Gutter Advice

When should you clean your gutters? The average home should be cleaned at least twice a year May / June in the spring after all the little seedlings fall or November / December as winter approaches. Most people like to wait until every last leaf falls before they clean their gutters and this could spell trouble if you should get a sudden cold snap or snowstorm. wait until the leaves are about 80% down and then clean unless prolonged warmer weather is expected. 

Should you consider gutter guards? I personally do not reccommend gutter guards of any kind. Most guards facilitate ice buildup and create nice niches for birds and squirrells.  Most guards don’t work anyways. Stuff gets in the gutters and then they complicate the cleaning process. You have to remove the guards to clean what they are supposed to keep out in the first place and then you have to re-install them. Manytimes they will be misshapen or damaged when you remove them and will not re-install properly. This just amounts to more money out of your pocket.

Lastly, If your gutters are plugged up when winter sets in, you could be risking thousands of dollars of damage to your home. Ice will fill up the gutters first and then begin to creep up your roof. Once it gets past the ice shield beneath your roof (assuming you have one) the ice will begin to melt from the rising heat in your home. Once it begins to melt it will come through your ceilings and walls and it will destroy any finishings you may have on them. If left un-attended this water could destroy your floors and cause considerable mold within the home.

Ready for Spring

Check Deck for damage, also leaves from the fall and snow can leave decks stained and dirty, the deck will need to be cleaned and resealed for the coming summer months.

The exterior of house will need washing, including siding and windows.

Check the roof for missing and damaged shingles.

Spring is the time to clean and check your gutters (see other sidebar).

Dryer vent needs to be cleaned and all lint removed, fire damage can occur.

Attic vents should be checked so that they are free from debris and working properly, they greatly help in keeping your home cool in the summer.

Window screens need to be installed and checked for holes and cuts and replaced as needed.

Turn on your air conditioner to make sure it is working, if there is a problem fixing it now will ensure it works when it is hot and humid out.

Turn on exterior faucets and check garden hoses.

Check caulking around the home to stop the bugs from entering.

Check playsets for damage, your children will appreciate it.

Give your lawnmower a tune up so it is ready for the year ahead.

 

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Reasons to Maintain Your Home

 

Your home is the symbol of your success but that dream home can turn into a nightmare if regular maintenance is not part of your standard routine. You should maintain your home for the same reason that you maintain your car. Without regular maintenance you are headed for trouble and costly repairs down the road. Often these costly repairs can be prevented altogether with routine maintenance.
Sometimes the difference between life and death of you or your loved ones is regular home maintenance. If maintained properly, your smoke detectors work to alert you and your family to get out of the house alive.
Here are a few sobering home safety statistics:

* - Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

A home in disrepair increases safety and health risks and runs inefficiently increasing utility costs.  Not to speak of the negative impression it gives to friends, neighbors, and relatives. Some of the reasons you should maintain your home include: