April 22, 2023 Issue, Page 12 of 14

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12 - The Elk City News April 22, 2023 Strong, Stylish Spring Home Upgrades 5 renovation projects where brick takes center stage FAMILY FEATURES pringtime is a perfect opportunity for homeowners to begin planning renovations to enhance the interior and exterior of their living space. Because of its stron performance capabilities, low maintenance and design flexibility, brick is a popular building material choice when Jooking to improve or refresh your home in time for warm- weather h in a wide array of colors, textures and sizes thatean match varying design styles, from modem to traditional and almost everything between. If you're considering adding brick to your home’s aesthetic, consider these five projects to tackle this pring from the experts at Glen-Gery, one of the largest brick ind stone manufacturers in North Ameri Basement or patio bar — As homeowners spend more time at home, they often look to maximize livable space. One way to take advantage of unused living space is building a basement or patio bar, which provides an area for entertaining. Using an exposed brick wall can help designate the bar area and separate it from the rest of the basement, or lining a bar counter with brick can createa rustic contrast against the bar’s Fireplace ~ To cl the look and feel ofa room almost kitchen splatters, the no reason it can’t look good, too. instantly, you can use brick to give a fireplacea ‘or Brick backsplashes can accommodate most home designs make ita focal point of your home. Available in a variety nd styles thanks to the versatility of shapes, colors, of colors and textures, Glen-Gery’s diverse, premium ches and sizes available. portfolio of more than 600 brick and stone products can Black or white glazed brick works well with more modern elevate your living room’s style in a big wayand create kitchens while irregular brick containing an abundance of a more inviting area to share with family and friends. An texture and a messy mortar application can complete rustic outdoor fireplace is another option for extending livable farmhouse kitchens. An option like Glen-Gery’s virtual space in a cozy way that can be used throughout the year. design tool, Picture Perfect, can help you vistalize projects Accent wall ~ Create statement in or outside your home in your home to see what fits your style and needs. with a brick accent wall. Accent walls can help bring color, Brick skirt — For added curb appeal, consider adding a texture and beauity to homes by breaking up the monotony brick skirt around the foundation of your home. Given its of monochromatic color or decor, creating visual interest resilient, durable and energy-efficient qualities, brick can and dimension. While brick in a running bond pattern is, help provide better insulation and protection while also expected, you can spice up rooms with an unexpected adding viual appeal to the exterior of your home through bond pattern like a stacked bond for modern appeal or texture, color and contrast. The skirting can also continue herringbone for a rustic look. through to the front porch floor and steps, helping balance Kitchen backsplash — One of the most overlooked areas out the elevation ofyour home. of kitchen design is the backsplash, While its job is to pro- For more inspiration for your next home renovation tect your kitchen walls from the never-ending assault of project, visit glengery.com. 7 things to know before replacing windows ‘The decision to replace win- But there are still plenty of the inside of windows indi- ing windows and can be a quick 5. The wrong windows can certain windows can cancel out dows often comes down to aes- reasons to invest in new win- cates that the windows are and affordable update. adversely affect home value. noises and make homes more thetics and necessity. Drafty dows. starting to fail. If installing a 4, Consider other energy- The National Association of soundproof. Some windows windows can reduce energy 1. Vinyl or aluminum may vapor barrier in the basement efficient upgrades. Sometimes Realtors says homeowners can help reduce outdoor dis- efficiency in a home, requiring be best. Lumber is farmed or crawl space, ventilating older windows can be salvaged, get about 73 percent of their tractions like leaf blowers or HVAC systems to work harder rather quickly today and solid properly when showering or especially if they are not dam- replacement window invest- lawn mowers to keep interiors comfortable. wood products may not stand cooking, or using a dehumidi- aged and only moderately ment back when they resell a ‘The harder the HVAC must up to elements as well as wood fier indoors does not remedy 7. Proper installation is key work, the more homeowners used a half-century ago. To the situation, it might be time drafty, Replacing panes, sash home. But choosing the wrong to longevity. Replacement win- will pay in energy costs. avoid rot, vinyl windows often to replace windows. cords, weather stripping, and windows might lower the value dows are only as good as their Old windows also may are an affordable and durable even glazing may be less ex- of the home. It’s important to installation in many cases. 3. Windows add curb ap- pensive than replacing a win- match the look of the original Poor installation and orders of be points of entry for water choice. Homeowners also have peal. Beyond functionality, and insects. Despite the im- the option of wood windows dow. Plus, older homes with windows, including window standard rather than custom portance of windows, Money with aluminum — cladding, replacement windows imme- attractive windows comple- material and the divided light magazine advises that new which are long-lasting, diately update the look of the ment one another. To keep pattern (the number of panes sized windows could result in windows make up only a frac- 2. Moisture problems in- home and can improve curb energy bills down, think about in each window) with the origi- poor fitting and seals. Home- tion of the home’s total exteri- dicate windows need to be appeal since they are one of adding insulation to the attic nal windows. owners should carefully vet or “envelope,” resulting in only replaced. Condensation that the most prominent features and basement - which is a good 6. Think about soundproof- and review window replace- about 5 to 15 percent of total shows up as fogging between on the exterior of a home. Ifa idea even if you are replacing ing, too. When upgrading win- ment contractors to find the energy savings. double-pane windows or on house needs an update, replac- windows. dows, also think about how best professionals for the job. Let us find the loan that works best for you! “We Love To Say Yes” QuaLiry® Don't Pay More to Cover Your Floor 1503 West Third « Elk City, OK 73644 580-243-1112 « FED. 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