Homes Plus
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APRIL 2013 HOMES PLUS Replace continued from Page 14 ■ Determine how many panes of glass are in your windows. Single-paned windows are the least energy efficient. You can replace them with double- or triple-paned ENERGY STAR compliant windows to enhance energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable during all seasons. ■ Look at the frames of your windows. If they're made of a product that needs constant maintenance like wood, you're probably spending a good deal of time scraping paint and repainting every year or so. An investment in vinyl-framed windows would be smart since these low-maintenance frames eliminate maintenance hassles. Tips for knowing when to replace a front door ■ If you can see light around your main entry door from the inside, the door is hard to close or lock, or the door itself is warped, it's time to consider a new door. ■ Even if you can't see light, air may be moving through gaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate. On a very cold or hot day hold the back of your hand an inch , or so away from the bottom and perimeter of your door. If you can feel air moving or a significant cold spot, that's a signal your existing door could benefit from better sealing. ■ Think about the weather conditions your home's door faces along with your energy bills. If either run to the extreme, consider replacing your entry door with a high-performance fiberglass door (which can have four times more insulation than wood doors). Look for a door with enhanced weatherstripping, corner seal pad, door bottom sweep and profiled sill that all work together to provide strength and stability in your entry door. Tips for evaluating trim features of the home ■ Take a top-down look at your home. Most houses have louvers placed high above the attic or garage space to allow ventilation in those areas. And, most houses have wooden louvers that can rot with time. Replacing louvers with insect-resistant and rot-resistant synthetic louvers can improve the home's appearance and functionality . ■ Wrap it up. Clement recommends that if you have unsightly porch posts you can easily transform them into showpiece parts of your home by using Column Wrap Kits. The decorative PVC or urethane pieces can generally be installed in less than 30 minutes around existing structural posts and columns to give an upgraded look to any home. ■ If you have the opportunity to replace your entry door or windows, make sure to finish off the job with stylish window and door trim. Lightweight and easy to install, weather-resistant synthetic mouldings, shutters and entryway surrounds made of durable urethane or PVC are a definite doit-yourself project for any homeowner. U p g r a d e Yo u r S h o w e r Pro's Pick® Solar Salt water softener salt upgrades your water and your life. That's because soft water is easier on your skin, laundry and more. Call for convenient delivery or pickup today. SERVING THE LAKE COUNTRY AREA FOR MORE THAN A DECADE! 262-446-0279 Email us at ohernasphalt@yahoo.com Specializing In: Call for Free Estimate! • Asphalt Paving & Patching 262-446-0279 • Asphalt Seal Coating & Crackfilling Receive $20 off • Approaches/ Garage Lips • Infra Red Seamless Patches when you mention this ad. • Excavating & Grading Receive an additional $10 off for any veteran in the house. • Water Diversion Landscaping • Culvert removal and replacement • Concrete installation • Concrete overlays (any color, any pattern) 231493002 Cabinetry for Every Room, Every Budget! SALE! Norcraft's Mid Continent Cabinetry Save 12% on Select Decorative Doors! Save 66% on Glazed Finishes! Now through May 3rd! SAVE BIG! CLEARANCE SALE Upgrade Your Water Selected displays on sale! Great for Basements & Rec Rooms! All in-stock cabinets on sale! Get this green and gold display for only $1,795, includes the granite top and sink!! • Water Softeners • Iron Filters • Drinking Water Systems 262-547-3866 15 We Beat All Big Box Stores and all Competitors | Visit Our Showroom By Appointment Kitchens | Baths | Dens | Cabins | Offices | Rec Rooms Work With Experienced Design Professionals 1005 Richards Road, Hartland | 262.367.9439 1344 White Rock Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186 "We Specialize in Cabinetry" www.softwaterinc.com 230290001 231417006 www.kitchencreators.com