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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-10-15, Page 9TOE aTIZER.-WEONESOA'r.'OetbBefi'TS? rtSf. M6E S. Protect top and bottom with fall gutter check-up Whether you are undertaking full-fledged roof repairs or not this fall, it is worth taking a little lime to give your gutters a quick check up. Gutters protect your roof and foundation by channeling rain water away from your home. "Over time rain, snow and ice can corrode galvanized metal gutters," says Eric Schmidt, Home Depot's building expert. "For many home owners, vinyl gutters are a first choice because they are easy to install, durable, won't corrode and are permanently colored so they don't require much maintenance." < Consider replacing damaged metal gutters with vinyl gutters (which are coloured-matched and will attach to many metal gutters). Vinyl gutters come in 10-foot lengths and are easy to cut to the required length using a simple hacksaw. Most gutter systems include components such as: straight lengths, inside corner, outside corners, outlets, down spout offsets, straight connectors, end caps, and hanging brackets. The modular vinyl components snap together. Simply follow the manufacturer's directions and in no time you'll have a gutter system that directs rain water where it is supposed to be — outside and away from the foundations. Most new homes have aluminum gutters which are not as durable as vinyl systems but provide more colour options. To stop leaves clogging up your gutters and preventing proper drainage consider installing leaf guards. They come in 36 inch lengths, and are available in metal or plastic. Simply clip on to new or existing gutter systems. What you need: Tools: Hacksaw, chalk line, ladder, tape measure, hammer, cordless drill/screwdriver, level. Material: Vinyl gutter system components, leaf guards and fasteners, screws. Approximate price guide: are $5, Downspouts, $8, Joiners, $3 Vinyl gutters in 10 foot lengths and Leaf guards, $5-$6. Consider all the advantages of shopping at Manning’s for your building materials: ■ Free estimates ■ Free consultation ■ Free delivery ■ Competitive pricing ■ Complete package pricing ■ Quality products made by the manufacturers you know and trust 10 energy saving ideas Using energy wisely can reduce consumption and save money on utility bills. Here are some tips: 1. Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts—with caulking or weatherstripping. 2. Set thermostats between 65 and 70° in the winter, at least 5° lower when sleeping, and at 58° when away from hone for more than a few hours. (Warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants). 3. Set water heater temperatures at 140° (at 120° in homes with infants or elderly persons to guard against accidental scalding), and install waterflow restrictors in showerheads and faucets. 4. Change filters or clean the filters in heating and cooling units twice a year. Close vents and doors in unused rooms. If pipes or ducts run through unhealed areas, insulate them. 5. Use drapes, shutters, awnings, shade trees, glass with reflective film or solar screens to keep sunlight out in the summer and let it in during the winter. 6. Check to see if attic and basement (or crawl space) have the recommended level of insulation. 7. If you have a woodbuming fireplace, consider installing a natural gas fireplace insert, which can save on energy costs compared with wood. A gas fireplace also will dramatically reduce the air pollution created from burning wood. 8. Consider storm or thermal windows and doors or double paned glass. A less expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to retain heat or air conditioning 9. Be sure that dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers are fully loaded before running. 10. When buying new appliances, compare energy efficiency ratings and annual operating costs. A slightly higher initial cost for a high efficiency appliance could pay back itself in a very short time through energy savings and lower utility bills. Spruce up for winter Home Depot Canada offers do-it- yourself suggestions to give you a mid-winter boost. Many people find it difficult to pass the remainder of the winter without feeling sluggish. Home improve­ ment experts at Home Depot Canada offer some easy, economical, do-it-yourself home­ projects that will help spruce up your home and help you beat those February blahs. The following ideas are designed to help cheer you up and make your Continued on page 11 Going Out of Business SALE In-Store Wallpaper And Borders at Must Move Prices! 330 Victoria Street CLINTON 482-3404 Don & Betty Duff ■ We're right here in your own area - no valuable time lost travelling ■ We have many suppliers who guarantee next day delivery on items that are not in stock Before you buy for your next [/y building project, large or small call Manning's for an estimate...you'll . V” be glad you did \\ Manning's Building Supplies Ltd. Blyth 523-9305 Start a beautiful, glowing fire in just one second Terms and Conditions f Deferred payments available to Union Gas residential customers on approved credit through Union Gas and Member Union Gas Fireplace Dealers. All other offers not applicable. Offer valid from Aug. 18 to Oct. 18, *97. There are no set-up fees or early payment penalties for financing. ▲ Residential customers only, on approved credit and only if financed through Union Gas and Member Union Gas Fireplace Dealers. © Union Gas Limited 1997. Bringing energy into your life MAKE YOUR HOME A COMFORT ZONE Natural Gas Fireplaces No payments until March’98+ Convenient billing options* MONTGOMERY'S Comfort Centre Ltd. P.O. Box 368, R.R. #5 Wingham, Ontario NOG 2W0 Just south of 519-357-4300 phone Wingham 519-357-4294 fax o iniongas energv for you