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2 Red Deer Express
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT, Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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Red Deer Express 3
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
The ins and outs of residential in-floor heating BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express A good way for homeowners to stay cozy during the fall and winter months is by having an in-floor heating system installed in their home. In-floor heating is a radiant heat conduction system for warming the coldest objects in a given space. In-floor heat has been around for decades but has grown in popularity over the last 15 years in both forms - hydronic and electric. The delivery of heat can come in the form of hot water running through pipes buried in the floor assembly. The other is an electric heating system which is installed directly below floor coverings like tile or stone. Depending on the system, in-floor heat can be installed during construction of a home, or after the fact as well. “The advantages for in-floor heat can typically be substantially reduced allergens in a given space. “The other consideration is even and comfortable heat especially when used for secondary heating under tile and stone,” said Darrell McGorman, territory manager for Schluter Systems Canada Inc. and a representative for Central Alberta Tile One in Red Deer. There are different technologies used in in-floor heating systems nowadays, so homeowners have options in terms of what kind of system would be suit their needs.
McGorman said one type is a hydronic system. “Hydronic systems consist of heating pipe installed in the floor and a boiler system or a geothermal heat source,” he said. There are different types of hydronic systems. Some are a traditional design; others involve wooden sub-floor panels. In a traditional system the heating tubes are installed into concrete. This type of system is usually seen in new residential construction and is often used in basement slabs. The slabs are typically insulated with a thermal break below with two to four inches of highdensity foam insulation. Rebar and heating tube runs are installed above the foam then concrete is placed over top. The heating tube network is attached to a manifold and boiler system. Sensors in the floor relay the temperature of the floor back to the boiler that regulates its temperature. The traditional system described above creates a large efficient thermal mass that will warm all the objects in the space of the system, McGorman added. “There is also wood panel hydronic flooring systems on the market today and they are not nearly as efficient as a traditional hydronic system,” he said. “These wood panel products are not always used as the primary heat source, there may also be a forced air system in place as well. These systems consist of a special sub-floor panel
that has a predetermined track cut into the sub-floor that allows for the installation of heating tubes directly into the wood panel. “The disadvantage here is no effective thermal mass is achieved. Wood is a natural insulator and will not present an even heat over the floor. Warm and cold spots will be felt,” said McGorman.
“IN-FLOOR HEATING CAN BE USED IN MANY AREAS OF THE HOME.” DARRELL MCGORMAN “Some other hydronic wood panel manufacturers responded to this with the addition of an aluminum sheet as a means of creating a more even heated surface. The addition of a metal surface may help in a more even heat but complicate the installation of ceramic tile and stone products.” Another type of in-floor heating technology is by using secondary heating only and it is based on an installed electrical heating element. “These types of systems are often used on suspended wood floors. Sub-floor thickness between joist or I-beams spans must also be suitable for the installation of tile and stone products,” said McGorman. He added there are several manufacturers who supply in-floor heating systems, but there are some things the homeowner has to consider as well. “Some systems use a heating cable encapsulated in a fabric mesh, others are an
anchoring clip and an installer strung cable system. The encapsulated cable in fabric or mesh is quicker in some cases to install on the jobsite than a string cable and anchoring clip method,” said McGorman. “The disadvantage is standard heating mats may not work with the project’s specific room dimensions. “These types of mats can often be special ordered to fit the room but require preplanning and wait times for custom mats. Custom mats depending on the distributor dealing with the manufacturer may be delayed for various reasons.” When thinking about in-floor heat, many homeowners might think it can only be installed in the basement of their homes, but this is not the case. “In-floor heating can be used in many areas of the home. In new construction, builders often opt for a radiant hydronic system in the slab for basements. In basements renovation projects electric heat can also be incorporated, however, radiant heat warms the coldest objects first. “That cold object could also be the ground under a basement so it is imperative to factor in a thermal brake before the cable is installed,” said McGorman. “High density extruded polystyrene foam panels can be used over leveled concrete to insulate and separate the heating element. The use of a half an inch thick HD foam panel will yield an R2 rating. “The thicker the foam the better for R value.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
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4 Red Deer Express
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT, Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Fall is the time to get ready for the holiday season The holiday season is officially upon us. Thanksgiving has whipped past leaving us all in a sea of leftover turkey and potatoes as we begin to look forward to Christmas - but not quite yet! There is still time to prepare and gather your thoughts before the madness hits.
Kim
MECKLER How did you manage during Thanksgiving? Was there a houseful of happy content people staying out of your way while you prepared the meal or were people under foot and under your skin the whole time? The perfect solution for company woes is to create the ultimate, can’t resist guest bedroom. I guarantee if you have an ultra luxurious guest room prepared in your home your guests
will spend more time in said room and less time in your kitchen testing your gravy every five minutes. They will emerge ready for a good meal and jovial conversation after resting in your fabulous guest bedroom. Think about the most divine hotel you have ever stayed at and try to recall why it was such a favourite. Many guest rooms are neglected dumping grounds for our old mattresses and furniture and often a collection of our clutter. Take a fresh approach to your guest room by giving your visitors a decadent place to lay their heads. Even if a new mattress is out of budget, ensure that your guests have a selection of foam or feather pillows and add memory foam or down topper to your existing mattress. Sheeting should be comfortable and fresh smelling so it’s a good idea to not leave a guest bed made up for long periods of time but to put clean linens down just before arrival. Give your guests places to put items; whether they
are staying overnight or for a week it is a great kindness to have a drawer empty and unfilled hangers swinging in the closet which will invite them to put some of their personals away. Inexpensive lush bathrobes and slippers are another fantastic way to say ‘come in and relax’ to everyone you host. If at all possible, have a television or Internet access in your guest bedroom which will allow people to unwind and have some down time after travelling or too much visiting with Uncle Ned. Most drug stores now carry a wide variety of travel-sized toiletries which can be a nice little welcome for company. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to see a collection of soap, toothpaste and lotion waiting for them upon arrival? Even when staying with family it can be uncomfortable to ask for personal hygiene items from your host if you have forgotten them. An over the top indulgence would be a mini fridge filled with water, juice and snacks or even a single serve coffee machine for your guests
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to serve themselves in the early AM - wouldn’t that give you a little more free time in the morning? The comforts that are important to you are also important to your guests. Quality blankets, adequate heat or cold and room darkening blinds or curtains all add up to very comfortable and happy guests. Depend-
ing on the season you can include treats such as instant packages of a spicy pumpkin drink or peppermint hot chocolate. These can be left in the room and changed out as seasons come and go. If you are extremely energetic you might consider a jar of cookies or even small snacks such as nuts or gra-
nola bars. Put this on your fall ‘to do’ list and create a welcoming retreat for upcoming guests, you know they are on the way. Take some time this fall before life speeds up to embellish and beautify your guest room. Kim Meckler is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre.
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Red Deer Express 5
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
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6 Red Deer Express
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT, Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Properly preparing yards and gardens for winter BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express Before the leaves fall, the frost sets in and gardening tools get stored for winter, be sure to prepare gardens and lawns for the cold months ahead. Fall garden preparation includes a variety of aspects from trimming and pruning, to early planting for bulbs to the final lawn cut of the season. There are plants to soak, leaves to collect and measures to take to protect foliage from winter damage. “Putting your plants to bed for the winter involves a few different things but it’s not as big a job as everybody makes it out to be,” said Alfred Prins, long-time garden enthusiast and greenhouse manager at Parkland Nurseries & Garden Centre. “There’s a lot of pruning and cleaning to do. Pruning does nothing for the hardiness of the plant, it just makes things easier and tidier – especially things that hang over the sidewalk and catch your pants when you’re shovelling.” It is not essential to prune every plant in fall. If the plant blooms all summer, then pruning should happen in September/October. For shrubs that bloom in May and June, pruning occurs in July. Fruit trees can be pruned either in the fall or in the spring. Trees that should be trimmed in fall include willow and poplar trees, as the branches will be more accessible after the leaves have fallen. Birch and maple trees are not to be done in the fall, but rather in July. “Pruning is done after hard frost and af-
ter the leaves have fallen. That way, nothing starts to grow back right away while the tree is trying to harden off for the winter,” said Prins. Perennial plants ought to be trimmed to about eight or 10 inches of height so as to provide a place for snow cover to gather over the winter. The trimming of perennials and long grasses helps maintain a clean looking yard. Ornamental grasses can be left long in winter to add some depth to an otherwise white garden, and to provide a place for the sparse birds to gather. “Any shrubs or bushes - tea roses for example – they get cut back at the end of October just to make them easier to cover, not for hardiness. Those get covered right over with peat moss, wood shavings, mulch, garden rubble, daily stocks and leaves you rake up – that’s all insulating. You can even put an old piece of carpet on it so that the snow doesn’t push it all down,” said Prins. He stressed the fact that grass clippings make poor insulation as they are fine and will smother and mould. The covering and insulating should occur at the end of October or early in November. Late fall fertilization in October can save some time in the spring for those who want a jump start on their lawns next year. Some planting can occur in late fall, including carrots, leeks, onions, lettuce and some other bulbs. “There are some vegetables that you can plant in late fall so they can germinate first thing in spring – not things like beans and
Ask Jack
cucumbers because they need warm soil to germinate. You can get a little bit of a jump if you’ve got too much spring work to do. Usually, you seed it a little extra or put some mulch over it so it all over-winters nicely,” said Prins. He added that plants from planters or raised beds tend to have a difficult time in winter and so should be removed from their summer home, placed in the ground and insulated for better growth in springtime. “Geraniums are plants that should come right into a house and hang out on a sunny windowsill for the winter. Cold storage will not be an ideal condition for these plants, unlike dahlias and gladiolas, which can be stored in the cold,” said Prins. Some trees, such as cedars and little Alberta spruce trees should be soaked at the end of October and then covered at the base with burlap to protect from wind and sun. Prins said there are products that can
be sprayed on trees that provide a sort of waxy coating so that trees and roots do not dry out. Fountains ought to be emptied to avoid cracking from frozen water. They can simply be turned upside down and left on a lawn. The same goes for birdbaths. Fragile ornaments made of glass should be taken indoors so they do not freeze and crack once they thaw. “There’s one other thing –you can’t fix vole damage after it’s there. That means trapping mice and getting them out of your area, removing weed material and scruffy plant stuff, anything with seeds or places they can hide. It removes habitat and food so they’ll go somewhere else,” said Prins. “There is something you can spray on trees or shrubs that deters chewing as well. There are wraps and guards that can be had – any good garden centre carries those.” kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com
Your fireplace expert
How Do I Choose the Right Fireplace for My Home?
M
any times when customers come into the store they ask, “Jack, how do we choose the right fireplace for our home?” When it starts to get cold there’s nothing like gathering around a fire with your family and friends. The warm glow and heat from a fireplace on a cool day and the light smell of burning wood create a serene environment in any size home. Fireplaces make great get together spots and many families hang out around the fireplace in the evenings to watch a movie or to just be together. Almost all new house plans now have at least one fireplace built into their design to accommodate the desire for the heat and glow coming from a burning fire. You’ll find fireplaces everywhere including dining rooms, kitchen spaces, master bedrooms and even outdoor patios. Gas fireplaces have created a strong trend with more affordability than wood burning fireplaces, which
require a Class ‘A’ chimney. Gas fireplaces now dominate the marketplace with pre-fabricated units that are generally at a lower cost than their wood burning counterparts. At Fireplace Experience, one of the ways we assist customers in selecting the right unit for their home is to have them bring in a photo of their room, so that visualizing the new fireplace in their space is easier. Along with the selection on display in the showroom, customers can also access up to 300 different models in the virtual showroom. With so many options, there is bound to be a perfect fit for any space and lifestyle. Gas fireplaces remain popular as they provide radiant heat and a hearth flame with out the inconvenience of wood. With so many options for sizes and decorative details combined with the energy efficiency, they remain a first choice among consumers.
JACK LARSEN
Visit our showroom today and check out the selection of gas fireplaces available to enhance your home! Visit our Showroom
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Red Deer Express 7
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
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8 Red Deer Express
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT, Wednesday, October 22, 2014
The pros and cons of fall and winter home buying So perhaps circumstances have deemed it your time to purchase a new home. We have all heard of the brisk spring market but what can you expect when you look to buy in the fall or winter?
Pam
PIKKERT Let’s take a look shall we? I will warn you all that the ‘S’ word is going to be used. That’s right, we will be talking about snow. Always look on the bright side of life, as the song goes, so let’s start with the pros. 1. Fall is a really pretty time of year. The upside is that you will be able to look at your potential new backyard before the snow hides any flaws. You will also get the chance to peek through the trees as the leaves fall to know just what your view will be throughout the winter when those same trees are bare. 2. The natural light of fall is very comparable to the winter light. You will be able to see your new home as it will be through the winter, at its least vibrant. This is a true benefit in my opinion. You are seeing the property in
its truest and most naked form. 3. The fall market is generally slower. This means less chance of competing offers on the property. The sellers may be more motivated to negotiate on the details such as the price or possession date. 4. You will be shopping with certain features in mind. This time of year reminds us that winter is indeed coming. Energy efficient furnaces and windows, a garage built for two, in floor heat and a myriad of other features are at the top of the list when you shop in the fall. Given how long the winters can be here and how much it costs to heat your home for those long months, this can be a great benefit. 5. And finally, if you move in before the holiday season you get to enjoy your new home all decked out while snuggled on the couch in your PJ’s. And now the cons. Remember, you were forewarned that we would be discussing snow. 1. The snow can come quickly and when it does it can be very hard to get a true sense of the land once it is covered. You will not be able to determine how well the yard was maintained or what level of ongoing maintenance will be required for the landscaping. If you are purchasing a home with
pets you may even want to negotiate for the cost of poop clean up for the spring. 2. Given the snow, you may not be able to determine if the traffic near the home is lighter than usual due to adverse road conditions. 3. You will have to view the potential properties much earlier in the day to be able to see the property in the natural light. 4. The inventory is much lower in December and January given first the preparation for, the enjoyment of and the recovery from the Christmas season. 5. Lawyers and lenders often close or operate on greatly reduced staff during the holiday season. Any glitch to the mortgage funding may not be addressed until business as usual resumes in January. 6. Moving in the winter when it is -40C give or take with the wind chill and when the snowdrifts prevent the moving truck from getting closer than a half block make moving during the winter less than ideal to say the least. Yikes, that’s all I have to say about that. So there you have it. The pros and cons of buying a home during the fall or winter. Pam Pikkert is a mortgage broker with Dominion Lending Centres – Regional Mortgage Group in Red Deer.
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Red Deer Express 9
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Tips on how to build your very own man-friendly space Today, every member of the household is seeking a retreat of their own. Mom has the ultimate in pampering with her deep Jacuzzi tub with scented candles. The young son may have an arcade room, where a flat screen sits proudly mounted on the wall. But what about Dad? “Creating a ‘man cave’ is such a fun way to give a nod to Dad and offer him a tailored room for personal space,” says Sally Morse, director of creative services at leading window treatment company Hunter Douglas. Below, Morse offers tips on how to build the ultimate private man cave. Fashion and Function - don’t overwhelm the space with too many bells and whistles – the inspiration is, after all, a cave, the most basic of dwellings. “Try to make every piece go double duty, like a luxe-looking card table that also works for drinks and snacking,” Morse advises. Playful Accents - “I like to always ask about favorite childhood memories or hobbies that evoke a feeling of comfort, and brainstorm ideas from there,” Morse says. If your man spent his summer breaks sailing the seas, for example, try a shipshaped chandelier.
The “T” Factor - from James Bond’s luxurious hideaways to Batman’s dark lair, a common theme occurs: technology. “Home automation systems are always impressive and fun,” Morse notes. “They also make living in any space seamless and easy.” The Hunter Douglas Platinum App, for example, can be integrated into existing systems or be used on its own for a taste of home automation at a fraction of the cost. The app allows mobile device users to adjust their window treatments with the tap of a finger. Move all the Hunter Douglas window dressings in the home at once or by room, at the same time or one shade at a time, and by “scenes” you can pre-set, such as “movie night.” You can even activate the timer feature to set the shades in motion while you’re away. Morse also recommends Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades with the Blockout System that eliminates light gaps for complete room darkening and privacy. With these handy tips, spend less time creating and more time enjoying your man cave. More information is available at www.hunterdouglas.ca.
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10 Red Deer Express
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT, Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Fall is the perfect time to plan for a home renovation What have you done to bundle up your home for winter? It’s time to think of finishing up some of those projects you didn’t get finished over the summer months. Summers are short in Alberta and who can blame you for wanting to enjoy a beautiful day on the golf course or on your deck, sharing a glass of wine with friends. But now it’s time to get serious - your home deserves some attention.
Stacey
SWAIN Fall is a great time to start creating a plan for an upcoming renovation. When undertaking any renovation, it is imperative to come up with a plan.
Many clients are not able to complete an entire renovation all at once. However, piecing together your project with no forethought will result in less than spectacular results. So even if you can only afford to re-do your powder room this fall, be sure to incorporate all areas of your home into your long-term plan. Use that plan to proceed step-by-step through your renovation. For example, you would like to replace that horrible
carpet with a new hardwood floor. But your budget won’t allow for it right now. As you look around, you notice the walls could sure use a freshening up with new paint. Hmmm…you have always hated that ugly chandelier above your dining room table. Not to mention you’ve always wanted to make that dining room bigger to have more space for entertaining friends and family. It’s time to bring in some professional advice.
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Find a reputable company to work with to help create a step-by-step plan for you to work towards getting everything you have envisioned for your home. Utilize the knowledge a designer can bring to your project. Set out a budget you are comfortable with and the stages at which you can move forward with your renovation. One of the biggest mistakes a client can make is to allow an unreasonably short amount of time to complete a project. This leads to disappointment and frustration for both client and contractor. An interior designer can assist you to coordinate all of your product choices, colour palette, and also help you to determine which areas of your project are best to start with as you begin to create a beautiful flow through each room of your home. Next comes the big question - what’s in style now? Of course, there are always changing styles and trends. It’s the most exciting part of design. I always guide clients by current trends, but always within a framework of what’s comfortable for them. Choose colours and finishes you’re at ease with. Think about how you use your home. There is an
amazing amount of products on the market. Determine what best suits your needs. Look for ways to change up your interior by adding a new colour combination. We have been excited to see lighter shades of hardwood flooring coming into our showroom. Some have a washed effect, and maybe even a bit of metallic sparkle. There are more golden tones re-emerging, but with hints of grey tones. These are modern takes on woods, with lots of dimension, detail and shading to add character to your home. Tiles are more contemporary with the popularity of both matte and gloss finishes continuing to find their way into many homes. Organic textures and styles appeal to homeowners, whether they choose a traditional or modern décor. Whichever direction your renovation takes you, begin with a solid plan. Enlist competent, knowledgeable designers and contractors and trades people to ensure your project is completed properly and to code. Your home should be a true reflection of you and your family and your individual styles and needs. Stacey Swain is an interior design consultant with Central Alberta Tile One in Red Deer.
Red Deer Express 11
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Five ways to stay energy efficient this winter Old Man Winter is just around the corner, bringing cold, frigid temperatures and a desire to stay in and stay warm. Heating costs make up a significant portion of household expenses, but there are ways to manage your energy
use while still staying warm and cozy. Josh Orzech, the director of home services for Direct Energy Alberta, shares five easy ways to improve energy efficiency this winter: 1. Lower the thermostat: put on a sweater or extra blanket and lower your thermostat by two degrees celsius to save up to 4% on your heating bill. Consider replacing your old thermostat with a programmable one – some versions learn your behavior and adjust the temperature based on your living patterns. 2. Keep in the heat: look into the attic and check to see if your current insulation needs to be topped up. Regardless of the type of insulation you have, there should be a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic. Improving your home’s insulation is one of the fastest and most cost effective ways to cut down on your heating costs. 3. Maintain your furnace: most manufacturers recom-
mend that you clean or replace furnace filters every three months. It’s important to book a full inspection with a professional to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty and ensure your system is working safely and efficiently. Doing this should also help cut down on your energy consumption. 4. Use ‘free’ heat: open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let the warmth in. 5. Seal it up: check for air leaks around doors, windows and electrical outlets and use caulking or weather stripping to seal out the cold air. If you were to add up all the leaks in the average Canadian home, you would end with a hole about the size of a basketball. Additional tips and ideas can be found at www.directenergy.com/alberta. www.newscanada.com
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Winterize your home We know that Canadian winters can be tough on our homes - both inside and out. Prep the deck - cleaning the deck’s surface, especially removing debris caught between deck boards, can save a lot of time come spring. Consider using a power washer and recommended cleaner to remove mold, mildew and grime. When the surface is clean again, seal it with a weatherproofing wood stain for lasting protection. Keep a maintained roof over your head. A wellmaintained roof keeps the warm air in and cold air out. Being proactive now, with repairs and maintenance, will prevent larger issues in the spring months. Remember to check and examine if there are any leaks, ventilation issues, or insulation deficiencies. Install door sweeps - a door sweep takes care of air leaks at the bottom of
doors common in older homes. A door sweep is easy to install with a few simple screws. By applying weather stripping, you can save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills. Prep drains for winter - prepare for the winter run-off by adding a downspout extension to your current drainage system. Come spring, melting snow should be directed at least three to four feet away from your home’s foundation. Make sure exterior faucets have been turned off. Any water left in the pipe could freeze, forcing expensive repairs for burst pipes. Fall dust down - now is the time to thoroughly clean heating ducts, grills, registers and ceiling fans. Air filters should be replaced as least once every three months as they can become clogged, causing your system to work less efficiently and increasing operating costs. www.newscanada.com
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