(NAPSA)—Americanliving is, more and more, centered on an outdoor lifestyle, as people insulate themselves at home and keep close to the ones they love. Many forgo expensive vacations to create their own personal resorts in their backyards. Since the cost of home refinancing may be at an all-time low, this has become a very practical and convenient option. Americans will be firing up more barbecuegrills, turkey fryers and chimineas than ever before in this stay-at-home lifestyle. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) 80 million American households have and use a barbecue grill, and 58 percent of them cook outdoors year-round. People enjoy barbecuing, not only because it gives food great flavor, but it is quick and easy, leaving little mess in the kitchen. Cooking and entertaining outdoors, however, can wreak havoc on decks, patios, and even docks— grease stains and ash spots from incidental sparks are two of the most common problems. A simple solution for keeping the outdoor living space free from these annoying blemishes is The “Original” Grill Pad deck protector. Made by DiversiTech corporation, the pad is a lightweight, flexible fiber cement protective blanket that is placed under outdoor ornamental clay or other portable fireplaces, fryers, smokers, and charcoal, gas or electric barbecue grills to protect a deck surface from grease stains and sparksor debris. The Grill Pads have a slipresistant, textured surface and are earth-brown in color to blend readily with most woods. They can be custom colored to match any dcor with a latex, water-based stain. Unlike other deck protectors, these “breathe,” preventing long-term water entrapment between the pad and the deck surface that can damage the wood. They are easily cleaned with a garden hose and are naturally heat and weatherresistant. The pads are available at hardware stores, mass merchandisers, hearth and patio shops, home centers and wherever grills and accessories are sold. For additional information on availability and pricing, call 1-800-397-4823, or visit www.diversitech.com.
