2013 fall home improvement

7/27/2019 2013 Fall Home Improvement

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FALLHOMEIMPROVEMENT

T H E V I L L

A G E R E P O RT E R

&CARCAREGUIDE

Come visit our Design & Selection Center in Edgerton!Whatever your project whether its remodeling or building new, see and touch everything

you will need for your project. You will not find another showroom this complete in the area!

Among the many items you will see: Cabinetry & Countertops

Flooring

Siding & Roofing

Windows & Doors

Composite & Natural

Wood Decking,Handrail

& Spindle Systems

And more!

444 N. Michigan Ave Edgerton 419-298-2371 800-892-6708


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We make hydraulic hoses

Auto & SmAll EnginE REpAiR

MOTORCYCLES LAWN MOWERS MARINA VEHICLES

ATV REPAIR CERTIFIED TECHS ON DUTY

GREAT SERVICE & REASONABLE RATES

13920 ST. RT. 107 MONTPELIER, OHIO 43543

PHONE: 419-485-4779

EDGERTON AUTO SALVAGE

Carl W. BellmannOWNER

800-272-4097

419-298-2566

06018 STATE ROUTE 62 Miles East of

EDGERTON, OH 43517

Used Truck and Auto Parts

We can pick up old cars8-5 DAILY; TILL NOON ON SAT.; CLOSED SUNDAY

Auto WreckingAll Late Parts

Cars and TrucksUSED CARS

06018 US HIGHWAY 6

According to data from TrueCar.com, in 2012 the aver-age new car cost $30,500. That's a considerable expense,especially at a time when fuel costs remain high and costof living continues to rise.

Because new cars have become so expensive, moreand more vehicle owners are looking for ways to extendthe life of their vehicles. The longer a car can stay on theroad, the better an investment that vehicle becomes. For-tunately, there are several steps vehicle owners can takethat should ensure their vehicles stay on the road for

years to come.* Scale back on short trips. The toll cold starts take

on a vehicle can add up over time. When a car is started,condensation builds up in the vehicle's exhaust system.On longer trips, that condensation will gradually evap-orate. However, on short trips, that condensation oftendoes not have enough time to evaporate, and over timetoo many short trips will lead to an accumulation of waterin the mufer that can lead to rust and rust holes on the

mufer. Short trips also can negatively affect gas mileage.

When possible, leave your car at home on trips into townwhen you can just as easily walk or ride a bicycle. Overtime, reducing the amount of short trips you take in yourcar will greatly reduce wear and tear on your vehicle andimprove your fuel efciency as well.

* Stick to the manufacturer's recommended mainte-nance schedule. Adhering to your vehicle's maintenanceschedule serves many purposes, including improving theits durability and protecting various components, includ-ing its cooling system and drivetrain. While many manu-facturers used to recommend changing a vehicle's oil ev-

ery 3,000 miles, many of today's newer automobiles needtheir oil changed less frequently. Check your owner'smanual for manufacturer recommendations regarding oilchanges, and don't forget to replace the oil lter when

changing your vehicle's oil.* Pay attention to brake pads. Brake pads that are

allowed to wear down can cause damage to the brakes'rotors and calipers. That damage can prove costly andmake things harder on your vehicle. Keep an eye on yourvehicle's brake pads, which are far less expensive to re-place than rotors and calipers, and do not allow them towear down to metal.

* Keep your tires properly inated. Tires that are un -der-inated will negatively impact your vehicle's fuel ef-ciency. In addition, the tires' life expectancy is reduced

considerably when tires are not properly inated. Rou-tinely check your tire pressure, especially if you drive alot, and keep tires inated at the pressure recommendedin your vehicle's owner's manual.

* Be mindful when lling up your tank. Many peopledo not pay much attention to their surroundings whenpulling into the lling station. But when you ll up canimpact your car's life expectancy. Perhaps the worst timeto ll your tank is when the fuel tanker is in the gas sta-tion relling the underground tanks. That's because the

process of lling the underground tanks can stir up sed-iment that had settled at the bottom of those tanks. If

that sediment nds its way into your vehicle's gas tank,

it can clog lters and fuel injectors and negatively affectthe vehicle's performance. So unless your car is runningon empty, avoid relling its gas tank when the tanker is

still in the station.* Take care of your vehicle's interior, too. Caring for a

car is not just about being good to what's under the hood.Caring for the car's interior will not necessarily impactits performance, but a well-kept interior will improve how

you look at your vehicle and how much you enjoy drivingit. The longer you enjoy driving your vehicle, the longer

you are likely to keep it. Preserve the vehicle's door andwindow seals; clean the dashboard, including the gauges,vacuum the oor mats; and wipe down the vehicle's in-terior, whether it's cloth or leather. Keeping up the ap-pearance of the car's interior will make the vehicle moreenjoyable to drive and increase its value at resale.

Simple Ways To Extend The Life of Your Vehicle

When it comes to takingcare of their vehicles, manymotorists prefer to be overlycautious. While that's notnecessarily a bad thing,there are times when beingtoo cautious can unneces-sarily cost you money.

Motor oil, and when tochange that oil, has longbeen a point of conten-tion. Many drivers grew up

being told that motor oilshould be changed every3,000 miles. However, thatmyth has been debunked

for many of today's vehi-cles, which should comewith suggested intervalsbetween oil changes. Ac-cording to Edmunds.com,in 2010 the average intervalfor oil changes was 7,800miles. In addition to chang-

ing a car's motor oil lessfrequently, there are otherthings drivers should knowabout motor oil.

* Oil does not necessarilyneed to be changed beforea long trip. Taking a trip?While it's good to have your

car examined before em-barking, if the recommend-ed oil change interval is notup, then you do not need topreemptively change youroil. Such a change is likelyunnecessary and will notimprove the performance of

your vehicle during the trip.* Black oil does not ne-

cessitate a change. Con-ventional wisdom oncesuggested if the oil on thedipstick is black then itneeds to be changed. Butnowadays automotive pro-fessionals are noting thatblack oil is doing its job anddifferent additives mightbe changing the oil's color,which means the oil doesn'tneed to be changed.

* You can use petro-leum-based oil after usingsynthetic. Another long-standing myth regardingmotor oil was that once youuse a synthetic motor oil in-stead of a petroleum-basedoil you have to continue us-ing synthetic oil, which isoften more expensive thanmore traditional motor oil,in order to avoid harm-ing the vehicle. However,automotive professionalshave noted that these twotypes of oils are now oftenblended, meaning switch-ing back and forth from oneto the other is not likely tocause any damage to yourvehicle. Just be sure to usemotor oil that meets thestandards set forth in yourvehicle's owner's manual.

* Consider an earlieroil change after buying anew vehicle. Sometimes anew vehicle will need anoil change after its rst

3,000 miles. However, thisdoes not mean your vehiclewill need one every 3,000

miles. According to Black-stone Laboratories, whostudy motor oil, oil samplestaken from engines duringtheir initial 3,000 miles ofdriving had elevated metallevels from the camshaftsand pistons. These elevatedlevels will not necessarilybe harmful, but some automanufacturers recommenda shorter initial interval justto be safe. Honda, however,includes an anti-wear addi-tive in their break-in oil andadvises against changingtheir oil early. Consult yourowner's manual to deter-mine if it's best to change

your oil after the initial3,000 miles or to let it gountil the recommended in-terval.

Things To Know About Motor Oil

2 - THE VILLAGE REPORTER - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & CAR CARE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH, 2013


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Ask anyone who has taken an extended road trip what

a car looks like post-trip and visions of food stains, trashand other not-so-pretty things might soon appear. But it

doesn't always take a road trip to create a messy interior.Ordinary day-to-day living can lead to stains, scratches,

clutter and more.

Although many interior messes can be cleaned up, tak-ing a proactive approach to interior cleanliness can save

time and frustration. These are a few ways to keep the carclean and minimize damage.

DETAIL THE INTERIOR

There are many products on the market that can be ap-

plied to the dashboard and other trims around the car. Forthe most part, these are leather conditioning treatments or

vinyl coatings that help prevent cracking or drying out ofthe materials. They also impart a nice shine onto the trim-

work, and alleviate nger smudges and other eye sores.Using a shop vacuum is a smart way to clean the car-

peting and mats, as well as catch crumbs and other dirt

that can end up staining the seats of the car. A shop vachas more horsepower than a regular vacuum and will draw

dirt out more easily.If you have leather seats, use a mild soap and water

solution and dampen a cloth to wipe down the seats. Thesame solution can be used on the plastic components,

such as cup holders and storage areas. Use a dry cloth to

dry and buff out any streaks. There are leather seat protec-tor products available, and upholstered seats can be pro-

tected with a scotch guard-type product.

CREATE A DIRT BARRIER

Carpeted mats are meant to make the car interior ap-pear sleek and rened. Yet many times these mats can get

soiled quite quickly. A good investment is to purchase vinylor plastic mats that have a raised perimeter that will trap

any dirt or liquid (like melted snow) on the mat. Then themats can be easily removed and hosed off.

Along the same lines, car seat covers can be bought that

will serve as a barrier between dirt, crumbs, fur, and any-thing else that would normally become embedded in the

upholstery. There are kick mats that can be placed on therear side of front seats. This way, if kids in the back put

their feet up on the seats or have a tendency of kicking,

they won't dirty the seats.If your car has a trunk, consider lining it with an im-

permeable material that can absorb spills and catch dirt.With the spring planting season just around the corner,

you don't want the topsoil or fertilizer spilling into the car-

pet-lined trunk making a mess. For SUV drivers, a mat orliner can be installed in the cargo area. Check with your

dealership or an aftermarket retailer if there are productsspecically designed for this purpose. Otherwise a blanket,

absorbent sheet, etc., can be used in a pinch.

CLEAN OFF BEFORE DRIVING

The warm-weather season is one full of frolicking inparks or seaside. Be sure to stomp shoes clean of sand

and dirt before entering the car. Pay special attention tothe cleanliness of pets and children's feet before entering

the car.

GET A TRASH RECEPTACLE

In a perfect world, there would be no eating and drink-ing in a car and no chance for food and beverages to spill.

However, many people nd from time to time they need asnack or a refreshment in the car. Avoid a mess by having

a small bag or trash can to collect the remnants of the meal

so they don't end up on the oor or seats. Look for drinks

with straws and covers for easier drinkability in the car.Only allow foods that won't cause major stains if spilled,such as water and dry snacks.

1126 Buffalo Rd. Bryan, OH 43506 800-926-7823

E & H AUTO

CLINIC INC.Harold Stickley, President

419.335.67711066 Ottokee Street Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Most people purchase a car for its looks and perfor-mance. However, unless the auto is kept in a garage and

never driven, it is impossible to keep it in pristine condi-

tion. In many cases, damage to the clear coat or enamelpaint on the car is something vehicle owners expect.

A car owner who decides he or she wants the car to re-main in the best shape possible will have to take an active

role in maintenence and damage prevention. One of thekey things to remember is to never allow any substance

to remain on the paint for too long; otherwise the risk for

damage increases. Also, it may be very difcult to clean ifthe offender is allowed to sit on the paint. Here are some

other factors to consider.* UV light: Just as UV light can affect skin, hair and

other parts of the body, it also can affect the paint on acar. UV rays oxidize the paint and cause a white, pow-

dery lm to form on the car. Washing the car frequently

enough and applying the best quality wax will help keepUV rays from penetrating through the paint.

* Over sprays: Life does not stop to allow cars to drivethrough, particularly when it comes to construction

zones. It's possible for a car to be doused in paint spray,tar, concrete, and other chemicals that are routinely used

in construction. Do not allow these substances to harden

on the car. Rinse promptly with automotive soap. Try toavoid construction zones whenever possible.

* Rain: Both acid rain and regular rainwater (and other

sources of water) can dissolve paint over time. The U.S.Geological Survey has said that water is a universal sol-

vent because it can dissolve more substances than any

other liquid. Whenever the car becomes wet, it should bedried with a towel or chamois and not allowed to air dry.

* Natural substances: Tree sap, bird droppings andsplattered insects contain compounds that can erode the

paint on a car. Avoid parking under large trees where sapand bird droppings may be prevalent. In terms of bug

splatter, try to wash it off as soon as possible to alleviate

damage.* Eggs: Oftentimes, rambunctious children think it is

funny to egg a car. However, the enzymes and sulfur con-tent in eggs can cause paint and clear coat to dissolve,

leaving white spots in the wake of the egg. Because eggcan be sticky and very hard to remove once dried, it is

helpful to wash it off as soon as possible. It takes only a

few hours for the damage to be permanent.* Bleach: Although a bleach-and-water solution is of-

ten heralded for its ability to clean many things, it shouldnot be used on a car. Bleach is an oxidizer and it will

pit metal and discolor paint. Be careful with pool chemi-cals as well, as chlorinator is usually regular household

bleach.

There are many things that can damage a car paintjob. Although it's impossible to shield the car from every-

thing, there are precautions that can be taken.

Things That Mar An Automotive Paint Job

Keeping A Cars Interior Clean

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH, 2013 THE VILLAGE REPORTER - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & CAR CARE - 3


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Backhoes Dozers Forklifts Skidsteers Mowers Welders

Loaders Trailers Excavators Telehandlers Compactors Generators

HEATING

DRAIN CLEANING

COOLING ELECTRICAL

PLUMBING

DUCT CLEANING

24 Hour Service Owners: Bob & Beth Tejkl

$10 OFF CLEANING SERVICE & SAFETY CHECK

1-800-455-KERN1-419-822-3888

Grasshopper/ToroSimplicity/Snapper

419/636/[email protected]

05124 CR 15Bryan, OH 43506

01978 Co. Rd. 22A Stryker, OH 43557

(419) 428-3161 www.woolace.com

Commercial, Industrial, and Residential

By: Chelsie Firestone

THE VILLAGE REPORTER

Formed fteen years ago by Scott Oberlin, Ober-

lin Farms Demolition and Recycling began with afocus on the demolition of old structures. In 2008,

however, a change began to develop as the company

decided to upscale despite the recession of the time.

This growth continued as Scotts wife, Amy, and

brother, Neil also joined the company in 2010.

The focus of Oberlin Farms Demolition and Recy-

cling no longer rests on demolition alone. The Ober-

lins have found that much of what was torn down

was still usable in another form and have put much

of their emphasis on recycling and planet friendly

renovation. As Neil Oberlin notes, A good planet ishard to nd so its important to take care of the one

we have.

This has led to the wide variety of new products

and services now available by Oberlin Farms De-

molition and Recycling. With the belief that ev-

erything has another life, the focus of the companyhas moved from just demolition to demolition that

nds other purposes for the materials left behind.

Working onsite, Oberlin Farms Demolition and Re-

cycling has the capabilities to take the materials left

over from the demolition process and turn them into

the materials to begin renovation. Wooden materi-

als can be turned into the mulch needed for land-

scaping purposes or animal bedding and crushed

concrete can become stone for a driveway.

The ability to nd ways to reuse materials left

over from the demolition process has also led Ober-

lin Farms Demolition and Recycling to accept mate-

rials from other businesses and municipalities whoare wanting to maintain eco-friendly renovation

projects but who lack the ability to recycle all of the

materials on their own.

Also beneting the public as a whole, Oberlin

Farms Demolition and Recycling also works in ar-

chitectural salvage and makes materials available

for crafters and other do-it-yourself renovators to

use for their own projects. After all, the old wooden

furniture, doors, windows, or barn siding that one

person may no longer have any use for can often

become a crafter or renovators delight. Bulk natu-

ral, red, black, and brown mulch can also be found

at Oberlin Farms Demolition and Recycling along

with screened top soil, landscape boulders, animal

bedding, and asphalt or crushed concrete for those

renovating or landscaping properties of their own.

The most recent development at Oberlin Farms

Demolition and Recycling addresses the over abun-

dance of electronics now also needing to be discard-

ed. Working with Williams County

Solid Waste, the Oberlins are also now able to

help with the recycling of electronics as well. Theyare also currently working with the University of To-

ledo and the Renewable Energy Institute of Califor-

nia researching methods to convert wood waste into

CONTINUED TO PAGE 5

Oberlin Farms Demolition & Recycling -A Focus On Planet Friendly Renovation


BEFORE ... This abandoned home met its fate at the hands of Oberlin Farms Demolition, whom was given the taskof clearing out these potentially dangerous structures and rendering a clean slate on the grounds.


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TIME TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS!

Installing Energy Star Rated Roofs For Over 10 Years!

Spray Foam

Blown Insulation

Commercial Roofing

Existing Walls/Attics

Dry Pack Cellulose

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Commercial Roofing

White Cool Roof Systems

CALL THE PROFESSIONALS ATNYE ROOFING & INSULATIONAND LET THEM HANDLE YOURROOFING & INSULATION NEEDS!

Nye Roofing & Insulationspecializes in ...

We Offer GREEN Recycled

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419-636-8080

Superior Farm Supply13080 St. Rt. 107 Montpelier, Ohio 419-485-8351

www.superiorfarmsupply.com

Superior Farm Supply13080 St. Rt. 107 Montpelier, Ohio 419-485-8351

www.superiorfarmsupply.com

WILLIAMS COUNTYELECTRONICS RECYCLINGEVENT OCTOBER 24, 2013

10:00 AM TO 4:00 PMWest side of Current Office Solutions

Parking Lot at 200 Block of High StreetBryan, Ohio

THE WILLIAMS COUNTY SOLID WASTE REDUCTION &RECYCLING PROGRAM, CURRENT OFFICE SOLUTIONS

AND OBERLIN DEMOLITION & RECYCLING AREPROMOTING

THIS ONE DAY EVENT.

WE WILL ACCEPT:

NO ITEMS CONTAINING REFRIGERANT WILL BE ACCEPTED

QUESTIONS? CALL 419 485 3141

COMPUTERSPRINTERS

KEYBOARDSSPEAKERSSCANNERS

FAX MACHINES MONITORSSERVERSCOPIERS

MICEBATTERY BACKUPSCABLES & WIRES

VCRSTELEPHONES

STEREO EQUIPMENTMICROWAVESVIDEO GAMES

FANS

SWEEPERSBLENDERS

WAFFLE IRONSCAMERASTOASTERS

ELECTRIC MOTORSCOFFEE MAKERS

ELECTRIC DRILLS & SAWSRADIOSMIXERSIRONS

CURLING IRONSPORTABLE HEATERS

(SIMILAR ITEMS)BATTERY POWERED TOOLS

TUBE-TYPE TV SETS($15.00 CHARGE EACH)

FLAT SCREENS - NO CHARGE

synthetic diesel fuel. While much work

is still needed in developing the process,

the Oberlins are hopeful that the pro-

cess and availability of the product will

be available in the near future.

Products and services available by

Oberlin Farms Demolition and Recycling

can be seen throughout the area, at their

4103 County Road D location in Bryan,

and even on eBay. While a family owned

and operated business, Neil Oberlin

is very quick to explain that the qual-

ity of their products and services is not

just the result of the work of his family.

Were a family business, he explains,

but we also have some great, hardwork-

ing employees.

Anyone interested in demolition or

who is renovating, especially those in-

terested in protecting the environment

as well, should feel free to stop by or call

Oberlin Farms Demolition and Recycling

and speak with one of the Oberlins or

other employees that have helped move

simply tearing down a structure into

building a business while improving the

environment.

Chelsie Firestone can be reached at

[email protected]


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Oberlin Farms Demolition ...

AFTER ... The site of the demolition after the structure has been razed and thegrounds cleared of remaining debris.

LEFTOVER GOODIES ... Many itemsare left after the demolition of an oldor abandoned structure that canbe purchased from Oberlin FarmsDemolition, such as the casementwindow (top) and window pane door(left).

...See additional photographs of re-cent demolition work by OberlinFarms Demolition on page 10.


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ARCHBOLD EQUIPMENT COMPANY

5270 ST RT. 66 ARCHBOLD, OH

1.800.658.1894

www.archboldequipment.com

Authorized Bobcat Dealer

Parts . Service . Sales.

Fulton Lumber Company205 Commercial Street

Wauseon, OH 43567

Phone: 419-335-2906 Fax: 419-335-6661

DOUGLAS VOLLMER, Owner

poormansheatingandcooling.sharepoint.com

Homeowners are increasingly extending their living

spaces outside the walls of their homes. Expansive and

intricate stonework patios and decked-out outdoor

kitchens are the kind of additions many homeownersdream of. Those with unlimited budgets can enjoy just

about any look they desire, but many homeowners may

not have the money to go all the way with their outdoor

living spaces. But that doesn't mean it's impossible to

create budget-friendly spaces that are functional, fun

and eye catching.

Decks and patios are popular gathering spots out-

side a home, and homeowners have numerous inex-

pensive options at their disposal when choosing pa-

tio materials. And those who can do their own labor

when installing a patio can save a substantial amount

of money. Instead of higher-priced composite or resin

decks, homeowners can go with standard wood, which

will need to be stained periodically. Scaling back the

size of the deck means less materials to buy and less

labor involved.

The cost of patio blocks depends on the material

and style. Poured concrete patios will cost less than

placed blocks or stones because concrete is less labor-intensive. For those who desire the look of patio blocks

without the cost, stamped concrete can mimic the look

for less.

Homeowners may not need to replace patio furni-

ture, even if chairs and tables have seen better days.

A can of spray paint can cover up any rusted areas or

spots where paint has peeled off due to exposure to the

elements. Updating cushions and purchasing a coor-

dinating umbrella can revitalize the patio's entire look.

Also, very often stores run sales to clear out merchan-

dise for new displays.

Dening edges of planting borders and refreshing

the landscape may be all that is needed to improve the

yard. This is easily achieved with inexpensive mulch

and some vinyl edging. While cleaning up the yard, use

a pressure washer to clean stains off of siding and pa-

tios and create a like-new appearance.

End-of-season sales can also be the ideal opportu-nity to purchase big-ticket items like a pool, a hot tub

or an outdoor replace/re pit. Shoppers can learn

when stores discount their merchandise to make room

for new inventory and then use these sales as oppor-

tunities to save.

Sometimes saving means repurposing antiques or

items found at garage sales. Thanks to the Internet,

people can easily advertise items they no longer need

or desire. A person can search for backyard items they

need at a deep discount if they are ne with previ-

ously used materials. From patio furniture to masonry

blocks to above-ground pools, patient homeowners

can nd just about any item they may need to upgrade

their backyards.

Though not all homeowners can afford to create the

backyard of their dreams, with a little ingenuity and

some sweat hard work, homeowners can still create an

outdoor oasis.

Budget-Friendly OutdoorRenovation Ideas

A little spray paint or some new cushions can refresh old-

er patio furniture and give the outdoor space a completely

new look.

A dark home can be dreary and drain residents' energy

levels rather quickly. Natural light has the power to makea person feel more energized, and it also can buoy spir-

its. As a result, many homeowners want to increase the

amount of natural light in their homes.Increasing natural sunlight in a home reduces reliance

on interior lighting. This reduces energy bills and lowersthe home's carbon footprint. Natural light also can help

people in a home feel happier and more content.According to the National Institutes of Health, some

people experience serious mood changes during the win-

ter months. Dubbed seasonal affective disorder, or SAD,this condition may be effectively treated with light ther-

apy. Exposure to more light can alleviate fatigue, loss ofinterest and sad or anxious feelings. Homeowners looking

to increase the natural light in their homes, be it for medi-cal or aesthetic reasons, can do so in a variety of ways.

* Keep the drapes open. Opening blinds and curtains

as far as they will go allows as much light to shine inwithout having to do major home renovations or spend

any money at all. Homeowners concerned about privacycan install a window lm that allows viewing from the

inside only.* Clean the windows. Dirty windows obstruct sunlight

from entering the home. They also can make a home ap-

pear unkempt. Spend a free day cleaning the windows sothat they'll let ample light in.

* Install seamless or low-prole windows and doors.Seamless sliding doors enable a large amount of light to

enter the home. Such doors can replace an entire wall tobrighten up a dark area of a home. The more windows and

doors a home has, the brighter it will be.

* Take inventory of dark spots. A room may be darkbecause it simply does not have a layout conducive to

brightness. Is a wall blocking light from reaching a por-tion of the room? Think about changing the room's layout

or even making structural changes to improve light dis-tribution. The addition of a small window on a south- or

west-facing wall can greatly improve natural light. Using

mirrors can also reect light where it is needed.* Invest in skylights or solar tubes. Both skylights or

solar tubes enable light to enter a home from above. Sky-lights are larger and require considerably more work to

install, while solar tubes are more low-prole and can

be put into rooms that do not abut the rooine, such asthose obstructed by attic space. The tubular cylinders are

installed between the roof and the ceiling and carry lightthrough a reective tube to the room below. Diffusers on

tubular daylighting devices scatter the rays so the lightdoesn't cast harsh shadows, and UV lters can help pro-

tect furniture from discoloring.

* Trim shrubs and trees. If trees and bushes are block-ing light from entering your home, trim them to enable

dappled light to come through. Deciduous trees that will

naturally lose their leaves come autumn can be plantedon sunny areas of the property. This way in the sum-mer months they will shade the house and keep it cooler,

while in winter more sun will stream in when the leaves

are shed.* Create a three-season room. Make a spot in the home

where sun will be at a premium. A solarium or greenhouseattached to the home can be a warm and sunny spot.

Increasing natural light in a home can improve feelingsof well-being and also reduce energy consumption during

daylight hours.

How To Invite More NaturalLight Into Your Home



7/10

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3212 Co. Rd. 5 - Delta, Ohio 43515

419-822-9732

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(419) 445-9256(800) 466-925619230 Co. Rd. F,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567

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Entenmans Flooring & More,INC.Custom Flooring and Complete Home Renovations

entenmansfooringandmore.com

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419-212-4356

FREE ESTIMATES & FULLY INSURED

Home improvement

projects can add value to

a home and do-it-your-

selfers know the sweat-

equity that goes into

such projects can give

homeowners a greater

sense of pride in their

homes. But no two home

improvement projects

are the same, and ho-meowners should know

that certain projects are

best tackled during cer-

tain times of the year.

Fall is a great season

to work on your house,

as the weather is often

at its most agreeable

once the summer heat

has gone and before win-

ter weather arrives. The

following are a handful

of fall-friendly home im-

provement projects forhomeowners looking to

improve their homes.

ROOF REPAIR

Whether youre re-

pairing or replacing the

roof, fall is a great time of

year to dust off the lad-

der and get some work

done on your roof for a

variety of reasons. Firstand foremost, fall is ide-

al for roof work because

you wont have to be up

on the roof with the sum-

mer heat bearing down

on you. This can make

the project move along

more quickly, which is

especially benecial if

you are paying laborers

to work on the roof. The

fewer hours workers are

xing your roof, the less

you will be paying in la-

bor costs.

In addition, xing

up the roof in the fall

ensures those winter

storms, be it rain or

snow, wont nd their

way into your home via

leaks. A leaky roof in

winter is hard to x, as

the roof surface could be

treacherous in the win-

ter and winter winds can

make it dangerous tobe up on the roof at all.

Addressing leaks in the

fall can prevent damage

to your homes interior,

which can mount up if

a leaky roof is not ad-

dressed until the follow-

ing spring.

WINDOW WORK

When the weather

outside gets frightful,

poorly insulated win-

dows can allow cold air

into the home. That often

has a trickle-down effecton nances, forcing you

to turn up the thermo-

stat in an attempt to off-

set the cold air pouring

into the home. Whetheryou need your windows

replaced or simply need

to patch up any leaks,

a proactive approach to

leaky or older windows

in the fall can save you

from unnecessarily high

heating bills come the

winter. Addressing leaky

windows also makes a

home more comfortable

for its inhabitants.

Fall is the ideal time

to address a homes win-

dows because the tem-

perature outside tends to

be pleasant. This means

you likely wont have tomake much of an effort

to offset the elements,

and open windows in

the fall wont make your

homes interior very hot

or cold like they might

if you were to tackle the

project during the sum-

mer or winter.

FIXING THE FLOORS

Wood ooring is a hot

commodity for many ho-

meowners. But not all

ooring can be added toa home at any time of

year. Thats because cer-

tain types of ooring em-

ploy adhesives that need

temperatures insidethe home to be within a

certain range, and that

range is often within 70o

to 80o F, which makes

fall a great time to install

such oors. Colder tem-

peratures can make it

difcult for the ooring

to dry and bond, which

will prove problematic

down the road. Whats

more, many people en-

tertain friends and fam-

ily come late fall and into

the holiday season, and

it can be difcult to do so

if you are busy installing

new ooring.

PAINTING PROJECTS

Painting is another

home improvement proj-

ect that seems tailor-

made for fall. A fresh

coat of paint or a new

color scheme around

the house can give a

home an entirely new

look and feel. But paint

can be pungent and the

aromas may last if its

applied at a time of year

when it cant dry whilethe windows are wide

open. Paint fumes inside

a home can make the

home uninhabitable, but

painting at a time of yearlike the fall, when you

can keep the windows

open during and after

the project, can help air

the home out.

But interior paint-

ing isnt the only paint-

ing project homeowners

can tackle in the fall.

Many exterior paints are

temperature-sensitive

and need the tempera-

ture outside to be above

40o F. Paint that freezes

wont dry properly, and

homeowners might be

left with a costly and un-

sightly mistake on theirhands. Fall temperatures

tend to be amenable to

both interior and exte-

rior painting projects,

just be sure to check the

weather forecast before

making your rst brush

stroke.

Home Improvement Projects Perfect For Fall

Painting a homes interior can give it a completely

new look and feel. A fresh coat of paint can make a

room feel more vibrant and up-to-date, creating a

whole new attitude within the room without break-ing the bank.

Whether creating an accent wall or painting each

wall within a room, painting is a relatively easy and

inexpensive home improvement project. But that

doesnt mean painting does not require a little prep

work before the project can begin.

* Address any holes or bumps on the wall. Holes

or cracks in the wall will need to be patched with

spackle, which then must dry before the wall can

be given a new coat of paint. In addition, sand down

any bumps until the walls are smooth and free of

any unsightly abnormalities.

* Wash the walls. Walls can get dirty, and that

dirt may or may not be masked by paint. Before

adding a new coat of paint, wash the walls and in-

spect them for dust. Dust can collect on molding,

especially in rooms that get little natural air. When

dust has collected on the molding and around door-ways and trim, use a damp cloth to wipe it away

before adding any new paint.

* Apply primer. Primer can serve many functions,

not the least of which is its role as a bonding agent

between the wall and the top coat of paint. Primer

can also help conceal dark colors, prevent stains

and increase the life expectancy of the paint job you

are about to undertake.

* Prepare your paint. Preparing the paint is a sim-

ple task, but one novice painters may not be aware

of. When opening a new can of paint, stir the paint

before using it. In addition, even if you dont plan

to use a roller when painting, do not paint straight

from the can, which can be heavier to hold than

a small bowl, and a light bowl is less likely to be

spilled than a potentially heavy can of paint. In ad-

dition, once paint has been removed from the can,replace the lid so dust and other impurities do not

settle in the can.

* Purchase painters tape. Painters tape can be

especially valuable to novice painters. Painters tape

makes it easier to paint smooth and clean paint

lines, giving a room a more professional looking coat

of paint without the cost of hiring a professional

painter.

Painting can be an inexpensive and fun way to

upgrade a homes interior. But even though paint-ing does not require the technical know-how of

more large-scale home improvement projects, it still

requires some prep work and attention to detail to

ensure the job is done right

Prep Work Important Before Painting



8/10

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Modern conveniences in

a home are meant to be en-joyed. However, items suchas televisions, appliances

and furniture can provequite dangerous when theyare involved in tip-over ac-

cidents.

The Consumer Product

Safety Commission saysbetween the years of 2008and 2010, 43,400 Ameri-

cans were treated in hos-pital emergency roomsfor injuries related to the

instability of televisions,furniture and appliances.Between the years of 2000

and 2010, 293 fatalitieswere reported, the highestpercentage of which wereamong children ages one to

eight. Fifty-two percent ofinjuries involved only furni-ture falling. Data from the

Brooke's Angel Wings, anorganization that hopes toraise awareness about the

dangers of unsecured fur-niture and televisions, saysevery two weeks a child los-

es his or her life to an ac-cident involving unsecuredfurniture or televisions inthe home.

Fortunately, tip-overdeaths and injuries are pre-ventable. Individuals mak-

ing improvements aroundtheir homes may want togive special attention to

renovations that can im-prove safety in and aroundthe house. One of the rst

steps to take is securingfurniture and televisions toprevent tip-over accidents.

One of the single easi-

est methods to preventingtip-over injuries is to an-chor furniture, televisions

and appliances to the wall.

All furniture with shelves,drawers and doors -- any-thing that can be climbed

or pulled over by curiouschildren -- should be an-chored into a stud with an

appropriate device. Evenif an item seems stable orheavy, some simple precau-

tionary measures can helpprevent an injury and pos-sibly save a life.

Many different safety

devices that can preventtip-over accidents are nowavailable. Products from

Safety First to Kidco toHangman all offer furni-ture straps to secure items.

However, do-it-yourselferscan use "L" brackets as wellas other bolts and hardware

that are sturdy enough tohold the weight of a fullyloaded piece of furniture.Remember, walls can al-

ways be repaired shoulddamage occur from boltsand straps. But lives can-

not be replaced.Flat screen televisions

are safer when mounted on

a wall than they are whenplaced atop a piece of fur-niture. If televisions are on

a TV stand, they should besecured to the surface.

Homeowners hoping toprevent tip-over accidents

can follow these tips.

* When loading dresser

drawers, put the heaviest

items at the bottom andthe lightest items in the topdrawers.

* Do not put things ontop of dressers that may

entice children to climb upthe dresser.

* Keep items you do notwant children to have out ofsight.

* Do not assume chil-dren will remember thedangers associated with

climbing or always followthe rules.

* Don't forget to also se-cure computer monitors.

* Check safety strapsfrequently to be sure theyare still secure.

* Think about otheritems around the housethat can present a danger

were they to fall. Secure ev-erything and anything thatis large and could cause

injury if it fell down onto aperson.

Homeowners shouldnot put off securing itemsaround the house. Spend-ing ve minutes now can

prevent a tragedy later on.

INFORMATION PROVIDED

Keeping Things Safe For Your FamilyHow To Prevent Tip-Over Accidents

Creating a walkway or

patio out of paving stones

can add aesthetic appeal to

a property. Pavers are less

permanent than concrete

and decking. As a result, it

is easier to change the de-

sign later on if you want to

give the space a new look.

Homeowners who install

their own pavers can savea considerable amount of

money. Because install-

ing paving stones can be

labor-intensive, landscape

contractors may charge a

premium for installation.

However, this is a project

that can be tackled by the

do-it-yourselfer.

1. Measure and plot out

the area that will become

the path or patio. The area

of the space can be gured

out by multiplying length

times width. This will help

you determine just how

much material you will

need.

2. Visit the home im-

provement store or a sup-plier of stone and other ma-

sonry supplies to determine

the style and color of the

paving stones you will use

in the project. Some hom-

eowners prefer to have the

materials delivered to theirhome to save the hassle ofextra heavy lifting and mov-ing.

3. Using a shovel or atiller, dig down and removethe grass to a depth of fourto six inches from the areathat will become the path orpatio.

4. Fill in the area you

dug out with a paver basematerial, using a tamper(either manual or power-driven) to tamp down thepaver base until it is leveland smooth.

5. Apply about one inchof paving sand to furtherlevel out the path or patio.This will be the material onwhich the paving stones arelaid.

6. Begin laying the pav-

ing stones. Leave the ap-

propriate distance between

stones desired by your pat-tern. If the paving stones

will not have any gap andserve as a continuous pa-

tio, leave only the smallestgap between them.

7. Spread more paving

sand on top of the pavingstones and, using a broom,

sweep it over the stones andinto the crevices between

them to set the stones.

8. Create the rest ofthe garden design around

the patio or pathway us-ing gravel, plants and even

edging material to nishthe look. Over time you may

need to sweep more pav-

ing sand over the stones tokeep them secure.

How To Create A Paver Walkway or Patio


9/10

Blakeslee, Ohio 419-272-2712

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Specializing In Design/Build Projects

People have sat around an open re outdoors for

centuries. Not only does re provide warmth and

light, but also it offers a relaxing setting for conversa-

tion and socialization.

The outdoor re pit has transformed the concept of

backyard entertaining. Homeowners understand how

a re pit can add value to a home and make their

yard an inviting place to be on a summer evening or a

chilly autumn night.

Outdoor re pits are a relatively new creation that

continue to grow in popularity. Once available strictly

through specialty retailers, re pits can now be found

on the shelves of many home improvement and big

box stores as well as online.

Fire pits can add a lot to a home's exterior enter -

taining area. Some re pit styles and materials will

last longer than others. Homeowners should assess

their needs and the space available before choosing a

re pit for their home.

First, homeowners must decide if they want a per-

manent or portable re pit. If you are ready to make

an enduring change to your yard and landscape, then

a permanent re pit is the way to go. These can be

made of stone or brick and are often very durable. Per-

manent re pits can be incorporated into landscape

designs to create a professional patio look. They're

also some of the safer types of re pits because they

cannot be knocked over and the bricks or retaining

wall construction provide a barrier around the re.

Portable re pits are freestanding units that can be

moved around the yard on a whim. They also can be

loaded into the car and taken to a neighbor's house

or even to the beach. Portable re pits are less expen-

sive than permanent models, and some homeowners

prefer a trial run with a portable pit before deciding to

install a permanent structure.

Portable re pits are made of metal and usually

coated with a reproof paint. Over time, exposure to

the elements can cause the metal to rust or weaken,

something homeowners should consider prior to pur-

chase.

Homeowners also must consider a fuel source.

Wood is a common fuel source for re pits. Wood

can be inexpensive, especially when gathered from

around the yard. However, a wood-burning re will

constantly have to be fed with new branches. If you

want to have a roaring re but don't want to main-

tain it, then a gas-fueled re pit is better. Natural gas

re pits can run off of a portable propane tank (thinkbarbecue tank) or be directly connected to a home's

natural gas supply.

Now you can decide on the style. Gas re pits will

give you a greater number of design options, but

there are still plenty of choices with wood re pits.

From bowl-shaped pits to rectangular-shaped pits to

barrel-style pits to chimineas, there are designs to t

most preferences and size constraints.

Once you have chosen a re pit, safety should pre-

vail. Here are some tips to consider.

* Keep the re pit away from the home and objects

that can burn. Maintain a safe distance from the re

pit at all times.

* The best place to have the re pit is on hard

stone, cement or tile. Portable re pits can be placed

on patio stones in the lawn.

* Use a screen to keep embers and sparks from

escaping during use.* Keep children a good distance away from the re

pit and always supervise when the pit is in use.

* Make sure the re is completely extinguished be-

fore going in for the night.

* Do not use any accelerants to make the re big-

ger or light faster.

* Buy a vinyl cover to protect the re pit from the

elements when not in use.

Making The Best Of A Cool Situation - Shopping For A Fire Pit

The kitchen is arguably the most-used room in the

house during waking hours. Having a kitchen that islaid out in an efcient manner can improve produc-

tivity and make for a more enjoyable experience. De-

signers often stress having an effective work trianglein the kitchen. The phrase "kitchen work triangle"started with the Building Research Council (formerly

the Small Homes Council) at the University of Illinois.The idea came from studies of space usage and the

search for efcient kitchen designs. What the triangleessentially means is positioning three key items ofthe kitchen for efciency. The stove, sink and refrig-

erator represent the three main points of the triangle.Having these items spaced accordingly can makework easier. Having them too close together can cre-

ate a cramped, ineffective room. The placement of thetriangle points alone does not make a successful lay-

out. According to the University of Missouri Exten-

sion, the triangle space should also be measuredac-

cordingly. Put 4 to 7 feet between the refrigerator and

sink, 4 to 6 feet between the sink and stove and 4 to 9feet between the stove and refrigerator, with the idealsize resulting in a work triangle where the three sides

total between 15 and 22 feet

Kitchen Work Triangle



10/10

19870_0213

(Dealer Imprint Area)

Your new neighborhoodhelpful place.Getting help at Ace is like going to your neighbor.

i

ACE HARDWARE1495 N. Shoop Avenue

Wauseon, Ohio 43567-1824

(419) 335-1717Monday - Saturday 7:30 am - 8:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Oberlin Farms Demolition & Recycling Makes Demolition Look Easy

10 The Village RepoRTeR Fall hoMe iMpRoVMeNT & CaR CaRe WedNesday oCTobeR 16Th 2013

OLD LEANING BARN GONE .... A recent project conducted in Kunkle, Ohio (old barn). This entire portion of the process took 35 minutes. Recyling and removal of concrete

took a bit longer.

2013 fall home improvement

Documents