ShineOnCass event includes education and PJ party with baby animals

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Mac Vandeventer gets to know the goats. (photo courtesy of Monica Charette)

by Monica Charette

Claire Slevinsky pets a two-week-old baby lamb and learns how to card sheep wool at Hart-to-Hart Farm in Albion. (photo courtesy
of Monica Charette)

It was a pajama party like no other at Hart-to-Hart Farm & Education Center in Albion on May 16, when 100 children, dressed in their pajamas, welcomed baby lambs, goats, calves, and other newborn animals – also wearing pajamas – as part of the annual ShineOnCass Animal Baby Shower.

This year’s event featured hands-on educational sessions, including teaching kids how to milk a cow, fetch eggs from a real chicken coop, spin lamb’s wool, and stretch out at goat yoga! Children were able to hold the newborn babies, learn about caring for them, and experience a working, organic farm.

Linda Hartkopf, owner of Hart-to-Hart Farm, with her husband, Doug, said she enjoys the opportunity to share her love for animals with the community.

“Many of the children who came have never been on a working farm,” said Hartkopf. “We take great pride in educating them about caring for animals, and sharing our love and pride in raising them. There’s nothing like introducing a child to a newborn animal.”

Paige Smith comes out to volunteer in honor and in memory of her former soccer teammate and friend, Cassidy Charette, at the annual ShineOnCass Animal Baby Shower & PJ Party at Hart-to-Hart Farm in Albion. (photo courtesy
of Monica Charette)

Hart-to-Hart Farm is a family-owned and operated organic dairy farm that offers a variety of summer educational programs for children, adults and families. The event is held each year in memory of Cassidy Charette, an Oakland teen who died in a hayride accident in 2014. Cassidy, known for her kindness as an active community volunteer, was also passionate about caring for animals as a long-time summer camper at Hart-to-Hart Farm.

“Every year we get further away from losing Cass, holds a special place for us all,” said Cassidy’s friend Shawna Lachance, who now serves on the foundation’s board of directors. “We knowing we are continuing the work she would have lived her life doing.”

Families attending the event made monetary gifts and donated a truckload of food and pet items, which was donated to Humane Society Waterville Area in honor and memory of Cassidy, who was also a shelter volunteer.

For information about Hart-to-Hart Farm & Education Center, visit hart2hartfarm.org. For more event images, visit the ShineOnCass Facebook page. To learn more about the ShineOnCass Foundation, please visit shineoncass.org.

 

 

 

Free ME from Lung Cancer breathes life into community

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by Carla Gade

When was the last time you took a good deep breath? During the past year I think we all have learned to not take our health and breathing for granted. Yet, this is a goal that the Free ME from Lung Cancer foundation continually works toward. Since 2013, the health and welfare of lung cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and preventative measures has been the primary goal of the Maine non-profit based in Augusta. In fact, Free ME from Lung Cancer’s CEO, Debra Violette, a lung cancer survivor herself, steadfastly serves the organization, breathing life to reinvigorate its active mission, pandemic or not.

During the past year, Deb, was able to get FMFLC accredited by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. She also testified before the Health and Human Services Committee in support of LD 819 which is “An act to reduce lung cancer rates in Maine by requiring testing for and mitigation of radon in residential buildings by landlords.” Deb asked Senator Joe Baldacci to sponsor the bill and Representatives O’Connell, Roeder, and Stover are co-sponsors.

Early last year, the FMFLC board decided that funding raised would stay here in Maine. Support was provided to area hospital by providing funding to help with their COVED-19 relief funds. Five hundred care bags for lung cancer patients were issued, they helped a single Mom get a radon air system installed and provided a grant to help high risk uninsured and underinsured patients get access to an early lung cancer screening. With funds in 2019 Free ME from Lung Cancer partnered with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s lung cancer research program. The two-year research grant program is currently recruiting for its next grantee.

So, what are you going to do to keep yourself and those you love refreshed during these continuing challenging times? How about a weekend on the coast? Getting a new gas grill for your small gatherings? Planning a bear hunt for the fall or a Caribbean vacation now that things are beginning to open up. Visiting a local eatery to support local businesses is great and obtaining money saving gift certificates on quality products and services is always a win. Let FMFLC help.

Free ME from Lung Cancer’s online auction gives you a chance to bid on these and many great items thanks to generous donors and sponsors. Enjoy bidding on many great items while contributing to fundraising efforts. Giving to non-profits, including FMFLC, has been significantly down during the Coronavirus pandemic. Your participation will help save lives. The auction is scheduled for will take place from June 11 through 20, 2021. To participate, please register at http://airauctioneer.com/fmflc-2021.

The auction is one of the foundation’s two annual fundraisers. The Save Your Breath 5K Run, Walk, Walk-Run will take place on November 6, 2021 at the Kennebec Valley YMCA. A virtual 5-K is also available. Cash prizes and an award ceremony will follow immediately after at the Bateau Brewery. To register for this event, please visit http://freemefromlungcancer.org.

To learn more about Free ME from Lung Cancer please visit our website (above) and sign up for our newsletter. You can connect on social media @freemefromlungcancer. The opportunity to volunteer as a Board member or assistant is always open and a vital way to serve. To Life!

Carla Gade serves as the Social Media Director for Free Me from Lung Cancer as well as librarian, in China Village.

Vassalboro neighborhood yard sale June 4 – 6, 2021

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by Jeanne Marquis

Click for full size list of locations.

Three years ago, Samantha Lessard and others organized The Mill Market, a weekly Craft & Vendor Fair, with the philosophy that when you help out community members the entire community benefits. It’s a full circle relationship.

On June 4, 5 and 6, this community spirit will be extended with the addition of an expansive network of neighbor yard sales throughout Vassalboro. Participation has become so popular that it will help to have a map to take full advantage of the offerings available at each address. The items that are not sold during the yard sale will be donated to The Mill for their used items area.

The used clothing and household items from The Mill have helped out Vassalboro residents over the last few years who have had fires, been displaced from their homes or have found themselves otherwise in need of clothing. These types of special requests for used items are filled by appointments only.

The Craft & Vendor Fair at The Mill is every Sunday through the summer, with an extra Saturday on June 5. Crafters and Vendors will be inside The Mill and outside on the green under tents. Handcrafted items include spices, jewelry, baked goods, plants, vegetables, gnomes, tie dye items, jams, glass crafts, macrame, candles, woodworking, knitted items, build a bear, sewed items, magnets, essential oils, Vendors include Tupperware, Scentsy, ColorStreet, Avon, 31, Tastefully Simple, Epicure, Paparazzi.

The proceeds from The Mill Market and yard sales, besides benefitting area crafters and local families who participate, will go to the ongoing restoration of The Mill – a gathering place for the community. That’s what Samantha means by full circle.

Scout honors deceased veterans with project over several seasons

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Eagle Scout Gary Lawyerson congratulates his grandson Eagle Scout Gabriel Lawyerson after pinning the Eagle Scout medal he received in 1964. (contributed photo)

Receives Eagle Scout rank on Memorial Day weekend

by Chuck Mahaleris

Jefferson Troop #216 Scoutmaster Valerie Drever presents a special hand-made plaque to Gabe. (contributed photo)

Gabriel Daniel Lawyerson, of Troop #216, received his Eagle Scout rank during an outdoor ceremony at Damariscotta Lake State Park, in Jefferson. His grandfather, Gary Lawyerson, earned Scouting’s highest rank in 1964 and proudly pinned his medal on his grandson. Gabe is going to Fort Sill Oklahoma July 7, 2021 for his basic training in the U.S. Army.

His grandfather served in the Marine Corps for 27 years and three years in the Army. Linda, his grandmother, was in the Marines 7-1/2 months (then daughter Amy came along). There are others who served in Gabe’s family. Gary, Gabe’s father, served in the Army four years, Gabe’s other grandfather Leo Peters served in Paratroopers Army 101st Airborne during the Korean War, among many others, of course. His respect and appreciation for those who served in the military runs deep.

The Eagle Scout ceremony was held Friday evening of Memorial Day weekend which is appropriate as Gabe’s Eagle Scout Service Project consisted of taking photographs of 1,200 veteran grave stones at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, on Civic Center Drive. The photos were given to the Bureau of Maine Veteran Services which plans to provide a website family and friends can visit loved ones virtually when they can’t visit in person. His Scoutmaster, Valerie Drever, said, “Congratulations Gabe, you have worked very hard to achieve this honor. Baden Powell would have been proud!”

Gabe’s grandmother Linda Lawyerson assisted him with his project and spoke during the ceremony. “The project was a long process spent over several seasons. I watched him persevere during winter months and overcome all obstacles. I saw him go from being a young man into an adult.”

Gabriel Daniel Lawyerson, of Troop #216. (contributed photo)

Dirigo Lodge delivers food to area food pantries

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Members of Dirigo Lodge #104, from left to right, Lenny Goodine, present Lodge master, Jason DeMerchant, lodge member, Sheldon Goodine, past Lodge master and lodge member, Don Pratt, trustee of the Maine Mason Charitable Foundation and lodge member. (photo by Ron Maxwell)

by Ron Maxwell

Caring for your neighbor is a tradition that is alive and well here in central Maine. I was fortunate enough to see our local Masons in action this week at the Dirigo Lodge #104. Lodge #104 was founded in 1860 and its first lodge master was James Parnell Jones. This lodge has continued since, and celebrated its 160th anniversary last year. I spent some time talking with the men behind the scenes and here’s the story.

Member Sheldon Goodine (and a former lodge master) says he asked about doing something for the needs in our area at a recent lodge meeting. The group discussed and adjourned, but the seeds were planted.

Jason DeMerchant (their newest member, and grandson of Sheldon Goodine) went to work the next day at a distribution center and started the ball rolling by asking his superiors if they wanted to take part. Their work is to supply local shops (think Hannaford and the like) with the product they put on their shelves. When the supplies come to the distribution center they are in a large quantity which is broken up and then sent in smaller amounts to the local shops. The excess is good product which sometimes does not get to the shelves of any shop, and it was a pallet of this excess that was donated to the Masons’ efforts.

The Masons have a charitable foundation, the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation, which works to maximize the efficiency of donations. The Chairman of Disbursement and lodge member Don Pratt, joined the process by coordinating with food banks in Windsor, Palermo and China to distribute this donation to as many in need as possible.

Fast forward to the day of handing over the donations to the local food banks!

Food items collected by Dirigo Lodge #104, prior to their distribution to China, Windsor and Palermo food pantries. (photo by Ron Maxwell)

I arrived early to speak with the lodge members before the food bank representatives arrived. In addition to Sheldon Goodine and Jason DeMerchant, who were present to help load the food bank vans, were the current Lodge Master, Lenny Goodine (son of Sheldon, and uncle of Jason) and Don Pratt. I chatted with all four members about the day and the process that made it possible and got a tour of the lodge. All four made quick work of the mountains of donations in an assembly line process that streamed loads out of the lodge and into the waiting van of the volunteer from China. There were protein bars and breakfast cereal, toiletries and bandages, taco sauce and barbecue sauce, ready to heat meals and side dishes, organic candy and fruit snack. (If you read that last sentence out loud you can get a feel of what it was like to watch the four men bring load after load out of the lodge!) In no time, the donations were whisked off to the respective food banks. I left after the China load, and as I swung out of the parking lot, the four members were hard at work filling the truck for Windsor. From idea to source, coordination to distribution, the well-tended machine ran, powered by the dedication of lodge members. What was a question became a well-timed donation from members of a community to the community at large.

This process is not unique to the Masons – I have also seen it in our schools and our places of worship as members turn out to assist the community that surrounds them. This is the spirit that inspired me to settle here many years ago. When you have a cynical moment or a discouraging day, think about these efforts and try getting involved with one of the causes that give back. Taking your mind off yourself and thinking/doing for others is the backbone of our community. We should all spend some time caring for our neighbors.

China School’s Forest opens a new trail

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Anita Smith in the China School’s Forest. (photo by Jeanne Marquis)

by Jeanne Marquis

China School’s Forest opens the North Loop trail after a team of volunteers cleared brush and fallen trees. It has been twenty years since this portion of the forest had been opened for hikers. The North Loop trail is easy to find heading down the main trail toward the power lines, and it will soon be marked by a sign.

Anita Smith, director of the China School’s Forest, explained, “It was originally part of the logging trails that were used when the logging was done back in the mid 90s. We were always more focused on the loops closer to the schools and creating outdoor classrooms. It [Opening this trail] was lower on the priority list of the things we wanted to do, but now with the resurgence of people interested in trails and getting outside, we decided now’s the time to get it done.”

Graphic by Troy and Anita Smith

As you head out to the North Loop you may pass a portion of the “Story Walk.” These are posters that contain pages from a story that lead students through their hike adding to their experience. This story, entitled “Who Pooped in the North Woods?” teaches kids about animal tracks and scat commonly found in the forest. The story was assembled on repurposed, donated political signs.

It takes roughly a ten-minute walk to get to the new North Loop trail. The turf of the trail is easy on the feet, as it is still lined with a thick layer of lichen and moss not worn away by hikers.

Smith describes the new loop, “The turf is soft. It is very healed. It has great mosses out there, and I was out earlier this week taking some pictures of some of the wild flowers that are starting to come up. Oh and yes. We did some logging back there last year. And basically, that was to clear out there was a lot of spruce and fir that was at the end of its life cycle. Part of the purpose of this piece of land is to demonstrate forestry and the value over the working forest here in Maine. So we did remove the fir and the spruce and some of the really big hemlocks. And it’s just going to be a really nice nice area once that starts to grow up. This is the entrance to it. We’re really lucky to have this resource. The trails are for everybody to be able to enjoy. It’s not just for the school kids. It can be used during the school day. If there’s a group of kids out here with lessons, just go around them. It can be used year round.”

The China School’s Forest began in the mid-’90s with some grants, donations of time and materials. A local carpenter, who was at that time attending school to get his teaching certification, worked with a group of eighth grade kids to build the first original bridge. That same carpenter built the Reading Tree which still stands strong today with minor repairs and a new roof added recently by volunteers.

There was a big push late last summer of groups of volunteers to prepare additional outdoor class spaces to provide “breathing room” from Covid restrictions. In the category of good things sometimes comes from crisis situations, using the outdoor classrooms reminded teachers, students and parents of the benefits of incorporating outdoor classes into the schedules.

Anita shared a story to illustrate the spontaneity you’ll find in the forest: “I was out yesterday working with Miss Preston’s class and we did four different stations on animal tracks. They were able to make plaster of Paris molds of different animal tracks … As I was leaving, a garter snake crossed in my pathway. Miss Robie was with her pre-K class so I picked up the snake. So some of the kids were a little leery of it, so I sat down in a chair and those who wanted to see it could come over and those that dared could pet part of its body.”

A forest provides a wide range of teaching moments in a calm, yet engaging environment. Smith explains, “There’s a lot of research going on that talks about the benefits of outdoor classroom spaces and getting outside physically and mentally. Their minds are on when they’re outside. They’re constantly thinking.”

So what’s next for the China School’s Forest? Smith provided insight into ongoing and future projects at the China School’s Forest. This last winter, Susan Cottle, who was working on her Master’s naturalist program, started a tree identification trail that runs from the soccer field by the middle school along the main trail. Smith and volunteers will be adding more signs this summer.

In the future, Smith envisions a geology station to teach students of the mineral and rocks of Maine. Knowing that kids love rocks, she feels this would be an ideal teaching tool to inspire their exploration. The project will be funded by grants. There is no time schedule assigned to this project at present. A more immediate need for the China School’s Forest would be a building to house equipment and to be used as a teaching facility in inclement weather. This structure would enable the forest volunteers to expand programs. For more information about China School’s Forest, visit chinaschoolsforest.wixsite.com/website.

Bathroom design & remodel on a budget

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Image by stellalunacypress

So you’re ready to redecorate and redesign your bathroom. But dropping $20,000 on a deluxe spa retreat is light years away from what you can afford to spend. You don’t need mega-bucks to transform your bathroom into a relaxing, cool space. There are plenty of ways to renovate and redesign on a budget.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, an average bathroom remodel costs around $10,500 while an upscale remodel is going to run you a hefty $26,000. However, if you do the work yourself and get creative, This Old House estimates that you can do a remodel for $1,000 to $3,000, or even less, depending on how much you want to change.

Moreover, updating a bathroom to your home is a home improvement project that adds value. In other words, you’ll recoup a significant portion of costs when you sell your home, as much as 100 percent.

Determine how much you can afford to spend on your remodel to determine the extent of the changes you can make. If your budget is on the low end (i.e. $1,000 or less), you’ll want to stick to cosmetic changes. Again, it all depends on your budget.

If you’re planning to add a completely new bathroom or decide major changes need to be done to an existing bathroom, consider a home equity line of credit.

So what can you do to save money on your bathroom redesign or remodel?

Limit Your Tile: Tile gets expensive, especially when you hire a contractor to lay it all out for you. To save money, limit the amount of tile and focus on high-impact areas like the floor (instead of the floor and inside the shower stall walls).

Save on Counter Tops: A popular trend is to splurge on granite countertops. Because the bathroom counter is so small, the investment is often fairly low compared to what you’d spend on kitchen counters, for example. So how can you save here? First, look at the color. Neutral colors like tan, brown, and light beige are more popular, which means they’re more expensive. To save money, consider and price out a wider swath of colors.

Paint: If you don’t have a lot to spend, then repainting will be the cheapest and, perhaps, the most effective way to give your bathroom a new look. It’s going to take more time than you think. Your bathroom may be the smallest room in the house, but you’re going to have to paint slowly and gently around the window, the tub or shower, the sink, the mirror, the toilet, the switchplates, the wall corners, and the floor. Since mold and mildew develop easily in a bathroom, and humidity and temperature change often, it’s a good idea to invest in high quality paint with a satin finish. You may also want to go over the ceiling with a special bathroom paint that helps resist the growth of mold.

Update Fixtures: Next, you can update light fixtures, sink faucets, towel racks, and drawer pulls for a relatively small investment. These items may seem insignificant, but updating them can make a big difference in your bathroom’s look.

Redo, Don’t Buy New: Replacing your old tub or shower is going to cost you a pretty penny. Instead, have it professionally relined, which is much cheaper. However, let’s say you have some vintage bathroom fixtures or an old tub you don’t want to get rid of. The good news? You can refinish them yourself if they’re made of porcelain, cast iron, or fiberglass.

Buy Used: Scour sites like eBay and Craigslist or head over to the nearest Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which specifically sells home necessities such as doors, mirrors, sinks, toilets, and tubs.

How much does window replacement cost?

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photo by Andersen Windows

by Katie Flannery

If the windows in your home aren’t opening and closing like they used to or if they’re letting in the cold air, it may be time for replacement windows. Knowing the overall cost of window replacement can help keep you within the project’s budget and avoid any surprise costs down the road. The typical window replacement cost is between $200 and $1,800 per window, and the national average is around $100 to $650 per window, depending on window frame material and glass type, among other factors. Labor adds to the overall window replacement cost and can run approximately $100 to $300 per window. The most common factors that affect window replacement cost are the type of window, window frame material, window size, and energy efficiency. Cost is also dependent on the geographical location of your home and whether you live in a warm or cold climate.

When replacing windows, you’ll likely have the option of choosing the window frame material. The most common window frame materials are vinyl, wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and composite. Standard vinyl windows are the most popular and have an average price range from $100 to $900 per window. Vinyl is one of the most affordable, durable, and energy-efficient varieties. Wood frames run from $150 to $1,300 or more. Wood frames offer a classic architectural look, and some areas may require wood frames if your home is located in a historic district or is a historic landmark. Fiberglass window frames run approximately 15 to 30 percent more than vinyl frames, and the national average cost of window replacement is usually $500 to $1,500 per window. Fiberglass frames are more durable than vinyl and have similar insulation properties. Aluminum frames can cost anywhere from $75 to $400 per window with some window types costing up to $1,200 or more for large or high-end windows, but they don’t insulate as well as other materials. Composite windows run between $300 and $1,200 per window. They are the most durable and are constructed of a mix of PVC polymers and wood fiber for maintenance-free frames.

The type of glass in replacement windows can help lower utility bills and boost energy efficiency. Tinted glass is good for reducing harmful UV rays, and impact-resistant glass may be recommended depending on the house’s geographical location. Depending on the location and age of the home, tempered or safety glass may be required by law. Older homes may not have standard-size window openings, and replacement windows may require removal of the frame.

Windows with multiple glass panes will generally cost more to replace. Bay windows have three panes of glass and cost $1,800 on average. Bow windows typically have a minimum of five panes and cost between $1,000 and $4,500.

Homeowners with older homes, usually 70 years old or more, will usually have to double or triple projected pricing. Older homes come with unique challenges, such as unusual window sizes, which can necessitate custom windows as well as the need to repair or replace damaged or rotting trim, match the historical architecture, remove counterweights, upgrade to current building codes, and fill in empty space with insulation.

When budgeting for window replacement cost, there are additional cost factors and considerations to keep in mind. Most window replacement professionals average $40 per hour for window installation. Structural repairs, insulation, waterproofing, job location, and disposal and cleanup costs can add to the total window replacement cost.

The geographical location of your home can significantly impact the cost of window replacement. Local ordinances and codes could dictate the type of frame and glass that are required for window replacement in your area. If you live in a cold climate, more expensive triple-pane windows are the best option for optimal insulation and energy efficiency.

Disposal and cleanup costs are sometimes taken into account when a contractor estimates labor costs, and sometimes they are added as a separate charge. Window replacement professionals can remove all job-related debris and clean all interior and exterior work areas.

Do I Need a Window Replacement?

Some reasons for window replacement are obvious: there’s cold air leaking through the windows, visible damage or rot to the frame or glass, condensation forming on the inside of the glass or in between panes, or the windows no longer operate smoothly. All of these factors can increase your utility bill by causing the furnace to work overtime in the winter months. Investing in energy-efficient window replacement will help you save money with heating and cooling costs. Here are a few specific reasons to consider window replacement.

Windows become difficult to open and close for a few reasons: an old house that has settled around the frame, an incorrect installation that resulted in balance issues, or frames that have warped and rotted are just a few of them. Windows that don’t close properly may not lock, which also creates a safety issue. Windows should open and close with ease and create a tight seal against leaks.

One of the clearest signs you need to replace your windows is visible damage. This includes cracked or broken glass panes and decaying, damaged, or moldy frames. Broken and damaged windows are serious issues and need to be fixed before they get worse. Take a close look at your windows. If you notice signs of decay, rot, mold, or other damage, it’s probably time for new windows.

Pointers on preparing for power outages

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A solar energy storage system can be permanently installed in your home to protect your family and possessions from power outages.

(NAPS)—More Americans suffered extended power outages in 2020 than any year since Superstorm Sandy struck the New York area in 2012, according to Generac, owners of Power Outage Central, a real-time outage tracking service that monitors outages throughout the United States.

“In 2020, more than one out of three Americans experienced a power outage, and the U.S. power grid suffered more outage hours than it has in years,” said Russ Minick, chief marketing officer for Wisconsin-based Generac. “With people still working, learning and shopping from home, everyone must prepare earlier for outages that accompany severe weather.”

Outages are statistically much more common than many other threats to the home, according to Generac’s data. In fact, while about 12 percent of homes are at risk of flooding according to the First Street Foundation’s flood database1, every home is at risk of losing power. Unlike with floods, however, there are multiple ways to safeguard against loss of electrical power.

“There are three key paths to protecting power supply, said Simon Allen, president of Allied Energy, a backup power solution provider in San Diego, Calif. “These include portable generators, which are a short-term solution; home standby generators; and solar energy storage systems. Solar energy storage systems and home standby generators are permanently installed and can provide secure sources of power for longer periods.”

Each system requires advance planning, including local permitting and installation, said Allen, but secure power is worth it.

“Life gets very primitive and dangerous when the power is out. With outages lasting longer and occurring more often, all against the backdrop of people working and learning from home, our customers are turning to Generac home standby generators and PWRcell battery storage systems. Effectively, they’re making their homes a sanctuary against Mother Nature’s threats.”

Picking the correct solution varies for every homeowner, said Stephen Cruise of Generator Supercenter, a Texas-based provider of power solutions. “A generator will run nearly indefinitely on propane or natural gas,” he said. “With correct power management, a solar energy storage system can also power the whole home for extended periods. It comes down to preference, local codes and budget. The best place to start is finding a great local installer who can help make the decision easy.”

“Authorized dealers and installers know local codes and are factory trained,” said Minick. “They’re experts in local needs and can provide a one-stop solution for every homeowner.”

All the resources needed to acquire and install backup power are available at www.generac.com. Prices fit most budgets and vary depending on factors such as the size of home, the electricity needed for backup and preference for solar or generator-based options.

www.firststreet.org data indicates that 14.6 million U.S. households are at risk of flooding out of 122.8 million nationally.

Seven things to know before choosing a metal roof

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photo by Bob White: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ncbob/

by Donna Boyle Schwartz and Bob Vila

Rain on a tin roof proves so soothing that it can be found on white noise machines and meditation apps alike, but that’s not the only reason (nor one of the top!) for its popularity among today’s homeowners. Growing numbers of people are installing metal roofs in both new construction and roof replacement projects. In fact, McGraw-Hill Construction and Analytics estimates that 750,000 U.S. homeowners chose metal roofing for their residences as of 2015. That number indicates an 11 percent share of the roofing market—second choice only to asphalt shingles.

Curious why this construction material has won over so many homeowners? At the top of the list of metal roofing “pros,” the material’s long lifespan is why most homeowners make the switch in either a re-roofing or new construction. Indeed, that recent McGraw-Hill survey found that 26 percent of homeowners cited longevity as their primary reason for investing in metal and another 22 percent said they were swayed by its strength. A properly installed metal roof typically will last as long as the house, with an expected lifespan of 40 to 70 years and, often, a 30- to 50-year manufacturer’s warranty to boot. (By contrast, traditional asphalt roofing typically lasts 12 to 20 years.) Thanks to the material’s unique durability, you can count on it to withstand the elements—including gusts of wind up to 140 miles per hour—and not corrode nor crack thanks to rust-proof coatings.

Traditional asphalt shingles are a petroleum product and, as such, increase dependency on fossil fuels. Plus, they require replacement every 15 to 20 years, which means that nearly 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are sent to U.S. landfills every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Metal roofs are energy-efficient. Money spent on the installation of a metal roof can be recouped from the savings in monthly cooling and heating costs thanks to this type of roof’s reflective properties. Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat instead of absorbing it, which—year-round, but especially during the long days of summer—can reduce cooling costs by as much as 25 percent, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance. Furthermore, some metal roofing comes coated with special reflective pigments to minimize heat gain, keeping occupants comfortable without having to crank up the air conditioner.

Today’s metal roofs are a far cry from the corrugated tin barns of the bucolic past—indeed, now you can choose from tin, zinc, aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel, in a dizzying array of colors, finishes, and even shapes! Their variety surpasses that of the much more conventional asphalt shingle. While asphalt might offer 15 to 20 color choices, modern metal roofing comes in more than 100 different colors, including standard, premium, and custom hues. Steel and aluminum, the two most common metals used in residential roofing, are both designed to hold paint finishes well.

Seven out of 10 homeowners living under metal roofs designed theirs with the traditional vertical ribbed panels or “standing seam” construction, but metal roofing is not short on style options, either. Fans of more traditional profiles can opt for a metal shingle manufactured to resemble wood shakes, slate or clay tiles, or any other number of designs instead. The metal doesn’t have to stand out like a sore thumb to do its job; rather, it can mimic nearly any look using multiple-layer factory finishes that ensure that the appearance is not only beautiful but long-lasting and durable.