Green Tip

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The EPA reports that the average American produces 4.3 pounds of waste each day. That's a lot of trash!

Here are some tips to reduce your contribution:

1. If you don't already have one, establish a recycling station at your home and office for paper, glass, bottles, and cans.

2. Donate or recycle your old electronics and computers, don't throw them in the trash. Find a local program here 

3. Donate or consign your outdated, old, or worn clothing and shoes.  Find a charity here

4. Compost your food scraps, food containers, and yard waste. Learn how to compost here

By incorporating some of these practices into your routine and lifestyle, you can make a difference!

Nature Crowns

Using color leaves and flowers from a walk in the neighborhood you can make a fun fall hat/crown.

Tools required:

Duct Tape

Scissors

Paper Bags or craft paper

Fallen leaves, maple or other variety

Fallen flower petals

Instructions:

* Sort leaves and petals

* Cut 2 strips of paper equal to your head circumference plus 2 inches (you can cut trianlges on the top for decoration)

* Cut a piece of duct tape equal to the length of your 2 strips of paper

* Adhere the paper strips along the top and bottom of the piece of tape

* Embellish the crown with leaves/petals onto the tape

* Fit crown to head and attach with small piece of tape

Enjoy wearing your festive crown to your next holiday party!

Tod Werner joined the Irons Brothers Construction, Inc. team in March of this year as a project manager/lead carpenter.

He comes to us with over 10 years of carpentry experience, specializing in custom residential remodels. Tod is a true craftsman and excels at creating beautiful, quality, results for our clients. Always striving for success, he works with each client to tailor the project to fit their needs and expectations. His experience is varied and includes all phases of design/build. He has a passion for green building techniques and materials including energy efficient methods and technology, as well as salvaging and reuse of materials.

In his spare time, Tod enjoys being with his family and friends. He is also an avid Northwest sports enthusiast, and loves hiking, fishing, golfing, and camping.

Tod's favorite part of a project is the trim and finish stage because you can see the details from the plans become a reality.

There is no better time of year than during Thanksgiving to say Thank You. The team at Irons Brothers Construction would like to thank you for your continued business and support. Our success would not be possible without you!

What are you thankful for this holiday season? Don't forget to share your thanks with family, friends, clients, and colleagues.

November Activites: 

• Yulefest - Nordic Heritage Musuem, Ballard 11/19-11/20
• Reindeer Festival - Swanson's Nursery, Seattle 11/12-12/24
• The UW Arboretum - drive or walk thru and enjoy the beautiful fall colors
• Festival of Trees Celebration - Fairmont Olympic Hotel 11/20 3-5:30pm
• Holiday Tree Lighting at the Bravern, Bellevue - 11/18 5-8pm
• Turkey Toss @ the Zoo, Woodland Park, Seattle - 11/19 10am-2pm
• Greenlake Gobble & Mash Potato Munch Off, Seattle -11/20 8-10am
• Winterfest at Seattle Center, 11/25-1/1

Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us At Irons Brothers Construction!  

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is an approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design. The concept originally formulated by a criminologist is an approach to designing a property's landscape and layout to increase security and deter crime.

The 3 basic principles of CPTED you can put into practice at your home or office:

1. Natural Surveillance, implementing design and landscape to allow others to see in or out. This is a crucial component of security as most criminals won't act if they're going to be seen. Make sure your neighbors or passers by can clearly see your residence.

To implement this you can:

2. Territorial Behavior, the impression one receives when in a residential or business neighborhood. Perception can be a friendly tool in preventing crime. Criminals and transients often take advantage of run-down areas for illicit behaviors.

To improve behavior in your territory, you can help your neighborhood and community maintain its appearance by:

3. Natural Access Control, to manage entrances and define areas. Some include: gates, fences, and landscaping.  These send a message that there is one entry point and users must have permission to enter. But remember when adding devices, don't overshadow the importance of surveillance.

Some access controls you can add:

• Add security strike plates with 3 inch screws on exterior doors
• Install secondary locks on windows and sliding doors (a simple wooden dowel will do)
• Install devices that allow sight to the other side, such as wrought irons gates and open fencing

 Remember, security starts at the street. Ask yourself:

• How do criminals view my property?
• Do I have barriers to restrict access? Lock all doors & windows.
• Is there enough exterior lighting to deter criminals? 

Fall Maintenance Tips 

  The weather has turned, the leaves are falling, more cold weather and rain is in the forecast, take time to get your home prepared for the beating it will take this Fall. We suggest following the 19 home maintenance tips below to help prevent damage and repair to your home by being proactive.

1. Check your doors & windows, replace damaged screens, remove and replace cracked caulking and repair weather stripping
2. Inspect your roof for leaks and clean, trim surrounding trees, and clean out the gutters
3. Make sure all exterior vents, filters, and dampers are clean and serviceable
4. Drain, service, store, and winterize your hoses, hose bibs, and lawn equipment
5. Clean and cover your outdoor furniture and BBQ
6. Complete your fall pruning, raking, and yard maintenance
7. Remove or cover exterior A/C units and schedule a service for your heating system
8. Check and clean your fireplace and chimney's fire box and flue
9. Check your attic and basement for signs of leaks, cracks, mildew, mold, rot and pests
10. Replace your furnace filter
11. Inspect, test, and clean your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms
12. Clean the kitchen range hood fan and filters
13. Check for leaks around toilets, tubs, hot water heaters, under sinks, and around washing machine hoses
14. Check grout or caulking in bathrooms and kitchens and repair if necessary to avoid mold and mildew problems
15. Prevent pipe damage by wrapping/insulating water piping
16. Drain your water heater to prevent sediment and rust build up
17. Replace indoor and outdoor light bulbs if needed
18. Consider having a Home Energy Audit to determine where your losing precious heat and can improve your home energy savings
19. Relax when your done, put your feet up and enjoy a warm or cold beverage of our choice!
     

Thank you for reading this month's newsletter.

I am looking forward to celebrating all that I am thankful for and creating new memories with my family and friends.

Remember one of the benefits of hiring our company is that I am personally involved in your project. Contact us to schedule an appointment and ensure your spot on our upcoming project calendar.

Happy Thanksgiving!