We here at The Tony Marino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate have always said you need to maintain your home to help keep its market value, with that being said here is the first in a series of inexpensive ways to maintain your home. Enjoy, and if you have any questions or any ideas please send them to us houses@mts.net.
The Eavetroughs on your house are a very important part of your home but unfortunately they are always forgotten until there is a huge rain storm.
Living were you have large trees is going to mean leaves in the eaves and the key thing you always want to make sure that the eaves are clean and downspouts are not clogged up.
A good rule of thumb is to give your eaves a good cleaning when all the leaves have fallen from the tress that are close and surround your home. You tend to want to do this before the end of October, if possible (any later and there is always the chance of snow).
You will need a good quality ladder. You can purchase them at any home improvement stores. Look at the load rating of the ladder it is important, less expensive ladders are rated for lighter loads, ask for help, if you have any questions. Always be careful when using a ladder!!! Follow the safety warnings and the instructions!!!
Now before you get started you are going to want to have small pail or bag to put the leaves and other debris from the eaves into. A eave shovel will help you with your task, pair of work gloves so you don't cut yourself on any anything sharp round off your list.
Start cleaning from one end and work your way along the eaves, making sure to re-position your ladder as you go, you NEVER want to work out of a safe reach zone. Once you have cleaned out the eaves it is always a good idea to flush the downspouts with water. The best way of doing this is snake the hose into the downspouts (not deep that you can't get it out) The screws that hold the downspouts together are short and shouldn't damage your hose, but you will need to judge that yourself. Turn the water on, any debris should come out at the bottom.
It is important to note if you are not comfortable on ladders or heights, phone around to find a company that can provide this service for you.
You should always clean your eaves and downspouts a couple to a few times a years depending the amount of trees around your home.
Stay tuned for more helpful hints and remember be safe.
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