(Family Features) A firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. Before you can share time around the firepit with loved ones, however, consider these tips to elevate your outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Design
When it comes to building a DIY firepit, the design you choose can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality. From classic stone pits to modern metal designs, the options are nearly endless. Think about the size and shape as well. Circular designs are traditional and encourage conversation while square or rectangular pits offer a more contemporary look.

Gathering Materials and Tools
Essential materials include bricks, stones or metal parts for the structure, as well as gravel or sand for the base. Fireproof materials are a must to ensure safety and longevity. You’ll also need tools such as a shovel for digging the base, a level to ensure even construction and adhesive or mortar for binding materials together. Depending on your design, you may require a metal fire ring, grill grate or mesh cover.

Keeping Safety in Mind
Safety should be your top priority when building and using a backyard firepit. Always place your firepit at least 10 feet away from any structures, trees or flammable materials. Make sure the area is clear of dry leaves and other debris that could catch fire. Consider installing a spark screen to prevent embers from escaping and always keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.

Enhancing Ambiance with Seating and Lighting
Creating a cozy atmosphere around your firepit involves more than just the fire itself. Comfortable seating is essential for making your outdoor space inviting. Choose weather-resistant chairs, benches or DIY log stools arranged in a circle to foster conversation. Ambient lighting from string lights, lanterns or solar-powered path lights can elevate the mood and extend the usability of your firepit into the evening. Consider adding citronella candles or torches to keep insects at bay while enhancing the ambiance.

Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more ideas to enhance your living spaces.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

Advertisement

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

(Family Features) Harsh winter elements like snow, ice and wind can wreak havoc on your home – if it’s not properly prepared and maintained. Make home maintenance both indoors and out a priority this winter to ensure it’s safe, warm, secure and operating efficiently.

While winterizing can be a daunting task, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need help installing gutter guards, sealing cracks in your concrete or ensuring your sump pump is ready for winter, the experts at Thrasher Foundation Repair provide precise repairs for every project.

They’ve seen it all through 50 years of serving more than 150,000 happy customers – from basement flooding to damaged concrete – and know how to prevent these issues before they start. Recognized with the International Torch Award for Ethics by the Better Business Bureau Midwest Plains, they set the standard for excellence in their field as a trusted industry leader in home protection.

“Winter can really take a toll on your home, but a few proactive steps now can save you headaches later,” CEO Dan Thrasher said. “At Thrasher Foundation Repair, we help protect what matters most – your home and peace of mind. We’re happy to share our pro tips to help you keep your home safe, dry and ready for whatever winter throws your way.”

It all begins with homeowners taking proactive steps to recognize small problems before they spiral out of control. Use this checklist from Thrasher’s experts to prepare your home for a warm, secure and stress-free winter season.

Clean and Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
When debris like leaves clog gutters, it causes water to overflow and freeze, leading to ice dams and roof leaks. These blockages can cause water to damage your roof, siding and foundation, meaning it’s critical to remove debris. Run water through gutters and check for proper water flow – if you notice pooling or slow drainage, there may be a blockage that needs attention. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation and walkways by extending them at least 10 feet away from the home. Also be sure to inspect and tighten any loose gutter brackets and fasteners so they can withstand the weight of snow and ice.
 

Insulate Rim Joists
Rim joist insulation plays a big role in your home’s energy efficiency. If your insulation is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more efficient material to reduce heat loss.

Protect the Basement and Foundation
Now is a good time to inspect your foundation for any cracks or damage. Bringing in the experts to address problem areas can help avoid larger issues when spring storms arrive. A working sump pump is critical for preventing basement flooding caused by snowmelt or winter storms, so it’s important to test it to ensure proper functionality. It’s also important to inspect discharge lines for potential freezing issues to avoid water backup into the basement. Consider grading soil to ensure the ground slopes away from your home, preventing water from seeping through.

Seal and Protect Concrete
Carefully inspect walkways, driveways and patios for cracking. During winter, water can seep into cracks, freeze then expand, causing long-term damage. Seal them with a penetrating sealant (rather than a topical one) for long-lasting protection from moisture, salt and other winter elements.

Advertisement

Optimize Humidity
Turn on your furnace’s humidifier to maintain proper indoor humidity levels and adjust your dehumidifier settings to match winter’s low humidity. This helps keep your home comfortable while preventing moisture-related issues.

Clear Debris Around the House
Along with cleaning gutters and downspouts, it’s important to clear window wells and clean up around the foundation, too. Debris in window wells can block drainage, causing water from snowmelt to pool near the foundation then seep into the basement.

Manage Snow and Ice
Leaving snow and ice on concrete surfaces can erode and weaken the material over time. Regularly shoveling snow from driveways, sidewalks and patios helps prevent ice buildup and protects the concrete from long-term damage.

Find more winter home maintenance tips and contact the pros for assistance by visiting GoThrasher.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (teens shoveling snow)
Photo courtesy of Thrasher Foundation Repair (contractor checking gutters)

SOURCE:
Thrasher Foundation Repair

(Family Features) As aging in place and multi-generational households continue trending, integrating universal design principles into home design is essential. Home improvements, such as wider doorways for accessibility, can enrich life quality for people of all ages and abilities.

Those desiring to live at home during their later years can benefit from easy-to-navigate doorways with sliding doors that accommodate mobility aids, including wheelchairs and walkers. Extended families can also enjoy wider doorways for smooth sailing of kids’ strollers, wheelchairs for elderly or disabled family members and more.

A study by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies found almost 50% of individuals age 55 and older planning home remodels in the next three years focus on age-proofing their homes. To address this growing demand, Johnson Hardware’s 1500SC Series Pocket Door Frame Kit was designed specifically to improve accessibility and functionality throughout the home.

Compared to traditional swinging doors, which present obstacles, pocket doors conveniently slide into the wall, freeing up to 14 square feet of floor space. This gives a clear and spacious pathway to maneuver, allowing for easier travel of mobility aids through doorways, more turnaround space and extra room for household items.

Crafted with an emphasis on quality, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant pocket door kit boasts durability and long-term performance. Supporting extra-wide doors up to 4 feet, nearly any type of solid-core door weighing up to 165 pounds can be installed with the frame. Made in the USA, Johnson’s pocket door hardware exceeds the ADA-required minimum clearance width of 32 inches from door face to opposite stop, accommodating up to 60 inches for greater accessibility.

Making it simple to create handicapped accessible openings throughout home interiors, the universal design-inspired soft-close feature requires only 5 pounds of force to slide doors open and shut. The kit’s preinstalled soft-close door hangers automatically slow the door speed gradually and quietly, helping prevent pinched fingers and door slamming.

To facilitate easier access for individuals with mobility challenges and put your own spin on the pocket door design, choose a decorative raised handle. Following the handicap pocket door installation instructions ensures the raised door handle remains accessible in the doorway when the door is fully open.

The kit can be paired with the 1515 Ply Clip Set, which adds rigidity and strength to the pocket wall. It allows tile, shelving, decor, towel racks and cabinetry to be securely fastened to a solid pocket wall surface. A converging door kit is also available, which connects two pocket door frame headers together, providing an even wider doorway with two converging pocket doors.

Advertisement

For more ideas on how to create accessible spaces using pocket and sliding door hardware, visit johnsonhardware.com or call 574-293-5664.

SOURCE:
Johnson Hardware

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner