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GUTTER GUIDE


Gutter cleaning might not top your list of fun to-dos, but it’s an essential home maintenance item. Skip it and you can create spots for rain to pool, which may leak or damage your home’s foun- dation. Here are common conundrums and what to do:


CLEANING AND CLOGS: Remove debris by hand, standing on a secure ladder if needed. Scrub out dif- ficult spots with a wire brush and rinse with a hose.


HOLES OR GAPS: Fix holes with a piece of sheet metal, sized to cover the space, and adhered and coated


with roofing cement. Seal gaps with gutter caulk. RUST: Scrape away with a wire brush, and cover with roofing cement.


While you clean, check for missing and detached gutters and pieces. If you have a missing downspout, purchase a new one. Attach it with brackets and gutter caulk, directing the water down and away from your home. If a gutter is pulling off, reattach it with gutter brackets and screws.


TIP: To keep gutters in great shape, plan on cleaning them every spring and fall. Great reminder— do it when you change smoke alarm batteries.


DRIP, DRIP:


SURE, THAT DREAMY KITCHEN would be nice—but is it worth the big remodeling budget? Maybe not when it comes to payback, experts say. What does come out on top for remodeling paybacks: The ever-so- ordinary steel replacement door, which garnered top place and a return of 102 percent of cost in the latest “Cost vs. Value Report” by Remodeling magazine. In general, projects that give


Do they appear intact, or are they blistering and damaged? Are some missing, cracking, sagging or curling? Replace them (DIY).


ROOF LEAK WORRIES


WHEN IT COMES TO A HOMEOWNER’S WORRIES, A LEAK FROM A ROOF INTO A ROOM SURELY RANKS HIGH. But a leaky roof can mean any number of things— some of them calling for expensive updates (a new roof), and some easier fixes (out-of- place flashing). To root out the problem:


1. VISUALLY INSPECT YOUR ROOF CLOSELY. Look at the shingles:


2. CHECK THE FLASHING. This is the metal that protects and transitions between the roof and windows, skylights, chimneys, valleys and gutters. It can become dislodged or damaged due to storms or wear and tear. Reattach dislodged flashing (DIY), and replace damaged metal (professional help needed).


3. INSPECT ROOF VENTILATION.


Clogs around vents and pipes can cause leaks. Clear clogs and seal pipes (professional help needed).


If in doubt, call a reliable roofing contractor


for a professional inspection. Some roof problems can be repaired, while others may indicate damage that requires a new roof.


a boost to good looks inside and outside perform well—and they don’t have to cost a lot, says the Appraisal Institute, an association of real estate appraisers. In fact, the projects with the worst return on investment included two-story additions, composite deck additions, and master suite and kitchen remodels.


TRY THESE FIVE IDEAS INSTEAD:


PAINT OR REFINISH your kitchen cabinet fronts. ADD a sidewalk flowerbed. REPLACE a bathroom vanity. UPGRADE garage doors.


FIX AND REPAINT worn sections of trim.


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