The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/879797
The Press-Dispatch Fall Home Improvement Wednesday, September 27, 2017 E-9 HARDWOOD FLOORING White Oak – Red Oak – Poplar – Hard Maple – Cherry – Hickory We also offer Distressed Flooring All products available Finished or Unfinished PRE-FINISHED PRODUCT EASY CARE SWEEP & DAMP MOP – NO WAXING INSTALLATION AVAILABLE! Call or Stop in Today! Knies Sawmill, Inc. 812-683-3402 (Insured) Free Estimates (Bonded) (StatePoint) Fall is the perfect time to com- plete those pesky home maintenance projects left on your to do list. If you've been putting off these chores, you're not alone, but it could cost you. In fact, a national survey from Erie Insur- ance shows many Americans are putting them- selves and their homes at financial risk by delay- ing important home maintenance tasks. Make sure you're protected by focusing on these five areas: • The Roof. Twenty-three percent of homeown- ers admit they never inspect their roof or have it inspected unless there is a problem, according to the Erie Insurance survey. Unfortunately, re- placing a roof is also one of the biggest expenses a homeowner may have if not maintained prop- erly. Nationally, the average homeowner spends about $ 6,600 to install a new roof, but prices can soar upwards of $20,000. Don't be stuck with a hefty roof repair bill. Have it inspected to see if any shingles are damaged and need to be replaced. The fall season is the opti- mal time to do so, since roofing is best installed when temperatures are cooler. Plus, you'll catch any problems before winter weather kicks in. • The Gutters. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to major issues like un- even floors, cracks in walls and interior water damage. This type of claim, also known as seep- age, is a maintenance issue and often not covered under your home insurance policy. To prevent any major issues, clean gutters at least twice a year in fall and spring. • The Dryer Exhaust Duct. Does it take you two to three cycles to dry a load of laundry? If so, you may need to clean your dryer vent. One in five (21 percent) admit they never clean their clothes dryer ducts, unless they have a problem. But lint build-up can catch fire easily. Over 15,000 dryer fires occurred nationwide from 2010 -2014, with the majority being ignited by dust, fiber and lint, according to the National Fire Protection Associ- ation. Avoid this disaster with a thorough clean- ing at least once a year. • The Fireplace Chimney. Erie Insurance found nearly half (46 percent) of people who own a home with a fireplace never have their chimneys cleaned. However, uncleaned chimneys are a lead- ing cause of structure fires, reports the National Fire Protection Association. So, get the chimney cleaned before the cold weather hits and you find yourself tossing logs in the hearth to keep the house toasty, and then have it cleaned annually. • The Sump Pump and Pit. Sump pumps remove excess water from homes that would oth- erwise cause property damage. It's important to clean a sump pump and its pit annually to keep basements dry and help prevent mold growth and water damage. Do this maintenance project in fall to help protect against heavy rainfalls and accu- mulated melting snow and ice of winter. Now that you have your checklist, it's time to roll up your sleeves while it's still nice outside. Whether you're a DIYer or prefer hiring a profes- sional, crossing these projects off your to-do list will help ensure you're safe and secure before tem- peratures drop. home projects to tackle this fall Use the equity in your home to secure a line of credit to use for all of your fall home improvement projects. * NO ANNUAL FEE. Pay no interest for 90 days! Talk to a Consumer Lender today! (812)354-8471 • germanamerican.com .25 % 4 the FALL FIX-UP Home Improvement Line of Credit Variable Thereafter* *No annual fee. Annual percentage rate is accurate as of 9/25/17 and applies to new Home Equity accounts. The annual percentage rate in effect is 4.25% with loan-to-value of 80% or less and a credit score of 720 or above. If your credit score is lower than 720 and/or your loan-to-value is higher, your interest rate may be higher. Rate is variable and subject to change. APR will not exceed 21% or the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. Requires a checking account with us. Subject to credit approval. Property Insurance is required. $250 early termination fee if account is closed within 12 months of account opening. C & Z Roofing 1-812-582-2440 Shingle • Metal Cody Caldemeyer | Zach Langebrake FREE ESTIMATES c.zroofing14@gmail.com