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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-02-25, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1987. Solid vinyl siding is virtually maintenance-free, making it the ideal siding material for today’s busy homeowners. Detergent, water and a sponge are all that’s needed to wipe off and clean the panels. One rinse with a hose and you can cross exterior maintenance off your list of household chores. Vinyl siding saves work \ Skylights add distinctive touch to kitchens Homeowners are adding sky­ lights to their recipes for an ideal kitchen. Skylights can provide a measure of openness and a link to the outdoors, according to remodeling designers. They point out that the kitchen is an active place through­ out the day, so why not make it as bright and cheery as possible? New mothers, especially women who have left the work force to start families, sometimes feel trapped at home. Much of their time is spent in the kitchen. Skylights extend one’s view up and over neighboring houses that might be blocking out the sky. And in townhouses and multiunit con­ dominiums , a skylight might be the only way to open an inside room to the outdoors. Skylights have come a long way from the primitive plastic bubble nailed to the roof, he adds. Low-profile glass skylights in fixed and venting models blend easily with the slope of the roof. The best of today’s skylights are leakproof and energy-efficient through new concepts in product design and materials. For instance, some skylights have frameworks made of an exotic new thermoplastic that is said to be more resistant to weather and For homeowners tired of paint­ ing their homes every few years, vinyl siding represents a solid investment in long-term good looks, easy care and economical remodeling. Vinyl’s a tough, impact-resist­ ant material that has color clear through, so scratches won’t mar its appearance. The long-term dura­ bility of vinyl siding means it’s economical, because mostvinyl siding is designed to last many years. Unlike other siding materials such as aluminum, vinyl is flexible and will not dent or warp; nor will it blister, peel or flake. It’s about as close to maintenance-free as a building product can be. About the only required maintenance is an occasional rinse with a garden hose or with a mild detergent and water. Esthetics is another plus of vinyl siding. Vinyl offers a color to meet virtually any exterior decorating scheme. Contemporary siding col­ ors are chemically formulated to look in consistent color throughout the life of the siding. Suitable for most architectural styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, vinyl siding is available in horizontal or vertical styles, in various clapboard widths, and in smooth or textured surfaces. Matching vinyl accessor­ ies such as gutters, downspouts, soffits, fascia, corner posts and other trim decrease maintenance requirements and offer even grea­ ter exterior design and versatility. One way to save money on the cost of installing vinyl siding is to do it yourself. Any reasonably skilled handyman ought to be able to handle the job. Help is available from your local building materials retailer, or from the many how-to pamphlets available at your deal­ er’s store. If you prefer to hire a contractor to handle the siding job, ask neighbours or friends who recently had their homes resided for recommendations, or consult the “Yellow Pages’’ under “Siding Contractors, ’ ’ ‘ * Siding Materials’ ’ or “Contractors-General.” insect damage than wood aluminum components. This type of material lends itself to features like built-in, integral condensation gutters that prevent drips in humid areas like kitchens. One decision is whether to buy a factory-assembled skylight that comes ready to install or a cheaper one that arrives as a box of parts. Ready-made skylights make for tighter construction and faster installation, according to one manufacturer, who points out that the sooner you cover the opening in your roof, the better off you’ll be. A cure for loose countertops Your countertop is probably loose because someone periodi­ cally places a hot pot on it. When the temperature goes above 65° (150°F), the contact cement soft­ ens and starts to let go. If the contact cement is not too old, it may be reactivated by heating the area with a gun-type hair dryer. You need a temperature of about 93° (200°F) on the surface of the Formica to reactivate the cement. Then roll the area with a hard rubber roller and cover it with a board clamped in place or weight­ ed sufficiently to hold it in place until it cools and the contact cement resets. If your contact cement is aging and cannot be reactivated, you can bore a tiny hole up into the understuck area from the under­ side of the plywood. Take special care to bore deeply enough to penetrate the plywood but not far enough to come through the Formica. Inject white wood glue into the unstuck area. Then, push the loose section of the countertop up and down to spread out the glue. As before, cover the area with a board clamped or weighted to flatten the Formica until the glue dries completely. Brussels 887-6277 Regardless of who does the appearance and value while reduc- installation, a face-lift with vinyl ing the costs for its upkeep and siding will enhance your home’s maintenance. Carpets-Upholstery Auto Interiors Cleaned in your home or place of business. We use the exclusive Von Schrader dry foam method. No heavy soaking. Carpets dry quickly. FREE ESTIMATES - CALL EVENINGS 887-9095 Bestway Cleaning Service PROP.: FRED G. STEPHENSON - BRUSSELS, ONT. or SpRing Specials FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS Special Pricing on Cushion Flooring FEATURING CANDIDE From $13.95 sq. yd. SPECIAL PRICING on Panelling Ceiling Tiles Paint & Carpet Special Pricing on Houselots of Windows & Doors MCDONALD HOME HARDWARE Building Supplies