2019-07-02T13:31:02
(BPT) – The thing holding people back from giving their home a fresh, new look is the ability to get started. Find out why we tend to procrastinate on home projects, like painting, and what motivates us to start rolling.
2019-07-02T14:25:00
(BPT) – Asphalt shingles may be the most popular roofing in the U.S. by volume, but metal roofing is gaining in popularity for its durability, longevity and low-maintenance benefits. Still, many people unfamiliar with the product have misconceptions about this quality roofing option.
Myth #1: Metal roofs are loud
One of the biggest misconceptions of metal roofs is that they are loud during a rainstorm and unbearable during severe weather, making sounds like repeatedly dropping objects on tin. In reality, residential metal roofs are fastened to the roof deck, not open rafters. Metal roofs can be applied over multiple layers of old asphalt shingles, so the sound insulation between the metal shingles and your ears could reduce the noise to potentially less than more traditional forms of roofing.
Myth #2: Metal roofs attract lightning
The Metal Construction Association has released several technical bulletins outlining research that shows metal roofs are no more likely to be struck by lightning than other types of roofing. The factors that do affect lightning strikes include topography of the surrounding area, the height and size of the building and the frequency and severity of storms in the area.
“Research shows that the material used in roof construction does not influence the risk of a lightning strike,” says Karl Hielscher, MCA’s executive director, in a press release. “In fact, the presence of a metal roof really shouldn’t statistically increase or decrease the chances of a lightning strike. There are many other factors that influence the actual chance of a lightning strike.”
Myth #3: Metal roofs are ugly
Metal roofs have traditionally been associated with industrial buildings or outbuildings like sheds and barns. But as metal roofing’s popularity has grown, so has the technology to make it an excellent choice for residential structures. Manufacturers have gone from standing seam metal roofs to creating metal shingles in a variety of colors that would make an attractive covering for any home. Some metal shingles are stamped and shaped to look like other types of roofing, like wood shake, stone slate and clay tile, such as the MetalWorks steel shingle produced by major roofing manufacturer TAMKO Building Products.
Myth #4: Metal roofs can’t handle hail
Metal roofs are actually among the most resilient roofing options when it comes to hail. Many metal shingles are rated Class 4 for Impact Resistance by the UL testing group. The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) reported that studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) acknowledged that all roof types can sustain some cosmetic damage depending on hailstorm severity, but “metal roofing performed best and was much less likely to puncture as compared to asphalt, withstanding even golf ball-sized hail stones without compromising performance.”
Metal roofs also stand up well to other types of extreme weather. Metal shingles are often rated to withstand winds of over 100 miles per hour, and are rated for fire resistance.
Myth #5: Metal roofs aren’t energy efficient
Because metal in other uses is a good conductor of heat and cold, some homeowners are concerned a metal roof will cause their homes to be colder during winter and hotter in the summer. Besides the comfort factor, the increased utility costs associated with that misconception cause major concern. The reality is, according to the MRA, metal roofing boasts some of the best energy efficiency among roofing options. State Farm Insurance Company reported that metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-15 percent.
“Unlike asphalt shingles, the secret to metal roofing’s energy efficiency is its highly-reflective surface, regardless of color,” said Rick Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor now working as TAMKO’s field sales training manager. “This means, in our case, all of the MetalWorks colors are ENERGY STAR-certified and are rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council — even the darkest color options.”
The Metal Roofing Alliance reports that metal roofs also provide excellent insulation in the winter, and estimates that choosing metal could save up to 40% in energy costs for a home during the year. The Metal Construction Association also said metal roofs are considered a product of choice for snowy areas because of their superior response and tolerance to that environment.
2019-07-02T13:01:00
(BPT) – Now that summer is here, for many, it seems opportunities to savor those sun-drenched days and starry nights are all too limited. Events and activities are already stacking up on the calendar, and it’s almost as if the season is over before it begins.
It’s not just you who’s feeling the summer squeeze. Four in five Americans (83%) agree summer passes by too quickly, according to a new survey commissioned by outdoor retailer L.L. Bean, and more than half of them feel they don’t have time to truly enjoy it.
Before you know it, summer will be over. Make it your mission to get the most of those precious summer days by spending more time outside with your friends and family. With the help of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting “s’more” out of summer!
Discover a new park — There are more than 400 national parks, monuments and recreation areas waiting to be explored. You might be surprised you have plenty of options to choose from close to home. To discover your next adventure, use the National Park Foundation’s Find Your Park online tool.
Go camping — Few summer experiences can stir warm childhood memories quite like spending the night under the stars. Arranging a camping trip is easier than you might think. Book a site online at your favorite park. If your summer schedule doesn’t allow a weekend getaway, just pitch a tent in the backyard.
Make a s’more — You can never go wrong with this gooey campfire dessert. For a fun twist, opt for variations of the classic chocolate bar. Peanut butter, coconut and caramel add delicious new flavors and textures. Tip: To avoid lighting it on fire, roast the marshmallow over the embers.
Host the games — Bring that element of playfulness to the backyard cookout and set up plenty of yard games, like bocce, beanbag toss and croquet. Or, as the sun goes down, end the gathering on a fun note with an exciting game of flashlight tag.
Dine al fresco — Food tastes better when it’s eaten outdoors. Take the meal outside when you can, whether that means sipping your morning coffee while listening to the birds, taking your lunch break in the park, or having the family’s evening meals on the patio.
Learn something new — Summer is the time to take up a new outdoor activity, whether it’s fly-fishing, archery or hiking. To make it easy, try L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Program, which offers demonstrations, clinics and hands-on courses for all levels for a variety of outdoor activities. Many of them are even free! Sign up at www.LLBean.com/discovery.
Continue to build our summer fun list with inspiration and tips from L.L. Bean’s S’more Out of Summer Guide, now available online at www.SmoreOutofSummer.com. Or, Ask Alexa — just say, “S’more summer tips,” and your Amazon device will have fun suggestions for getting the whole family outside.
2019-07-02T09:01:00
(BPT) – If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, consider purchasing one you can make your own. While just about any vehicle can be transformed with a few simple products, certain makes and models are more accessory-friendly than others.
Every year the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) recognizes the most accessory-friendly vehicles during the annual trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. SEMA Show exhibitors, who make the products and accessories for today’s popular models, vote to honor the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing.
SEMA Vehicles of the Year awards are presented in five categories, including car, truck, 4×4/SUV, sport compact and powersports vehicle. These vehicles are embraced by the industry due to their ability to help showcase and launch new aftermarket parts.
SEMA Car of the Year: Ford Mustang
The iconic Mustang added to its legacy as one of most popular cars of all time for vehicle enhancement by winning the award again. Whether you’re adding LED headlights or a new exhaust system, both the appearance and performance can be easily upgraded on the modern muscle car. On and off the track, this vehicle continues to be reliable, customizable and in high demand among consumers today.
SEMA Truck of the Year: Ford F-Series
The Ford F-Series is one of the most popular lines of trucks on the market, and it’s one that offers unlimited versatility. Ford F-Series trucks can be easily upgraded and transformed into a bold, new ride by adding products like protective bed covers, running boards for easy access or a new air intake system for instant power gains.
SEMA 4X4/SUV of the Year: Jeep Wrangler
Due to the many different ways you can turn it into the ultimate off-road ride or personalize it as your everyday vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler was named the most accessory-friendly vehicle in its category for the ninth consecutive year. A favorite of the off-road community, the Wrangler is known for its unique styling and accessibility to aftermarket lift kits, off-road or all-terrain tires, hood mounts and fender flares, among many other products.
SEMA Sport Compact of the Year: Ford Focus
SEMA Show exhibitors, who are at the forefront of the automotive aftermarket industry and have the unique ability to identify the hottest vehicles emerging for future trends, honored the Ford Focus for the fourth straight year. Whether it’s a body kit, wheel/tire package or suspension and steering systems, a Focus can be easily transformed into the ultimate tuner ride.
SEMA Powersports Vehicle of the Year: Polaris RZR Turbo S
The Polaris RZR Turbo S won the first-ever award presented to a vehicle in the powersports segment. The RZR is a great new vehicle for enthusiasts to discover the thrill and excitement of off-roading, and it lends itself to customization, enabling owners to easily personalize it to their desired preference.
SEMA Vehicles of the Year Awards heighten awareness for aftermarket products, and they are an example of the industry’s partnership between automakers and aftermarket manufacturers. SEMA Show exhibitors who select the award winners are manufacturers of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. To learn more about these vehicles and past award winners, visit www.semashow.com/semaaward.
2019-07-02T07:41:00
(BPT) – The holy grail of home improvement is a project that makes a big difference to the appearance or value of the home without breaking the bank. The key is to focus on low-cost, quality items that will give the most bang for your buck. Here are five to consider:
New bathroom countertop
Bathroom remodels still provide some of the best return on investment for home improvement projects, but can also be some of the most expensive. If you can’t afford a full bathroom overhaul, opt for one high-impact update. Replace that outdated laminate vanity countertop with a stone version to bring an immediate touch of class to the bathroom. This update can be completed quickly and, for homeowners with a little plumbing knowledge, could even be a DIY project.
Refinish kitchen cabinets
According to Home Advisor, replacing kitchen cabinets in a typical 10-by-10 kitchen costs an average $4,000-$13,000. For homeowners not able to make that type of investment, refinishing existing cabinets can provide a dramatic upgrade at a fraction of the cost. Homeowners can start by removing all cabinet doors and hardware, keeping all hardware together in a bag in case it’s needed later. Cabinets with a glossy finish should be sanded, either with blocks or a chemical product, then either stained (consider an espresso finish for a modern look) or painted. Adding new, brushed metal fixtures completes the look.
Affordable roof update
For the biggest ROI on an improvement, look outside. Remodeling Magazine’s 2019 Cost vs. Value Report revealed nine of the top 10 high-return remodeling projects were exterior replacement projects. Replacing a roof can sound overwhelming, but with some smart shopping can provide a major curb appeal boost on a budget.
A common misconception is that expensive products equal better products. While that can certainly be true, there are lots of examples where the most expensive option is not the best choice for every consumer. This is certainly true in large home improvement projects, where the costs can run high and the consequences for purchasing subpar materials can be serious. But, homeowners can save money while protecting their investments by finding the low-cost leader in the product category: a product that provides the best quality for the price point.
“In many product segments there is a low-cost leader — a product or brand comparable in quality to more expensive brands, but offered at a lower cost to provide the best value per dollar,” says Rick Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor now working as a trainer for TAMKO Building Products, manufacturer of the low-cost leader Heritage shingle. “Home improvement isn’t the place to cut corners, but, if you buy smart, you can save money even on big exterior projects.”
New door and porch decor
A new entryway can add major curb appeal to any home, but can also come with a big price tag, especially if the front porch area is aesthetically weak and would require construction to build it out. To achieve a similar result at a fraction of the cost, replace the front door with a new, energy-efficient option with a strong design element. You may even consider painting it a bold color. Next, add a ready-made pergola around the entryway, or large concrete or sandstone pillars on either side of the door, available at most garden stores. Adding large, decorative plants to the top of the pillars, or around the doorway, can help define a dramatic entryway without ever pulling out a hammer.
Paint
Adding a fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable ways to update many portions of the home. While time-consuming, the transformative properties of paint on a staircase, exterior shutters, interior walls or even a floor are legendary. Paint is another great opportunity to utilize the consumer trick of looking for the low-cost leader in the product category. Stay away from the cheapest paint as it may chip or require many coats to cover, and in the end, cost you even more money to fix. But, also avoid the highest-end paints, as you may be paying more for the brand name than the actual product. Look for the best quality option at the most affordable price point.
2019-07-01T13:43:00
(BPT) – For kids, the start of a new school year is like New Year’s Eve: a chance to start fresh and set intentions for the year ahead. It’s a time to reboot, make new friends, get new clothes and gear, and find new opportunities to fuel their passions. As parents, you can help your children have a Happy School Year by encouraging them to set and accomplish their goals — or school year’s resolutions. Whether they want to join math club, improve their finger-painting skills, or just make the bus on time every day, Amazon has the resources and tips to help kids achieve their goals this year.
1) Record school year’s resolutions. Take the time to sit down and chat with your children about what they hope to accomplish in the new year and how they envision getting there. This is a great way for you to learn more about your kids’ dreams — the answer may surprise you! Plus, it’s even a great time for you to make school year’s resolutions. A new school year represents a fresh start for parents too. By setting goals with your child, you can lead by example and bond over the journey of seeing your goals through.
2) Celebrate school year’s eve. Help your child avoid a case of the “Sunday scaries” before the first day of school by hosting a School Year’s Eve Party! Make the new school year something that is fun and celebrated, not feared and dreaded. Include festive decorations and party props, a Happy School Year playlist on Amazon Music, and your kid’s favorite foods and treats. There are a lot of sweet school-themed snacks you can make too. Grab some fun cookie cutters or check out Pinterest for tips on how to use what you already have in your kitchen to make fun treats.
3) Get organized. New school year, new schedule. Develop a system to keep yourself and your family organized, ensuring resolutions don’t fall by the wayside. Use an Amazon Wish List to keep track of supplies needed for the year, a personalized planner to track projects and activities, and sticky notes to keep everyone posted (literally) on family whereabouts. To help your family track progress, you can even create and decorate a family “Happy School Year” cork board.
4) Stock up for success. Every new school year comes with classroom supply lists and new wardrobe needs. A one-stop shop retailer like Amazon lets you complete your shopping on your own schedule and have items shipped to you, allowing more time to soak up those last bits of summer as a family. You can also sign up for a Prime membership to get deals and free shipping to save on the essentials. Plus, the incredible selection makes it easy to find everything from the classroom must-haves to those special items your kids need to achieve their school year’s resolutions — whether that’s art supplies to become a better artist or rainbow socks to be more colorful every day. Radio personality and co-founder of Lil’ Libros Patty Rodriguez likes to browse in Spanish on the storefront, which she says gives parents the convenience of shopping at any time in their language with just the click of a button.
5) Ease into the year. To give your children the best chance of having a Happy School Year, try easing into the school year by adjusting your routine a week or more in advance. For example, if your child’s resolution is to make it to school on time, Patty Rodriguez suggests setting the morning alarm a full week before the first day of school.
Find school year essentials and fun supplies at amazon.com/happyschoolyear.
2019-07-01T09:01:00
(BPT) – We all like to think of our homes as secure havens where our families can retreat from the world in peace and comfort.
While most of us do everything we can to protect our children from harm, records show that in the U.S. some 2,000 children 14 and younger succumb to preventable injuries in the home caused by burns, suffocation, drowning, firearms, falls, choking or poisoning. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant when checking for potential safety hazards in and around our places of residence.
Take the time to evaluate whether your home is as protected as it can possibly be from preventable accidents. Consider using the following checklist as you take a close look at potential safety hazards in your home.
What areas could make your child trip or fall? Staircases and other drop-offs should be closed off to small children through well-designed safety gates. Handrails, flooring and floor coverings should be firmly affixed, and indoor and outdoor stairs and walkways should all be well-lit and free of clutter. Non-slip flooring and support bars should also be added to showers.
Could your window coverings be a safety hazard? Corded window coverings can pose a threat to safety, since young children can easily become entangled in the pull cords and inner cords. Your best alternative? For homes with young children, only use cordless window covering products, or those with inaccessible cords. Look for the Best for Kids(TM) label that shows they’ve been third-party tested for optimal safety around young children. The improved coverings are now available in a range of colors and styles designed to enhance any room in your home. Move cribs, beds, toys and furniture away from windows where children may be tempted to play with coverings, advises the Window Covering Safety Council.
Is poisoning a possibility? Keep prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as potentially harmful household products, out of reach of children through cabinet locks and other preventative measures. Be cognizant of advisable limits on pain relief medications, and stay aware of which medicines (and for adults, alcoholic drinks) should never be mixed.
Are you protected against fires and carbon monoxide? Ensure working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are placed at recommended intervals throughout your home, then check their batteries on a regular schedule. And families should conduct fire drills twice annually to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of emergency.
Are you aware of drowning hazards? It seems hard to believe, but young children are capable of drowning in just an inch or two of water. That means any form of standing water, including bathtubs, pools, water features and fountains, can be a threat. Pools should be protected with fences of at least 4 feet in height that include self-closing, self-latching gates. As a rule of thumb, children should remain within your grabbing distance if they’re in a bath or otherwise around standing water.
Being aware of potential safety hazards in the home, both obvious and hidden, is important to protecting your family from harm. Take time today to address any in-home elements that could possibly pose a threat.
2019-07-01T10:01:00
(BPT) – As school lets out for the summer, many parents are concerned about their child maintaining all they’ve learned from the school year. Some parents may be tempted to add extra classes or tutors to stave off the summer slide, but one of the most effective methods for boosting brain development is often overlooked.
Unstructured play time has proven to be just as important to a child’s development as standard academic milestones. During the school year, it can feel almost unattainable to fit unstructured time in between sports, clubs, music and more. By making play a priority this summer, learning becomes a natural byproduct. What’s more, unstructured play time gives kids the chance to rest and recharge, so they are better equipped to take on the next set of challenges that come with a new school year.
“Studies show that unstructured play helps kids develop creativity, use their imagination, learn to compromise and collaborate — all of which will serve them well both in the classroom and beyond,” said Filip Francke, CEO of century-old toy company Ravensburger. Parents should encourage unstructured play while kids are alone as well as with others. Alone time allows them to explore areas of interest at their own pace, while unstructured play with other kids or family helps them learn important social skills.
There are many ways for parents to guard against the summer slide while keeping the fun and lighthearted spirit of the season alive. Here are some ideas for turning summer brain drain into summer brain gain with play as the centerpiece.
Play on your own:
Arts, crafts, blocks, outdoor exploration — playing solo helps kids develop their own interests and learn important coping and regulation skills. Single-player games are great options for alone time as well, whether it be at home or during vacation travel. Consider Invasion of the Cow Snatchers, a quirky multilevel brain game that uses a magnetic UFO to beam up unsuspecting cows, all while building critical thinking skills.
Play with friends:
Summer’s seemingly endless hours are perfect for playing with friends. Any STEM activity is great inspiration for unstructured play time with buddies. For example, the GraviTrax marble run is ideal for the STEM enthusiast or budding engineer. Friends can design and build their tracks together, then challenge each other to a competition: The first marble down the track wins!
Play with family:
There’s nothing like an epic family game night to bring fun home. In Harry Potter Labyrinth, Harry and his friends await rescue in a maze of shifting Hogwarts corridors and staircases. Families can spend a magical evening together with favorite storybook characters in this new take on the classic Labyrinth series.
Unwind and recharge with play:
Even kids (especially kids!) need time to unwind and recharge. Sometimes that’s playing tag among the fireflies, dueling it out for the “win” in a game, or quietly piecing together a new puzzle. Unrushed, unstructured play is vital to a child’s development and summer is the ideal time to make it a priority for the whole family. And, if still itching to make the summer count — how about sketching out a plan for all the ways to play this summer?
