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    Preparing for winter in 30 steps | Health and Fitness | hickoryrecord.com – Hickory Daily Record - December 18, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Winter looks very different depending on whether you're above orbelow the Mason-Dixon Line. Below that imaginary line, which runs alongon the northern edges of West Virginia and Maryland,winter weather might mean highs in the 50s and snow on rare occasions. Above, youre talking about black ice, gusting winds, inches upon inches of snow, and road and school closures (particularly for those living in mountaneous regions or along the Snowbelt of the Great Lakes). If youre not used to it, your first real winter can be disconcerting. How do you prepare? Do you need an ice scraper (and what does it look like)? How are snow boots different from regular winter boots?

    A common misconception is that our recent spate of record-breaking winters runs counter to a global warming crisis. Others believe the crisis only makes warm summers hotter. The full picture, however, is that global warming makes both ends of the weather spectrum more extreme, and that means even harsher winters. Take this past winter, for example, when Arctic air blew across the country in a highly publicized Polar Vortex.

    Whether you believe in the science behind the impending brutal winter season or wish to ignore the cold while you still can during the fall months, were guessing youd still rather be prepared head-to-toe far ahead of time. When the next morning of waking up to another record low or record snowfall arrives, itll be better if youre stocked up on proper insulation, snow gear, warm socksand favorite canned soup.

    We know preparing for extreme winter weather can seem overwhelming. Thats why Stacker compiled the following recommendations from the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other government organizations, in addition to meteorologists and experts. Follow these 30 steps and youll be prepared for anything the weather throws at you: freezing rain, sleet, snow, even full-on blizzard conditions. Once you have a good pair of gloves, snow tires, and an emergency plan, the weather report doesnt seem so dreadfulafter all.

    You may also like: States where people live the longest

    See the article here:
    Preparing for winter in 30 steps | Health and Fitness | hickoryrecord.com - Hickory Daily Record

    Commentary: Riparian plants and their humble little job – Sonoma West - December 18, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    It goes without saying that plants are some of the most beautiful and important organisms we have on our planet. As a child I was always interested in the world of plants. A world seemingly so familiar yet so estranged from common understanding. As kids we run barefoot and play on the soft grass, take refuge under the shade a tree provides amidst a hot California day, and take a deep breath of the fresh air the leaves so selflessly gift to us. All while the plants remain sessile, unassuming and ask nothing of us.

    In grade school we are taught of the important things that plants provide in terms of food and materials to build our world. It was not until continuing my education in college that I began to fully grasp the ecosystem services plants truly offer to us. As we built our world through the power of plants, engineered our cities, pushed our civilization to the likes of which this world has never seen before, we find every alteration requires a new remediation. And as we look to science to provide the next breakthrough it is often plants, unassuming, and quietly taking matters into their own hands.

    We built our cities and found ways to channel water, divert creeks and move storm water out as fast as we can to provide a suitable place to develop upon. Rightly so, we do not want our homes and our businesses flooding year in and year out. And yet, with this approach we have willingly surrendered so many services nature often provides us.

    Cities developed an underground storm drain system, a network of pipes beneath our streets and homes solely dedicated to diverting storm water, as a way to compensate for the impervious concrete surfaces we cast upon the land. Without the natural uptake of rain through pervious soils storm water quickly runs into our gutters, into our storm drains and into our creeks.

    Unsurprisingly, this increases the possibility of pollutants being conveyed from our city streets and into our waterways. Pathogens, for instance, have become a pollutant of concern in which our paved and engineered world has perpetuated from a water quality perspective. The Regional Water Quality Control Board has identified particular concerns associated with our urban developed world such as dog waste accumulation along pedestrian trails or back yard drains, accidental spills, potentially leaking septic tanks, illegal dumping in storm drains or waterways, and illicit discharges into street gutters. These sources can introduce pollutants of concern which may accumulate on impervious surfaces during dry weather months. During our first rains, rather than decompose and cycle into the soils, pathogens can flow into our storm drain system and directly into our creeks without any treatment. It is here, our wonderful riparian plants quietly grow and act as the last line of defense.

    Riparian species such as sedges, rushes, cattails and so many others have the amazing ability to uptake organic and inorganic pollutants. As storm water contaminated with pathogens passes through riparian species, the porous membrane called xylem tissue uptakes water from its roots to its shoots, acting as a filtration system which studies have shown can effectively filter bacteria such as E. Coli and Enterococcus up to 90%. As a function of species composition, species density, and water surface contact time, pathogen intake from riparian species can efficiently and cost effectively decrease pollutants in our waterways. Some species are more effective than others, and studies are constantly underway to find ways in best applying riparian species to constructed wetlands and waterways for the goal of pathogen intake. Here in Sonoma County we have basket sedge (Carex barbarae), nutsedge (Cyperus erogrostis), grey rush (Juncus patens), broadleaf cattails (Typha latifolia), smartweed (Polypogon hydropiperoides) just to name a few.

    As the rains fall, our gutters flow and our creeks begin to rise, I implore you to think about our silent saviors growing at the toe of the bank.

    Find a local creek trail and observe what is growing in the channel.

    Educate yourself and others on the importance of our native riparian vegetation.

    Join a volunteer group and help with a restoration project along a creek.

    Go yourself and plant a native species along a creek bank. Work with your city or town representatives to ensure plant species and creek bank location is appropriate.

    Get your kids involved, or your neighbors, or your friends.

    Take a look at the Streets to Creeks website (streetstocreeks.org) to learn about other ways you yourself can take steps in your daily life to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff.

    Perhaps look at installing a Low Impact Development (LID) feature in your home landscaping to capture runoff and naturally filter pollutants before they ever enter the City storm drain system.

    Next time you find yourself along a creek, take a look at the plants along the waters edge and send thanks to them for quietly doing their humble little job.

    This article was authored by Aaron Nunez, Environmental Specialist, City of Santa Rosa, on behalf of RRWA. RRWA is an association of local public agencies in the Russian River Watershed that have come together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, habitat restoration, and watershed enhancement.

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    Commentary: Riparian plants and their humble little job - Sonoma West

    4 Solutions for Roofs without Eaves (and their Construction Details) – ArchDaily - December 10, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    4 Solutions for Roofs without Eaves (and their Construction Details)

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    In his Robie House, Frank Lloyd Wright created an ingenious arrangement of public and private spaces that slowly moving away from the street through a series of horizontal planes. Pronounced eaves made the interior space expand toward the outside. Considered the first phase of the American architect's career, the so-called Prairie Houses had marked horizontality, mainly due to the enormous plans created by slightly inclined eaves. Eaves are ubiquitous in most traditional architecture, and in addition to their aesthetic role, they serve several important functions, the primary one being to keep rainwater away from the building's walls and structure. But for some time now, we have seen plenty of projects with sloping roofs without eaves, forming pure and unornamented volumes. This brings us to the question: in these projects, how are practical issues such as draining rainwater?

    An overhang (or eave) describesthe lower edge of a roof, which extends beyond the intersecting wall to form ashady space that can acquire different dimensions and appearances. In hot climates, it can bedesigned to stop theintense heatof the hottest months,limiting the entry of sunlight. In rainy places, it can be an intermediate space of shelter, protecting the building frame and external faade from the weather.However, eaves arenot an indispensable component of a building. Many architects have designed buildings with sloping roofs without eaves, in which the archetype of the house with agable roof takes on a simple, almost stripped, minimalist shape. It is not up to us to judge whether this design choice is functional or simply a fad. But whenever we remove this protrusion from a roof, we are faced with the challenge of avoiding problems of water infiltration and rainwater drainage. That is, without detailed and well-done construction,this design choice can be a big headache.

    By examining our database of projects and its constituent construction details, we can discern a few distinct solutions to resolving these issues. These are ingenious design details which, in the eyes of the observer, appear extremely simple.

    Perhaps the simplest way to drain water, without gutters or other components, is how Bokarev Architects did so in their Double House project. In this case, a metal sheet was installed over the roof and on the sides of the facade. In this way, the water could not break the outer covering, keeping the building watertight. As it does not contain a gutter, there is the drawback that, in the event of a heavy rain, all the water comes down close to the walls.

    Another solution, which is quite common, is to create a minimal overhang, containing a small chute to drain the water. House Karlsson by Tham & Videgrd Arkitekter, as well as Haus Fr Julia Und Bjrn and Holler House by Innauer-Matt Architekten, all employ what could be characterized as traditional eaves, but with reduced dimensions. The gutters direct the water to descent pipes, making the flow process efficient. In these cases, the gutters are located on the outside of the wall, making them accessible for cleaning. In the event of a clog, this placement also causes less damage to the structure.

    However, the hidden gutter is possibly the architect's favorite solution. Due to an optical illusion caused by the observer's angle, it is very difficult to observe the discontinuity of the gutter coating in a hidden gutter, intriguing the most attentive viewers. In the Studio Zero85 project, formal purity is inspired by the barns and homes dotting the area. The faade and roof of the structure are covered with tiles, making the slight trough in the tile blanket go unnoticed. In the MiCasa projects by Stephen Davy Peter Smith Architects and Dentist with a View by Shift architecture urbanism, the gutter is a little more pronounced, but still discreet. Elsewhere, in the Riel Estate project by Joris Verhoeven Architectuur, the gutter, although almost hidden, also marks the change in coating materials between two planes.

    Another widely used device is to incorporate an external, permeable skin that envelops the system, causing water to flow through a lower material, which is usually a metal tile or an impermeable cover. In the Les Coccinelles Nursery School / SOA Architectes project, it is easy to understand the solution through the gif below.

    A similar solution is adopted at the Bergmeisterwolf architekten Rooftops Twin House H, 142 South Street / Sandy Rendel Architects, and GRX Arquitectos' Calixto House, which displays an incredible facade of rough stones. In these cases, a gutter is included in the solution, directing all the water collected by the inclined planes to an appropriate portion of the plot. But the presence of the gutter can be dispensed with, as noted in the Thtre d'eau Swimming Pool / LOG Architectes project.

    Whatever the design adopted, it is important that the designer is aware of the challenges imposed by a solution that seems so simple. It is also essential that the drawing is well done and carefully executed, so as to avoid future problems of infiltration or humidity that would be quite complex to solve after the building is occupied. As Mies van der Rohe said, "God is in the details."

    Go here to see the original:
    4 Solutions for Roofs without Eaves (and their Construction Details) - ArchDaily

    TK Roofing Releases Article About The Need For Proper Ventilation To Keep Roofs Intact – Press Release – Digital Journal - December 10, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Akron-based roofing contractors have posted a blog highlighting the need for proper ventilation for roof safety. The blog post acknowledges that most people ignore the importance of roof ventilation for the protection, safety, and lifespan of the roofing system.

    TK Roofing and Gutters emphasize the need for the right amount of ventilation in the attic for a positive effect on the roof's lifespan. The blog post adds that it is also essential for the well-being of the family living in the home, lowering energy bills, and reducing future costs of home repairs.

    The roof is integral to the construction of a house, and the roofing contractor regularly shares tips for the upkeep of the roof. According to the roofing contractor at TK Roofing, roof ventilation facilitates the inflow of cooler low-pressure air at the roof's edge and outflow of hot air through exhaust vents.

    Roofing experts understand the importance of the right amount of intake and exhaust vents for proper roof ventilation. When there are too many exhaust vents instead of intake vents, this could result in an improper system, according to the roofers at TK Roofing and Gutters, adding more "exhaust vents will act as intake and then short circuit the system. A 50/50 system is typically what you should aim for, but you still need to be sure the exhaust is adequate for your attic."

    An experienced roofing contractor focuses on ensuring the correct ratio of exhaust versus intake vents.

    TK Roofing and Gutters explains that many homes overlook the need for installing enough intake vents that are designed to move hot air out for adequate airflow ventilation.

    The local roofing company has compiled a list of signs of inadequate roofing ventilation in the blog post. The most common sign on the list is rust and corrosion in the attic, primarily on metal surfaces. A rippled or wavy appearance on the roofline and shingles suggests warping of moisture-damaged decking underneath. Another sign is the decay of the roof's structural support will show signs of dampness, frost, and water staining on the attic of the roof sheathing.

    The blog post lists another common sign as an increase in allergy symptoms or respiratory illnesses among family members, which could be due to the spread of spores through indoor airflow from mold growth in the attic.

    Further, inadequate ventilation is responsible for a rise in utility bills. Another common sign that homeowners should not ignore is the noticeable buildup of ice along the edge of the roof in winters.

    In addition to the signs of inadequate ventilation, TK Roofing and Gutters urges caution when inspecting the roof upon spotting any of these signs. "Instead of climbing up onto your roof, take a walk around the outside of your roof on the ground and use binoculars to exam your roof. If you inspect your attic, make sure it is well lit, you are wearing protective gear, and you have a clear walking path."

    Proper attic ventilation, adds the roofing contractors, is crucial to removing moisture from the attic and preventing condensation buildup. TK Roofing suggests the need for attic ventilation to balance snow accumulation and prevent severe damage to the roof. Proper ventilation keeps the home cooler in the summers by preventing heat buildup in the attic and deterioration of shingles. It also lowers the risk of leakage from the ceiling.

    The top roofing contractors at TK Roofing and Gutters value the need for proper roof ventilation and are focused on extending the life of the roof.

    TK Roofing and Gutters specialize in helping homeowners repair, replace, and maintain their roofs. They advise homeowners to be proactive in ensuring an adequately ventilated roof instead of dealing with the aftermath of poor attic ventilation.

    The Ohio weather can ruin roofs, and installing properly ventilated roofs is a step in the right direction to prevent problems later. Those interested in having a fully functional ventilation system should get in touch with the certified roofers at TK Roofing and Gutters.

    The company provides a no-contact, no-cost roof inspection with a detailed analysis of the health of the roof and help homeowners with roof repair needs in single homes, flat roofs, asphalt shingles, and rubber roofing.

    Consult with TK Roofing and Contractors for quick roof repair, replacement, emergency tarping, or storm damage.

    https://www.youtube.com/embed/nGVSkC8xO3Q"

    ###

    For more information about TK Roofing & Gutters, contact the company here:

    TK Roofing & GuttersDaryl Gentry(330) 525-8607info@tkroofingandgutters.com47 Alice Dr Suite B, Akron, OH 44319

    Excerpt from:
    TK Roofing Releases Article About The Need For Proper Ventilation To Keep Roofs Intact - Press Release - Digital Journal

    Cities to receive Community Crossings money – The Herald - December 10, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    By Herald Staff

    INDIANAPOLIS Community Crossings grants awarded to Huntingburg and Jasper Tuesday total more than $800,000.

    Awards for round two of this years program were announced by Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness.

    As we navigate through the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, were as committed as ever to improving and building our states infrastructure, Holcomb said in a press release. Im incredibly pleased that were able to fund all of the high-priority local road projects submitted in this round. Taking care of our local roads is key to making sure our communities remain attractive places to grow businesses and create careers.

    Jasper was awarded $456,249, and Huntingburg will receive $389,334. In the state, 241 Indiana cities, towns and counties were awarded a total of $101 million in state matching funds for local road projects.

    Jasper will use the funding to renovate streets near Holy Family Catholic Church, City Attorney Renee Kabrick said. There are about 170 homes located in the area, and it has had drainage problems that have created hazardous conditions in winter months for the past few years.

    The project will involve installing new and larger sewers and fixing the curbs, which have shifted and deteriorated.

    Huntingburg will use its funding on three road projects, Street Superintendent Jason Stamm said Tuesday.

    The biggest project will be work on Fifth Street between Washington Street and U.S. 231. Along with milling and road paving, there will be curb and gutter work, storm sewer upgrades and sidewalk work. That project is estimated to cost about $314,386.

    Washington Street between Fourth and Sixth streets will be milled and paved and have storm sewer work done, estimated to cost about $104,353. And Jackson betwen Sixth and Eighth streets will also be milled and paved, for an estimated $100,373.

    Community Crossings, a component of the Governors Next Level Roads program, has provided more than $830 million in state matching funds for construction projects.

    This is a tremendous win for our local partners, McGuinness said. Our continued partnership with Hoosier communities will deliver more high priority local road projects in the coming year, many of which have been in planning for months or even years and wouldnt be able to move forward now without the states funding commitment.

    In response to revenue uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, INDOT moved its call for projects, originally scheduled for July, to September. The $101 million award is funded by the balance available in the states local road and bridge matching grant fund at the end of the 2020 fiscal year as well as revenue collected so far in the 2021 fiscal year, an INDOT spokesperson said.

    Local governments must provide matching funds, 50% for larger communities or 25% for smaller communities, from a funding source approved for road and bridge construction, the spokesperson said. They must also submit an INDOT-approved asset management plan for maintaining existing roads and bridges. State law requires annually that 50% of the available matching funds be awarded to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.

    The list of all communities receiving Community Crossings funding is listed online at http://www.in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.

    Here is the original post:
    Cities to receive Community Crossings money - The Herald

    Buffalo Grove Road Reopens As Work Continues On 2-Year Project – Patch.com - December 10, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    BUFFALO GROVE, IL All lanes on Buffalo Grove Road between IL 22 and Aptakisic Road are now open, according to the Lake County Division of Transportation. Lane closures will be needed at times during the day to complete landscaping, the concrete sidewalk and miscellaneous clean up work as part of the two-year project.

    Buffalo Grove Road from Deerfield Pkwy to IL 22 will be completely reconstructed to provide two lanes of travel in each direction. This includes a center median and turn lanes at all major intersections, according to the Lake County Division of Transportation. A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Thompson Blvd. Crosswalks at each street crossing will be improved and upgraded to ADA standards. Crews will also connect the bike path gap between Aptakisic Road and Brandywyn Lane making it easier for residents to walk and bike to local parks, schools and shopping areas.

    Work will continue on Buffalo Grove Road throughout December as weather allows. The Lack County Division of Transportation is advising drivers to watch for workers, flaggers and trucks coming in and out of the job site.

    Construction will take place over a two-year period using a staged approach:

    Read this article:
    Buffalo Grove Road Reopens As Work Continues On 2-Year Project - Patch.com

    5 Things To Know About Hanukkah In Buffalo Grove – Patch.com - December 10, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    BUFFALO GROVE, IL The annual Jewish holiday Hanukkah will begin at sundown on Thursday, and run through nightfall on Friday, Dec. 18.

    Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a group of Jewish warriors defeated Syrian-Greek oppressors who tried forcing them to abandon their religion and adopt Greek culture.

    The holiday is being celebrated in and around Buffalo Grove at places like:

    The story has it that, led by Judah Maccabeus, they recaptured the holy temple in Jerusalem. Arriving there, they found only enough olive oil to light candles for one night, but the oil lasted for eight nights. That's why the Hanukkah celebration is a "festival of lights."

    RELATED ON PATCH: What Is Hanukkah? A Guide For Jews, And Non-Jews Alike

    Here are five other things to know about the Jewish holiday:

    Patch Editor Tim Moran contributed to this report.

    See more here:
    5 Things To Know About Hanukkah In Buffalo Grove - Patch.com

    "Double strawberry production without expanding the facilities" – hortidaily.com - December 4, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    In just 6.5 meters wide, the typical width of an Huelva-type macro tunnel, ten cultivation gutters are installed. This is done thanks to the new cultivation system of NGS, the Rotational NGS System. "This translates into 15,300 linear meters of cultivation gutter per hectare."

    "We've designed this new cultivation system, specially for strawberries in macro tunnels of the Huelva type and see great potential also in Canada, US and UK," says Donald Gartland with NGS. "It is great for strawberry producers, who require more production and profitability from their facilities without having to expand facilities."

    The system uses NGS's Multiband Duo, that has demonstrated excellent growing results for strawberries worldwide. "The Rotational System automatically positions the crop in the most suitable location to carry out photosynthesis, so at no time is the production capacity of each plant limited nor does it interfere in the recollection," Donald shows. "The novelty that this system is that, in just 6.5 meters wide, typical width of the Huelva-type macro tunnel, 10 cultivation lines are introduced, which translates into 15,300 linear meters of cultivation per ha. In other words, 153,000 pl/ha "20 cm spacing between plants" or 204,000 pl/ha "15 cm spacing between plants"."

    Protoype of the installation. The commercial version, 2.0, is optimized to a smoother design and is currently being installed in Southern Spain and Portugal.

    Read the rest here:
    "Double strawberry production without expanding the facilities" - hortidaily.com

    Construction On S.R.60 & Hwy 27 Interchange Has Started – The Daily Ridge - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Road work has began on Hwy 27 and S.R. 60 interchange.

    Lake Wales, Florida So construction on Hwy 27 & S.R. 60 interchange has started! When will it end. 2025.

    FDOT District One is widening the existing four lane divided US 27 to a six-lane divided highway from south of SR 60 to north of Central Avenue including the interchange at US 27 and SR 60. The proposed widening of US 27 in southern Polk County is consistent with the Polk Transportation Planning Organizations (TPO) 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan designation as a cost affordable project.

    The average daily traffic that travels this the Integrated Logistics Center (ILC) near Winter Haven is operational. In addition, expansion of regional distribution facilities located in the Frostproof Industrial Area Freight Activity Center is also expected to contribute to increased truck traffic on US 27.

    Additional improvements include bicycle lanes, curb and gutter, signals, lighting, signage, pavement markings, a closed drainage system and sidewalks. In addition, a new bridge will be constructed over US 27 and an urban frontage road will be constructed in the southwest quadrant of the project for access to local businesses. A noise wall along SR 60 from South Miami Street to west of Sharp Street will be installed. Work will occur during the day and during nighttime/overnight hours with lane closures, full road closures and detours on US 27 and SR 60 during construction. Access to and from all bus stop boarding and landing areas will be maintained during construction. The project limits are from Lake Altamaha to the CSX Railroad crossing on US 27 and Central Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard on SR 60 and approximately 800 feet west of US 27 to Miami Street on Central Avenue.Changes to the existing Hwy 27 & S.R. 60 interchange

    The project cost is estimated at 57 million dollars. Originally it was 45 million dollars. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025. However we all know how construction projects go.Completed changes to Hwy 27 and S.R. 60.

    Original post:
    Construction On S.R.60 & Hwy 27 Interchange Has Started - The Daily Ridge

    Installation of traffic light underway at 64th Avenue and Ahtanum Road – Yakima Herald-Republic - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A new traffic light is being installed at the intersection of 64th Avenue and Ahtanum Road.

    Installation started Tuesday, limiting traffic through the intersection to one lane from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for up to 45 days the anticipated duration of the project, dependent on weather, equipment, and emergencies.

    The project also includes new sidewalks and curbs, gutters, and storm drainage, crosswalks and ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    The federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program provided $500,000 for the improvements.

    City staff recommends drivers use alternate routes if possible until the work is completed and reminds drivers that the speed limit through all traffic-related work zones within city limits is 20 mph.

    Access to homes and businesses in the area will be maintained as well as possible and emergency vehicles will be allowed through the project area if necessary, a city news release said.

    Go here to read the rest:
    Installation of traffic light underway at 64th Avenue and Ahtanum Road - Yakima Herald-Republic

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