

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f course, cooking like a chef at home requires talent and practice. But there’s no doubt about it – having the right culinary tools, appliances and prep space is essential, too.

To upgrade your kitchen so that you can cook like a chef, consider the following:

Prep like a pro Save time and energy and get a cleaner cut by maintaining your knives. Properly clean, dry and store knives directly after use and regularly sharpen them. Whether that’s on a magnetic strip on the wall or an in-drawer organizer, the best options will allow you to see all your knives at once so you can reach for the correct one. Precision slicing?

You may also wish to invest in a mandoline.

Bake a lot? Consider ditching the measuring cups by using a digital

UPGRADE: D17

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ADD SOME ‘WOW’ TO YOUR WALK IN THE DOOR

By Megan McDonough The Washington Post Your entryway is the gateway to the rest of your home. It is the one space you (and guests) are guaranteed to see and has the important job of storing the essentials that help make your day run smoothly (keys, jackets, bags, etc.).

When designing the high-traffic area, first “define your functional need,” says California interior stylist and photographer Anita Yokota.

Then find items that are proportional to the space and match your existing style. “You want your entryway to be the first aesthetic signal for the rest of the home,” Yokota advises. “Observe what style, color or tonal theme exists around it,” and then incorporate “smaller accents and plants [to] layer the finished look.”

Still stumped on where to start?

Here are decor suggestions from Yokota to help elevate your entryway style.  “The console table lays the foundation for the look of your entryway. Whether it’s modern or eclectic, finding the right structure is integral to a successful design. I love utilizing glass shelving because it looks ethereal. Adding books, bowls and baskets to hide clutter will up the functional factor and create a cohesive look.”  “Entryways are often in a dark hallway or small space, so hanging a large round mirror doubles your space

UPGRADE: From D16 scale instead. You’ll get faster, more accurate results. And the bonus of less to clean-up.

Cook like a pro When it comes to ensuring that there are no limits to what you can do in the kitchen, it’s all about having top-notch appliances. Check out the Pro Series Collection of free-standing ranges from ILVE. Known for their

instantly. It’s also handy for you to take a couple seconds to freshen up right before you head out the door.”  “Adding a beautifully designed lamp provides functionality and classic style. You can add two for symmetry if you have room. If you are adding one lamp, make sure the other side is balanced with a vase and greenery or artwork.”  “Lovely plants in a rustic basket always win. These are a must-have in almost all of my entryway decor designs. Not only do plants breathe life into the space but the neutral greenery accents visually uplift any corner of your home.”  “A colorful kilim rug, full of patterns and textures, will keep your entryway playful and happy. If you love keeping your decor neutral but are itching to add some color in your home without commitment, rugs are the way to go. I am currently obsessed with blush muted tones in rugs.”

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D17

Rejuvenation; World Market 5-by-8-foot Skyline flatweave rug (rejuvenation.com), left. 5-by-8-foot Boho Kilim Nagar indoor/outdoor rug (worldmarket.com).

Circa Lighting; Schoolhouse Electric Co. Serena & Lily; World Market Michelena table lamp (circalighting.com), Tall tassel basket (serenaandlily.com), left. Large natural rattan open weave iris basket left. Bond lamp in opal with a blue shade (worldmarket.co ). (schoolhouse.com).

handcrafted Italian appliances, the new series offers chef-quality features such as a removable griddle, high BTU brass burners and a built-in warm drawer to keep cooked food at an ideal temperature for serving. Available in a 36-inch single or unique double oven configuration as well as 40-inch and 48-inch sizes with double ovens, the electric ovens feature multi-function cooking options and included rotisserie accessory. The Pro Series is equipped with features that

professional chefs dream of at a price point that the home culinarian can afford. Offered in stainless steel and matte graphite colors, you can get a professional-style cooking experience while maintaining the sleek design of your kitchen.

Move like a pro Do an audit of your current cooking habits, bearing in mind the layout of your kitchen and the organization of go-to ingredients. Are you expending

time and energy walking all the way around the kitchen island just to get to the fridge? Are you spending too much time poking around for a particular spice or oil? The optimal flow in your kitchen space will allow for more intuitive food preparation and help you stay light on your feet.

Want to cook like a professional?

Update your kitchen accordingly. A few upgrades can help you become a better chef.

StatePoint

D18 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR FAVORITE JEWELRY (AND GET RID OF THE REST)

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By Nicole Anzia Special to The Washington Post

jewelry gives you maximum flexibility to move things around.

Jewelry boxes range from large and elaborate to small and basic, but all have limited storage capability.

Other options include open-tiered stands and “trees,” designed specifically for necklaces, bracelets, watches and rings. It’s fun to add a little personality and color by using special dishes or even a tiered dessert stand.

If jewelry is your passion and you need things to be stored away but easily accessed, you may consider an actual piece of furniture. Jewelry armoires are available in a variety of sizes and finishes, and have the benefit of not actually looking like storage.

hen it comes to storing jewelry, there is no shortage of organizing options. In fact, the choices can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, the best choice is usually determined simply by what kind of space is available.

But before you run out and buy hooks, trays, dishes or boxes, take an inventory of your collection.

Pair earrings, untangle necklaces, make sure watches have batteries and set aside pieces you no longer wear.

Once you know what you have, you can consider which storage options make the most sense. As a general note, all jewelry is best kept away from extreme heat and bright light, in a relatively dry space with a consistent temperature.

Drawers If you have extra drawer space, try drawer inserts. The key is compartmentalization to prevent things from getting jumbled or lost.

In smaller drawers, you can stack padded jewelry trays. In larger drawers, you can customize storage with different types and sizes of trays, or an expandable tray. There are inserts made specifically for rings, earrings and necklaces, so you want to know how many of each you’ll need.

Using drawers to store jewelry has the dual benefit of allowing you to see everything when you pull it open, but also of having things out of sight, so surfaces feel less cluttered.

If you want to get creative, substitute ice cube trays for standard jewelry trays. You can also use items as fancy as antique teacups and as basic as colored or decorative gift boxes inside drawers to separate rings, earrings and bracelets.

Silver pieces are best kept in antitarnish bags or in closed boxes to limit air exposure.

Walls There are ample other ways to organize and store jewelry to go with your decor using empty wall space.

One inexpensive and trendy option is hanging necklaces and bracelets on a pegboard, which allows maximum flexibility for rearranging pieces or adding new ones. Or try a decorative

Pottery Barn Show off your earrings and necklaces, even when you’re not wearing them, with a space-saving, wall-mounted hanger. Shown, Pottery Barn’s pine and iron wall-mounted jewelry hanger, $99. bulletin board, with pins called T-pins to hold up the jewelry.

You can buy a pre-made, wallmounted hanger option. Open jewelry hangers are lightweight and easy to attach the wall. They’re easy to take with you when you move, and come in a variety of finishes and sizes. If you would rather enclose your collection, consider a wall-mounted cabinet.

Jewelry cabinets, or armoires, are available in basic designs; others are outfitted with mirrors, LED lights, locks and even specialty fabrics to prevent tarnishing. They are heavier, however, and require more work to install. They’re also more difficult to move if you redecorate or relocate.

If those options seem too elaborate, hooks designed to hold keys, ties and belts also work, as do adhesive hooks, which can be stuck anywhere and won’t cause damage when removed.

These inexpensive hooks are also available in different colors, finishes and sizes.

Surface storage Using surface space to store

Getting rid of jewelry Understandably, jewelry is difficult for people to part with, as there’s often a special memory attached or it is valuable.

If you can’t part with particular pieces but know you’ll never wear them, at least store them in a

different space from your everyday jewelry.

Donate pieces you no longer want.

Many charities, including Goodwill, the Salvation Army and Support our Troops, accept fine jewelry donations.

If you’re looking to unload costume jewelry, look into organizations such as Dress for Success, Suited for Change and I Have Wings.

Selling old jewelry requires substantial time and effort, including getting your items appraised. You must decide if you want to sell online or at a local store, which will require comparison-shopping and research.

If you’re looking to part with diamonds, an engagement ring or an expensive watch, an online auction marketplace called Worthy provides an easy-to-use platform that reaches a wide audience of potential buyers.

Worthy partners with the Gemological Institute of America to grade and authenticate pieces to sell and the works with sellers to guide them through the auction process.

Anzia is a freelance writer and owner of Neatnik. She can be reached at nicole@neatnik.org.

Lisa Groff

320-262-5219 New London NMLS # 580204

Jeremy Schmidt 320-214-3011 Willmar NMLS# 569279

Tracy Lundy

320-214-3025 Willmar NMLS # 522440

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D19

HOW TO DEAL WITH BOARDS THAT BUCKLE ON A WOODEN PORCH WHEN IT RAINS We live in a rowhouse. Every Q :time it rains, our porch floor

grows a hump. The rest of the porch is in good condition. I tried using primer to seal the ends of the boards, to no avail. Any suggestions? : Traditional porch flooring is made of boards that have a groove on one long edge and an oppositely shaped tongue on the other long edge, allowing the boards to interlock. The design is an ingenious solution to one of the immutable properties of solid wood: Even if boards are kiln-dried, the wood fibers will always shrink or swell, mostly in width, as moisture changes. If the wood becomes drier than it was when the porch was installed, the boards will shrink, but the tongues are still in the grooves, so you don’t see openings in the floor.

And when the boards swell, the gaps between boards just close up a bit — assuming there are small gaps to accommodate this.

In your case, three boards are buckling upward as a way to accommodate their added width.

The tongue-and-groove edges are still holding them together, though,

A

almost as if they are tambours rounding a bend in the curve of a roll-top desk. Several things could be contributing to why these specific boards are buckling while others on your porch stay flat.

The boards might be flat-sawn, meaning they were made from pieces sliced from a log in a way that shows the annual growth rings in the tree before it was cut. If you were to view the end grain of flat-sawn pieces, you’d see lines resembling smiles or frowns, depending on the orientation.

Flat-grain boards expand more across their width than boards cut so that the growth rings are mostly up and down.

Or there might be a moisture problem, such as a leaky gutter downspout or a faucet with a hose connection that sprays water. It’s also possible there was a past leak that caused the nails holding the buckling boards to rust, making them the weak links that lift when surrounding boards swell.

Although your porch appears to be nicely painted, at least some boards might not be painted or at least coated with primer on all six sides — top and bottom, both edges and ends.

Primer and topcoat paint help wood shed liquid water, such as rain and any condensation that forms on the underside of porch boards.

So, how to fix the problem?

One solution would be to pull up all the boards, ensure they are painted on all six sides, and reinstall them when humidity is high so you know the boards are at their maximum width.

But that’s a lot of work, and you risk splitting the wood when you pull it up. Given that most of the porch is fine, a more practical option is to give these three boards a safe way to expand without lifting up.

Note that there is just a single board between the nearby brick pillar and the three boards that are lifting. Try creating a gap between that board and the brick with an oscillating tool fitted with a saw blade. The Fein MultiMaster pioneered this category of tool almost 50 years ago, and the German manufacturer has continued to improve it. It’s great, but pricey – $199 for the tool, sanding pads

and one blade at Home Depot. If you don’t expect to use this tool for other projects, you might want a lowercost model from another brand. The Genesis Multi-Purpose Oscillating Tool, for example, is $36.79 at Home Depot. Use a saw blade that is rectangular or slightly triangular, not circular, and has a cutting edge about 1½ to two inches long.

An oscillating tool is easy and fairly safe to use, but practice on a scrap first. Then cut along the board where it meets the brick, until you have a half inch or so wide gap. If the boards still lift the next time it rains, try making the gap a little wider.

To help secure the boards so they don’t lift, nail through them into the joists (the framing under the floor).

Use galvanized-finish nails, which have small heads. Use a nail set with a hammer to pound the heads about one-eighth inch deep into the wood.

Then plug the spaces over the nail heads with wood filler and paint over that to hide the nails.

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By Jeanne Huber Special to The Washington Post

D20 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT A RUSTY LAWN MOWER

By Jeanne Huber Special to The Washington Post : I have a beloved lawn mower starts every time on one pull! But it has a rust hole on the body. Is there any way to repair this? : If you ask a company that repairs lawn equipment, you’ll probably be told that you’d be better off buying a new mower.

The rust you’re seeing was undoubtedly caused by buildup of wet grass clippings against the back of the mower deck, the part that supports the motor and shields the spinning blades. The damage you see is probably just the start of a more widespread problem. Tip the mower and inspect the underside of the deck. If the rust is indeed widespread, it might not be worth trying to patch the area where the rust has completely eaten through, because the surrounding metal will probably succumb soon, too. Plus, there could be a safety issue if you try to mow with a machine that has little solid metal to support the motor and shield the blades.

“If you start to see holes, it’s generally rusting from the underside,” said a service technician at Virginia Outdoor Power Equipment in Fairfax, Virginia (vopec.com). “It’s time to retire the mower and move on to a new unit.”

A technician at Vienna Lawnmower Sales & Service (viennalawnmower. com) was just as discouraging. “They call rust a cancer for a reason,” he said.

“Once it starts and you get a hole, it’s pretty much the end of the line for it.”

Mower-repair companies can order a replacement deck, but by the time you pay for labor, the cost could be 75 percent or more of what a new mower would cost. The technician at Virginia Outdoor Power Equipment said a new deck for a Honda mower such as yours would probably cost around $250. Lessexpensive mower decks are listed on various websites, but you’d need a way to install them.

These concerns aside, because the mower has been working fine, there are ways to patch the holes. Simplest and cheapest, though not the most elegant, is to cover the damaged area with duct tape. Clean and dry the surface first, and use a heavy-duty type, such as Gorilla Heavy-Duty Duct Tape ($4.97 for a 12-yard roll at Home Depot). Niki Popken, a consumer affairs specialist for Gorilla Glue in Cincinnati, suggested wire-brushing the damaged area first to get down to shiny metal where the paint is gone. Otherwise, she said, the tape will bond to the rust, which is prone to flaking. Apply a couple of layers of tape, with each new layer extending out a little farther than the one underneath. Multiple layers will be

Q

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MetroCreative

it in place while the epoxy cures, you could secure the patch with pop rivets - a way to fasten two sheets of metal together when you only can access the front surface. You will need a rivet gun, a hand-operated contraption that looks a bit like a wrench, and a few rivets; the Tekton Rivet Gun with 40 rivets is $13.51 at Home Depot. You will also need a drill with a bit matched to the shank diameter of the rivets.

Or, for the tidiest patch, apply multiple layers of fiberglass cloth with

epoxy resin. Wearing rubber gloves, hold an oversize patch of cloth in place and brush on the resin. Press with the brush to form the mesh to the curve of the mower deck. Build up the patch with multiple layers. An eight-squarefoot package of Bondo Fiberglass Cloth costs $6.97, and a quart of Bondo Fiberglass Resin is $14.97 at Home Depot.

Once dry, the patch can be painted red if you want, so the neighbors won’t notice your handiwork.

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stronger in case the mower blades hit a pebble and fling it toward you or a bystander.

You also can patch the holes with metal flashing, cut big enough to extend past the rusted area. You can glue on small patches with a two-part epoxy, such as J-B Weld Twin Tube Cold Weld ($5.67 at Home Depot for a package with two one-ounce tubes).

For a larger patch, where it might be hard to bend the flashing to match the contour of the mower deck and hold

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D21

HOW TO GET STUCK WINDOWS TO SLIDE AGAIN

By Jeanne Huber The Washington Post : My house has old wooden, double-hung windows. Some are hard to open, while others are simply stuck. Are there people who can fix these, and is it worth it? : Sometimes it’s fairly easy to get stubborn, old double-hung windows to operate smoothly. Other times, it can be pricey but worth it, especially if you live in an older house where replacing the windows with ones that look the same can be expensive.

Easiest to fix are windows that operated correctly until a recent paint job. Wait for a day when the air is dry, because humid weather causes wood to swell. On each side of the window, run a sharp utility knife between the lower sash (the framed glass section that should move up and down) and the inside stop (the narrow trim piece alongside the sash). Then jiggle the sash along the top and bottom and see if you can get the sash to move up.

If that doesn’t work, try cutting where the top and bottom sash meet,

Q

A

to break any paint that has sealed the sashes shut there. You can also place a board underneath the top of the sash and gently tap on it; be careful not to hit the glass.

Next, try gently prying the sash from the outside. Place a wide putty knife or a thin piece of wood on the sill (the bottom piece of the window frame) to prevent dents, and gently pry upward using a thin-bladed tool, such as the Shark eight-inch Prybar and Nail Puller ($15.97 on Amazon). Work close to one side, then the other.

If the window still sticks, or if you can’t access the window from the outside, remove the inside stops.

Cut through the paint between each stop and the adjoining window trim, then use the wide blade of the pry bar to loosen the wooden strip. Place a wide putty knife or a thin piece of wood under the pry bar to protect the window trim. Once the stops are out, you should be able to move the sash or determine where paint still sticks so you can cut through it.

Then you can decide if a functioning lower sash suffices, or if you also want

TIRED OF HARD,

MetroCreative

to free the upper sash. To do that, you will need to remove the lower sash by disengaging the mechanism that allows it to move up and down usually ropes with knots that fit into recesses on the sides. Work each knot out of the recess and hold on until the knot stops against the pulley at the top. Then, on at least one side of the window, you will also need to remove the parting strip that separates the upper and lower sashes. The parting strip is a thin piece of wood that fits into a groove, so it isn’t easy to pry out. It might split, so be prepared to replace it with new wood.

Once you have removed both sashes, or just the lower one if you decide that’s enough, remove any nails you freed. Use diagonal pliers or

crosscutting pliers; their curved blades grip the nail and act as a miniature pry bar. Then use a paint scraper to smooth off any paint crusts on the sash and surrounding framing. When you are working with old wooden windows, there is a high likelihood the paint contains lead. Family Handyman has safety tips, which you can find via a Google search for these two phrases, enclosed in quote marks: “how to remove lead paint safely” and “family handyman.”

Then put the window back together.

Or you can hire someone to do this for you. Search online for companies that specialize in wooden window repair, then call to make sure these companies are interested in repairing old windows, not just replacing them.

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D22 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 13, 2018 D23

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D24 Thursday, September 13, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.