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Thermory® Solid Hardwood Flooring is now available in Western New York, in fact, nationwide.

Europeans developed a “thermal modification process” ideal for upgrading in the solid hardwood flooring industry.

Milled from “thermally modified” hardwoods, Thermory® flooring features superior stability, beauty, durability, functionality and is environmentally sound. Thermory® fills a void in the marketplace -- it's the only solid hardwood flooring product line warranted for use over radiant heat and concrete applications.

The “thermal modification process,” developed and refined over the past 20 years in Europe, is a highly technical computer-controlled process carried out in specially designed high-temperature kilns. Only heat and steam (no chemicals) are used, making the process entirely green. The process produces hardwood with outstanding dimensional stability and durability and also brings out the natural beauty of the wood, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to engineered (veneered or layered) flooring and tropical hardwoods from endangered forests.

Thermory® products have been widely used for more than 10 years in Germany, Austria, Norway, Switzerland, Japan and Italy for interior and exterior use as flooring, siding and decking. Now, NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) member, Attica Millwork, Inc., is importing Thermory® for use in the U.S. market. Company President, Kevin DeMars states, “We have received our two container shipments and it is beautiful beyond our expectations.”

Mr. DeMars says the flooring is “straight and true, finely machined and sanded with beautiful full thickness color tones.” He states that as a dealer base is established across the U.S., “more and more homeowners, builders, architects and designers will sleep better knowing they’ve used Thermory® Solid Hardwood Flooring. It’s just more stable, it’s just more beautiful.”

Another benefit of the “thermal process” is that the color of the wood is transformed to beautiful, full thickness color tones which highlight the natural beauty of the wood. The color of the “medium-treated” wood, Salsa, varies from light to golden brown, while the “ intense-treated” wood, Tango, is a luxurious dark brown. Current inventories include both Salsa and Tango in domestic Ash, a hardwood comparable to oak in grain and hardness characteristics. Both are available in widths up to 7 ½” in a finely sanded or a brushed finish.

Mike Caroll, of MP Caroll Hardwoods in Buffalo, says “Thermory® is the perfect remedy over radiant heat and to control the movement of wide plank solid wood flooring. Traditionally, consumers have had to settle for swelling in the summer and gaping during the heating season. Now they can enjoy a flat floor in the summer and a tightly fitted floor all winter.” He states that Thermory® installs easily, can even be glued to concrete, and finishes beautifully with little or no sanding required. He also says that the Salsa can be stained to match any color preference and the Tango can be used instead of some of the exotic species at a fraction of the cost.

As radiant floor heating becomes even more popular with today’s homeowners and specifiers, Thermory® offers a much needed alternative. Peter Harman, owner of Harman Hardwood Flooring Co. in Rochester, says that it’s always been a “crap shoot” knowing what to use over radiant. Peter states “You are offering the best product since sliced bread and I’m a skeptic, but if this flooring does what it says it will, we just revolutionized the solid hardwood flooring industry.”

Charles Peterson, well-known award-winning hardwood flooring Master Craftsman -- featured in "Fine Homebuilding," "This Old House" and author of the bestselling book “The Art of Wood Flooring” -- says the timing is perfect for Thermory® to hit the U.S. market. “In this billion-dollar-plus flooring market, with multimillions spent each year to remedy hardwood flooring problems, mostly attributable to moisture, imagine the positive impact Thermory® Solid Hardwood Flooring, with its stability and beauty, will have on this industry.”

When it’s time to spend money on upgrades to your home -- new windows, roofing, siding or renovations inside -- arguably the biggest decision to make is choosing who is right for the job. Here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction:

Choose a Local Business

Yes, it’s nice to help out business in your hometown or county. But let’s face it, finding a knowledgeable, reliable contractor that you can trust to make changes to your nest shouldn’t be based on doing the local economy a favor, right?

Well, think of it this way – the local guy is the one that drives past your house regularly. Hiring a company from out of the immediate area could be giving them the “out of sight, out of mind” feeling for your house, making it just another job for them.

A local contractor doesn’t want to have to avoid dissatisfied patrons while they’re grocery shopping or going for a walk. He wants you to tell your neighbors (and his neighbors) that he did a job that exceeded your expectations.

References

When it comes to project work like home renovations, it’s important to ask your potential contractor for references. A reputable contractor will be more than willing to provide you with many references for you to check out.

If the contractor has only a few, it's almost like admitting he only has a few satisfied customers, and what does that tell you? Of course, the references he has elected to give you will tell you exactly what you want to hear. In some cases, the one or two references could be just a friend, family member or even a bar buddy.

An established contractor will offer a list of projects they’ve done in the past and encourage you to call any name or number on the list.

Deposits and Supplies

As a general rule of thumb, contractors shouldn’t ask for more than 10 percent of the overall project cost as an initial deposit. If someone has to ask for 50 or even 30 percent down, it indicates that he is paying for supplies as the project progresses – not receiving them from a supplier on credit. A typical contract asks for the project balance upon completion.

Unfortunately, many “handyman” contractors get a large portion of project costs up front and then fail to complete the job. From there, it's up to the homeowner to find recourse against the individual.

Also, if a contractor has to buy his supplies as he goes, it is likely that he may be trying to save money by purchasing the cheapest supplies. Another method of skimping is to use just scraps of materials instead of using larger, seamless pieces.

But established, reputable contracting companies turn in their scrap materials for credit with their suppliers – meaning they always use the best pieces for your home.

Warranty

Warranties vary when it comes to what type of changes are being made to your home, but a good contractor will offer guarantees for his work in the form of some kind of warranty.

For example, American Home Remodeling in Batavia offers a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for new windows.

“Once we put a window in your home, we aren’t going to nickel and dime you. If something happens, we’ll come out and fix it for free because we handle top quality products,” said owner Tim Stoddard.

Quality contractors are knowledgeable about manufacturers' warranties as well, and will consider the best value for each customer -- such as siding that is guaranteed not to fade or change color.

American Home Remodeling also touts lifetime warranties on roofing shingles through their manufacturer and they also offer a 15-year installation guarantee "no questions asked."

“If our customers have any issues with their roof in the next 15 years, we’ll come back and fix it no charge,” Stoddard said.

You really do get what you pay for

Although it’s important to find ways to cut costs in a difficult economy, everyone knows the saw "you get what you pay for."

It is possible to find a happy medium. With a solid, trustworthy contractor, an open line of communication can make the budget a priority without having to make unreasonable sacrifices with regard to quality, timeliness of the project, and/or supplies used to upgrade your home.

A kitchen isn’t just for cooking anymore. A modern kitchen can be used as a gathering space, for entertaining guests, and much more.

Local Nothnagle Realtor Nancy Crocker weighed in on what makes a desirable kitchen in the home-buying market today.

“Today’s homebuyers have different desires in a kitchen than they did in the '80s and '90s," she said. "Living room and family room activities are merging into kitchens, making them a gathering place for family, a central work space or just an open area to pursue craft projects or even to simply entertain.”

Crocker has been in the real estate business for more than 35 years and with Nothnagle Realtors for the past 11. When it comes to what folks are looking for lately, Crocker said that having a versatile and open floor plan for kitchens has become a hit with recent homebuyers.

“Existing homes typically have a wall separating kitchens from dining rooms and other parts of the home but with a modern kitchen, those walls are removed and the room is designed in a less utilitarian way.”

Crocker cited larger windows, fewer and more user-friendly cabinets, soft lighting and sleek countertops as a few indicators of what a modern kitchen should look like.

“Improvements to kitchens are a major appeal to homebuyers and they certainly enhance the value of the home for sale,” Crocker said.

She suggested a few improvements for anyone interested in revamping their home to sell.

“Modern, eye-appealing kitchens and bathrooms are major wants of almost every homebuyer,” she said. “If a seller wants to make a worthwhile investment, they should consider a few improvements.”

A kitchen island that has functional benefits but also provides space for entertaining, informal dining and extra storage. Crocker said that buyers are attracted to size-appropriate islands that are consistent with existing décor in the kitchen.

Crocker maintained that any seller can make a good investment in his or her property by updating their kitchen and/or bathrooms.

“A serviceable, eye appealing and updated kitchen is high on the list of most people looking to buy their home. A kitchen needs good strong bones which can be enhanced by updated countertops, hardware, flooring, cabinets and appliances.”

Business Owners: Interested in this type of ad? Contact Howard Owens at howard@thebatavian.com

Business Owners: Interested in this type of ad? Contact Howard, howard@thebatavian.com

Christiano Cellular's locations are offering an exclusive Free Activation incentive for new or existing Verizon Wireless customers. Throughout the month of November, Christiano Cellular will pay your Activation Fee ($35 first line, $25 each additional) when you activate a new phone with a 2-year service agreement at both of their Geneseo locations and their Batavia location at 23 Jackson St.

As a long-standing Verizon Authorized Wireless Retailer, Christiano Cellular is well-equipped with smarter-than-ever phones offering email, broadband and global services; entertainment and productivity Apps; navigation, voice plans, messaging and even social networking!

Join America's Most Reliable Wireless Network and the team at Christiano Cellular will welcome you with Free Activation and Excellent Customer Service. They'll show you a "fascinating and incredible" selection of the latest and greatest phones, recommended accessories. Stop by our Batavia location and we’ll even provide you with a Free Vehicle Charger (or comparable $29.99 accessory) for your new phone!

Don't miss out on this exclusive offer at any of Christiano Cellular's locations! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Business owners and people with jobs that leave them only limited time for lunch are the target audience for South Beach Restaurant's noon-time buffet, according to owner Ken Mistler.

Mistler launched the buffet a month ago.

"People on lunch hour need to get in and get out and eat at their own pace," Mistler said.

The buffet allows people to come in, place their drink order and immediately serve themselves -- no waiting for a meal to be prepared and multiple courses to be served.

The food is all freshly made each day, Mistler said. Nothing is frozen.

And the available entrees also change each day, based on what's available at the market.

Already there've been days featuring meatloaf, steak, fish, chicken, pork, ribs and all kinds of pasta dishes.

"We want people to get a good, wholesome meal and still be in out quickly if that's what they need," Mistler said.

The buffet includes a full salad bar -- at least 24 items each day -- and fresh, homemade soup.

"We have a new soup recipe every day," Mistler said.

The desserts are also fresh and made from scratch, according to Mistler.

The buffet is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the cost is only $10 (drinks sold separately), though it is not "all you can eat."

Christiano Cellular's downtown Batavia location is offering an exclusive Free Activation incentive for new or existing Verizon Wireless customers. Throughout the month of October, Christiano Cellular will pay your $35 Activation Fee when you activate a new phone with a two-year service agreement at their 23 Jackson St. location.

As a long-standing Verizon Authorized Wireless Retailer, Christiano Cellular is well-equipped with smarter-than-ever phones offering e-mail, broadband and global services; entertainment and productivity Apps; navigation, voice plans, messaging and even social networking!

Join America's Most Reliable Wireless Network and the team at Christiano Cellular will welcome you with Free Activation and Excellent Customer Service. They'll show you a "fascinating and incredible" selection of recommended accessories and provide you with a Free Vehicle Charger (or comparable $29.99 accessory) for your new phone!

Plus, if you switch to Verizon Wireless on a $39.99 Plan or higher before October 31st; you'll also receive a Verizon Wireless $50 Debit Card by mail!

Don't miss these outstanding October offers at Christiano Cellular's downtown Batavia location!

When you walk into the showroom of Baker's Frontier Kitchens, you step into an upscale, well-appointed kitchen. The wood cabinetry is beautiful and functional, the granite countertops gleam, you imagine how wonderful it would be if this was your kitchen.

Look to your left, and there is another fantasy kitchen with dark wood, a laminate countertop, an eye-catching faucet and next to that, another gem of a kitchen.

It is readily apparent that there are choices galore, with displays of drawer pulls, boxes of color samples, walls of wood choices and style treatments, and catalogs offering infinite possibilities -- from hickory to alder, Shaker to Tuscan, copper to wrought iron, Federal blue to lime green. Literally, there are 30,000 combinations to choose from.

But what sets Baker's Frontier Kitchens apart from other kitchen and bath remodelers is the technical prowess, expert craftsmanship and design offered by owner Tim Baker and his associate Lonnie Patnode. Tim has done nothing but kitchen and bath remodeling for 20 years, Lonnie for at least 15.

Each one takes a single job from beginning to end. That means the measuring (at no charge), planning, design, contracting, oversight and communication are handled from A to Z by either Tim or Lonnie. Personal accountability helps keep the details clear, the job smooth and the customer secure in knowing that there's only one guy in charge of the project.

Lonnie is the designated salesman, but he does not look, sound or act like one. Wearing jeans, sneakers and a button-up shirt, he takes a decidedly low-key approach.

"We don't go for the hard sell -- 'What do I have to do to get you to buy this today?'" Lonnie said. "Good designs and good products sell themselves. We don't hound people. People are spending a lot of money. They need to feel comfortable. We want to make friends."

The store has two lines of cabinetry, Homecrest, which offers stock sizes with limited customized products, and Candlelight, which offers standardized options, as well as unlimited custom possibilities.

"If we can dream and draw it, Candlelight can build it," Lonnie says.

ALL Candlelight cabinets, "down to the last screw," come from U.S. suppliers, including ones in Brockport and Attica. And their goods are built right here in Western New York.

Also, the installation crews are local contractors. If old cabinetry needs to be torn out and hauled away, the crews can do that. Or if a homeowner wants new lighting, tile work, carpet, wiring, painting, plumbing, heating or new windows, those services are available from the crews as well.

"We do the whole shootin' match," Lonnie said. "We do as much or as little as the homeowner want us to."

Some people just want the cabinets installed, but want to put in the appliances, sinks, etc., themselves to save money. Others have unlimited resources, or seem to.

Like one of Tim's customers, who just built a new house on Lake Ontario. It is supposed to be the last house she ever builds, so she wanted every detail to be top-notch. She personally flew to Vermont to choose the granite she wanted from the mining company. Lonnie said she spent close to $100,000 on just the kitchen.

On the other end of the spending spectrum, you can have a basic re-do for $2,000 to $3,500 for a small kitchen. If you add in granite countertops, lazy Susans, soft-close drawers, wine racks and other features for a medium-sized space, expect a price tag of $6,000 to $10,000.

A lot of times people have some idea about what they want, but no real vision or plan. You don't know, what you don't know, so to speak, but Tim and Lonnie do. They get a sense of your style, your tastes and the functions you need by talking with you, seeing the space and drawing rough sketches. Then, using computer-assisted drafting, they create a range of options to help you decide.

That's what Lonnie did for a client in Warsaw. He wanted dark, but not black, cabinets. He had stainless steel appliances and a gigantic kitchen with an 11-foot center island and a penchant for clean, modern lines and a contemporary ambiance.

Lonnie came up with a design featuring deep, eggplant-colored wood and cabinets with stainless-steel frames around panes of frosted glass. He took the same frames and created rectangular boxes attached above the cabinets so that they seemed to "float in space." These were lit with small, LED lights and when turned on at night, they glowed, displaying a real "wow factor."

If you are thinking about redoing your kitchen or bath, you can find out more on their website.

Even better, stop by at 8392 Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia. Or give Tim or Lonnie a call at 343-0760 to schedule the first step in making your dream kitchen a reality.

In spring and summer, well-crafted jewlery can really sparkle, so now is a great time to create something special for yourself or a loved one.

A world of dazzling possibilities beckons at Valle Jewelers this week during its semi-annual remounting and custom-design event. It takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 23, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 24.

Enjoy a personal consultation with the store's own custom-design specialist, Mark Berman of Manhattan, who will be there to help you design a special piece or re-craft something you already own. Make something old look new!

Berman will showcase his entire line of Icon Creations, with hundreds of bridal sets to choose from. Free financing is available to qualified buyers.

"He's just incredibly talented -- you tell him what you want and the next thing you know, it's on a piece of paper," Maria Valle said, noting that he uses computer-aided design software to bring ideas to life.

For happy couples who are no longer happy or a couple, Valle has some advice.

"Diamonds left over from love gone wrong are still good diamonds," she said. "You earned them. Reset them and enjoy them."

All fine jewelry needs proper care to ensure its durability and beauty for years to come. With jewelry, it's especially wise to be proactive. This would be a good time to have those gem stones sitting precariously amid your ring's worn-down prongs to be remounted or put into a stylish, new setting.

A lady at my optometrist's office admired my wedding ring one afternoon, which had been on my finger for many years.

"You ought to have a jeweler look at," she suggested.

She was right. I kept thinking "I'll get around to it, but I don't have time now," only to look down one day not long afterward to see a gaping hole where a one-carat diamond used to be.

Walk-in consultations are, as always, welcome, but people wishing to talk with Mark Berman about a design idea, can also make an appointment by calling 343-3372.

Once you reach age 25, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send an annual report on your individual account. This report will highlight potential benefits from your account and is a valuable tool for your use when considering ways to plan for your retirement and other financial needs.

Social Security should be only one of a number of sources for income during retirement. Other sources may include an employer pension and your personal retirement savings in the form of an individual retirement account (IRA).

When you receive your statement, take some time and go over its contents. Are the reported earnings correct? If not, report any errors to the SSA. It’s much easier to do now than after you retire.

How do the projected benefits fit within your retirement needs? Will you have enough from other sources to fill any gaps?

These are important questions a financial professional can help you answer. A financial professional can also help you find ways to plan for a retirement that relies less on Social Security and more on options that are suitable to your needs and comfort level.

There are a number of products and services available to help you attain the retirement you desire. An early start at developing your personal plan will make your goals more attainable.

When it comes to American families and financial planning, perception is not reality. Although they are overwhelmingly optimistic about their financial future, their financial planning habits paint quite a different picture, according to a recent study commissioned by State Farm Life Insurance Companies and conducted by KRC Research.

The study reports that although 82 percent of Americans are optimistic about their financial futures, American families in reality are not adequately saving or protecting their finances.

From saving habits and financial goals to life insurance coverage and retirement saving tools, American families have room to grow when it comes to protecting their financial futures. Americans cannot just “hope for the best”; they must take a critical look at where they are financially and lay out a clear roadmap that guides them to their hopes and dreams.

Key highlights from the study show the gap between perception and reality:

Savings habits
    Perception: Most Americans (82 percent) are optimistic about their financial futures.
    Reality: Nearly four in 10, more than 77 million Americans, say that they live paycheck to paycheck and are not able to put money into savings.

Life insurance
    Perception: More than seven in 10 Americans are confident that they have enough life insurance.
    Reality: Only 12 percent of Americans report having the industry recommended coverage of seven or more times the family’s annual income.

Retirement savings
    Perception: The majority of Americans (58 percent) are not worried about outliving their retirement savings.
    Reality: Many Americans are not utilizing a full range of retirement tools. Social Security is the most prominent source of retirement income over other retirement savings tools, with a fifth of Americans reporting that it is their only or main source of retirement income.

The sooner you start planning for your future, the better off you’ll be. Small investments made early can make a big difference in your financial health later in life. Don’t put off planning for your future.   

If you want to put your best face forward, so to speak, consider getting a SilkPeel treatment at Lamb Family Medicine.

It takes 30 minutes, costs 50 bucks and works a small wonder on your skin. Lamb Family Medicine, at 7 Evans St., is also an aesthetic center and the only provider of SilkPeel in Batavia.

The procedure is remarkably clever, easy and worth every penny. I had it done last week and I hope to do it again.

"It's a very popular treatment," said Dr. Anna Lamb, who's had it available for about two years now.

Basically, SilkPeel simultaneously provides micro-dermabrasion, suction and a skin-specific treatment solution. It treats all skin types and common conditions -- dry, aging skin, fine lines, roughness, acne, oily skin, redness, sun damage and dark spots.

Harbor no qualms, there's little mystery to it.

A somewhat noisy little machine is outfitted with two containers -- one for a topical solution and another for residue. The machine has a thin, black tube with a clear chamber attached to the end of it. Inside is a small "sanding disk," made up of medical-grade diamonds, which can promptly be changed to accommodate individual needs and preferences. When in use, the disk spins, the solution flows and suction occurs all at the same time. It's known as "wet dermabrasion."

There are three topical solutions to choose from. One for hydrating, one for clarifying and another for brightening skin tone.

The technician applies the device in smooth even strokes to your skin, starting with your forehead and avoiding the eyes. She makes "three passes" over your skin. That's it, you're done.

Of course, the equipment is thoroughly sterilized afterward.

You must sign a statement beforehand acknowledging that there may be redness and some discomfort during and following SilkPeel. And there is, but it's minor and the redness goes away quickly.

I have fair, sensitive skin. The first disk selected felt a bit strong. It was replaced with a milder one and the suction, which is adjustable, was turned down. It is not pleasant, but nor is it painful. Like getting braces or having Botox injections, the results make it worthwhile.

Within a half hour of leaving the office, my skin was no longer red. It felt smooth and soft. My complexion is clearer.

People typically get a SilkPeel every four to six weeks, but that varies. Acne patients, for example, are advised to come in weekly until their skin improves, then go in monthly for maintenance. The wet-exfoliation process is very helpful, and medically warranted, for this skin condition, Dr. Lamb said.

Lamb Family Medicine also offers Botox, skin lightening, mineral makeup with suncreen, anti-aging products like the wrinkle filler Radiesse, and Neova. Neova makes a full skin-care line, including a copper-peptide-infused moisturizer, cleansers, toners, sunscreens and masks.

"We have a lot of fun here," says Dr. Lamb.

Let's face it, when you look better, you really do have more fun.

Call to make an appointment or for more information (585) 343-1250. Visit the website at www.doctorlamb.com

Two types of attic water damage are common in cold climates: ice dams and condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces in the attic.

Ice Dams

Ice dams sometimes occur on sloping roofs in climates with freezing temperatures. When the temperature in your attic is above freezing, it causes snow on the roof to melt and run down the sloping roof. When the snowmelt runs down the roof and hits the colder eaves, it refreezes.

If this cycle repeats over several days, the freezing snowmelt builds up and forms a dam of ice, behind which water ponds. The ponding water can back up under the roof covering and leak into the attic or along exterior walls.The right weather conditions for ice dams is usually when outside air temperatures are in the low 20s (°F) for several days with several inches of snow on the roof.

Research shows keeping the attic air temperature below freezing when the outside air temperature is in the low 20s can reduce the occurrence of ice dams. Research has also shown sun exposure in the winter has little effect on attic air temperature. Warm air from living spaces below penetrating into the attic is usually the culprit in the formation of ice dams.

Attic Condensation

Condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces in attics can cause attic wood products to rot, which can lead to costly repairs. Condensation typically occurs when warm, moist air migrates into the attic from living spaces below. Research indicates unusually high humidity levels in the home's living spaces is strongly associated with attic condensation problems.

Building codes have some requirements that attempt to prevent the problems of ice dams and attic condensation. But codes do not address all the issues, and many houses are built without following building codes. It is the builder or designer's job to understand the relationship of humidity and air movement when designing and constructing the house so these problems don't occur.

Prevention

• Prevent warm, moist air in living spaces from infiltrating into the attic with a good air barrier and appropriate water vapor control at the base of the attic.
• Provide good attic ventilation to replace warm air in the attic with cold outside air.
• Provide adequate attic insulation to reduce the transmission of heat into the attic from living spaces below.
• Consult a professional for the best way to avoid ice dams and water damage in your home.
• Tips on saving energy and more at home.

What not to Do

• Do not routinely remove snow from the roof. It will likely lead to shingle damage.
• Do not attempt to "chip away" the ice of an ice dam. It will likely lead to shingle damage.
• Do not install mechanical equipment or water heaters in attics, especially in cold climates.
• Do not use salt or calcium chloride to melt snow on a roof. These chemicals are very corrosive and can shorten the life of metal gutters, downspouts and flashings. Runoff that contains high concentrations of these chemicals can damage nearby grass and plants.
• Keeping the gutters clean of leaves will not reduce the occurrence of ice dams. However, clean gutters can keep them from overflowing and spilling rainwater next to the house. This can cause moisture problems in the house.

If ice dams are causing water damage

The following are short-term fixes. In order to avoid the same problem in the future, a qualified contractor should assess the amount of attic insulation and attic ventilation (especially around where the ice dam formed), and look for holes in the air barrier between the living spaces and the attic.

• If you see water staining at an exterior wall or ceiling where there is snow on the roof above it, act quickly to avoid extensive damage.
• Hire a contractor to carefully remove most of the snow from the roof above the ice dam. The contractor should avoid touching the roof with the removal equipment or even walking on the roof if possible. Cold roofs are more prone to damage because they are more brittle than they are in the summer.
• Have the contractor create one or two grooves in the ice dam to allow the ponding water to drain off. These grooves should not be taken down to the roofing as this may damage the roof. If necessary, the contractor can use heat tape in the groove on a temporary basis to keep the groove open.

State Farm® believes this information is reliable and accurate. We cannot, however, guarantee the performance of all items demonstrated or described in all situations. Always consult an experienced contractor or other expert to determine the best application of these ideas or products in your home.

A lot of homes in Genesee County are really old, and so are their chimneys. But yesteryear's chimneys weren't designed for venting the energy-efficient appliances of today, nor are they safe and working properly just because they may look OK.

If you could see inside your chimney, you might find a lot to be concerned about.

A flue that services a fireplace or woodstove might have: cracks and/or missing pieces of a clay liner; mortar and bricks that are eroded or loose; and creosote buildup. These conditions could be the result of flue fires, improperly ventilated appliances, a misused woodstove, bad construction or excessive moisture.

A flue servicing the furnace side of a chimney, might show cracked or missing tiles, a missing or corroded liner, excessive soot or, in oil flues, moisture. These problems can cause wallpaper to peel and plaster to crack, allowing carbon monoxide to seep into the home.

Chimney defects can result in injury and death. It doesn't take much to start a house fire -- one spark or ember can cause catastropic damage. Deterioration can allow deadly fumes to fill the house.

WNY Fireplace Outlet, located on W. Main. St. Road in Batavia, offers a solution that includes a lifetime warranty (transferable to subsequent owners) and does not require rebuilding the chimney. It's called the HomeSaver Pro Strength Chimney Relining System and is considered the strongest on the market, hands down.

This smart and effective way to remedy chimney problems -- or guard against them -- is tested and listed by Underwriters Laboratories as meeting its highest safety standards.

It features a specially formulated stainless steel -- to handle gas, oil, wood or coal flues -- and a patented, gas-tight interlock system that is incredibly strong and unsurpassed in its ability to handle the harsh and corrosive environment inside chimneys. It can even contain violent chimney fires.

It fits every chimney configuration. It's flexible enough to bend and it can be shaped to fit through tight damper spaces, like those for fireplace inserts. It is ideal for venting furnaces, boilers, water heaters, woodstoves and pellet stoves.

The staff at WNY Fireplace Outlet can answer any questions you may have about this product and provide you with cost estimates. They can help you gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safer. Call them at 343-1924 or 343-9259.

Chances are, either your home or the home of someone you know, has a fuse box. Fuses function the same way breakers do -- to cut off power if an electrical circuit is overloaded. Both fuses and breakers can be very effective in protecting your home against an electrical fire.

However, one problem that can arise with fuses occurs when someone inserts a fuse of higher amperage than the circuit is designed for. 

For example, a homeowner tires of replacing blown fuses and inserts a 30-amp fuse where a 20-amp fuse should go, the 30-amp fuse allows more current into the circuit than the circuit was designed to accommodate. 

The fuse "blows" indicating that the circuits are overloaded. These must be replaced as the fuse element burns up. 

A fire can result.

If you have a fuse box, it's a great idea to have an electrician inspect it and check the wire size to install the proper fuse bases. Type S fuses should be used in aging fuse panels to prevent over fusing. Type S fuses are the only type allowed by the National Electrical Code in new fuse box installations.

Whether you have a fuse box or a breaker box, have your electrician tell you the size of your electrical service to make sure it is sufficient. Years ago, 60-amp or 100-amp service wasn't uncommon; but most families today have electrical appliances that demand more service. It's smart to get an electrician's opinion on whether an update is needed since modern homes are typically wired for minimum 200-amp service.

Electrical fires are all too common, and many homes in the U.S. need electrical updates.  Please take whatever action necessary to update the electrical service in your home.

Lorenzo is an exquisite line of Argentium sterling silver jewelry with 18-karat-gold accents and semi-precious stones in vibrant colors.

The flexible combination of silver and gold is crafted into bold, fashion-forward designs. The stones display exceptional faceting in complex settings and the result is dazzling yet affordable jewelry.

"Lorenzo offers very fine quality, very current styling," Maria Valle said.

The stones are specially chosen for their rich palette and include citrine, garnet, blue topaz and peridot. Valle said the green amethyst is particularly gorgeous and the color is neutral enough to compliment whatever you're wearing.

"They've been enthusiastically received in the store," she said.

If you've always loved the clean sparkle of silver but gave up wearing it because it bothered your skin, Lorenzo is for you. The company uses a new kind of high-quality sterling silver that's tarnish resistant and is less likely to produce an allergic reaction.

When people get ready to walk across a public road, they usually look both ways first to see if any motor vehicles are coming. Unfortunately, this isn't the case with animals, including certain large ones.

Too often, the result is a motorist's nightmare: a collision with a deer, moose or elk. The animal usually comes out second-best in this type of close encounter, but the toll on vehicles and their occupants can also be substantial.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 150 people die in animal-vehicle collisions each year. The Insurance Information Institute estimates some 1.5 million such collisions cause about over $1 billion in damage annually.

While animal-vehicle collisions can happen any time of year, fall is the peak season for deer-car crashes. That's mainly because autumn is both mating season and hunting season, so deer are more active and more likely to roam beyond their normal territory.

No foolproof way has been found to keep deer, moose and elk off highways and away from vehicles. Deer whistles have their advocates, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says there's no scientific evidence to support claims they work as intended. Some studies suggest roadside reflectors - designed to reflect light from vehicle headlamps and cause deer to "freeze" rather than cross the road - reducing crash frequency to some extent.

There are ways you can lessen an unplanned meeting with a deer, moose or elk. Here's how:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to "deer crossing" signs. Look well down the road and far off to each side. At night, use your high beams if possible to illuminate the road's edges. Be especially watchful in areas near woods and water. If you see one deer, there may be several others nearby.
• Be particularly alert at dusk and dawn, when these animals venture out to feed.
• If you see a deer, moose or elk on or near the roadway and think you have time to avoid hitting it, reduce your speed, tap your brakes to warn other drivers and sound your horn. Deer tend to fixate on headlights, so flashing them may cause the animal to move. If there's no vehicle close behind you, brake hard.
• If a collision seems inevitable, don't swerve to avoid the animal; your risk of injury may be greater if you do. Hit it, but control the vehicle. Report the crash to the police.
• Always obey the speed limit and wear safety belts.
• Being alert at all times while driving is your best defense against any type of accident.