Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 @ 03:03 PM
Whether football season, back-to-school season, Halloween, or securing the home for winter - all our favorite themes fall during this time of year. One of the more necessary early home winterizing projects, is cleaning those gutters before the real first snowfall. In fact, it's best to ensure your gutters are cleaned twice a year, once in the spring and in the late fall.
When inspecting your gutters, remember to think of safety first. You would rather not start the season with a broken limb due to neglect. If using a step or extension ladder, make sure its footing is secure and on level ground. Keep any tools, bags, or other equipment close and easily accessible. And before you even make the climb, let someone know you will be up there - just in case.
Wear work gloves, which are relatively thick and will prevent any sharp objects from puncturing through. Safety glasses might also be a good idea, and avoid power lines or other cables leading to the building. If you need to clean off the roof first, wear rubber-soled shoes or shoes with grip spikes, for better stability.
Using a garden trowel, hand spade, or gutter scoop, start near the downspout and clean out the debris. If the debris is hard to remove, don't be a afraid to reach in with your hands and pull it out. Once clear, use your garden hose to rinse out the gutter in the direction of the downspout until clear. If the downspout is clogged you can either use the garden hose at a high velocity to clear it, or grab a plumber's snake. Whichever you choose, make sure it's safe and the spout is free of the clog.
Thoroughly inspect ever portion of the gutter system looking for cracks, dents, holes, or other damage. Get these repaired as soon as possible. Leaving gutters and downspouts unrepaired and not cleared, could lead to bigger issues such as wood rot and water damage.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Thu, Aug 06, 2009 @ 08:58 AM
Remodeling a bathroom can be an expensive endeavor, regardless of the size. Typically, it is the second most expensive room in the home following the kitchen. The benefit to this expense is that your return on the investment is approximately eighty-five percent, meaning if your spend ten thousand dollars; you will boost your home value by eight thousand five hundred dollars!
The first thing you have to allocate is a budget. After you have decided the amount you want to spend, make a list of what you would like to change in the bathroom. Are you doing an aesthetic upgrade or a structural change? Is your list realistic to your budget? Look through magazines, visit local home improvement stores, even check on the internet to help find ideas for your updates. Sometimes the smallest changes make a huge impact. Changing the paint color, shower curtain, sanding and refinishing the cabinets, and even just new towels can transform your old bathroom into a sparkling spa!
Utilize your personal skills; you may be able to do some or all of the remodeling yourself. If you need to hire a contractor, be sure to research several in your area, and look at previous remodels they have completed if possible. Have the contractor provide a detailed estimate showing the materials cost and the labor separate. This will help you determine if the materials may be able to be purchased at a store other than the one used by the contractor for a lesser amount. If electrical or plumbing alterations or upgrades will be completed, confirm to see if any building codes need to be met, or any permits are required.
Now that you have the ground work completed you are ready to begin your bathroom remodeling project. Keep your project on track by using your budget and the list you made for what you want to accomplish. Never hesitate to ask your contractor questions, remember he is working for you.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Mar 25, 2009 @ 11:52 AM
Spring signals the end of winter, the beginning of warmer weather, and the perfect time to start looking for warnings signs your roof might need a little attention. While roof repair can be expensive, the inspection can be free if you do it yourself, and know the signs.
Before going on the roof, conduct a visual inspection to ensure it is safe from rot and debris. Make sure the pitch of the slope is no greater than 6/12. This means for every 12 inches of run, the rise can be no greater than 6 inches. This will ensure stable footing, and allow you to maneuver safely.
Different signs are the result of several factors including leaking, poor installation, aging, moisture absorption, and severe weather. Some of these signs include:
- Algae / Mold Growth
- Blistering
- Buckling
- Ceiling Spots
- Curling
- Damaged Flashing
- Missing Granules
- Missing Shingles
- Rotting
Going into the attic and conducting more of an inspection is also a good idea. Look for signs of sagging between the rafters, light coming in from outside, leaks, and mold growth. If the problem is small, you may be able to do the roof repairs yourself. Contact a roof professional for a proper inspection and estimate in the cost of the roof repair.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Mon, Nov 24, 2008 @ 11:16 AM
Ice Damming is a barrier of ice that does not allow water to properly flow off a roof. They are the result when water from melting snow flows to a roof's edges and freezes. Normal signs of ice damming, is the appearance of water staining on interior ceilings and walls.
Ice Dams frequently occur during the winter months when melting snow results in moisture, which becomes trapped, on the roof because the ice dams prevent the water from reaching the gutters, downspouts, or the ground. It is important to mention roof shingles are designed to shed water, which runs down the roof, not protection from water pooling on its surface.
Eventually, standing water backs up under the shingles and penetrates the roof sheeting. If left unchecked, it can result in significant damage. Prompt action and maintenance are the keys to ice dam prevention. Here are some tips to consider:
Since most damming occurs when the undermost layer of snow closest to roof melts, a cold roof prevents that deepest layer of snow from melting. Be sure the attic is well ventilated, with vents free of snow and debris. Properly insulate the attic, and have a qualified contractor inspect for bare spots and areas of insulation, which are matted down.
Another way to prevent Ice Dam formation is to remove snow from the roof when possible. With assistance, use a stepladder and roof rake to remove the lower 4-6 feet of snow. This will free up moisture and allow it to flow off the roof.
When roof damage has occurred, contact your insurance agent for qualified contractors in your area. Ensure to have them identify water entry points and install a temporary cover and drainage system. Lower the temperature in the affected area(s) by improving ventilation and adding insulation. Any roof replacement should include the installation of an ice and water shield.