Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Cathy Hobbs, Tribune News Service Published 7:39 p.m. ET Oct. 8, 2020

With fall in full swing and winter soon approaching, now may be the ideal time to get any outstanding outdoor projects out of the way. There may also be the desire, with the change of seasons to execute not only necessary repairs and preventive maintenance but also upgrade to include some outdoor entertainment that can be enjoyed during colder months.

Here are some ideas as it relates to fall projects.

1. House painting. Looking to give your home a refresher? While many choose to paint in the Spring, the fall may be a good alternative season to refresh the outside of your home.

2. Outdoor Kitchens. Outdoor kitchens can be basic or elaborate. There are companies that will even create an all in one unit that just has to be hooked up with the help of professionals such as an electrician and or plumber. If you live in a colder climate, you will need to winterize your outdoor kitchen before freezing temperatures kick in.

Fall is a good time to tackle outdoor projects like installing a fire pit area.(Photo: Cathy Hobbs/TNS)

3. Saunas. With so many opting for a "staycation". Saunas, which are relatively easy to install allow for an appealing outdoor oasis.

4. Landscaping. The fall is a good time to give your landscape a "fFall cleanup". Pulling weeds and mulching can help prepare your landscape for the winter chill.

5. Fire pits. Fire pits are more popular than ever and are especially enjoyable on a chilly fall night!

6. Hot tubs. The transition from summer to Fall is typically a time when people look to close up pools and open hot tubs. Hot tubs can come in different sizes and shapes and remain a popular outdoor addition.

7. Decks and patios. Decks can be built all year round and the fall is the perfect time to prepare foundation and supports in order to build through the winter.

8. Pools. Many people looking to enjoy a summer pool often start planning and even building in the fall.

9. Repaving and resurfacing. In anticipation of winter potholes, now maybe a good time to execute any drive way or street repairs.

10. Gutter repair or replacement. This is an important part of maintaining your home.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at http://www.cathyhobbs.com.

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Design Recipes: Now is the time to tackle fall outdoor projects - The Detroit News

Market SummaryFollow

Installed Building Products Inc. is a Installed Building Products Inc is an insulation installer serving the residential new construction market. The company operates primarily in the United States.

IBP - Market Data & News

Shares of Installed Building Products Inc. (IBP) broke into a new 52-week high yesterday, hitting a peak of $114.70. Shares closed at $113.91 after opening at $112.66 for a move of 2.63%. The company now has a market cap of $3.39 billion.

Investors and traders can learn a lot about a stocks momentum when it sets a new 52-week high. As an example, bullish investors view a company hitting its highest price in a year as a sign of momentum and may interpret it as a signal to buy. On the other hand, bearish investors could view a new 52-week high as a signal of the end of a strong run, with the stock possibly peaking out before an impending period of decline.

For Installed Building Products Inc., the new 52-week high came on volume of 163,906. The stock has a float of 29.8 million shares and average daily volume of $n/a. It has a 50-day SMA of $n/a and a 200-day SMA of $n/a.

For a complete fundamental analysis analysis of Installed Building Products Inc., check out Equities.coms Stock Valuation Analysis report for IBP.

Still paying commissions on stock trades? Equities.com now offers $7.99/month unlimited trading and flat-fee options trading for $89.99/month! Get started today by https://www.equities.com/trading-start

Installed Building Products Inc is an insulation installer serving the residential new construction market. The company operates primarily in the United States. The company installs fiberglass, spray foam, cellulose, and radiant barrier. In addition to insulations, Installed Building Products offers installation services for garage doors, rain gutters, closet shelving, shower doors, mirrors, fireplaces, and bath and door hardware.

Installed Building Products Inc. is based out of Columbus, OH and has some 8,500 employees. Its CEO is Jeffrey W. Edwards.

Installed Building Products Inc. is also a component of the Russell 2000 Index, which is an invaluable tool for any small-cap investor. Consisting of the smaller 2,000 publicly traded companies of the 3,000 largest companies in America by market cap (which combine to make the broader Russell 3000 index), the Russell 2000 gives the most comprehensive snapshot of the small-cap market of any index out there.

What's more, the Russell 2000 is maintained by Russell Investments, a company committed to using rules-based methodologies to construct unbiased indices that differ from the committee-selected Dow Jones Industrial Average or S&P 500.

To get more information on Installed Building Products Inc. and to follow the companys latest updates, you can visit the companys profile page here: IBPs Profile. For more news on the financial markets and emerging growth companies, be sure to visit Equities.coms Newsdesk. Also, dont forget to sign-up for our daily email newsletter to ensure you dont miss out on any of our best stories.

All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.

DISCLOSURE:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer

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Installed Building Products Inc. (IBP) Breaks into New 52-Week High on October 08 Session - Equities.com

Mask litter is an overlooked risk for spreading coronavirus, Air Force official says

Stars and Stripes is making stories on the coronavirus pandemic available free of charge. See other free reportshere. Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletterhere. Please support our journalismwith a subscription.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan They are everywhere in the coronavirus pandemic and easily spotted almost any place in Japan: face masks.

They fall from pockets or are callously discarded; they lie limp in parking lots or collect in gutters.

At Yokota, the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo, littered and improperly discarded masks are an overlooked risk for spreading the coronavirus, said Senior Master Sgt. Charles Patterson, the superintendent for operations and engineering for the 374th Civil Engineering Squadron, on Tuesday.

Properly disposing of masks and other trash can stem the virus spread, Patterson told Stars and Stripes.

For example, since March any waste from new arrivals living in temporary housing at Yokota during the required, 14-day quarantine is immediately incinerated at the base recycling and disposal facility.

Anyone on quarantine who has either tested positive or may potentially have coronavirus creates a contact hazard for anything they have touched, he said.

Yokota is one of only a few U.S. installations in the region to have an incinerator on base, Patterson said. A fixture at the recycling center since 1984, the incinerator aids in disease containment.

Not just masks, but all garbage generated by quarantined personnel is burned; none of it is recycled, Patterson said. Incinerating all that trash protects the base population from viruses present even on plastic, he said.

Masks and other personal protective gear should be properly disposed of, and no one should pick up a discarded mask with their bare hands, Patterson said.

Masks, gloves and other personal protective gear need to be bagged prior to being thrown into a dumpster, Shoko Suto, the Yokota solid waste program manager, said Tuesday. If someone doesnt properly dispose of their mask, they could be exposing others to risk, Suto said.

Yokotas environmental chief, Aleksandra Kirk, said she is concerned less about mask litter as a biohazard than with improperly discarded personal protective equipment contributing to environmental problems.

Discarded masks, like other types of litter, can clog storm drains, which creates flooding and further pollution, she said.

The Yokota environmental office traditionally hosts an annual installation-wide cleanup on Earth Day in April, but the event was canceled this year because of the coronavirus, Kirk said.

Patterson said he shares Kirks concerns about masks contributing to litter on base, especially when it comes to American relations with the Japanese people.

We are ambassadors in a country that is very gracious and supportive, he said. It is our responsibility to take care of this environment.

earl.erica@stripes.comTwitter: @ThisEarlGirl

Properly disposing of masks and other trash can help stem the spread of the coronavirus, according to an Air Force official at Yokota Air Base, Japan.ERICA EARL/STARS AND STRIPES

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Mask litter is an overlooked risk for spreading coronavirus, Air Force official says - Stars and Stripes

District 47 - West TN Northern

CARROLL COUNTY, SR-22A: Bridge repair in Huntingdon over Brier Creek at LM 0.34 and over CSX Railroad at LM 3.10.Restrictions: Monday, March 9, 2020: SR 22A will be reduced to one lane traffic with a traffic signal system.

CARROLL COUNTY, SR 22: The resurfacing on SR 22 from the end of the curb and gutter in Clarksburg to Bennetts Lane will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project.

DYER, LAKE, OBION COUNTY, SR-78: The resurfacing on SR 78 from SR 103 in Dyer County, through Obion County to south of SR 79 in Lake County will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project.

DYER COUNTY, SR-3 (US-51): The repair of bridges on US 51 (SR 3) over SR 211 in Dyersburg will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 55 MPH.

Restrictions: Sunday, July 19, 2020: Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction with a 12 lane restriction.

DYER COUNTY, SR-3 (US 51): The resurfacing with hot in-place recycling on US 51 (SR 3) from near SR 105 in Dyer County to South Main Street in Obion County.

DYER COUNTY, SR-20 (US-412): The resurfacing on SR 20 from US 51 (SR 3) to the Crockett County line will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project.

DYER COUNTY, SR-104: The resurfacing on SR 104 from SR 182 to the SR 181 including bridge deck repair will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project.

GIBSON COUNTY, SR-5:

Monday, September 21, 2020, through Saturday, October 31, 2020: There will be a closure of the right southbound lane and shoulder on SR 5 (north side of Humboldt) for construction of turning lane for Tyson S.I.A. route.

HENDERSON COUNTY (New Lexington By-Pass): The grading, drainage, construction of bridges and retaining walls, signals and paving on US 412 (SR 459) from US 412 (SR 20) west of Lexington to near SR 22 south of Lexington. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway.

HENRY COUNTY, SR-54: The grading, drainage, construction of bridges, retaining wall and paving on SR 54 from near Rison Street to near Smith Road. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway. *Speed limit has been reduced to 35 MPH.

Restrictions: Monday, November 25, 2019: Bridge work on SR 54 at LM 12.02 (Bridge nearest Guthrie) is causing a 10 lane restriction. *Traffic has been shifted to Phase 3 of traffic control.

OBION COUNTY, Future I-69 (Phase 2): Grading, drainage, construction of eight bridges on future I-69 from south of US 51 (SR 3) to south of US 45W (SR 5) will cause possible lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit is reduced to 45 MPH through the US 51 (SR 3) portion of the project. The southbound traffic has been switched to the northbound side on SR 3 throughout the work zone, for phase 2 construction.

Restrictions: Wednesday, November 6, 2019: SR 3 will have traffic in the outside lanes in both directions. Inside lanes will be closed for construction. Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction with an 11 6 lane restriction.

OBION COUNTY, Future I-69 (Phase 3): Grading, drainage, construction of bridges and paving on future I-69 from west of SR 21 to US 51 (SR 3) will cause possible lane closures throughout the project.

Monday, July 29, 2019: SR 21 North from Clifford Rives Road to Lindenwood Road. The closure is to allow the construction of the overhead Bridge on the new portion of SR 21 along with the Road & Drainage of the I-69 mainline. Northbound traffic will detour from SR 21 East onto Clifford Rives Road, then North on Bethlehem Road, West onto Lindenwood Road before proceeding North on

SR 21. Southbound traffic will be in reverse order. Detour routes are posted.

LOOK AHEAD

Monday, October 12, 2020: Bethlehem Road north from Clifford Rives Road to Lindenwood Road will be closed. Claude Tucker Road north from Cloys Road to Section Line Road will be closed. Detour routes are posted.

OBION COUNTY, SR-43 (US 45E): Repair of the bridges (right & left) on SR 43 over overflow will cause possible lane closures throughout the project.

WEAKLEY COUNTY, SR-22 (US 45E): The repair of the ramp bridge on US 45E (SR 22) over SR 431 will cause the ramp to be closed. A detour to SR 431 is provided.

District 48 - West TN Middle/Southern

CROCKETT COUNTY, SR-20: The miscellaneous safety improvements on US 412 (SR 20) from near the SR 54 ramp (LM 10.40) to Old SR 20 (South Cavalier Drive) (LM 12.80) may cause possible temporary lane closures both eastbound and westbound.

HARDIN COUNTY, SR-69: The construction of a Bulb Tee bridge over Doe Creek along with grading, drainage, and paving may cause temporary lane closures on SR 69 at LM 10.06. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway.

HAYWOOD COUNTY, SR-19 (Brownsville Bypass): The construction of an I-Beam bridge along with grading, drainage, and paving may cause temporary lane closures on SR 19 (Brownsville Bypass) from east of SR 87 to west of Windrow Rd. One lane will remain. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway. Speed limit is reduced to 45 MPH within the project limits. Shaw Chapel and King Road will be closed at SR 19 and a detour put in place on August 27, 2020.

HENDERSON COUNTY, SR-20: The resurfacing with hot in-place recycling on US 412 (SR 20) from Crucifer Road to near Sea Horse Drive will cause temporary lane closures daily.

HENDERSON COUNTY, SR-20: The resurfacing with hot in-place recycling on US 412 (SR 20) from east of SR 22 to near the Chesterfield By-Pass, including bridge expansion joint repair and thin epoxy overlay will cause temporary lane closures daily.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-5: The repair of the bridges on US 45 (SR 5) over Overflow (LM 11.17), near the fairgrounds, will cause temporary lane closures. One lane will remain open at all times.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-20: The repair of bridges on I-40 over US 412 (SR 20) (LM 12.01) in Jackson.

Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 9, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.: Intermittent lane closures on Hwy 412 (SR 20, Hollywood Drive) east and westbound at I40 for bridge repair activities.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-186 (US 45 Bypass) and I-40: Interchange improvements on SR 186 (US 45) north and southbound from the I-40 ramps to Old Hickory Blvd for paving and construction of retaining walls. Widening of I-40 from just east of Exit 79 to just east of Exit 82.

activities.

Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

Saturday, October 10, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

Monday, October 12 through Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

LOOK AHEAD

Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

Saturday, October 17, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

Saturday, October 17 AND Sunday, October 18, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: I-40 eastbound and westbound will have intermittent lane closure at Exit 82 to allow for installation of overhead signs and opening of phase 1 of the off ramps.

Monday, October 19 through Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-186:

Sunday, October 11 through Friday, October 16, 7:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: Intermittent lane closures north and southbound for resurfacing on US 45BP (SR 186) from Channing Way (LM 4.40) to Passmore Lane Overpass (LM 8.18).

LOOK AHEAD

Sunday, October 18 through Friday, October 23, 7:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: Intermittent lane closures north and southbound for resurfacing on US 45BP (SR 186) from Channing Way (LM 4.40) to Passmore Lane Overpass (LM 8.18).

MCNAIRY COUNTY, SR-57: Beginning, Monday, August 24 The Resurfacing with hot in place recycling on SR 57 from the Ramer City Limits (LM 12.00) to the Hardin County Line (LM 24.67), including bridge expansion joint repair will cause intermittent lane closures daily.

TDOT District 48 MAINTENANCE:

Wednesday, September 30 through Wednesday, October 7, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures at various locations in Region IV in order to repair pavement on an as needed basis.

District 47 and 48 Floating Maintenance-Asphalt Resurfacing (TDOT Floating Maintenance):

Wednesday, October 7 through Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on I-40, both east and westbound in Henderson, Decatur, and Benton Counties at various locations between MM 95.3 and 134.4 to repair short damaged sections of asphalt. Weather Permitting.

REGION IV Snowplowable Markers:

Wednesday, October 7 through Wednesday, October 14: There are no scheduled closures.

District 49 - West TN Southwest

FAYETTE COUNTY, SR-196: The repair of bridge over Shaw Creek will cause a lane closure with temporary traffic signal near MM 7.0.

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, SR-19: The resurfacing with hot-in-place recycling on SR 19 from near Eastland Avenue to Haywood County Line will cause temporary lane closures daily.

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, SR-88: The resurfacing with full depth reclamation on SR 88 from Dee Webb Road to Key Corner Road, including bridge deck repairs will cause temporary lane closures daily.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-3: Resurfacing on SR 3 (Union Ave) from Bellevue Blvd to BB King Blvd.Wednesday, October 7 through Tuesday, October 13, 6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on SR 3 east and westbound between Bellevue Blvd and B.B. King Blvd for asphalt paving operations. One lane in each direction will remain open. Weather Permitting.

LOOK AHEAD:

Wednesday, October 14 through Tuesday, October 20, 6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on SR 3 east and westbound between Bellevue Blvd and B.B. King Blvd for asphalt paving operations. One lane in each direction will remain open. Weather Permitting.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: Resurfacing on SR 14 from the Mississippi State Line to SR 175

Thursday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 14, 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.: There will be temporary lane closures on SR 14 (Third Street) north and southbound for resurfacing. One lane will remain open in each direction.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: The grading, drainage, construction of concrete Bulb-Tee and I-beam bridges, signals and paving on SR 14 from east of Old Covington Pike to SR 385 will cause possible lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: Construction on SR 14 for a widening project from SR 385 to east of Kerrville Rosemark Rd. There will be possible temporary lane closures throughout the project. Access to SR-14 from McCalla Rd West will be permanently detoured to Donnell Rd. *Speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-205: The resurfacing on SR 205 from SR-14 to Armour Rd will cause temporary lane closures.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-205: The addition of turn lanes on SR 205 (Airline Rd) from Brooks River Drive to south of I-40 will have lane closures throughout the project.Thursday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on SR 205 north and southbound from Brooks River Drive (LM-15.75) to just south of I-40 (LM-16.07) to perform temporary road widening work. There will be one lane traffic with flaggers present at times. *Speed limit has been reduced to 35 MPH. Weather Permitting.

TDOT District 49 MAINTENANCE:Thursday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures on all interstates and state routes in District 49 for routine maintenance activities on an as needed basis.

TDOT District 49 Emergency Reference Marker Installation

Wednesday, October 7 through Tuesday, October 13, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime lane closures at various locations in Shelby County on I-40 westbound, MM 0.0MM 18.6; I-240 eastbound, MM 12.0MM 31.0, and I-55 southbound, MM 5.8MM 12.4. One lane will be CLOSED to install new Emergency Reference Markers. Weather Permitting.

TDOT District 49 On-Call Guardrail/Concrete Barrier Rail Repair:

Wednesday, October 7 through Tuesday, October 13, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be night time lane closures at various locations on SR 3 (Shelby County), SR 385 (Shelby County), SR 14 (Shelby County), SR 15 (Shelby County), I-40 (Fayette and Shelby Counties), I-269 (Shelby and Fayette Counties),

I-55 and I-240. One lane will be CLOSED to repair damaged guardrail. THP will assist with traffic control. Weather Permitting.

Thursday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be daytime lane closures at various locations on SR 87, MM 2.0-MM 3.0 (Lauderdale County); SR 3,

MM 10.0MM 24.0 (Lauderdale County), and SR 205, MM 2.0MM 3.0 (Shelby County). One lane will be closed. Flagmen will be used to direct traffic. Weather Permitting.

Wednesday, October 7 through Tuesday, October 13, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime ramp closures in Shelby County at the I-40 westbound On ramp from EXIT 12 Sycamore View, I-55 southbound EXIT 5A Off ramp to eastbound Brooks Rd, I-55 southbound EXIT 6B Off ramp to I-240 northbound, and I-55 southbound EXIT 7 On ramp from SR-14 southbound. Weather permitting. If weather prohibits, the closures will be on the next available night.

LOOK AHEAD:

Wednesday, October 14 through Tuesday, October 20, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime ramp closures in Shelby County at the I-40 westbound On ramp from EXIT 12 Sycamore View, I-55 southbound EXIT 5A Off ramp to eastbound Brooks Rd, I-55 southbound EXIT 6B Off ramp to I-240 northbound, and I-55 southbound EXIT 7 On ramp from SR-14 southbound. Weather permitting. If weather prohibits, the closures will be on the next available night.

NON-TDOT/City of Memphis work

SHELBY COUNTY, I-40: Memphis Cook Convention CenterMonday, October 7, 2019, 6:00 a.m. through Wednesday, October 28, 2020: On October 7, 2019 the exit ramp from I-40 eastbound (Exit 1, Front Street) was fully closed for upgrades to the Memphis Cook Convention Center. The ramp split to Riverside Dr. will remain open. Traffic will be controlled by signage and traffic barrels. Drivers should exercise caution when approaching and traveling through work zones.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at http://www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or for West Tennessee follow https://twitter.com/NicLawrenceTDOT.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

In 2016, the Tennessee Department of Transportation lost three workers in the line of duty. All three were struck by passing motorists. Those tragedies bring the total number of TDOT lives lost to 112. We dont want to lose another member of our TDOT family. Were asking you to WORK WITH US. Click on the WORK WITH US logo to learn more.

Excerpt from:
West Tennessee Weekly Construction October 7-14, 2020 - tn.gov

Alert and prepared for anything that the darkest, dankest days have to throw at us? Ensure your domestic shield is up to the challenge.

BOILER SERVICING

Whether you have an air-source heat pump or use fossil-fuel central heating, take an hour, and turn the CH system on to check the dry (boiler/fire) and wet end (UFH/radiators and pipes). This does not stand in place of a full annual, professional check appropriate to your fuel and system type and sweeping flues and chimneys. Dont skimp now and end up cursing your inaction in the depths of December.

Notice any odd noises from the boiler or radiators. Are any of the radiators cool to the touch, top or bottom, or simply not coming up to temperature? ASHP systems will be cooler they should be. Bleeding out air-locks is a simple business, heres a little B&Q guide: youtube/TuGIebYijcA. Your heating engineer can advise you if an old system needs a power-flush where the rads are cleaned out and refilled with corrosion inhibitor and clean water.

The boilers outdoor, plastic condensate pipe should be insulated, look for it. Are any TRVs on the radiators working? Give them a tweak to check the screws/pins are working properly, finessing set temperatures. They sometimes just need to be removed and the pin given a confident tap with the handle of a screwdriver. If you have a sealed central heating system (under pressure), the gauge should read in the area of 1-1.5bar.

Go through the heating controls and scheduling. If you set the thermostat to minimum, it should effectively shut down your heating. Think about a set-back temperature if theres any chance you might be away from home unexpectedly this will stop the house getting unduly cold. Download the PDF guide for your smart thermostat if you dont have one there are all sorts of tricks to enhance its performance.

If you notice any sooty deposits around the boiler, the flues, or anywhere where combustion happens call in a heating engineer. Finally, try keeping the back of your sofa at least 10cm off the radiator to allow the heat to convect fully around the room. If youre not in a vulnerable group, consider living at an air temperature of 18C/19C a money and Earth-saving change.

DRAUGHT-PROOFING

Even where you cannot afford to seal the house up in a full insulation retrofit at a professional level, there is plenty you can do to stem uncontrolled air exchange. Basic draught-proofing can cut your kWs for heating by as much as 15%, saving 145kg of CO2 a year.

Recognise the problematic places. These tend to be where different structural materials meet (or rather, dont quite meet) and where there are openings from letter-boxes to simple drilled out conduit holes for services and utilities. Try a wet hand, or my incense hack, to track the problem. Dont overlook exterior doors, windows, light switches, letterboxes, floorboards, skirting boards, attic hatches, where floor joists meet external walls, and where pipework penetrates external walls and suspended floors.

The convection currents of CH in a draughty house can actually pull draughts around the rooms, so get it sorted. See my full draught-dodger guide here: http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-20419223.html

If youre on certain social benefits, you may qualify for an SEAI grant for these small projects (installed). Keep in mind, there is 400 up for grabs, also from the SEAI, towards the installation of the modern standard of 300mm of blanket insulation to the attic. Check out the T&Cs in the grant section at seai.ie.

VENTILATION

Ventilation is not a draught, but a controlled air exchange.

Healthy, appropriate air exchanges through mechanical or passive ventilation elements designed into the house (wall vents and trickle vents) are not something we want to interfere with.

A suspended floor requires free, constant ventilation to keep the timbers healthy and to whip away radon gas. Its the other, unintended, sneaky, small breezes stirring through the house we have to plug up.

Go outside and look for piled-up leaves or other debris blocking vents or air bricks at ground level. Are all grilles that are meant to be open, open? Change the filters in your HRV or mechanical ventilation devices if required (bathroom/cooker/kitchen). Change the battery in your CO/smoke alarm, and test it today. If you dont have one, get one. My choice would be the Nest 2nd Generation Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm; from 100, from multiple suppliers including Harvey Norman.

If you use gas from any supplier, please read the safety guide from Gas Networks Ireland at http://www.gasnetworks.ie/home/safety/gas-safety-in-the-home. The 24-hour emergency line 1850-205050.

RAINWATER SYSTEM

Were trying to whip the rain down from the roof as efficiently and directly as possible and to keep the moisture off vulnerable elements of the house, including wood fascias and soffits and the render (which, with a few discreet cracks, are a lot more permeable than you think). Pooling, cascading water escaping a blocked gutter can do a surprising amount of damage, and once frozen, ice can expand to flip off render.

At the very least, if your gutters leak or overflow, the dirty stains produced by the build-up on the exterior finish will be truly depressing by next April.

Proper high-work is best left to a seasoned tax-registered professional.

Dont hire a knocker. With a pair of binoculars, take a look at the roof as a whole, then take in the gutters, downpipes and the condition of the walls. Can you see dislodged slates, damage to flashing, and any marked build-up of algae and moss? Are there any cracks in the render bigger than a few millimetres? If so, its probably worth investigation by a structural engineer.

If youre fit and able and living in a bungalow, cleaning the gutters is completely doable in a well-dressed, careful team of two with good ladder skills. Being up there, you can look for other issues such as gutter joints sprung open by the heat of the summer sun in 2020.

Cleaning your gutters not only ensures that water gets off the roof and down to the drains efficiently it clears out the expansion gap of mouldy silt which can clog, and push the sections of gutter apart. Heres a handy guide from Woodies to tackle a leaky gutter: with Tec7 sealants that work even in a water-filled gutter (from 16 a tube): youtube/cFWlJwPfaeQ.

OTHER JOBS FOR OCTOBER

Original post:
Winter is coming. Here's how to get your home ready for it - Irish Examiner

With cold weather heading toward much of the country, you'll likely want to ensure that your home is ready to deal with the hazards of winter weather like ice, snow and cold temperatures. Don't assume that just because everything seems to be in good shape now that you won't experience any problems over the course of the winter.

Here are some minor repairs and different inspections you can do to ensure that your family stays warm and dry through winter:

Walk around the external foundation of your home to look for cracking, crumbling or other signs of decay. Loose, weak or broken foundation cement or bricks can let in moisture that could cause serious damage in the months ahead. Inspect the inside foundation for similar problems and call a specialist to repair any damage before cold weather arrives.

Schedule an annual maintenance visit with an HVAC expert to keep your furnace working efficiently. If it's getting old or worn out, it may be time to consider a new furnace installation to keep your home comfortably warm through the winter months. You don't want your heating system to give out during the winter over a weekend when an HVAC technician's emergency visit costs more than a regular weekday appointment.

It's easier to have a new furnace installed while the weather is still mild instead of waiting for a snowy, icy day when the driveway might be slippery and snow could get tracked through the house. You'll appreciate the peace of mind of having an up-to-date, reliable furnace that can supply the heat your family needs.

Strong winds or heavy rain can damage a roof over the summer without you even knowing it. Have a professional roof inspection done to check for missing or broken shingles, deteriorating gutters and downspouts, or a missing chimney cap. Don't wait until several inches of icy snow has piled on your roof and caused a leak in your home. Have any needed repairs done now before the weather turns frigid.

Drippy faucets or clogged drains can cause water buildup or mold growth. For problems like these that you may have been ignoring or if it's been a while since your plumbing was checked, contact a plumber for an evaluation of your water lines and pipes. Make sure the plumbing is insulated adequately so your pipes won't freeze and burst in the freezing temperatures.

Have these important home features checked out now so you can rest easy when fall turns into winter. Inspections, assessments, repairs and replacements will keep your home operating comfortably and safely!

Michael Kogler,REALTORMIKE KOGLER TEAM: #1 Sales TeamLong & Foster Real Estate, Inc. | Christies International Real EstateDelaware Coastal Properties Division37156 Rehoboth Ave., Ext.Rehoboth Beach, DE. 19971Cell:(302) 236-7648Email:michael.kogler@LNF.comWeb:www.MikeKogler.comHenlopen Sales & Rentals:www.HenlopenRB.com

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Preparing Your Home to Stand Against the Cold, Snow and Ice of Winter - CapeGazette.com

Here are 5 Things you can do around the house in the fall.

- Gutter Covers. You know why they call autumn Fall? Because thats what the leaves are getting ready to do. And the pine needles. And acorns. And sweet gum balls

Get those gutters covered now and save yourself time and money later. Believe me, cleaning your gutters is a crap-job, even if you have a new ladder. BONUS - clean gutters will help keep water out of your basement!

- Get your furnace serviced. Avoid the rush - know that the first night you desire warm air it will be there. Get on the list of your favorite HVAC company to come out, change your filter (oh yeah - the filter) and tune up your furnace.

- Check your insulation. You should have 20 of blown in insulation in your attic to meet Energy Star requirements. Hop to it now and save some money - there are insulation installers out there now offering discounts

- Get your house on a pest control schedule. Get a whole house treatment now and sign up for quarterly inspections. Dont wait until you see a bug in your house, kill them outside - now, and teach them a lesson.

You didnt fight your way to the top of the food chain in order to chase a cockroach around your bathroom

- Wrap exposed pipes. Take a moment and crawl through your crawlspace. See any plumbing pipes exposed? How about in your garage? You can wrap those with a foam wrapper and save some money this winter.

Foam pipe wrappers are available at all big box stores and can be installed by even the clumsiest of husbands.

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5 Things you can do around the house, or as I call them, fall chores - WSB Radio

Although preparing your home for winter is a fairly consistent process year-to-year, many homes have seen significantly more use this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. If your home will serve as your office or school throughout the winter months, its important to address issues that may have been noticed but tolerable during winters past.

Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to help ensure your home is ready before winter weather strikes.

Improve indoor air quality

Beyond proper physical and structural considerations of winter preparations, the increased daily usage of your home naturally increases the importance of indoor air quality. Since windows and doors will likely be closed more often, moisture levels within your home can be significantly affected. Use a humidifier, if necessary, to maintain a relative humidity between 45-50%, which is healthier and can feel more comfortable. It can also keep wooden doors and windows functioning properly and wood furniture and floors looking good.

Get your furnace checked

To keep your furnace from failing when you need it most, get it inspected by a professional before you need to rely on it to heat your home in the dead of winter. If youre not leaving the house and turning down the thermostat each day, this will be especially important this year. Regular tune-ups can prolong your furnaces life, help prevent carbon monoxide leaks and ensure your unit is working at maximum efficiency. If a whole-house humidifier is included as part of the heating system, also inspect the humidifier and replace the element, if necessary.

Seal leaks around windows and doors

Air infiltration is one of the largest culprits of reductions in a homes efficiency. Small air leaks can add up to significant heat loss and a corresponding increase in energy consumption. If replacing window screens with storm windows and installing a storm door on your house isnt realistic, increase energy efficiency by sealing gaps around window and door moldings with caulk to help keep heat from escaping. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall of your home, you can also use caulking and weather-stripping to help block potential entry points for cold air.

Check your gutters

Improper drainage away from the home is one of the biggest causes of water leaking into basements and crawlspaces. Gutters and downspouts have the single purpose of routing water away from your home to help prevent damage to your foundation. Once leaves have fallen and before the first snow, ensure your gutters are properly secured and clear of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to improper drainage and potential overflow, ice damming or other water-related issues. Also adjust downspouts so they direct water at least five feet from the house to help minimize the possibility of water run-off back toward the foundation.

Prep the plumbing

When water freezes, it expands. Any residual water in pipes that is exposed to freezing temperatures, including interior lines located in exterior walls or unheated areas, can burst. Start by disconnecting hoses and shutting off exterior faucets, draining any water that remains in them and storing hoses indoors to prevent cracks. Drain any other pipes, valves or in-ground sprinklers that may be exposed to the elements and, for an extra layer of protection, wrap water spigots with covers to prevent damage. Sometimes a simple trick like keeping a cabinet door cracked open to allow warm air into the space can prevent frozen pipes.

Find more expert tips to get your home ready for winter at remodelingdoneright.nari.org

Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

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Get your home ready for work and school this winter - Amsterdam News

She said she had a simple method to freshen up carpets without needing to buy expensive products.

"A little tip I thought might be helpful to others," the Facebook user wrote.

"I cleaned my stair carpet with lemon juice diluted with water, I used a cloth and just rubbed it.

"It's great for stains and took the mucky bits from my dog's paws out.

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"So if anyone's looking to freshen up their carpet I definitely recommend this method."

The homeowner revealed simply using lemon juice and water can remove stains and make carpets look as good as new.

When asked for more information, she explained people do not need fresh lemons to make her cleaning solution.

While sharing her tips, the homeowner also suggested using warm water for the best results.

The experts recommended using natural products and hoovering the carpet for the best results.

"Bedroom carpets can be ten times dirtier than a toilet seat, so its really important to clean them regularly," they said.

"At least once a week, give your carpets a good vacuum, and use natural cleaning sprays for a quick refresh."

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Carpet cleaning: Mrs Hinch fan shares cheap way to freshen up carpets and remove stains - Express

I was sent a test unit of the Neato D7 to review, and instantly put the robot vacuum to work. My needs ranged from general daily cleaning to picking up mud and dog fur after long post-rain walks. This Neato collected everything that was left behind, along with plenty of smaller dust and dirt particles. While it doesnt empty its dust bin when its done, the D7 makes up it with its powerful performance and numerous features.

As with other Neato robot vacuums, this one has a unique D-shape that allows it to better avoid obstacles and clean up against walls and other tricky places. The design looks a bit clunky but its surprisingly efficient.

Setting up the vacuum was a simple and straightforward process, and I quickly found myself setting up zone cleaning and floor mapping. With so many boundaries in place, I confidently walked away and let Neato handle the cleaning without worrying about it venturing into forbidden places.

If you have an Alexa device, you can conveniently ask it to tell the Neato to begin cleaning or return to its base. Although I dont have carpets, the Neato expertly climbed and cleaned a few area rugs. The anticipated run time of 120 minutes is pretty accurate, but using Turbo mode can drain the battery a bit faster.

An ultra-performance filter captures even the smallest particles and prevents them from escaping back into the air, which is a big plus for allergy sufferers. A spiral combo brush thats specifically designed to pick up pet hair on various floor surfaces makes this vacuum an especially practical choice for pet owners.

You can choose between eco and turbo modes depending on the task at hand. While eco mode helps to conserve energy, turbo mode boosts suction power and speeds up the brush to tackle messier areas.

This Neato runs up to 120 minutes per charge and automatically recharges then resumes cleaning when necessary.

Unless you want the vacuum to clean an entire level at once, youll want a way to block it from off-limit areas. Virtual barrier lines keep the vacuum inside designated areas while it cleans. You can simply push a button to have the vacuum clean within specified zones. You can create No-Go Lines for each floor plan in your living space.

This Neato has WiFi connectivity and works with 2.4 and 5GHz networks. Its compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Neato Chatbot and IFTTT. Laser mapping technology and a distinctive D-shape ensures the most efficient cleaning pattern. Regular software updates mean the D7 will only get better over time.

Choose the Neato Botvac D7 if you want:

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15 Best Robot Vacuums 2020: Compare & Save (Updated!) - Heavy.com