How to Safely Remove Snow from the Roof

There are two very good ways to injure yourself removing snow from a roof. You could fall off the ladder while climbing onto the roof or fall climbing off the roof. You could always just fall off the roof directly.  Therefore, here are two good ways to not hurt yourself while clearing the roof of snow. First, use a roof rake or second hire a professional.

The do it yourself option of a roof rake is simple. A roof rake is similar to a snow shovel with a long handle. Instead of picking up the snow like a shovel you drag the snow down and off the edge of the roof. Rakes are safe because they are used from the ground and if used properly no damage will be caused. Never use a roof rake from a ladder for a couple of reasons. First balancing on a ladder while trying to rake your roof is simply difficult and second the snow comes directly down and potentially on the individual balancing on a ladder.

Hiring a pro is probably the safest way to remove snow from a roof. The service may cost upwards of $100 per hour but that is a lot less than emergency medical care. Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home improvement or maintenance needs. (309) 792-3122

Ideas for Winter Home Improvements

"Tighten" your home by sealing air leaks.

This project can even save you money! There are several ways to check for air leaks at wall openings. Some professional contractors use thermographs, a type of thermal imaging device, to locate the cool spots. D-I-Y enthusiasts can use smoky incense to indicate where drafts may be present.

A surefire way to catch all the leaks is to gather your caulking gun, weather-stripping, insulating gaskets and expanding foam; then, systematically address each hole in every wall (outlets, windows/doors, light fixtures, fireplaces, etc.). It can be time consuming, but, hey, winter can be very, very long.

Winter landscaping.
Yes, the words "winter" and "landscaping" can be used in the same sentence. If you are the type of person who can't stay inside for long, here are some ideas for sprucing up those dreary, winter yards.

Try installing some solar powered lighting to outline pathways or planting beds. It will help guide the snow shovel and add a cozy twinkle to the drifts.

Or consider attracting winter wildlife with a new bird feeder. An ornamental bird feeder can act as a landscape's focal point and there's really nothing like a bright red cardinal to animate a bleak, brown (or white) yard.

What Good has come from the Downturn of the Housing Market

A positive fallout from the downturn of the housing market is that people are staying in their homes longer. This enables individuals to form a “bond” with the places they live. Homeowners imagine the possibilities and think through the practicalities of remodeling their homes. Projects range from simple changes to extensive additions. For ideas on renovating your home give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a FREE ESTIMATE 309/792-3122.

New Siding

New siding can give your house the facelift it needs. Siding can be installed on your entire house or used together with other exterior cladding such as brick or stone. Steel and vinyl siding are fabulous alternatives to the traditional sidings. When these cost-effective sidings are installed correctly they are almost maintenance free!
Siding should be installed over the appropriate housewrap or building paper and all windows and doors should have proper flashing installed before the siding goes up. Any gaps in the exterior siding needs to have caulking and there should be sufficient venting for moisture. Have your siding done by siding pros and enjoy the fine results for years to come! Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for your FREE ESTIMATE, 309/792-3122.

New Years Eve Fun Facts

Kissing your significant other is a favorite New Year's Eve tradition meant to guarantee a good relationship and affections throughout the next year.

About 75% of American New Year's Eve parties involve 20 people or less.

The tradition of a ball drop to signal the passage of time began at England's Royal Observatory at Greenwich in 1833.

The Made of iron and wood and adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs, the first New Year's Eve ball was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds.

Eating for good luck is a popular tradition in cultures around the world. Try 12 grapes at midnight (Spain), donuts (Holland) or black-eyed peas (American South).

Home Selling Tips

• Offer Creative Incentives

For instance you can offer to pay 6 months worth of electric bills, include brand new appliances, or cash in on some holiday sales and offer a huge TV mounted on a wall.

• Consider your Paint Choices

New paint is always a plus for home buyers however steer clear of bright or dreary colors like black or red, it’s best to stick with neutral colors in white or beige color schemes.

• Refinish Hardwood Floors

Laminate wood flooring can potentially reduce a homes value since a buyer will see the cost of having it torn out. It is better to refinish the existing hardwood floors or new but inexpensive wall to wall carpet.

William (Big Bill) Kenneth Woodward

Fauser Home Improvement would like to extend their deepest condolences to the family of William Kenneth Woodward. Bill K Woodward was the founder of Bridgeway Auto Parts. He raised a wonderful son, Bill M Woodward, who then had a son named Billy M Woodward, who then had a son named Bill M Woodward (Liam). On Saturday, December 10^th 2011 Bill K. Woodard passed away surrounded by love. Bill lived life to the fullest and had a keen sense for business. He was charismatic, intelligent, and witty. If you would like to send condolences to the family please do so via USPS to the address below:

Bridgeway Auto Parts
3900 27^th Street

Moline, IL. 61265

Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 2-8 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Services will be Wednesday, Dec.14, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be in Western Cemetery, Orion.