Spring Home Lawn Garden

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LAWN&GARDEN

An advertising supplement

of the Sunday News,

March 17, 2013

Roofing Siding Additions

PA#051359

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MARCH 17, 2013 SPRING HOME, LAWN & GARDEN Lancaster, Pa

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FREEESTIMATES

The dos

donts o

Remodeling abasement is a popularhome improvementproject. A fnished

basement makes thespace more unctionaland, when donecorrectly, can add aconsiderable amounto living space toa home.

Finishing a basement paysdividends in additional spacein a home that doesnt requirethe same level o investmentas putting an addition on thehouse. Also, the groundwork ora nished room is already there,as most basements are alreadyset up with a poured concretefoor and some walls, usuallycinder blocks. Some electricalcomponents, plumbing and the

creature comorts o drywalland a more inviting foor might

be all thats necessary to nisha basement. Whatever nishingmethod is chosen, homeownersshould ollow the proper

procedures when doing the work.

DOstart with a detailed plan.Measure out the basement andmark any items that cannot

be moved, such as a urnace,water heater or pipes. Createa design board that showcasesthe materials you plan to use onthe project. Think about waysyou plan to arrange urnitureand consider all o the possibleuses or the room. Will it be ahome theater? Will someone

be sleeping down there?Each scenario will requirecertain amenities and saety

requirements.

DONTplan to nish the entirebasement. Doing so will leaveyou without a storage or utilityarea where you house holidaydecorations, tools, luggage andsimilar items.

DOget the scoop on buildingcodes. Knowing what themunicipality allows in basementremodeling will help youto customize a plan that isunctional, sae and legal. No onewants to be slapped with nesor ailing to ollow the rules.Plus, ailure to meet buildingcodes could mean the work that

has been done must be torn outand redone. It pays to ollow thechain o command and secure

permits while having all workinspected.

DONToverlook adequatelighting in your renishing plan.A basement is likely one areao the house that has limitednatural light pouring in. Withtraditionally small windows, or

no windows at all, a basementneeds ample lighting in its designscheme. This may include acombination o overhead andtask lighting. Ample lighting willhelp the room eel like part othe house and not just a orgottenstorage area.

DO take into considerationmoisture issues in the basement.Many basements are plagued bymoisture issues ranging romwater seepage to condensationorming on walls. Thesesituations may vary depending onthe weather throughout the year.Certain materials may need to

be used to mitigate water issuesbeore nishing can take place.The installation o water-barriersystems, drainage, sump pumps,or encapsulation products could

drive up the cost o a basement

renovation. It is essential tohave a proessional assess the

basement water issues prior tostarting any nishing work.

DONTsimply cover up

potential hazards, such as moldor mildew. Have them treatedinstead. Otherwise, you couldhave a breeding ground behinddrywall that could lead to unsaeconditions in the home.

DOhave a radon test. Radonis a hidden killer that can causelung cancer. Because it occursnaturally in the soil and watersurrounding a home and is

impossible to detect without aspecialized test, many peopleare unaware o the presence oradon until it is too late. Radonmay be more concentrated in the

basement, where the oundationis touching the soil.

DONTlimit urniture choicesto one type. You may need to befexible in your urniture choices,

even selecting modular piecesbecause entryways to basementsmay have small doorways orobstructions that make addingurniture more challenging.

DOkeep the possibility ofooding in the back o yourhead. Basements are especiallysusceptible to food damage.Thereore, think about the

practicality o nishing a

basement i you are proneto fooding. I you decideto move ahead, take certain

precautionary measures, suchas keeping electrical wiring uphigher and using a more water-resistant fooring material, liketile or vinyl. House importantelectronics and items on shelvesso they are not at ground-level.

~ METRO CC


3/12

ancaster, Pa SPRING HOME, LAWN & GARDEN MARCH 17, 2013 3

1 A splash of colorIndustry leader Pantones annualfashion color report sets thetone for home decor as wellas clothing, and the spring2013 report is no exception.Its softer-hued palette of DuskBlue, Lemon Zest, AfricanViolet, Grayed Jade, Linen andTender Shoots is emboldened

by Monaco Blue, PoppyRed, Emerald and Nectarine.Designers also see a movetoward pure color palettes suchas cream and sea glass, khakiand white, or neutral with a popof yellow.

2 Not your mamaswallpaper

Repositionable wallpaper is adecorating mainstay, says ToddImholte, president of MuralsYour Way, whose website,www.muralsyourway.com, isthe top online destination forwall murals worldwide. Thecompanys10 collections of peel-and-stick wallpaper are availablein such themes as Vintage,Dots, Flower Prints and Mostly

Modern, and can be removed

and reused hundreds of timeswithout losing their adheringqualities. Because the companyoffers color matching, customerscan match their repositionablewallpaper to an existing paintcolor, updated decor or the newPantone color palette.

3 Cooking upsmart ideas

Next years contemporarykitchen will include Europeanframeless laminate cabinetry,multi-tasking appliances,hands-free faucets, andincreased smartphone and tabletfunctionality. Value-orientedremodels will remain popularwith homeowners incorporatingexisting ooring, xtures,cabinets and/or appliancesinto their design plans to savemoney and retain favorite designelements.

4 Let it shine

Energy-efcient LED productswill continue to dominatelighting, and will be prevalentin coves, tray ceilings, toekicks,

and under and above cabinets.

Chrome and polished nickelwill appeal to the emerging Ygeneration and baby boomersmodernizing their retirementhomes. Tall, slender outdoorlanterns in contemporary, cottageand transitional styles will workwell for those in smallerurban spaces.

5 Heavy metalHome furnishings will also shinein 2013. New metals such asrose gold and gun metal will bemixed, and pierced, hammeredand oxidized textural metals will

be especially popular. Vendorswill add metal to their wood

pieces, and faux animal printmetallics will provide texture andreective light in thetextiles arena.

6 Theres no placelike home

Even as the economy showssigns of improving, homeownersstill nd comfort in cocooningin the warmth and safety oftheir homes. Adding an on-trend color such as cranberry or

velvety chocolate to a soothing

palette of muted tones and

delicate detailing creates timelessinteriors, and incorporatingvintage pieces fosters a sense of

nostalgia, heritage and solidity.

7 Woodnt it be nice?

Next years trendy furniturewill boast reclaimed wood or

reclaimed-looking synthetic

wood. Combinations of woodand metal will be popular, suchas a desk with a wood top and

an iron base. There will be anew freedom to mix metals,linen or stone into wood, with

the juxtaposition of materialsand nishes creating a beautifulcombination.

8 Watch your step

One of the biggest style trends of

the year will be porcelain tile thatemulates the look of hardwoodin high-trafc areas, offering

the natural beauty of woodwith the long-lasting durabilityand ease of maintenance oftile. Rectangular-sized tiles

particularly those in long, linearplank styles remain popular in

oor and wall applications.

9 Back to nature

Consumers eco-friendly focuson using organic, sustainablematerials will continue into2013. Woven wood shades aremade from bamboo, grasses,

jute, reeds, rattan and othernatural renewable resources forhonest, simple beauty. The use

of timber and wicker furniture,ribbed and woven nishes onaccessories, and layered woolthrows in the living area of thekitchen brings a sense of theoutdoor into the home.

10 You can judge abook by its cover

Exterior design and landscapingsay just as much about a home

as its interior architecturalcounterparts. Designers toutstone, concrete and brick that

blend into the environment,require little upkeep, and issuperior to weather susceptiblewood decks, rust-prone metalsand dulling plastics. There is anincreased use of eco-friendlynative plants to save water andreduce pesticides.

~ Brandpoint

Home decor

trends for 2013

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Newspaper talk for a one column by 2 ad.Too small to be effective?Youre reading this arent you?Call 717.291.8800 for more info.

1x2

MARCH 17 2013 SPRING HOME LAWN & GARDEN L P


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Homeowners only get one chance to make a rst

impression. Thats one chance to impress potential

buyers, family, friends and neighbors with the

rst thing they see: your homes exterior.

From simple upgrades to meticulous landscaping

projects and replacing an outdated roof, there aredozens of options to enhance the appearance of

your homes exterior. Improvements dont need

to break the bank or take a year to complete. By

focusing on three simple areas, you can change

the entire look of your home that youll appreciate

every time you pull into your driveway.

1. LandscapingThe key to curb appeal is balancing what makes

you happy with what works in your community.

Take a moment to observe the types of trees,plants and owers in your surroundings and look

for ways to incorporate them into your yard.

Planting owers is one of the easiest, most cost-

effective ways to make an impact. Flowers along

the sidewalk, in front of the house, inside ower

boxes, pouring out of hanging baskets, or even

in berms and raised garden beds, provide a giant

boost to your curb appeal. Exercise your creativity

by combining plants of different height, texture

and color in the same container. By sticking to

perennial plants native to your environment, you

will not have to worry about replanting every

year.

2. RoongRedesigning the style and color of your roof is a

dramatic and effective strategy for improving curb

appeal. Your roof accounts for 50 percent of your

homes exterior. Updating the shingles on your

roof is going to make a huge impact on the overall

appearance of your home take advantageof it. Start by evaluating roong choices for

compatibility with your existing siding as well asthe style of your home. If your home has a busy

exterior with more than one contrasting color,

try adding a classic, rustic color like weathered

wood. The shingles subtle blends of color and

wood-like appearance complements nearly any

exterior paint color. If your homes exterior is a

more neutral shade, try adding a vibrant colored

shingle to stand out in your neighborhood.

3. PaintWhether youre updating your color scheme orapplying a fresh coat, painting is an easy way to

update your homes look from the street in a big

way. Depending on your budget, this project can

be big or small. To make the most signicant

impact, consider painting the entire house. This

will bring new life to paint that has lost its luster

or possibly a new palette of color to incorporate

into your yard. Although this project can call for a

larger investment, the result will pay off in

the end.~ Brandpoint

Three waysto give yourhomes curb

appeal a

boostIf your budget is more limited,focus on the areas that catch theeye. Give shutters and trim afresh coat of paint, or paint the

front door a bright shade of redor blue.You dont have to make alarge investment to make a largeimpact. Focusing on key areasof your homes exterior willrefresh the entire appearance ofthe home and provide a faceliftthats within your reach.

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5/12


Does time o year

aect roofng jobs?There comes a time in many

homeowners lives when theyre

aced with the reality that a roo

replacement is necessary. A

roo can last between 15 and 30

years, and a person who owns an

older home may fnd the leasehas expired on the current roo.

Is there a particular time o year

that is better or having a roo

installed? It depends on dierent

actors, including the availability

o a roofng contractor.

According to the site, The

Average Cost o Things,

courtesy o the Home Buying

Institute, across the country one

can expect to spend $18,000

on average to replace a roo

with asphalt shingles. Use o

other materials, like tile or

metal will cost more than this.

In general, those living in big

cities tend to pay more than

those in rural areas. Because a

roo replacement is expensive,

it is something that some

homeowners preer to put o

until it is absolutely necessary.

Others are interested in fnding

the best rate around and hiring

reliable rooers or the job.

Its important to note that

there really is no season where

roo replacements are o-

limits. Most rooers can do

the job eectively unless the

temperature is below reezing

or i there is signifcant rain in

the orecast. In act, planning a

roofng job or the middle o the

winter actually may work to a

homeowners advantage. This is

typically a slow time o year or

some rooers, and they may be

anxious to get work this time o

year and be willing to negotiate

on price. Theres also a good

chance that the rooer will not

be bogged down with other jobs,enabling the company to start on

a home right away. Some rooers

preer working in the colder

weather to sizzling up on a roo

under the hot sun at another time

o year.

Naturally the spring is a prime

time o year or roofng projects.

Ater the rainy season, the

weather is generally comortable

and homeowners are thinking

about the projects they will

commence. A busy time o

year or home improvement all

around, homeowners may fnd

that they have to compete with

others or a good date to have

a roo installed. They also may

be paying top dollar or the

work and materials that are in

high demand. Another thing to

consider during the busy seasonis that a project may be rushed

along in order to move on to the

next job or one being worked

on concurrently. This may lead

to corners being cut or less

attention to detail.

A person may be limited in

their choices o roo installation

during the summer. Extreme

temperatures can make working

on the roo hazardous and

uncomortable or workers.

For those who live in a climate

where the temperatures generally

cause the mercury to soar,

choose a cooler time o year.

Many homeowners opt to

have a roo replacement in the

autumn. The crisp weather and

the decline in home-renovation

projects overall can make this

a prime time to contract with

a quality rooer. I the roo is

very much damaged, replacing it

beore the harsh, winter weather

sets in can be advantageous.

Some homeowners fnd they

can get a discount on a roo

installation i they bundle

dierent renovations together.

A contractor may oer a special

on siding and roofng together.For those who have the unds,

this may be the opportunity to

get two jobs done at once.

A roofng project is no small

undertaking, and homeowners

are wise to get several reerrals

and investigate a variety o

companies beore settling on

one. Review sites, such as

Angies List, or simply word-o-

mouth appraisals rom riendsand amily members can help

make choosing a rooer an

easier decision.

~ METRO CC

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8/12

When it comes to fashion faux pas,

the only thing worse than clashing

patterns is overly matching every

item. Mixing and matching createsexciting contrast and not just when

you dress yourself, but also when you

dress up your home. The trend toward

mixing colors and materials has made

its way outdoors, with enterprising

homeowners getting creative with

their decks.

When it comes to building a deck, or

refurbishing an existing one, options

abound. Design choices beyond

simple considerations such as wood

or composite, square or rectangular,

open the door to creative outdoor

environments that are truly unique and

reect your personal style.

Mix + Match trend

revolutionizing deck design

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9/12

Mixed materials

Retire that old rule that says all the

materials you use or your deck must

match. Your railing no longer needs

to be made rom the same material as

your decking. Pairing wooden deck

planks stained in a natural hue with a

metallic railing and decorative balusters

creates a resh, exciting look. Dress up

basic wood and vinyl deck posts with

fber-reinorced concrete postcovers

that provide the look and eel o realstacked stone.

An inset o deck stones inthe oor creates contrastand interest as well as aunctional, durable spot oroutdoor kitchens, grillingareas and raised fre pits.

Pairing metal or glass balusters with a

wood or composite railing is another

striking way to add personality to a deck.

The combination is the perect marriage

o rustic and modern, incorporating the

classic natural appeal o wood with the

modern air o metal and glass.

Playing with color

Metal balusters also allow you to

experiment with color. Available in

fnishes that mimic popular metals suchas bronze, copper and stainless steel,

as well as basic black or white, metal

balusters also resist insect damage and

rot making them practical as well

as pretty.

For even more personality, alternate

dierent styles o glass or metal, or mix

regular metal or glass balusters with

lighted balusters. Using energy-efcient

LED technology, lighted balusters

connect to a standard 12-volt power

source to create a sot glow.

Exploring accessories

Accessories like post caps and planters

are great ways to enhance a decks

visual appeal and usability. Metal and

glass post caps can add pops o color

to a monochrome deck. Available in

a variety o colors such as copper,pewter, black and white, metal post caps

also coordinate well with wood and

composite deck materials.

Or, or an even more colorul accent,

consider glass post caps. Deckorators

oers a line o glass post caps that

mimic timeless Tiany styles. They are

also available in basic colors and styles,

as well as illuminated versions that

coordinate well with regular or

lighted balusters.

While youre experimenting with

accessories, dont overlook the

opportunity to mix things up with a

variety o sizes, shapes, colors and

materials or built-in planters

and seating.

Need help visualizing how your deck

might look all dolled up using the mix-

and-match trend? Deckorators oers a

simple online tool, the Deck Visualizer,

which allows you to mix dierent

decking, balusters and post caps and

see in advance how your personalized

outdoor space might look. Log on to

www.deckorators.com to learn more.

~ Brandpoint

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109 Route 41

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MT JOY

Drohan Brick & Supply

3571 Mt. Joy Rd.

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NEW HOLLAND

Sauders Hardscape

115 Rancks Church Rd.

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STEVENS

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10/12

Termites are houseguests fewhomeowners want to experience.With their reputation for voracityand the damage they caninflict on a home, termites aresomething most people want toavoid at all costs. If termites arealready a problem or somethinghomeowners simply want to

prevent, there are effective ways tobanish these unwelcome guests orkeep them from ever enteringa home.

WHAT IS A TERMITE?

Termites are small social insectsthat have the capability to destroywood. Sometimes they aremistaken for ants, but the twoinsects are quite different. Termitesare actually close relatives to thecockroach. Many termites appearas white or light-colored and may

seem translucent. Winged termitesare darker in color. Termites havea grub-shaped body but, unlikeants, no discernable hourglass-shaped waist. Also, their antennaeare straight and look beaded, likea string of pearls, while ants haveelbowed antennae. Another way todifferentiate ants from termites isthat termite eyes are very small ornonexistent, while ants eyes are

clearly visible.Termites live in a nest or colony inlarge numbers. Their primary foodsource is plant fiber, known ascellulose. Most termites are rarelyseen unless they are swarming orif their nest or a portion of woodhas been opened revealing theinsects inside.

TREATING TERMITESMany people do not even knowthey have a termite problemuntil that problem has escalated.Because they remain hiddenmost of the time, termites can bedifficult to detect. Incidences ofsoft wood or visual recognitionof swarming termites that occurin the spring can indicate thattermites could be residing in a

structure or nearby. There aredifferent types of termites, andproper identification is necessaryto find the correcttreatment option.

Unlike other pests, termites arepests whose detection and removalis best left to a professional whocan recognize the subtle signs.He or she will identify certainsigns of an infestation, such as

mud-looking material on woodensurfaces, discarded wings from aswarm, piles of sawdust, termitetubes running outdoors from thesoil to a home, buckling paint, andother indications.

There are different ways to preventor treat a termite infestation.To prevent termites, there areapplications of termiticides thatare put into the soil surrounding ahome or structure. Also, removalof moisture in and around thehouse is key because termitesneed moist conditions for survival.Poisoning of nests is also atreatment option.

If termites already have infiltrateda home, fumigation may benecessary to remedy that problem.

However, fumigation is not alwayseffective at killing eggs and all ofthe termites. Most exterminatorswill use a combinationof treatments.

If extreme wood damage hasoccurred, portions of the structuremay have to be removed andrebuilt. This also may helpalleviate some of the scent trailstermites use to travel to and from

nests and food sources.OTHER TERMITEPREVENTION TIPS

Dont store firewood incontact with the ground.

Use chemically treatedwood for building structures.

Disguise wood by painting itor using a shellac or varnish.Termites may not like the

taste of treated wood. Prevent hidden entry points

where termites can go unseen.

Remove cardboard, newspaper,cotton materials and any othercellulose from the floor.

Vent kitchens and baths sothat they will not trap moisture.

Fix any and all water leaks.

Dont plant gardens or put soildirectly against a homesexterior walls.

These simple precautions androutine inspections can preventtermites from becominga problem.

~ METRO CC

Plants and gardenstouching exterior walls of

the home may provide theright environment for atermite colony.

treat a termite problemHow to

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11/12

Give back to your lawn

One of the best treatments foryour yard is to let a layer oflawn clippings settle on thetop of your turf after mowing.The clippings decompose

and replenish your soil,encouraging positive growth.A common misconception is

that leaving the clippings on top of yourlawn leads to the development of thatch,when in fact it's usually caused by otherconditions. Leaving your clippings onlyhelps your lawn, and lessens the amountof work you have to do.

Go green with

battery-poweredmowers andlawn tools.

Gas mowers' engines don'trun nearly as clean as more

thoroughly engineered car engines andcontribute signicantly to air pollution,according to the EnvironmentalsProtection Agency. If you make theswitch to a battery-powered mower, youcan start it easily every time without

having to worry about polluting the air.With a mower like the GreenWorks TwinForce Mower, you can get the same great

performance as a gas mower with up to70 minutes of run time. The rechargeable40 volt lithium-ion batteries that powerthis mower can also be used with otherGreenWorks lawn tools that includestring trimmers, hedge trimmers and leaf

blowers, making it possible to take yourentire arsenal of lawn care tools off gas

for good.

Be wise withyour water

With a few strategicadjustments, you cansignicantly reduce the

amount of water you use to keep yourlawn healthy. Watering less frequentlywith a good soaking each time, the

water you use will go further. Wateringin the morning will also help your lawnsoak up the water, rather than having itevaporate before it makes it into yoursoil. Installing a rain barrel is also a greatway to reuse the water that runs off yourhouse without ever having to turn onthe spigot.

Buy a discerning fertilizer

Chemical fertilizers might offerquick results, but organicfertilizers often provide more

staying power as they focusmore on improving soil quality ratherthan the quick x of applying nutrientsdirectly to the plant. To make sure youare effective with your fertilizer use, takea soil sample to a local garden store toanalyze it and they'll recommend the bestfertilizing mix for your lawn.

Allow your lawn toprotect itself

Mowing too short is a keymistake many peoplemake. A good rule ofthumb is to never cutmore than one-third of

the current height. This willensure that your grass can develop deepenough roots to thrive and won't getscorched when summer

temperatures arrive.

~ Brandpoint

The idea of bringing ones cellphone into thegarden to help the owers and vegetables growseems ludicrous and yet, apps for mobile devicescould prove helpful when used before or after the digging,planting, bending, pulling and watering. The garden apps aregrowing in popularity for sure, says Laura Lapp, owner of PerfectPots Container Gardens, 745 Strasburg Pike, Strasburg. I try them

when they come out impressed by some, not totally impressedby others. Lapp suggests subscribing to the newsfeed of GardeningDaily, little snippets that are fun to read ... gardening videos, tipsand ideas.

Other suggestions:

Leafsnap, a free app identifying plants by using photos of leavestaken by the users mobile device, suggests master gardenerElizabeth Lux of Mountville.

Google, the search engine. Joyce Crider, treasurer of the Townand Country Garden Club of Lancaster, uses it to price compare at

local nurseries. Earth911s iRecycle gives master gardener Barb Baker ofElizabethtown convenient access to drop-off facilities forcompostable materials.

Lastly, Lapp says she uses her QR reader app to scan QR codes.Many plant brands now have a QR code on the plant tag orcontainer. Scan it while youre plant shopping and get all kinds ofinfo on that plant, at your ngertips.

~ LYnn SCHMidt

apps

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