September 12, 2017 • Page 10 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Potential Indicators of Roof Trouble With regard to home repairs, homeowners may be able to delay some projects until the weather permits or they find room in their budgets. But other areas, including the roof, may demand immediate action. Few homeowners give the roofs of their homes much thought until a problem arises. But learning to recognize potential indicators of roof trouble can help homeowners prevent potentially drastic situations down the road. • Light: Homeowners with attics in their homes can inspect the ceilings inside the attic for signs of holes or leaks. Light peering through the top of the house indicates a hole or leak, as does stains or streaks on the ceiling. • Worn shingles: Shingles should lie flat against the roof, so any that appear to be buckling or turning up are damaged and in need of repair. A single damaged shingle does not require a full roof replacement, but inspect all the shingles nonetheless. Another indicator of shingle problems can be found when cleaning downspouts or gutters. If the gutters and downspouts contain lots of shingle granules, the roof may soon need to be replaced. • Moss: Moss on a rooftop may give a home character, but that added character is costly. Shady areas of a roof can be susceptible to the growth of moss and fungi because moisture can be trapped in such areas. If possible, remove moss or fungi from a roof with a stiff brush or hire a professional to do the job instead. Moss may come back even after brushing it off, so homeowners should keep an eye on areas of their roofs that get little sunlight. In addition, trapped moisture can be very harmful to a roof, so it may be wise to exercise caution and have roofs with mold or fungi growths inspected. • Age: Another indicator of roof trouble may be the age of the roof. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, homeowners whose roofs have some years under their belt may want to consider replacing them. Asphalt shingle roofs typically have life expectancies of 20 to 25 years, while roofs installed over existing layers of shingles may need to be replaced after 20 years. Recognizing minor roof damage before it escalates into a larger problem can save homeowners substantial amounts of money. ? MetroCreativeConnection Why Clean Air Filters Are Important Vehicle owners likely know to check fluid levels and get their cars’ oil changed, but air filters may not be at the top of their maintenance checklists. Despite being a relatively inexpensive part, air filters often go overlooked. Air filters have an important job in a vehicle, prolonging the life span of engines and helping cars run more smoothly and efficiently. Purpose of vehicle air filters Replacing air filters is an inexpensive way to Vehicle combustion engines oper- keep vehicles performing at peak capacity. ate with a mixture of fuel and air. improve gas mileage by as much as 14 Without oxygen, gasoline or diesel fuels cannot burn properly and power the percent. • Reduce stress on the engine. Because engine. The air filter’s job is to prevent of the air-to-fuel mix in engines, even a dirt, dust and other debris from being mixture that is slightly off balance can sucked into an engine. Otherwise, grime affect what is going on under the hood. can build up and impede engine perforThat means the engine must work harder mance or cause erosion of parts under to get enough clean air into the chamber the hood. to complete the combustion cycle, says It is much more cost-effective to the Automotive Training Center. routinely change air filters than replace • Enjoy more power. A filter that is expensive engine parts. Rather than saturated with dirt will restrict air flow. In ignoring air filters until the last minute, Downsizing with regard drivers can take steps to keep filters clean such instances, drivers may notice a lack to living space is a trend of power during acceleration. Replacing and functioning at peak performance. that has long been associthe filter can easily restore that pep. • Improve fuel efficiency. Clogged air ated with empty nesters • Reduce vehicle emissions. Environfilters reduce air flow to engines, resultand senior citizens. As mental concerns are a priority for many ing in an improper ratio of air to fuel. As children move out and people. By keeping the engine working a result, spark plugs can be negatively start families of their own, properly, with the advantage of clean, affected and the engine may idle roughly many homeowners decide unobstructed air entering the chamber, a or misfire. These scenarios can greatly to downsize to less expenvehicle may produce lower emissions. affect fuel efficiency as well as cause sive, more manageable Replacing air filters is an easy fix that engine deposits from rich fuel. To save properties. money and trips to the fuel pump, replace many drivers can do themselves, or ask But downsizing is not their mechanics to do during oil changes Storage Beds Can Help Homeowners Living in Small filters regularly. According to GearHeads, just for seniors anymore. Homes Make the Most of Their Limited Space. or other repair shop visits. for older cars, studies have indicated According to a 2017 survey that by replacing a dirty air filter, one can ? MetroCreativeConnection from the popular real estate bedroom, choose a storage bed if the website Trulia, among homeowners curquarters are cramped and it’s difficult to rently living in homes larger than 2,000 find space for two dressers. Such beds square feet, more would choose a smaller also can be used to store bed linens if home than a larger one if they decided closet space is limited. Purchase storage to move this year (60.6 percent to 39.4 ottomans and/or end tables with storage percent). beneath to make living areas feel less Homeowners who decided to downcramped. size or those who purchased a small • Discard some items. Homeowners property to begin with may need a few who are downsizing from large homes pointers to make the most of their limited may need to part with some of their furspace. niture to make their transition to smaller • Reconsider your furniture. Furniture homes go more smoothly. For example, can make rooms feel cozy, cramped or homeowners may need to get by with just spacious. For homeowners with limited one bedroom nightstand and may even space in their homes, furniture that also need to replace their existing nightcan be used as storage can save space stands with something more compact. without sacrificing comfort. For the Discarding living room end tables and downsizing to a smaller coffee table also can help homeowners make smaller common areas more welcoming and less cluttered. • Put paint to work. Paint is another way to make the most of a limited space. Painting certain 500 Burleigh Yankton, SD pieces of furniture the same color as the wall can 1600 E. 39th St., Yankton License, Bonded & Insured make the furniture blend Harry Lane, Electrical Contractor in and feel less imposing. The result is a room that feels calm and open, even if there is less space to move around than homeowners Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm • Sat 8am-2pm might have grown accustomed to in their larger homes. • Keep surfaces free of Don’t let your backache set in. clutter. 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Divisions of Electair, Inc. 2500 S. 13th St., Norfolk, NE • 402-371-8425 Make the Most of Limited Space For Fast And Reliable Quality Electrical Work Call The Professionals... •New Construction •Remodel •Commercial L&S (605)665-7731 We’re more than just Auto Parts! ELECTRIC 665-6612 • 661-1040 Lea ves a re falling and the raking begins. HVAC & Electrical Contractors Leisure World, Inc. ? MetroCreativeConnection Chris Frick Doug Dykstra w w w. l e i s u r ew o r l d . c o m