Vow to Make 2011 The Year to "Shape Up Your Home"
From Home Decor Spruce-Ups to Energy Bill Ten-Ups, Simple Tasks with Lasting Power to Give Your Home the Makeover it Needs
Huntersville, NC (December 16, 2010) – It’s almost the New Year and millions of Americans will make resolutions to put themselves on a diet (financial and food); hit the gym; or start or stop some other behavior. Often overlooked, but important nonetheless, is the promise to “Get Your Home in Shape.” By tackling some of the small, inexpensive fixes around the home—like grabbing a caulk gun for routine maintenance and weatherization—homeowners can make a big impact with lasting power. Don’t let those small, nagging issues turn into big problems down the road. You’ll not only improve the beauty, comfort, and style of your home by caulking, but you’ll also realize significant energy savings that will continue well into the future.
So when January hits, the snow is falling, and you need a distraction from the New Year diet and exercise regimen, put the weights down and get to work shaping up your house for the New Year! Here are a few easy steps to get you started:
1. Give Your Home a “Core” Workout: Your home can get “loose” throughout the year and may need to be whipped into shape. Chipped or cracked caulk, and gaps between the moulding detract from its sleek appearance —and it will sabotage even the most beautiful interior design efforts. Before jumping to the fun of applying color and fabrics, make sure the “core” of your home has a strong and smooth foundation, or the imperfections will show. Minding the little things gives each room a professional, polished look.
Choosing a caulk that is easy to work with, but also durable and paintable is a critical first step. Why? Because paintable acrylics can shrink and crack. You’ll be none too pleased if you see cracking paint down the road because the caulk underneath is shrinking or deteriorating. So, try new Groov* caulk by GE. Groov is long-lasting and will never crack or shrink, and it is paintable and easy to work. This lasting performance has never before been paired with such little mess and frustration. And, you can paint over it in just 30 minutes! Lastly, don’t fear, you’re New Year’s exercise routine has gotten you plenty strong to master the caulk gun! Visit www.caulkandsave.com for easy, DIY caulking tips to help you get more comfortable.
With the “core” addressed, it’s time to decorate away those winter blues! A new wall color is sure to help brighten the darkest days of winter… and new pillows or throws are sure to look better against newly coiffed walls and moulding!
2. Put Your Home on an Energy “Diet”: No doubt, the winter months tend to incur the highest home heating bills, no matter where you live in the country. Challenge your family to an energy diet:
- Turn the thermostat down —If you haven’t already, install a programmable thermostat. This affordable upgrade for your home will allow you to vary temperature settings throughout the day, using energy only when you need it most, and therefore save you money overall. With daily, weekly, and weekday/weekend programming capabilities, there is sure to be a model to fit your family’s needs. Be sure to place it on a wall that doesn’t get direct sunlight or isn’t too close to a drafty window so as not to skew readings.
- Seal Energy Wasting Gaps and Cracks — Remember, weatherizing is key to preventing energy loss! The trick is to be sure to use the right caulk because you want the savings to last, right? For long-lasting savings, choose a caulk that stands up to all of the elements that Mother Nature throws at your house year-round. Unlike acrylic caulk that can break down over time, leaving gaps and cracks for air to seep through, silicone caulk, like GE Silicone II*, or newly formulated Groov by GE are unaffected by even the harshest of elements. A step-by-step guide on how to caulk windows, doors or inside attics and basements is available at www.caulkandsave.com.
- Keep the shades drawn—It’s hard when the days are so short, but keep your blinds, shades, or drapes closed as much as possible to maximize their insulating capabilities.
3. Eliminate Your Home’s “Age Spots”: Even our homes—especially our kitchen and bathrooms—show their age with unsightly spots and blemishes. Give these tired rooms a quick but lasting makeover that restores their clean, fresh, bright shine by caulking the sink, toilet or shower/tub with a 100 percent silicone caulk such as GE Silicone II Kitchen & Bath. Silicone caulk is permanently waterproof, meaning it will not break down in moist and humid kitchens or baths. Acrylic caulk, which is water-based, can shrink or degrade over time when exposed to moisture, creating cracks and gaps that can lead to water damage and subsequent mold growth – an eyesore in these highly-trafficked rooms!
You’ll be surprised just how much new white caulk can brighten the space. Plus, the five-year mold product protection in GE Silicone II blunts the growth of unsightly and unhealthy mold and mildew on the new caulk. And, waterproof caulk can help protect the area from costly water damage. So do it once and do it right with silicone caulk!
Caulking and home air sealing are important steps to take year-round so that your house remains in tip-top shape through all seasons. Please see www.caulkandsave.com for more tips on home energy savings. For additional photos, tips, or product samples, please contact Marcia Gray at mgray@graycreate.com.
GE is a trademark of General Electric Company and is under license by Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Huntersville, NC 28078
*Trademark of Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
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