Consumer Corner
6 Ways to Weatherize Your Home
(Family Features) A changing of the seasons may mean adjustments to your routine and updates to your home decor, but it also brings maintenance and upgrade opportunities for homeowners. As temperatures shift and seasonal weather rolls in, weatherizing can help you conserve energy, save money and improve comfort all while protecting the exterior (and interior) of your home from the elements.
This checklist from the door experts at Masonite, a global industry leader in interior and exterior doors and door systems, can help you keep the outdoors out.
Have Heating and Cooling Systems Inspected
Turn to the professionals to have your furnace and air conditioning inspected before temperatures change. They can make sure the system is working properly so you can have heat or cool air when you need it while conducting safety checks to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide leaks and other hazards. Plus, having your system inspected before any extreme weather means necessary repairs can be completed before you’re relying on it for comfort.
Trim Trees
Your trees and shrubs might provide a beautiful aesthetic in spring and summer, but winter weather can turn them into hazards for your home. Heavy winds and snow and ice buildup can cause branches to break off and damage roofs, windows and more. Some experts recommend waiting until leaves fall to prune; be sure to research the types of trees on your property and understand the best maintenance methods to keep them healthy without putting your home at risk.
Replace Your Front Door
Living in a comfortable, energy-efficient home starts with keeping out rain, wind, cold and heat. For a protected and weather-proof home, consider replacing your front door with a premium alternative like the Masonite Performance Door System, designed to keep the outside out and the inside in. Available with a variety of exterior fiberglass doors in a multitude of styles, colors and finishes, including multiple glass options, the system’s industry-leading 4-Point Performance Seal provides superior energy efficiency, performance and comfort. Plus, the system is backed by a 10-year limited full replacement warranty and available at home improvement retailers nationwide. Additional benefits include:
- A square edge door fits perfectly into its frame for a solid, energy efficient seal.
- A self-adjusting sill maintains its seal, adapting to imperfect or changing conditions.
- Adaptive weatherstripping made of high-end, low-wick memory foam snaps back into shape when bent or twisted, stopping air and water in its tracks.
- Enhanced corner pads stop upward water pressure and form a tight seal between sill, door panel and frame.
Clear Gutters
While it’s a bit of a dirty job, clearing gutters of debris and buildup like leaves and twigs keeps the system running as it should. Gutters can’t properly drain when they’re blocked, which means water isn’t being diverted properly. This leads to water spilling over and can cause problems ranging from mold or mildew to larger issues like foundation damage.
Secure Outdoor Furniture
It may cause a bit of sadness putting patio furniture away for the season, but it’s an important step in protecting both the furniture itself and your home from high winds that can pick up during colder months or increased moisture during the rainy season. Some pieces may need stored away while others can simply be covered, but make sure to clean and carefully dry to avoid mold and mildew growth beforehand. Take advantage of the opportunity to thoroughly clean grease and grime off grill grates, repair damaged furniture items and clear the entire area of dirt and debris so everything’s ready to be dusted off and enjoyed in the spring.
Hire a Roof Inspector
The roof is a critical component in keeping your home structurally sound. A professional can examine your roof for damage and assess anything that may need fixed or replaced ahead of winter weather or rain. This examination includes shingles, soffit, fascia, chimneys, gutters and more along with a check for signs of interior damage like water stains, mold, holes or wood rot.
Find more ways to weatherize your home and keep the outdoors out by visiting Masonite.com/Masonite-Performance-Door-System.
SOURCE:
Masonite
(Family Features) Moving into a new home offers an opportunity to create a space that reflects your family’s values, enhances comfort and is better for the environment.
Whether you’re shopping for a new home, renovating your current space or building from scratch, consider some of the latest trends while searching for inspiration.
Home Automation
From ovens that can be turned on remotely to skylights that open and close automatically and more, there are a multitude of ways to integrate smart home technology into your living space to make it more energy efficient and convenient. Start small with a voice assistant, smart light bulbs, home security system or a programable thermostat. After that, you can implement additional features like smart appliances, remote-controlled window blinds and other electronic devices you can control from your phone for a complete smart home system.
Sustainable Design
A long popular trend, sustainable design has evolved over the years to include more than energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs. Now, it’s about reducing your carbon footprint and minimizing impact on the environment. To try the trend yourself, think big and get creative – install solar panels on your roof, choose highly insulated building materials that don’t require deforestation and upcycle old furniture or decor instead of buying new.
Disaster Resiliency
From wildfires that last for months to devastating tornadoes and major floods that impact entire cities, an increase in natural disasters due to climate change has required changes when building homes. Opting for disaster-resilient materials is an important first step. For example, using strong, energy-efficient insulated concrete forms (ICFs), like those from Nudura, instead of traditional wood framing helps homes better withstand extreme weather. Additionally, ICFs can endure winds of up to 250 miles per hour (equivalent to an F4 tornado) and offer a fire protection rating of up to 4 hours.
Outdoor Living
Transforming your backyard can help you make the most of your existing space. To take full advantage of your yard or patio, consider incorporating elements from the interior such as a television and comfortable seating options. Outdoor kitchen setups complete with refrigerators and sinks can make entertaining easier and a fire pit or fireplace can allow your friends and family to enjoy the outdoors even on cool nights.
Customization
You no longer have to settle for run-of-the-mill floor plans or what works for others. If you’re considering a new build, work with an architect to create exactly what you’re looking for, or speak with a contractor about including personalized architectural features and custom-built storage, for example, in your existing home.
To see how you can make sure your home lasts a lifetime, visit nudura.com/future-proof.
SOURCE:
Nudura
Business and Finance
The Rise and Evolution of Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday: The online shopping extravaganza that offers incredible deals and convenience for savvy shoppers. #CyberMonday
Cyber Monday, the digital shopping extravaganza, has emerged as the Internet’s response to Black Friday. Traditionally held on the Monday after Thanksgiving, it initially aimed to rival the in-store deals of its brick-and-mortar counterpart. However, the retail landscape has evolved, and now both events often overlap. Yet, Cyber Monday retains its allure, with online sales soaring and social media playing a vital role in advertising. The convenience of mobile shopping has further fueled its popularity, allowing people to snag deals on the go. From tech gadgets to clothing and gift cards, Cyber Monday continues to captivate shoppers seeking holiday savings.
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/cyber-monday-monday-after-thanksgiving
Consumer Corner
Unwrap the Season’s Best: Waterdrop Filter’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday Extravaganza!
ONTARIO, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Get ready for a shopping spree like never before! Till November 30, our Black Friday & Cyber Monday bonanza is live, offering up to 50% site wide discount and double points on select purchases. Be one of the first 50 customers on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday to snag Waterdrop Filter’s premium products (G3P800, G3P600, K6) and receive delightful surprise gifts. Dive into this thrilling roller coaster of savings and surprises!
But wait, the celebration doesn’t end there! Elevate your gift-giving experience with Waterdrop Filter’s exquisite Christmas packaging, designed to immerse you in the festive spirit.
Why Waterdrop Filter?
The star of this season would be our tankless under-sink RO system!
- UV Sterilizing Light and Reverse Osmosis System for Waterdrop 800GPD: Elevate Your Water Experience
The Waterdrop 800GPD RO system is the ultimate choice for homeowners seeking a reliable source of RO water. Upgraded and improved, it ensures efficient water supply for homes and small enterprises. Experience healthy, great-tasting water with cutting-edge filtration technology, and save water with the built-in water-saving technology. - Optimal Materials and Effective Filtration: Your Assurance of Clean Water
The Waterdrop 800GPD boasts a powerful three-stage filtration system that eliminates contaminants and prevents scale buildup. Coupled with a water scale inhibitor, it keeps your water appliances in top condition. The upgraded seven-layer RO membrane effectively removes chlorine and heavy metals, ensuring your water is pure and safe. - Up-to-Date and Secure LED UV Sterilizer: Unmatched Bacterial and Viral Protection
Waterdrop Filter’s RO system features a sophisticated LED chip guaranteeing 99.9% removal of bacteria and viruses. Activating only when water flows through, it ensures energy conservation while providing unparalleled sterilization.
Revolutionize your water experience with Waterdrop Filter—where innovation meets purity. Shop now and embrace a healthier, happier lifestyle!
SOURCE Waterdrop Filter
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