16 Dec 2010

Do-It-Yourself Deer Processing

By J. Wayne Fears
12/10/2010 - If you take a deer this season, don't miss out on some of the most-delicious meat ever. Researchers have proved that venison, a heart-friendly meat, contains fewer calories than the same size serving of chicken or turkey and one-half the calories of ham or ground chuck. Venison also has more protein than freshwater or saltwater fish and one-tenth as many fat grams as ground chuck. A rich source of trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus and iron, venison has a cholesterol content comparable to chicken and turkey.

To process your venison yourself:

* Have your equipment ready. Always carry: a deer drag; a sharp knife like the Pro Tool Hunt Utility Knife, made of 3/16-inch-thick carbon steel and featuring a finger grip below and scalloped thumb grooves above, that gives me a secure grip and ultimate maneuverability for field dressing; gloves; and Hunter's Specialties' Wild Gamekeeper Spray, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria by lowering the pH on the surface of the animal, creating an acid base where bacteria can't grow in your daypack.

* Look for a hill or a log that you can drag your deer to as soon as you recover it. Put the deer's head up and the body down to make field dressing easier. Gravity will help the entrails to come out easier.

* Use a Hunter's Specialties' Butt Out Tool, a product that disconnects the deer's anal alimentary canal easily.

* Wear field dressing gloves to open the deer's cavity and remove the entrails.

 

* Don't wash the open cavity with water, even after removing the entrails. Use Wild Gamekeeper Spray, and coat the cavity with it.

* Hang the deer in a cooler or the outdoors, if the area has below-40-degree temperatures for 2-3 days. Then the animal can cool-down and age, which will mean better-tasting meat.

* Remove the hide, and cut-up the meat.

* Use a very-sharp, clean knife like the compact, perfectly-balanced Pro Tool Hunt Utility Knife and a saw to separate the meat.

* Cut away all fat, connective tissue and gristle before packaging the meat for the freezer to ensure the very-best-tasting venison when you prepare it later.

* Allow cuts of venison to unthaw in the refrigerator in heavily-salted water after removing the meat from the freezer for 24 - 48 hours. Be sure to wash all the salt off before preparing venison to eat.

In my new "Deer Hunter's & Land Manager's Pocket Reference" book that will be available in a few weeks at www.protoolindustries.net, there's a full chapter on how to clean and quarter your deer besides an abundance of vital information about deer. At the Pro Tool Industries website, you'll also find my book, "How to Make Jerky and Pemmican" and free venison recipes.


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16 Dec 2010

Midwest Delegation Urges OMB to Fund Lewis & Clark Regional Water System at Highest Possible Level

By Sen. Tom Harkin

Without additional funding, rural communities could go without clean water until 2048


WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Midwest Congressional delegation called on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) this week to provide in Fiscal Year 2012 the highest possible level of funding for the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, an under-construction water system that will serve rural communities in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. The budget for the 2011 Fiscal Year (FY10) allotted only $2 million for the project, a level that will not allow it to award new construction contracts and will not cover the cost of inflation.

"If the project were to remain at the enacted FY10 funding level, Lewis & Clark estimates the system would not be completed until 2048. That is simply too long for our citizens to wait for something as simple as clean water," the letter reads. "OMB must lead the way in making sure that this project is a priority, otherwise the investment already made by taxpayers and state and local partners will be in jeopardy."

When completed, the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System will provide treated water to 300,000 people in its member municipalities and rural water systems in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

The full text of the letter is below.

Dear Director Lew:

As you make your final decisions about funding levels in the Administration's FY2012 budget, we write to urge you to provide the highest possible level of funding for the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System.

We are grateful that your staff took the time to meet with members of the Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota delegations in September.  As we relayed to your staff, this is a critical juncture for the Lewis & Clark Rural Water project.  If the project were to remain at the enacted FY10 funding level, Lewis & Clark estimates the system would not be completed until 2048 (please see enclosed chart). That is simply too long for our citizens to wait for something as simple as clean water.

The federal government's commitment and contributions are vital to its success.  Previous appropriations and the $56.5 million the project received through the 2009 Recovery Act have helped make up two of the four years the project was behind schedule and will ensure completion of the system's water treatment plant.  However, a project of this scope and complexity requires consistent annual appropriations and advance planning.  The project sponsors have assured our offices and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) that they can responsibly obligate significantly more than $35 million in FY2011.  We fully appreciate the balancing of priorities that must be considered while putting together the Administration's budget, and accordingly, ask that you recognize this as a priority and include the highest amount of funding possible for Lewis & Clark in the upcoming FY2012 budget.

We were disappointed that the Administration's budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2011 included only $2 million, a level that will not allow the project to award any new construction contracts and does not even come close to covering the cost of inflation.  It is also frustrating that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recommended such a low amount and continues to use the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) as a justification for not funding the project at pre-stimulus levels.  

This project, as required by the authorization, is a cost-share project.  OMB must lead the way in making sure that this project is a priority, otherwise the investment already made by the taxpayers and state and local partners will be in jeopardy.  

In recognition of the significant impact of this project, the local members and the three states involved have pre-paid millions of dollars to make this project a reality.  In fact, the states and 20 local communities and rural water systems - including those in Minnesota and Iowa - have already committed 99.6 percent of their share requirement totaling $109 million. Please note that the people of Iowa and Minnesota have received no water despite having paid in full their shares of $7 million and $5.4 million, respectively.

As well as spurring economic development in the three-state region, the project is critical to ensure residents in the tri-state area have adequate, clean drinking water.  When completed, Lewis & Clark will deliver high-quality and dependable drinking water through its members to more than 300,000 tri-state area residents covering a service area the size of Connecticut.   

In addition to requesting the highest possible level of funding, we ask that you share with us the steps being discussed to ensure the appropriate and responsible prioritization of Bureau of Reclamation projects across the country.  Since construction on the Lewis and Clark project has been underway since 2003, we believe it should remain a top priority and be completed before new Bureau of Reclamation projects are initiated.  It makes sense to complete the project and make sure our investment is well managed.  We also ask that you provide us with a list of new starts projects recommended by OMB and by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for Fiscal Year 2011.  We would like this information no later than January 1, 2011.

We appreciate your consideration of this request.   Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System project.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (IA)
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN)
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (IA)
U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (SD)
U.S. Senator John Thune (SD)
U.S. Senator Al Franken (MN)
U.S. Representative Steve King (IA)
U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD)
U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN)

 

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16 Dec 2010

Leclaire, Iowa Business Featured In Hit Tv Show "American Pickers" Wins Farm Bureau Award

By Rick Martin

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Dec. 10, 2010 - Mike Wolfe and his LeClaire, Iowa-based company, Antique Archeology, unearth forgotten or hidden treasures in basements, backyards, garages, barns and junkyards around the country on the hit History Channel show, "American Pickers." The company's passion for "picking" and realizing the hidden potential of America's resources embodies the spirit of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's Renew Rural Iowa program, and has earned it the Renew Rural Iowa's December Entrepreneur of the Month award.

Wolfe, a Bettendorf native, graciously accepted the award via a video message during IFBF's 92nd annual meeting in Des Moines, Dec. 1-2.

"We've been on so many farms and acreages and find a wealth of treasures to repurpose every day," said Wolfe. "We're proud of this great state, farmers like you, and organizations that recognize the value entrepreneurs bring to our communities; thank you so much."

The Renew Rural Iowa program helps new and existing rural Iowa businesses grow and develop to achieve their best financial success. The program works in collaboration with other small business associations around the state to offer rural entrepreneurs education, mentoring and financial resources.

"Like Antique Archeology, our Renew Rural Iowa program recognizes the value of our rural gems," said IFBF Economic Development Administrator Sandy Ehrig. "In some cases, it's a matter of giving a new rural entrepreneur an opportunity to shine. Other times, our role is to help a local business reach its full potential so that it can better serve the rural community it calls home."

Renew Rural Iowa's next Business Success Seminar will be held Jan. 27 at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Denison. For more information about the program, call (800)-254-9670 or visit www.renewruraliowa.com.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the newsroom at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

14 Dec 2010

Independent Scholar's Evening Holiday Party

By Rick Martin

Holiday Party

Music by Susan Hanford and Craig Clough.

Susan Hanford, Geneseo, IL, is a graduate of Augustana College in Math/Computer Science and Education and began her career with Deere as a systems programmer. She has an MBA as an Austin Scholar from Northwestern in Marketing and Policy and Environment with a focus in entrepreneurial and nonprofit marketing and management. She has taught mathematics and computer science at the high school and community college levels.She has published a book, poetry, newsletters, and numerous articles in local and national marketing, financial, and nonprofit periodicals.
As a musician, Susan was a member for four years of the Quad City Youth Symphony Orchestra, was principal horn for four years in the Augustana Concert Band and Orchestra, and has played with the Belmont (MA), Newton (MA), DuPage (IL), and Clinton (IA) Symphonies, San Jose Wind Ensemble, Salt Creek Sinfonietta, Geneseo Maple City Band, and many chamber groups. She has studied under Ron Price (East Moline), Roger Collins (Western IL), Tom Newell (Boston Symphony and New England Conservatory), and Melanie Kocher (Chicago Lyric Opera and Chicago Symphony Orchestras). She has taught private horn students for many years. Currently she plays 1st horn and is serving as Co-Chair for the Quad City Wind Ensemble.
She will be performing a variety of classical and holiday French horn repertoire, including pieces by Mozart, Handel, Bach, and Dukas.
Susan will be accompanied on the piano by Craig Clough.

At

The Moline Commercial Club

513 16th Street. Moline Il 61265

Wine, beverages and light refreshments are hosted. Cash bar is available at 6:30 pm.

The Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd.

A 501(c)3 organization at state and federal levels incorporated in 1996

www.qcinstitute.org

The event is free and open to the public
14 Dec 2010

Rock Island Announces Online Survey to Seek Public Input on Budget

By Jennifer Fowler

The City of Rock Island is seeking the views of Rock Island residents on the proposed 2011-2012 General Fund budget. City departments have prepared options to help close a $1.1 million gap in the budget for next year. In addition to the series of public meetings being held, citizens can now register their opinions on the options online at www.rigov.org.

The online survey asks citizens to agree, disagree, or no opinion on each of the 37 options. At the end of the survey, citizens can provide any additional comments or suggestions.

Options being considered range from keeping City vehicles longer before they are replaced to eliminating a police officer with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG). The options also include an increase in the property tax rate and parking fees and fines.

City Manager John Phillips noted, "Not all of the options will be needed to eliminate the difference between the projected revenue and expenses for next year, but it is clear that difficult choices will need to be made by the Mayor and City Council."

City staff has been working on budget planning since September and closed the budget gap from $2.4 million to the $1.1 million level. Three positions have been eliminated and budget cuts have been made in training, supplies, and services. Phillips noted that most local governments are facing challenging times due to decreasing revenues and increasing costs.

Responses from citizens will be shared and reviewed by the Mayor and City Council over the next 60 days. The budget is scheduled for adoption in March 2011 and the City's fiscal year begins on April 1, 2011.

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14 Dec 2010

Full Ethanol Credits Extended in Tax Agreement

By Grassley Press

Grassley is Key to Securing Inclusion of Biodiesel, Ethanol Tax Credits in Tax Agreement

WASHINGTON - Prevailing in the view that ethanol and biodiesel offer the most effective alternative to foreign oil and support hundreds of thousands of jobs in the United States, Sen. Chuck Grassley today said the tax agreement negotiated between congressional leaders and the White House contains an extension of the ethanol and biodiesel tax credits and an extension of the ethanol tariff at current rates.  The Senate and House next will need to vote on the tax agreement to advance the provisions.

"Ethanol has proven its value as a homegrown, renewable fuel and, in light of the hundreds of billions of dollars shipped abroad as a result of foreign oil dependence, ethanol is a relative bargain," Grassley said.  "Biodiesel also builds energy independence.   Our country spends more than $730 million a day on imported petroleum.  Letting these items lapse would be a textbook case of penny-wise, pound-foolish legislating."

Grassley fought tooth and nail to secure the inclusion of the ethanol and biodiesel provisions in the tax legislation agreement negotiated by the White House and congressional leaders, facing efforts by some congressional majority Democrats and the White House to undermine biofuels production. He also marshaled like-minded senators to voice support for continuing these economy-boosting provisions.

Under the tax agreement, the ethanol tax credit - known as the volumetric ethanol excise tax credit, or VEETC, also known as the blenders' credit - will continue at its current level of 45 cents through Dec. 31, 2011.  The tariff on imported ethanol will continue at its current level of 54 cents.   "The United States already provides generous duty-free access to ethanol from Brazil and other countries imported under the Caribbean Basin Initiative, but the CBI cap has never once been fulfilled.  In fact, in 2009, only 25 percent of it was even used by Brazil and other countries, and for this year, the figure is projected to be less than 1 percent," Grassley said.

The current congressional majority allowed the blenders' tax credit for biodiesel to expire at the end of 2009, causing the loss of nearly 23,000 jobs.  The tax agreement would extend the biodiesel credit retroactively to cover all of 2010 and through the end of 2011.

"It's tragic to lose nearly 23,000 jobs in this economy," Grassley said.  "We can't risk a repeat performance with ethanol, where 112,000 jobs are at stake.  Getting these tax provisions extended will boost jobs and investment in the alternative energy sector, exactly when the economy needs a real shot in the arm."

Grassley has worked at every opportunity to extend the biodiesel and ethanol tax credits.  He and Sen. Maria Cantwell filed a biodiesel bill in August 2009, and he's pushed for action ever since, including making unanimous consent requests this summer, which were objected to by Democratic leaders.  He also filed a biodiesel tax credit amendment to the small business lending bill.   Grassley and Sen. Kent Conrad introduced a bill in April to extend the ethanol tax incentives, and Grassley has pushed to keep these green-energy job-creating incentives at the forefront.

Grassley has a long record of building support for alternative energy sources.  He worked to dramatically expand the wind energy tax credit that he first authored in 1992.  Also included in the 2005 energy tax incentives package were major Grassley-written extensions and expansions for biodiesel, biomass, ethanol and solar energy.   Grassley also took on and derailed a deceptive smear campaign launched by Washington lobbyists against ethanol that threatened to hinder the ethanol industry.

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14 Dec 2010

Treasurer Fitzgerald Tells Shoppers to Give Themselves a Gift with Tax Deductions from College Savings Iowa

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (12/09/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants shoppers to give themselves a present this holiday season while giving their children or grandchildren one of the best gifts of all - an education. He's talking about College Savings Iowa, a convenient and tax-advantaged way to help children save for college. "Opening a College Savings Iowa account has two-fold benefits," said Fitzgerald. "Not only are you helping a child prepare for his/her future education, you can take advantage of the tax benefits as well. It's the perfect gift!"

Iowa taxpayers contributing to College Savings Iowa can deduct up to $2,811 per account from their state taxable income in 2010.* To take advantage of this great tax-savings opportunity, investors can contribute online at www.collegesavingsiowa.com. All other contributions must be submitted by December 31, 2010. If the contribution is being mailed, checks must be postmarked by December 31, 2010.

College Savings Iowa lets anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - invest for college on behalf of a child. Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.** For more information about College Savings Iowa, call 888-672-9116 or visit collegesavingsiowa.com.

* Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

** Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

14 Dec 2010

Templeton Rye Speakeasy Event

By Liz Brower
The statewide drought of Templeton Rye whiskey was improved this week with the release of the fourth batch of the Prohibition-era spirit. To celebrate, Templeton Rye will hold a Mobile Speakeasy event in Davenport on Friday, Dec. 17.

Fans are invited to climb aboard a mobile speakeasy to learn more about the whiskey's history and sample the new supply during the Templeton Rye Mobile Speakeasy event at Mac's Tavern on Friday, Dec. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Members of the Templeton Rye crew will be guest bartending so fans can get a glass of "The Good Stuff" poured directly from the makers.
14 Dec 2010

Renaissance Rock Island Announces 2010 Hard Hat Award Recipients

By Carl McClaskey

Renaissance Rock Island hosted the 22nd Annual Hard Hat celebration today at the new Comedy Sportz. The event is designed to recognize investment in the community and thank those who have helped strengthen Rock Island. The organizations of Renaissance Rock Island - Development Association of Rock Island (DARI), Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH), and The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District (The District) - are pleased to present the following awards.

Golden Brooms - Golden Brooms are awarded for outstanding maintenance.

§  Big Catz House of Chrome

Located on the corner of First Avenue and 16th Streets in Rock Island, Big Catz House of Chrome receives more than their share of traffic. Tending not only to their existing property, the owners work to improve and maintain the landscape of surrounding parking lots, sidewalks and green space.

§  Illinois Casualty Insurance

Having just celebrated their 60th Anniversary, Illinois Casualty Insurance, located at 225 - 20th Street, consistently maintains their property to spotless perfection.

Golden Paintbrush - New in 2010, the Golden Paintbrush is awarded for outstanding painting improvements.

§  El Patron Bar & Grill

Step into this establishment, which opened in March of this year, and you feel as though you have entered another country. No surface has been left untouched, with hand painted original murals throughout.

§  Phil Scott

A lot of paint and imagination went into painting the wall of an adjoining property to create an undersea view for patrons of Cabana's outdoor patio. This larger than life aquatic mural can be seen by passers-by as well, enhancing the landscape along Fourth Avenue.

§  Regalia Manufacturing

Located at 2018 Fourth Avenue, and family owned since 1897, Regalia Manufacturing recently repainted the entire façade of their historic building.

§  Fanth Curry Home Improvement Company

Located at 4515 - 6th Avenue, Fanth Curry sits at the gateway to Rock Island. Extensive exterior painting has improved the look of this business, and offers a much improved first impression.

Golden Hammers - Golden Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment.

§  RILCO - Rock Island Lubricants

The Golden Hammer was awarded to RILCO for brush removal, cleanup and concrete work. Located at 1320 - 1st Street RILCO also underwent a major expansion project.

§  Realm Wellness Spa

A new business that opened in March 2010, located at 150 - 16½ Street, Realm Wellness Spa offers a wide array of spa services, a natural juice bar and other wellness services. Since their opening, Realm Wellness Spa has expanded both in space and services.

§  Lundgren Chiropractic

Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.

§  Mainstream Commercial Group Ltd. - for Watchtower Plaza

Located on 11th Street, Watchtower Plaza repaired the existing parking lot and applied new asphalt, a major project with noticeable impact. In addition, management has been diligently working to fill spaces.

§  Dial Properties - for Rock Valley Plaza

Located at 4800 Blackhawk Road, Rock Valley Plaza has a new front façade, a major upgrade

§  Lundgren Chiropractic

Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.

§  City Limits Saloon and Grill

This property has undergone major exterior work, including decks and a new addition. Located at 4514 - 9th Street, City Limits recently completed this work and is now open for business.

§  Bill's Moving & Storage

Bill's Moving & Storage added foam insulation, coping and EFIS, greatly improving the facility and property value located at 104 - 10th Street.

Green Hammers - New for 2010, Green Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment utilizing a "green" initiative.

§  Steve's Old Time Tap

A long time Rock Island establishment recently installed new, energy efficient windows and dramatically improved the appearance of the façade with new awnings. Located at 223 - 17th Street.

§  Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern

A new façade , new awnings and new "green" windows and door are just some of the recent improvements to this business, which has been working on several improvements over the past few years.

§  Klauer Heating & Air Conditioning

Three commercial buildings have been installed with new windows and doors. Many of the upgrades to these buildings are energy efficient.

Mayor & City Council Trophy

The Mayor & City Council's Trophy is awarded for the most strategic new investment.

Finalists:

  • Rock Island Center for Math and Science

Located at the former Villa de Chantal property, this 64,000 square foot building holds 550 students from pre-K through 6th grade. The facility includes a science lab, state of the art technology, a community room, music room , media center and production room, and separate gymnasium and cafeteria. 

The school is situated in the heart of Rock Island, on almost 10 acres of wooded nature trails. It is a place where creative, innovative ideas are encouraged to challenge students and make learning exciting, where teachers can be flexible in meeting students' needs. It is a place where parents and teachers are partners in helping their students to learn and grow.

  • Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant

With an investment of $2.2 million dollars, The City of Rock Island rehabilitated an aging powerhouse that now offers significant environmental benefits for all. City utility customers and taxpayers will benefit directly in the future due to lower costs for the electricity needed to operate city facilities. The Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant operates as an enterprise fund, like the city's water and sewer utilities. 95% of its revenue is earned by selling electricity to the largest City-owned users, such as the water and sewage treatment plants. The remainder is earned by selling excess electricity to Mid-American Energy.

Winner:

  • Schwiebert Riverfront Park

Officially opened in July of this year,  this 1/5 of a mile long park is the former site of the Jumer's Casino Rock Island riverboat gaming operation and National Guard Armory building.  The new demountable flood protection wall provides continued protection when necessary, while maintaining an unencumbered view of the Mississippi River. The main stage area and great lawn mimics the former Armory Building footprint.  In keeping with the RiverVision Plan, Schwiebert Riverfront Park has reconfigured urban public open space into a park-like setting that includes a state of the art playground, interactive water feature and performance stage that  are sure to improve the quality of living in Rock Island. 

CC Wilson Trophy for the Most Dedicated - Kevin Koski

Kevin Koski has served on the Renaissance Rock Island Exec Board for the past 17 years. With a goal of making Rock Island a better place to work, live and play, Kevin's own family is a testament to the success of his efforts. His children returned to Rock Island and have made it their home.

He has a proven track record that includes being a vital force in the clean-up of discarded tires for many years. His dedication and contribution to the betterment of the community has earned Kevin this year's award for being the most dedicated DARI member. 

Mo Payton for the Volunteer of the Year - Jan Masamoto

Jan Masamoto has served on countless boards and committees, including DARI and GROWTH as well as her current role as Chairman of The District Board of Directors.  Jan is intelligent, tireless, entrepreneurial, passionate and well respected throughout the Quad Cities. In addition to running her own company, JTM Concepts, Jan does more than her part to support many charitable organizations throughout the community.

The Renaissance Rock Island Vision Award - John Phillips 

John Phillips has the vision necessary to move forward.  In his role as City Manager, John Phillips has devoted more than 20 years with a vision and a single purpose -the betterment of the city of Rock Island. Through leadership, hard work, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment, John has steadfastly worked to make this community the best it can be.

14 Dec 2010

Winterize your home with these tips from NARI

By Morgan Zenner

Winterize your home to avoid unnecessary damage

Clean gutters, well-ventilated attic will alleviate ice damage.

Des Plaines, Illinois, December 9, 2010? Homes react to weather changes, too, and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry has tips that can help homeowners protect their homes this winter and prevent minor trouble spots from becoming major repairs.

"Wintertime in cooler regions presents a unique set of issues in the home that are not apparent during the summer," says Bob Didier, project manager at Irwin Contracting Inc., in Hauppauge, N.Y., and vice chair of NARI's marketing & communications committee. "Homeowners should inspect and repair both interior and exterior areas of their homes to minimize damage."

Exterior winter maintenance

Didier recommends clearing leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. Blockages in gutters and drain spouts can result in ice damming, or internal water problems causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls. Blockages also run the risk of damage to exterior painted surfaces and the development of dangerous ice patches on walkways underneath overhangs. Drain spouts should face away from your home?ideally, projecting water five feet away from the home's foundation.

"Safety is an important issue for you and others walking near your property during the winter months," Didier says. "Trim trees and remove dead branches that can become weak from ice and snow build-up?possibly damaging your home or car, or injuring passersby." He also suggests repairs to faulty steps and handrails in front of your home to avoid injury.

Inspect your home for cracks or holes in outside walls and foundations. Use caulking to protect water pipes and make sure that skylights and other roof openings have proper weather stripping to prevent snow melt from seeping in.

Interior winter maintenance

Check your water pipes for cracks and leaks and have them repaired immediately. Wrap exposed pipes with heating tape to keep them from freezing. "The temperature inside the walls, where pipes are located, is substantially colder and can fall victim to freezing," Didier explains. "Even if you want to keep your heat bill low when you're not at home, it's best to keep your thermostat at a minimum of 65 degrees to avoid freezing."

Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system as an added protection against freezing pipes. The valve helps lessens pressure caused by freezing pipes and reduces chance of pipes bursting. "If you're concerned about your pipes freezing, learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located," Didier says. "If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence?the faster you can shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the more chance you have to prevent pipes from bursting."

Make sure your attics, basements and crawl spaces are adequately insulated and well-ventilated. Look for signs of moisture or surface discoloration. Under-insulating results in escaped heat that melts ice and snow on the roof. Water then refreezes, causing more snow and ice to build up resulting in a collapsed roof or ice damming.

"Ideally, the attic should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air," Didier says. "Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will help keep the heat from melting snow." Insulation also helps protect pipes from freezing as well.

Check to see that your smoke and fire alarms are working properly and service your heating systems annually. "Residential fires increase in the winter, so it is important to protect your family with working alarm systems and heating systems," Didier says.

Keep the heat in

In addition to protecting your home, NARI is offering tips to maximize heat this winter:

  • Decrease drafts in the home by testing windows and doors for air leaks and sealing them with caulk or weather stripping.
  • Install storm windows or plastic sheeting over single-pane windows or if a homeowner is considering a replacement, try specially coated double-pane windows designed to reflect heat back into the room.
  • Clean or replace the air filter to maximize the efficiency of the heating system. Clean out ducts, warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators too.
  • Insulate ducts running through attics, crawl spaces and garages. Check for separation, holes and leaks and seal them.

Seal the fireplace by keeping dampers closed when the fireplace is not in use. Or install glass doors to fit inside the opening when burning out the fire.

Homeowners may consider repairing minor damages themselves, but they should first check to see if any products installed in the home are covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This may be the case in relatively new homes or those that have undergone recent renovations. Many manufacturers will not honor warranties if amateur repairs have been attempted. For repairs that are beyond the homeowner's skill level, a NARI contractor should be consulted.

NARI can connect you with remodel-ready contractors who will take care of the entire remodeling process. Find a NARI member on www.NARIremodelers.com. For green remodeling information, please visit www.greenremodeling.org.

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