If it rains heavy this Fall, and your Live in Georgia, are your gutters ready?
It has been a very dry Summer in Georgia. We are in a Drought situation, and have not had to think much about gutter maintenance. With the Spring rains and Summer drought, the pine needles will be falling in abundance this Summer. How full are your gutters? Now is the time to get up on the ladder, check all of the gutters to be sure they are clean and clear of debris. While you are at it, check that the slope of the gutters to be sure that the water to run towards the down spouts, and that all of the nails holding the gutters up are secure. If the nails are not secure, either Pound them back in, or replace the nails with longer ones, or better yet use "gutter screws", these supplies are available at your local Home Depot, Lowes, or your favorite Hardware Store.
Gutters full of debris can overflow and potentially cause foundation problems as well as leaks into basements. The weight of the wet leaves and pine straw, as well as the water could cause the gutters to come loose from their fitting and cause water to enter your home through the ceilings, as well. When climbing on your ladder be sure that Safety comes first. Don't take unnecessary risks.
If you are not stable on a tall ladder, hire someone to do the work for you, there are plenty of people willing to clean your gutters for you and do the necessary maintenance. Look for local ads they are posted all over the place. Be sure that the company has insurance, just in case there is an incident.
While you are at it, check that the water is running AWAY from the foundation, if not add dirt or better yet, extend the downspout so the discharge is 5 or 6 feet from the foundation.
Photo by Photos8.com
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