shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com September 17, 2019 • Page 11 Home Improvement all & Car Care F How to Protect Wood The Importance Floors From Inclement Weather of Routine Vehicle Maintenance Wood floors are a worthwhile investment that can improve the beauty and function of just about any room in a home. Even though wood floors are durable, and new protective treatments help seal out many of the things that may have damaged floors in the past, homeowners still need to prioritize protecting their hardwood floors. Certain seasons of the year can be more harsh on wood floors than others. For example, seasons characterized by moisture and precipitation, particularly the early spring, winter and fall, can be hard on wood floors. Experts say that cold, snowy days can damage wood floors, and Lumber Liquidators agrees that winter weather can be harsh on flooring. Homeowners need not give up on hardwood if they live in an area that sees all four seasons. They just need to take a few steps to keep floors looking beautiful. • Clean up the salt. Salt that keeps sidewalks and streets clear of snow and ice inadvertently gets tracked inside a home. Hard chunks of salt can scratch wood floors, and, if left to sit, that salt can eventually cause white marks and other stains. Routinely vacuuming and sweeping up salt is necessary to protect wood floors. • Invest in shoe storage. Wet or snowy boots can create puddles around the house. Have a special mat or tray by the front door where wet shoes can be kept. A nice bench in the entryway makes it easy for residents and guests to remove their shoes until it’s time to go back outside. • Use water-wicking mats. Homeowners will probably need a few extra mats around to tame errant drips and wipe shoes. Any entrance that might be used by people or pets should be protected. Try to avoid petroleum-based, rubberbacked mats, as they could discolor the wood floor. • Control humidity indoors. Cold, dry air in a home can be problematic because the moisture in the wood can eventually evaporate into the air. The heat will suck that moisture from the flooring, causing it to shrink, creak and splinter and become more brittle. Think about investing in an in-line humidifier for the home’s HVAC system that can keep a moderate amount of humidity in the home. Hardwood floorboards are installed to accommodate Merkel Electric, Inc Johnson Electric dba Johnson Electric dba Johnson Electric dba Johnson Electric Rick Merkel ••Ben Merkel Rick Merkel • Ben Merkel Rick Merkel Ben Merkel Chris Merkel Chris Merkel Chris Merkel • Rural • Residential • Commercial ••Rural ••Residential •••Commercial Rural Residential Commercial • Rural • Residential Commercial Owning a car is a big responsibility. Drivers who plan to keep their vehicles for the long haul must emphasize maintenance if they want to keep adding miles to their odometers. In fact, the automotive information site CarAdvice says that routine maintenance may be the most important thing drivers can do for their vehicles. A vehicle needs consistent care if it is to run efficiently. Maintenance also reduces the risk of roadside breakdowns and costly repairs. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of staying on top of maintenance. • Saves money: Even though maintenance costs minor temperature and money, sticking to a consistent maintenance schedule humidity fluctuations. can save big bucks in the long run. For example, the This is typically a range cost of rotating and aligning tires is considerably less of between 60 and 80 than repairing a car after a major blowout and paying degrees F with a relative for a tow and tire replacement. humidity range of 35 • Improves performance and efficiency: Routine to 55 percent, advises maintenance includes oil changes, filter changes ServiceMaster. and fluid top-offs. Such tasks keep engines running • Use the right smoothly. Ignoring this routine maintenance can put cleaning products. Avoid engines in jeopardy of breaking down and adversely excessive water to clean affect vehicle performance, diminishing fuel economy wood floors, and select and leading to a sluggish ride. soaps that are specially • Identifies safety issues: Routine inspections and designed for wood work performed by reputable service stations help flooring. Consult with the drivers stay abreast of recalls or issues that can affect flooring manufacturer for the safety of the vehicle. a list of detergents that • Maintains a maintenance record: When the time are safe to use. comes to sell the vehicle, having a log of routine With proper care, maintenance indicates to potential buyers that the hardwood flooring can vehicle was well cared for. survive rain, snow and • Keeps compliance: Vehicles covered under cold weather. manufacturer’s warranties typically need to be ? MetroCreativeConnection maintained in adherence to factory-recommended maintenance schedules. This ensures that the vehicle is in compliance and will be covered in the event of a warranty claim. Routine vehicle maintenance is important for a variety of reasons. Drivers can work with a trusted and reliable mechanic to develop a schedule that keeps their cars and trucks on the road. ? MetroCreativeConnection Come Check Out Our All Star Lineup Of... • Electrical • Telephone • Electrical •• Electrical •••Telephone Electrical Telephone • Electrical Telephone • Overhead Wiring •• Overhead Wiring Overhead Wiring • Overhead Wiring • Trenching • • Trenching Trenching • Trenching • Bucker Truck Reaches 80’ • Bucker Truck Reaches •• Bucker Truck Reaches 80’ Bucker Truck Reaches 80’ • Digger Truck • • DiggerTruck Digger Truck • Digger Truck Power equipment at your locally owned and operated... 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