HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-10-18, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2007.
(MS) — Homeowners make a lot
of effort to reduce energy costs.
However, even if they have done a
good job of implementing measures
to lower utility bills, they still
remain high. This is because
homeowners often forget to consider
the largest moving part of their home
— the garage.
According to Vicky Leclerc from
Garaga Inc., there are many
advantages to making energy saving
improvements in your garage.
In fact, it will keep the garage area
and adjacent rooms to the garage
warmer in winter and cooler in the
summer.
Moreover, if you use the garage as
a workshop or a recreation area,
having an insulated door will keep
the temperature more comfortable.
Leclerc notes that the first thing to
look at is the insulation value of your
garage door. A higher R-value is
better for energy savings. The inside
skins of a door are insulated with
either polysterene or polyurethane.
Polyurethane provides twice the
insulation value compared to
polysterene. It bonds the door’s skin
and adheres to the metal, ensuring
strength that reduces the chance of
the metal skin separating from the
insulation.
Notice that the advertised R-value
of a garage door means very little if
the door does not have a complete
thermal break system and a proper
weather seal system around all four
sides of the door and between door
sections.
Without thermal break, heat and
cold will move from the outside of
the door to inside of the garage,
reducing the insulation value of the
door. Metal end caps may allow frost
build up and the door sections to
freeze together.
Leclerc says, “The perimeter
weather seal system is useful to
prevent wind, rain and snow from
entering the garage. The type of
weather seal used should not be
overlooked”.
The proper perimeter weather seal
is made up of two parts, the seal
gasket and the holder. The seal
gasket should be made of rubber so
it will not split or crack.
Finally, what makes the difference
between two insulated garage doors
is the way they are installed.
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Insulated garage doors can reduce energy costs. (MS photo)
Insulated garage
doors reduce costs
Get floored over bathroom style(MS) - Despite being one of thesmallest rooms in a home, bathroom
renovations require a lot of
forethought, particularly to what
type of flooring will be used in the
space.
That’s because in a small space the
accessories, colours and accents you
use will be much more visible than
in a larger room where they tend not
to be the main focus.
There are many flooring materials
that are appropriate for bathrooms, it
just comes down to choosing the one
that fits your budget and lifestyle.
CARPET:Most people do not
associate carpeting with bathrooms,
however, it can be an option for
homeowners who prefer warmth and
softness underfoot.
But carpet can mold, stain and
retain odour, so it’s not a good
option in a household with children
or for people who are not diligent
with controlling moisture. However,
there are some mildew-resistant
brands and carpets with special
backing that are designed for high
moisture areas.
CERAMIC TILE:Ceramic tile is
one of the most popular choices for
the bathroom because of the variety
of colours and styles available in tile.
For the experienced do-it-yourselfer,
tile can be relatively easy to install,
but many homeowners prefer to
leave this task to a professional.
Tile is very durable, so it’s a good
choice in a bathroom that receives
frequent use. Larger tiles that require
fewer grout lines during installation
will be easier to keep clean and
prevent mildew.
On the downside, because of their
durability, tile is a long-term
commitment, so be sure you like the
style and colour before making it a
permanent addition to the bathroom.
Also, tile can be cold underfoot, so
throw rugs or hydronic heating
systems in the flooring may be
necessary. When choosing tile, look for
textured options that won’t be as
slippery as glazed ones.
VINYL FLOORING:Vinyl
flooring is a very inexpensive option
and one with an easy installation
most homeowners can tackle on
their own. Stick-down vinyl tiles
come in so many styles, making
them a very versatile flooring option.
Advanced technology has led to
patterns that mimic the look of
ceramic, stone and other natural
materials, so design options open up
even further. Vinyl tile does produce
joints so eventually water infiltrationcan occur.
Over time the tiles may warp or
peel up. Higher-quality tiles tend to
be thicker and more durable.
Thinner, less expensive tiles will tear
and chip more easily.
NATURAL STONE:For those
with larger budgets, marble, granite,
travertine and other natural stone can
be brought into the bathroom.
However, some of these materials
will develop water stains and may
need to be specially sealed. Consult
with a reputable installer before
making the investment.
BOB WATTAM'S BACKHOE
SERVICE INC.
"We Can Dig It"
• Trenching • Landscaping
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• Ponds • Float Service
• Fencebeds • Auger Service
Belgrave, Ontario
519-357-3069
Mobile: Bob 519-357-6386
AR renovating
Albert Roetcisoender
282 Albert St., Brussels, Ont.
Ph. 519-887-9752