Posts Tagged ‘Leafguards’

Selling something? Maybe trying to sell your house? Here is the fourth of our top 5 projects to boost your home’s value for resale.

July 28th, 2010

Have you already decided to move rather than remodel only to realize, like so many others in the same boat, you are still thinking about remodeling anyway? Why? To make your house more appealing to would-be buyers, cut the time it takes to sell it and maybe even get more cash in hand when you sell is why. While you’re remodeling that other part of the house why not tuck in a new master bedroom suite above the addition? You’ll get all of your money back when you eventually sell your house, right?

Not so fast. While many home-remodeling projects are a great way to add value to your home, not all of them are ironclad cash-back guarantees. Before you invest a significant amount of your precious home equity into remodeling projects, it’s wise to do a little homework on what kind of payback you can expect for various home projects in your area.

A good place to start is the Cost vs. Value report published annually by the National Association of Realtors, or NAR, and Remodeling magazine. The report provides a synopsis of the top projects, the average costs of the projects and their average rate of investment return at resale. It also gives you a city-by-city guide on what various home projects will pay back at resale. Real estate experts caution that these numbers can differ significantly depending on your state, city or even neighborhood. So use these numbers as a starting point, but consider getting the advice of a Realtor and/or remodeling contractor before you commit to a big home project. These experts can familiarize you with remodeling payback figures tailored to your state, city., or town.

The fourth project of five to potentially boost your home’s resale value is a mid-range siding replacement. This more modest variation our first ranked project (upscale siding) includes replacing 1,250 square feet of siding with new vinyl siding and trim.

Average payback: 95.5 percent of cost
Estimated job cost: $7,239
National average resale value: $6,914

The value of this project is in its immediate curb appeal: New siding cleans up a house quickly. However, vinyl may not be appropriate and could actually detract from a home’s value in historic neighborhoods or upscale areas where traditional wood siding is still the preferred material.


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Mow your lawn? How about you mow my lawn!

May 18th, 2010

Do you have trouble starting your lawnmower up in the spring? Before deciding to take your lawnmower in for repair, try these few simple suggestions. After completing them most of the time your lawnmower will fire up and run like a champ.

Pull and clean the Spark Plug

Most of the time simply cleaning the spark plug will solve your lawnmower woes. To do this, disconnect the wire attached to the end of the spark plug. Then using a wrench or a Ratchet/Socket, remove the spark plug. If the spark plug is black or wet looking, you have probably found your problem on why the lawnmower is not starting.

Using fine grit sandpaper, sand the top of the spark plug down to bare metal. Make sure you sand all around the edges of the piece of metal (tab) that sits just above the electrode. Make sure that there is a gap between the metal tab and the electrode. If you still have the lawnmower manual and a feeler gauge you can adjust the gap to the specifications. However, if there is a small gap it is probably sufficient for the spark plug to operate correctly.

Make sure the spark plug is free of dust and dry. Then screw it back into the cylinder and connect back the wire to the end of the spark plug. Then try starting the lawn mower.

Check for Oil

Make sure there is oil in the lawnmower and that it is at the proper level.

Check for Fuel

Make sure there is gas in the lawn mower. If you have old gas in the lawnmower and did not put in a fuel stabilizer at the end of the season, replace the gas. If you had drained the gas tank at the end of the previous season, then fill the tank at least half full with new gas.

Check the Fuel Line

Like many of us, at the end of the previous lawn mowing season we turn off the fuel line switch. Make sure it is in the on position. If you have done all of the above and the engine will not fire, then check to see if the fuel is getting to the carburetor. Temporarily disconnect the fuel hose from the carburetor and see if gas pours out. If so reconnect the hose. If not, then check the fuel line. It may be gummed up or the fuel filter is clogged.

Check the Air Filter

Make sure the Air Filter is clean. If it is dirty and oily then replace it. If it just dirty shake it and knock out some of the dust. This may solve your problem; however I would still recommend replacing it.

Clean the Carburetor

First turn off the fuel line. Disassembling and cleaning the carburetor is not as bad as you may think. Usually there is a nut on the underside of the carburetor. Remove this and pull the bottom portion of the carburetor off. Clean the inside of this lower portion of the carburetor and then make sure the float valve moves up and down freely. The float valve is a plastic object about 1.5″ in diameter that hangs down when you remove the lower portion of the carburetor.

Reconnect the lower portion of the carburetor and turn on the fuel line again.

Try restarting the lawnmower. If it still does not work after performing all of these procedures, then take it to a repair shop. However, from personal experience these procedures usually solve the problem.

Sharpen the Blade

Finally, make sure you sharpen the blade. This will ensure you minimize the torque on the engine while cutting the grass. Not to mention, your lawn will get a more even cut.

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GutterBrush: Worth its weight in gold?

May 13th, 2010

Probably not. But there is no mistake about what’s in this gold plated vending machine.  Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel became the first place outside Germany to install “gold to go, the world’s first gold vending machine”. Those in the Gulf region who can clearly afford it can now grab “gold to go”, much like a latte or donuts, from a hotel lobby in the United Arab Emirates. Now when the gold fix strikes all you need to do is find one of these machines and presto, gold! Only one day after its inauguration, the shiny machine attracted many spectators of many different nationalities who had gathered to watch whenever an enthusiast was struck with the urge to splurge on a bar of the precious metal. The gold rates are constantly updated inside the shiny machine — itself gold-plated — in the hotel’s lobby, courtesy of a built-in computer connected to a dealer which sells gold online.

How far we have come from the days of the California gold rush!

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We hope you find this spring cleaning checklist helpful.

March 24th, 2010

We hope you find this spring cleaning checklist helpful.

Home cleaning and maintenance is an essential rite of spring, like adjusting your clocks one hour ahead. Preparing a checklist for spring cleaning puts you in a forward-thinking mode, letting you both enjoy your home in the present and enhance its future resale value.

The GutterBrush Guys hope that the following ideas help you get started with both your outdoor and indoor spring cleaning.

OUTDOORS

  • Roof: Check for any damage incurred during the winter season, such as loose, broken or missing shingles. Arrange for a roofing professional to perform a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs.
  • Gutters and downspouts: Remove any leaves, dirt and debris left over from winter. Make sure that water drains away from your home to protect the foundation.
  • Siding and foundation: Repair any broken masonry or lifting siding. Fill in or caulk any areas where insects could get inside the house to nest. Power-wash siding yourself or hire a professional to give it a thorough cleaning.
  • External water taps: Hook up the garden hose and turn on the tap to make sure everything’s running properly and to check the water pressure.
  • Outdoor lighting and landscaping: Test all outdoor light fixtures and replace light bulbs. Sweep away winter debris and dead leaves. Rake the ground (take care around newly sprouted plants and flowers) to aerate the soil. Prune shrubs and tree branches as needed.
  • Porches and decks: Check for peeling paint, broken masonry and splintering or rotting boards. Rent a power washer for a thorough cleaning. Apply sealant, re-stain or re-paint as needed. Bring out and clean patio furniture.

INDOORS

  • Windows and doors: Wash the windows until they sparkle and replace storms with screens.
  • Air conditioners and humidifiers: Install individual room air conditioners or, if you have central air conditioning, hire a professional to clean and service it. Test all equipment to make sure it’s running smoothly. Turn off all humidifiers.
  • Air ducts and vents: Vacuum your air vents to keep them clear of dust and debris. Consider hiring a professional to thoroughly clean your air ducts.
  • Faucets and plumbing: Check for any leaking pipes or dripping faucets and have them repaired or replace washers where necessary. Remove calcium deposits from faucets and showerheads.
  • Cabinetry and drawers: Tighten loose knobs and wobbly doors. Repair or sand down drawers that stick.
  • Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: Test to ensure all detectors are operating properly and replace all batteries.
  • Kitchen and medicine cabinets: Take inventory and discard any canned, jarred or packaged goods and medications that are past their expiration dates.
  • Mattresses: Rotate and flip your mattresses to help prevent sagging and increase their life span.
  • Rugs and carpets: Send area rugs out to be dry-cleaned. Have carpets cleaned professionally or rent a machine and do it yourself.
  • Clothing: Pack away winter clothing and dig your summer clothes out of storage. This is also a perfect opportunity to prune your wardrobe. Get rid of items you haven’t worn in the last three years. Donate them to charity or organize a neighborhood yard sale.
  • China, glassware and silverware: Set aside half a day to clean, wash and polish those unused dishes and glasses that have been sitting on shelves collecting dust.

Spend some time cleaning now and you will be able to enjoy a carefree spring and summer!

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Making Spring Chores More Fun With The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd.

March 9th, 2010

Making Spring Chores More Fun With The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd.

The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd. (www.gutterbrush.com) enjoy being outside and completing important home improvement/maintenance projects very much. But we are also always mindful of the safety of ourselves and those around us. Take a moment and consider taking health and safety precautions when raking the lawn, cleaning gutters and performing other outdoor chores. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) taking a few simple steps and precautions can keep you from becoming injured while out of doors doing chores this autumn. “Many people work vigorously in the yard during the spring season, and it often takes a toll on your body,” AAOS spokesman Dr. Laurence Laudicina, said in a news release from the academy. “Raking the lawn and cleaning out the gutters are popular seasonal chores that can lead to falls or strain to your back and upper body.” In 2008 in the United States, about 617,000 people suffered injuries caused by rakes, other outdoor garden supplies and ladders, the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission noted.

So to help everyone avoid becoming one of those statistics we wanted to pass along some of the tips presented by the AAOS:

•Warm up for at least 10 minutes with some stretching and light exercise before beginning work in the yard.

•Use a rake that’s comfortable for your height and strength. You can prevent blisters by wearing gloves or using a rake with a padded handle.

•Make sure that hats or scarves don’t block your vision, and watch out for large rocks, low branches, tree stumps or uneven surfaces.

•Vary your movements and alternate your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not at the waist.

•Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.

•Don’t overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. You should be able to carry bags comfortably.

•Don’t throw leaves over your shoulder or to the side. That kind of twisting motion places undue stress on your back.

•Inspect ladders for loose screws, hinges or rungs, and make sure it is free of mud, dirt or liquids.

•Make sure all ladder legs rest on a firm, level surface. Don’t use ladders on uneven ground or soft, muddy earth.

•Always face a ladder when climbing and descending.

•Confirm that the ladder is fully open and locked before you climb it.

•Angle ladders about 75 degrees from the ground.

•Don’t sit or stand on the top of the ladder or on its pail shelf.

•Use the right ladder for the job. Step stools or utility ladders are good for working at low or medium heights, while extension ladders should be used outdoors to reach high places.

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Is Your State Economy Getting Worse?

February 22nd, 2010

According to recent survey results gleaned from the National Governors Association the already fragile conditions of states’ economies are set to further weaken. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas suggests that,“The situation is fairly poor for a lot of states around the country. In fact, most states. What we’re finding out from a fiscal standpoint is that the worst is yet to come”. “Economists have declared the national recession over. But for those who are still unemployed, for those who have lost their homes, it’s clear that as a nation we have a long way to go.”

This recent survey suggests that the states have $18.8 billion of budget gaps yet to be closed in fiscal 2010. This comes after they have already imposed measures to eliminate budget imbalances totaling $87 billion in the fiscal year, which for most started during the summer of 2009. All the while the budgets currently being drafted for fiscal 2011, states foresee shortfalls of $53.6 billion and for fiscal 2012 $61.6 billion while at the same time states’ revenues have plummeted for four quarters in a row.

What is most interesting in these in these most challenging times is that all states except for one, Vermont, are required to balance their budgets, so during the recession they have drastically cut spending on basic programs, laid off workers and boosted revenue through raising taxes and fees.

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While Passengers Must Pay $8 for Blankets and a Pillow on American Airlines The GutterBrush Guys, LLC. Are Keeping Prices At 2009 Levels!

February 9th, 2010

So now passengers must pay upwards of $8  for a blanket and pillow on American Airlines? An interesting business strategy would be to lobby the TSA to prohibit passengers from bringing their own blankets and pillows to drive revenue from this new plan. While charging for what used to be included in the price is becoming the norm in many industries it is good to be able to hold our pricing here at GutterBrush Guys, LLC. to 2009 levels. Perhaps the airlines could learn a thing or two from us. Unlikely seeing that American Airlines announced, without any fanfare last week, that it would eliminate free blankets in coach and sell an $8 packet that includes a pillow and blanket starting on the first of May this year.

Why would a company that does business in an increasingly reviled industry make this type of move? It seems that American Airlines predicated its decision on consumer surveys. Wait. We are supposed to believe that customers said they were in favor of this added charge in an an increasingly less than enjoyable consumer experience on the airline with the worst-in-the-nation on-time performance, deplorable acumen in baggage-handling or the grotesque state of its fleet of aircraft? Forgive me but I remain skeptical.

While other airlines also charge for various items to make flights more comfortable it seems that no one is asking the consumer what they want. If they did they would likely find out what we have discovered. People want to be treated fairly and with honesty as well as getting the product they were promised. There is no room for deception or taking advantage of your customer base and their disposable income pool. Perhaps when more customers abandon those companies that deliver a less than stellar customer experience those that do will have a chance to shine brighter than ever before. Until then enjoy your $8 blanket and pillow.

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Would you like some extra radiation with your security checkpoint experience?

February 5th, 2010

Airport body scanning raises radiation exposure while using gutterbrush simple gutter guards does not. Because safety is always a priority in our pursuits and because we travel a bit we wanted to share the risks associated with airport body screening.

An inter-agency report (Inter-Agency Committee on Radiation Safety report, which is restricted to the agencies concerned and not meant for public circulation) stated that  governments must explain any decision to expose the public to higher levels of cancer-causing radiation while also suggesting that pregnant women and children should not be subject to scanning, even though the radiation dose from body scanners is “extremely small”. The group putting this report forward includes the European Commission, International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Energy Agency and the World Health Organization.

Please keep in mind that an accurate assessment about the health risks of the screening won’t be possible until governments decide whether all passengers will be systematically scanned or randomly selected, the report said. Governments must justify the additional risk posed to passengers, and should consider “other techniques to achieve the same end without the use of ionizing radiation.” However, President Obama has suggested using upwards of $734 million to implement airport scanners that use x-rays and other technology to detect explosives, guns and other contraband.

“There is little doubt that the doses from the backscatter x-ray systems being proposed for airport security purposes are very low,” Health Protection Agency doctor Michael Clark said by phone from Didcot, England. “The issue raised by the report is that even though doses from the systems are very low, they feel there is still a need for countries to justify exposures.” So what is the risk?

Most of the scanners deliver less radiation than a passenger is likely to receive from cosmic rays while airborne, the report said. Scanned passengers may absorb from 0.1 to 5 microsieverts of radiation compared with 5 microsieverts on a flight from Dublin to Paris and 30 microsieverts between Frankfurt and Bangkok, the report said. A sievert is a unit of measure for radiation.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has said that it ordered 150 scanners from OSI Systems Inc.’s Rapiscan unit and will buy an additional 300 imaging devices this year. The agency currently uses 40 machines, which cost $130,000 to $170,000 each, produced by L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. at 19 airports including San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington D.C. Oddly enough the U.S. TSA has not ordered a single linear foot of gutter protection such as gutterbrush to protect their gutters at airports across the United States.

This will never happen with gutterbrush simple gutter guards

This will never happen with gutterbrush simple gutter guards

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We know what the new Apple Ipad Can’t do. Do you?

January 27th, 2010

It can’t protect your property from costly damage caused by clogged and overflowing gutters! And for about the same projected price of the Ipad you can protect your entire home from clogged gutters all without a battery or yet another charger! But to be fair there are a whole host of things that the new Ipad can do that a gutter protection product like GutterBrush cannot do. These include: browse the web, read and send emails, load and view photos, watch videos and DVDs, listen to music, play games, read emails and it will run most of the 140,000 iPhone applications. But it still cannot protect your gutters from filling and clogging with debris! Regardless, the newest Apple device is 1.3 centimeters thick and weights 680 grams; it is thinner and lighter than any other laptop or notebook.

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