If you are wondering when he rain is going to let up and you thought we would have our traditional long hot summer, your were wrong. (And so was I.) This has had to have been the rainiest season in 100 years. I can’t believe the kids are back in school and the temperatures barely hit mid-nineties a time or two this month. When we did have a dry enough spell to see what was causing the leak in our bedroom, we also found out about some other nasty surprises. Clogged gutters.

How many times have you heard that you have to keep the leaves out of your gutters? If water backs up in clogged gutters, it will cause further rot in your eaves and soffits. What we found was no tar paper under the last course of shingles and some of the wafer board -- or what they now call “engineered particle board” -- was starting to decay. Luckily we got to it in time to prevent further damage.

The next two pictures can show you what a mess clogged gutters can cause. Overflowing water can also flood the foundation on the ground and cause father damage there and even leak into a wall or basement. Water needs to be channeled away from your house. While you or a trusty contractor is on your roof, have them check for any nails that may have popped up over the summer. If any exist, they should be nailed down and sealed with a roofing adhesive. Also check for any loose shingles or flashing. We have had a lot of storms lately, and in this case, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A steadily leaking roof can cause a massive amount of damage if gone un-repaired. A roof leak may sound like a scary and expensive venture but typically it may not be. The leaks will not repair themselves, though, so you'd best give a call to an experienced contractor.

If you find that you are frequently cleaning out leaves from your gutter, there are several places that you can call for free estimates for gutter covers. They come in varying colors and can be installed in a very quick manner. Many come with a lengthy or lifetime guarantee. Call (770) 886-4468 and we will connect you with a preferred installer in your area.

Next time...

...we'll discuss various ways in which you may make an attractive area out of your basement with The Owens Corning Basement Finishing System. In case you have not heard, it is a very cost effective way to moisture proof your basement and add comfortable extra space in your home.

Remember: Advice in this column should always be taken up by a properly licensed and insured Service Provider. In the event someone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately

About the Author

Mark Sosnik is President of Sosnik and Associates, Inc. and is now working with a network of Home Improvement Contractors and Home Service Companies primarily in the home remodeling segment of the market coast-to-coast: www.usahomeremodeling.com . Mark can be contacted via e-mail at mailto:mailto:msosnik@usahomeremodeling.com or by calling (770) 886-4468. If you are interested in the second annual Cumming Home Expo, tentatively set for the fall of 2005, please view www.cumminghomeexpo.com for continually updated information.

* All pictures are copywrited USA Home Remodeling Inc.