Entries Tagged 'Gutters' ↓

Your home is likely your biggest asset. Whether you just bought your first home or have nearly paid off your mortgage, home improvement projects, both large and small, are always popping up. During tough economic times like these, it is often difficult to know what home improvements are good investments and which simply cost too much with too little return. There are six homes improvement tips that won’t break your bank or your back.

Many of these improvements are inexpensive and can be financed when you apply for a Plain Green Loan.

1. Doors and Windows

Doors and windows should let light in and keep your heated or cooled air in. Even small breaks in their seals can result in a major drain to your pocket book. Consider inspecting all your doors and windows. Check their seals and any weather or pest strips. Replace seals or re-caulk as needed.

2. Gutters

Gutters can become clogged with leaves and other debris. Not only does this impede the flow of water during rain storms, but it also can cause additional problems, like ice dams, in areas that are snowy. Instead of regularly cleaning out your gutters, install leaf guards. They are inexpensive and easy to install.

3. Insulation

If your home has an attic space, take the time to inspect the insulation and reinstall it if needed. This is a simple and inexpensive way to help keep your heating and cooling costs down.

4. Basements

While finishing a basement is a bit more expensive than the previous repairs, a finished basement will add a lot of value to your home. In some cases, it can double the living space. Keep costs down by using a drop ceiling. Consider working on this project over several months and apply for a Plain Green Loan to defray the costs.

5. Plumbing

Consider replacing the plumbing under all of your sinks with PVC and changing your fixtures. Updated fixtures look great if you’re attempting to resell your home. Additionally, while you’re making the replacements, you can address any leaking or dripping faucets.

6. Lights

Change all your lights over to LED lights. The bulbs put out far less heat than traditional bulbs, are less expensive to run, and are environmentally friendly.

If you are having difficulty financing any of these home improvements, apply for a Plain Green Loan. Each of these home improvements will add value to your home and, in many cases, save you money.

A house is one of the most important purchases anyone will make. Your house is more than a solitary shelter from the elements. It’s a home. Keeping up with maintenance is essential to keep it looking its best.

It’s nice to know that emergency loans are helpful in maintaining the beauty of your home and your peace of mind. Here are 5 home maintenance tips to consider when making your project list.

Silent Hazard

The home’s HVAC system is in place to provide comfort. A neglected heating/cooling system increases the risk of carbon monoxide within the home. By replacing your filter once a month and having a professional come out annually to check the HVAC system, you can prevent this silent health hazard from creeping about your home.

Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets are easy to overlook. What seems like a tiny inconvenience can turn out to be a monstrous problem if ignored. Not only does one leaky drop per second waste over 6,000 gallons of water a year, leaks can also cause damage you can’t see until its too late. Rotting wood seriously compromises the structure of your home, causing wood deterioration. Unchecked water leaks can also breed something you do not want to take residence – - dreaded mold.

Fire Prevention

We all know not to leave a candle unattended, but did you know that your dryer can put your home at risk as well if it’s not properly maintained? A clogged dryer duct can catch on fire if it’s not cleaned out on a regular basis. Take the time yearly to clean out the lint trap and nip this problem before it escalates.

Chunky Gutters

Another way to prevent mold and save on home maintenance is by cleaning the gutters. Rainwater with nowhere to travel causes moisture issues to threaten the foundation of the home’s structure. It also becomes the perfect condition for mold to form. Following a schedule of home maintenance is a good idea.

Keeping Out The Cold

Being prepared for winter is crucial. Prepping for that chilly bite in the air can help cut the cost on your heating bills. Placing an additional layer of insulation in the attic can save up to $150 per year. Also, don’t forget to air seal the floor of the attic.

Many options are available to help save financially. For instance, using natural energy by installing solar panels gives your home a green edge. Solar panels are one way to increase your Home Energy Rating System (HERS). A better rating may help give you an edge when looking into your financing options. Check it out.

A home equity loan often provides a low interest rate. With a payment that may be tax deductible, it’s worth looking into. Another solid financing option to consider is obtaining a line of credit. Find out what your options are when looking for an emergency loan. No matter what type of repairs your home may need, there is a financing plan that is right for you.

One chore that most men are asked to do that they hate is to clean out the roof gutters. Each and every man you ask will have his own method of cleaning out these annoying yet helpful gutters. It is recommended that you clean the gutters out in the spring or beginning of summer and after the fall. Winter and fall seem to be times when the gutters get clogged the most.

Here are 10 easy ways to clean out the gutters.

1: There are some men that will grab a ladder and hook up the house and kind of wash out the gutters. They don’t really dig too deeply into the drains or the underside of the gutter. Just whatever floats out they clean out.

2: If you want to get a good cleaning of your gutters then you should rent a power washer. Not only will the power washer wash out the gutter but if there are any obstructions then the power washer will knock them loose.

3: To avoid more clean up you can try installing gutter guards. These guards are great for keeping out birds nests and some leaves but you still have to take out the gutters and clean any debris that may have fallen there.

4: There are some people that believe it or not don’t clean them out for months. Then they wonder why the drains are backing up and their roof starts to leak.

5: If is a good idea not to clean your gutters after a rain, the reason being that wet leaves will get stuck to the bottom and the sides of the gutters and when they dry they will still be a problem.

6: Some people take the easy way out and simply get a ladder and scoop and grab the leaves and debris with their hands. It is easy and very cheap. It may prove to be very ineffective but it is indeed easy.

7: Always use a ladder. Believe it or not everyone uses a ladder. They may get a hose and simply spray the gutters until debris and leaves start to fall out of them but by using a ladder you get to see what you are doing.

8: Another easy method is by using an air compressor, an air compressor will blow out leaves, sticks and obstructions in the gutter and in the drains. If you don’t own a compressor then simply rent one for the day.

9: It is very important when using any method we have listed above for cleaning that you check for any damage from the debris that has been in the gutters for months. Check for holes, leaks, loose or pitch problems.

10: Make sure that you keep a schedule of the last time that you performed this task and then if you do it on a regular basis then you won’t have so much work to do the next time.

Gutter Guards

When you own a home you will be taking on the task of having to clean out your gutters. Yes, this happened a few times a year. Before the winter, after the winter, before summer and before fall; especially when the leave start falling.

The reason why you have gutters is to deflect rain water into the gutter and pass through the gutter drain. The problems most home owners have is this; their gutters are catching leaves, sticks, twigs, birds building nests in the guards. No matter how many times you clean them out there is always something. Even the best gutter guards will not keep out everything.

Gutter guards are good at keeping out the large pieces of debris, like sticks and leaves and birds from making nests. There are different types of gutter guards there are guards made from mesh, wire, vinyl and aluminum. There are guards that fit over the gutter and the mesh ones fit in the gutter. What happens when your gutters are clean and it rains you will see a stream of water come down the drainpipe. When the gutter are clogged or there is an obstruction then the guards need to be cleaned and this can happen even though you have guards. Continue reading →

A properly installed gutter protection system can protect your home from serious damage year-round. Every serious home owner should know that old, damaged or defective gutters have the potential to cause damage to your home.

When gutters clog and the water is not diverted properly, it will overflow into either the house or the foundation. This can cause wood rot, foundation problems, ice damming, and landscaping erosion. Damages associated with clogged gutters are many, however, this fall you can avoid a great deal of expenses and unwanted hassles by installing a gutter protection system.

Gutter protection systems help keep basements and crawlspaces dry, protect siding and windows from harmful backsplash, and prevent staining and rotting the walls of your house. In addition to causing damage to your home, gutters clogged with soggy leaves and debris are also the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, as well as mosquitoes and other pests who are known disease carriers.

So while they may not be flashy, gutters are an important feature of the home, which require a balance of practicality and aesthetics.

Styles of Gutters

Gutters come in various materials, sizes and colors, here is a rundown of each material option for different home owners and situations.

• Wood is the least popular because of its high maintenance and price.
• Vinyl is great for do-it-yourselfers and can be found at home-improvement centers.
• Aluminum gutters are the most common. Primary aluminum is the thickest and most consistent kind.
• Avoid secondary aluminum, a recycled product that’s often plagued by inconsistent thickness.
• Metal gutters are made in sheet metal shops and require gutter specialists to install them.

Continue reading →