The GutterBrush Blog

We have seen a significant increase in finished basements being used as living rooms and bedrooms especially as families become more extended due in part to the current financial situation. Therefore, using this usually reserved storage space for living areas can result in problems that can be both annoying and uncomfortable humidity, but can also cause significant health problems for those who live and spend time in them. Mildew and mold can easily occur and flourish in damp areas as well as in carpets and upholstery. Completing a basement before taking the actual water issues, if any, present can easily lead to the creation of health problems and/or substantial damage to the building itself. Well then, where does the water come from?

If the area near the foundation is not level or slopes toward the house, it is most likely that the water will be directed towards the foundation and into the basement. Often the earthen floor next to the house’s foundation is filled without proper compaction and/or drainage plans. To correct this one needs to grade the earth around the house away from the foundation wall, not less than one inch per foot for at least six feet.

Gutters and downspouts are also very important to keeping water out of the basement living space. These systems keep the water from running down the side of the house and pooling around the foundation followed by seeping into the basement. It is important to keep the downspouts emptying far enough away from the home so that this water penetration is less likely to occur.  There are other components to keeping the basement dry but they fall outside of the scope of this author’s technical and practical skillset. However, you can find this information quite easily on the world wide web.  Stay dry this spring and keep your property protected as well!

Save for a few enthusiasts of home repair projects, one of the most dreaded for homeowners is roof repair. A roof that leaks can cause major damage to the structure of your home and, if left unchecked, could eventually lead to the damage of many of the possessions inside. Asphalt shingles, which are what you’ll find on most roofs, generally only last 15 to 20 years and can require a lot of maintenance and upkeep.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the exhausting process of roof repair and maintenance with asphalt shingles, you may want to consider rubber roofing. Worried that rubber roofing sounds like stretching out a dozen Goodyear treads over your home? Don’t worry–although rubber roofing materials can come in a roll for buildings with flat roofs, you can also buy rubber shingles, which look much like slate shingles and come in a variety of colors and designs.

Another advantage to using rubber roofing materials is that most rolls and shingles are composed of recycled tires, saw dust and slate dust, which are much more eco-friendly than other roofing materials. Although rubber-roofing shingles can be more expensive than asphalt shingles, rubber roofs are much more durable and less likely to crack and crumble through tumultuous weather and drastic changes in temperature. Rubber shingles are also much cheaper and lighter than slate shingles–if that’s the style you’re looking for–and are similarly fire resistant. Rubber roofing materials also last much longer and require less maintenance–most manufacturers warranty their roofs for thirty to fifty years, and some even carry a lifetime warranty. The first rubber roof, installed on a home in Wisconsin in 1980, is still holding strong today!

Snow relocation technique.

In some parts of the USA the average amount of snowfall approaches 120 inches! That translates into 120 opportunities for suffering a snow removal malady including muscle fatigue, lower back injury, spinal damage, and even spinal fractures during the seemingly never ending winter season. Many of these snow removal aches, pains, and injuries are the result of excessive stress to spinal, muscular structures, and  from slips and falls. According to research completed at Cornell University’s ergonomic department The L5/S1 disc has been identified as the weakest link in the body segment chain. The most severe injuries and pain are likely to occur in the back region.” Just as we advocate for ladder safety when cleaning the gutters or working on the roof, what can be done to prevent injuries when relocating snow after a storm?
Keep in mind at the outset that snow relocation programs can be compared to resistance training , and in some cases, the aerobic aspect of this activity is similar to a workout involving running or skipping rope. So, in the interest of safety and a successful battle with the fallen snow please take a moment to consider the following tips:

1. If you experience pain or discomfort of any kind, stop at once and seek assistance.

2. Drink plenty of water during the event(s) and take frequent breaks. Remember, snow relocation is a very rigorous physical activity that can place you in harms way.

3. Beware of icy surfaces under the snow and avoid them if you are unable to get solid footing to remove the snow. Failure to do this often results in a slip and fall situation resulting in injury.

4. Make sure you are dressed properly and be sure to understand that much of the heat in your body exits through the head.

5. Shovel selection is very important. Choose one with a curved handle to help you to keep your back straighter reducing spinal stress. A smaller blade can help with this as well because a smaller load of snow usually weighs less and thus puts less strain on the spine. Finally, there are shovels made expressly for pushing snow so you can avoid lifting a single flake of snow. Once you have your shovel, spray a bit of silicon lubricant on the blade in order to help keep the snow from sticking to the shovel.

6. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “If you must lift the snow, lift it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once; do it piecemeal. Shovel and inch or two; then take another inch off. Rest and repeat if necessary.” Put simply, go forward with your snow. It may take longer but it will save you from some potential aches and pains.

Finally, a snow blower, if you have access to one can render most of these risks moot but it still needs to be used properly. If used properly it will do all of the work for you.

A snowblower is a terrific piece of machinery, but if it’s not used correctly, you can strain or injure your back. Snowblowers are designed to remove snow at a particular rate of speed. Pushing or forcing the equipment to go faster is defeating its purpose —to do the work for you!

Winter is far from over and the snow is sure to keep falling in many places. Keep your snow relocation efforts safe and you will have a much more enjoyable winter experience.