Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance

Debris can build up and cause damage to your downspouts and/or cause water damage to your roof. To avoid thousands of dollars in repairs, you should clean out your gutters at least once a year. Below we have tips and a step by step guide on gutter cleaning and maintenance. 

To clean out your gutters you will need: a trowel (or another tool to remove debris), ladder, buckets, garden hose, gutter cleaning attachment (if you have one), gutter sealant, safety glasses or goggles, a long sleeve shirt, and gloves. 


Preparation Tips: 

Be sure to place your ladder on a firm, level spot. If you're using an extension ladder, you can protect your gutters while leaning against them by placing a small 2 x 4 inside the gutter. When on the ladder, stand with your hips between the rails and do not lean to the sides. Never stand on the top two rungs!

If your roof has a low pitch, you may want to work from the rooftop instead of using your ladder. Make sure you are doing this under safe conditions, you should only do this when someone else is home in case you do have an accident and be sure to wear non-slip shoes. Never work on the roof when it's wet or icy or when it's windy outside and do not lean over the edge of the roof near power lines. 

Wear heavy work gloves to protect your hands since most gutters have sharp metal parts or screws sticking into their troughs. You should also wear safety glasses or googles, carry a bucket to collect debris, and place a drop cloth in the areas beneath the gutter you're working on. 

Rake any leaves and debris off the roof before you begin so that the next time it storms, the rain doesn't wash it all back into the gutters, filling them up all over again. 

Installing a leaf catching gutter guard system is useful, but they are not a complete solution. You will
eventually find that leaves settle through the screen and you will have to remove it to clean out the gutters. Some of these systems are pricey and removing them can be challenging, make sure to do your research to find one that is easily removable for cleaning and maintenance. 

Steps:


      1. Remove Gutter Covers (if you have any) 

      2. Clean Out Any Loose Debris

Start at the drain outlet at the low end of the gutter, using your hands or one of your tools, scoop out loose debris, working away from the drain outlet. Make sure to wear glove. Place any debris into a bucket to minimize cleanup afterwards. 

      3. Flush the Gutter

Flush the gutter with water from your hose. Wash each length of the gutter working toward the drain outlet. You may need to use a stiff scrub brush to remove any dirt that doesn't spray off. 

     4. Clear Obstructions in Drainpipes

Remove any debris or buildup in drainpipes. If water does not drain freely through them, try flushing them with the hose. If it's still not flowing freely, you may need to use a plumbers auger (snake) to pull out the jammed debris from the bottom. If you don't have a snake, you can also use your hose, just remove the nozzle and insert it into the downspout. 






     5. Secure any Loose Gutters

Once finished do a final walk-through to check for any missed debris and make sure all gutters are attached securely to your roof. 



     6. Apply Gutter Sealant


If your gutters were sealed when they were installed or last maintained, you should notice a black caulking covering the seams. If you notice any cracks or missing spots at the seams or gutter end caps, these areas will need to be resealed. 




Gutter Maintenance


Inspect and clear gutters at least once a year, preferably twice a year, once in spring and again in autumn. Note that clogs often occur where downspouts meet the gutter, check this area the closest. 

Check the slope of your gutters from time to time. You may need to adjust them to keep water moving toward your downspouts. Check to make sure they are properly positioned by running water through them, if they drain slowly, move them so that they slope toward the downspouts at a rate of 1/4 inch for every 10 feet. 

Downspouts should expel water away from your house, if necessary add downspout extenders to carry the water away. You may also want to consider concrete or plastic splash blocks, which are slightly sloped and extend away from the house at least 4 feet. 


If this seems like a lot to tackle on your own, you may want to consider hiring a pro. Call Top Dog and we will clean and maintain your gutters for you all for a great low price. Call 571-221-5493 for your free quote today!

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent structural fires and gas leaks caused by excessive buildup. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers. Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, creating a fire hazard. 

Note: If you use your dryer more than twice a week on a regular basis, it may be necessary to clean your dryer vent more often. 

Signs Your Dryer Vent is Clogged:

• Clothes are not completely dry at the end of the drying cycle
• Clothes feel unusually hot at the end of a drying cycle 
• Clothes have a musty smell when drying cycle is complete
• The outside flaps on the dryer vent don't open when the dryer is running 
• Debris can be seen in the dryer vent outside
• A load of clothes takes longer than 40 minutes to dry
• The laundry room seems excessively hot while the dryer is running
• Unusually large amounts of lint buildup in the lint trap 
• Lint and debris can be seen around the lint filter on the dryer 

If you are an avid 'Do-it-Yourselfer', here are the steps you can take to clean out your dryer vents:

Step 1:

Unplug the dryer from both gas and electric (if you have a gas dryer, do not forget to turn off the gas)

Step 2: Pull the dryer out 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" feet from the wall (pull it out as far as you can with the vent still attached to the dryer)

Step 3:

Loosen the 4" vent clamp on the back of the dryer using a screw driver

Step 4: Remove the vent from the dryer and wall

Step 5:

Remove the lint from the back of the dryer. This can be accomplished with a shop vac, regular vacuum, or even you hands. There are also kits you can buy like the Lint Eater Dryer Vent Cleaning System. 

Step 6:

Again, using a vacuum or a rod from your kit, clean the vent you removed from the wall (both ends will have the most lint buildup)

Step 7:

Go outside to the exterior dryer vent and remove the cover (check for caulk and screws before you try taking it off). 

Step 8: Reach in and clean out the lint, a shop vac or rod from a dryer cleaning kit, are the best options for this step. 

Step 10: Go back inside to the laundry room and slide the clamp back over the vent. Reattach the vent on both ends, tighten the clamp, and slide the dryer back into place

Step 11: Turn the gas back on (if needed) and plug the dryer back in

Step 12: Run the dryer on Air Fluff for 10 minutes to remove any loosened/left over debris 

Step 13: Re-check the outside vent then reinstall when finished

Once a month or every two months, perform the following maintenance tips to help prevent lint buildup

• Clean out the inside of the dryer around the lint trap and remove debris and excessive lint with a vacuum
• Remove the back of the dryer to vacuum out lint that's trapped behind the machine 

If your dryer vent system is not able to exhaust properly, it will overheat, threatening your family's safety, health, and even your home. If it's been over a year since your dryer vent has been cleaned, call Top Dog, our HVAC professionals specialize in cleaning duct work and dryer vents. We will clean the interior parts of your dryer efficiently, effectively, and safely. Our technicians have the tools and training to remove all of the lint in the dryer ducts and vents completely. Save money on your electric bill and keep your family safe, call Top Dog @ 541-221-5493. 

Need-to-Know Repairs to Prepare Your Deck for Summer!

_{What's better than sitting on your deck after a long day, relaxing and enjoying the scenery? Not only are decks ideal for outdoor recreation and relaxation, but a great-looking deck will add value to your home. If your deck is in need of some sprucing up, now is the time to get it done before the temperatures become unbearable and all you want to do is realx on you deck, not work on it. By properly caring for your deck, you can prolong its lifespan and savor it for years to come. Here are tips on how to maintain and improve your deck.} 

_{Cleaning Your Deck}

_{Oftentimes, by the end of the winter season, decks look old and weathered. With a dirty deck it can be hard to tell a smudge from a stain, this is why cleaning your deck before repairing and sealing it is so important. A good cleaning will reveal any areas that are in need of repair and can save you from spending money on unnecessary staining. An overcast day is the optimal time to wash your deck so the water will not evaporate as quickly. The method of cleaning you use is up to you, and there are experts on both sides of the fence regarding the use of power washers. Our recommended method is below.}

• First clear your deck of any furniture, toys, tools, and plants
• Then tie back or trim any branches that are touching your deck
• Wet down any nearby siding or foliage
• Spray all of the dirt and leaves off of the deck with either a garden hose or a pressure washer with a 40-degree fan nozzle
• Using latex gloves, a stiff-bristled cleaning brush, and a good deck cleaning solution, rub the wood in one directions, with the grain, working in small sections from top to bottom. Leave the floorboards for last.
• Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes, then spray it off at a 45-degree angle with your hose or power washer, if you choose to do the project yourself, remember you must keep the tip of the nozzle about 4-8 inches away from the wood and keep it moving so you don't accidentally gouge the wood

Check for Wood Rot

Inspect your deck. Wood decks are particularly susceptible to wood rot since they are regularly hit with rain and sprinklers. Deck collapses are more common than one might think and while some decks fail because they weren't built properly, the most common problem is lack of maintenance. Many homeowners refinish the surface of their deck but leave out the joists, posts, and ledger board. It's vital to inspect your deck annually, if not more often.

Checking for wood rot is simple, if you're able to push a screw driver a 1/4" into the woo, it's time to replace that piece of wood. You should start with the under-structure working your way up to the deck planks. If you do find wood rot, check surrounding areas to see if the rot has spread. Any area in direct contact with the ground underneath is more likely to experience rot because of ground moisture. If you do not have an elevated deck, it's definitely worth looking into to avoid future damage and costly repairs. When replacing any rotted planks, use galvanized or stainless screws, instead of nails to prevent the plank from pulling up.

Panel Replacement

Check to see if your deck surface is even. When walking around if you have any uneven steps or find yourself tripping over cracks, your deck is not even. Wapred wood is a common problem with many decks. An easy fix is to replace the deck boards that are causing the problems. Since each piece screws in individually, it's easy to replace certain boards without affecting the ones around them. On the other hand, don't bother replacing a deck plank that has split, unless it flexes under foot. (since treated lumber is generally quite wet, splitting occurs naturally as the lumber dries.

Sanding and Sealing or Staining

It's important to wait 3-4 consecutive rain-free days for the deck to dry completely before staining it. After waiting the specified time, sweep off any debris and dust off the deck. Then use a wide brush with synthetic filaments to apply the stain, making sure to apply with the grain. Start at the highest point of your deck and work your way down to the lowest. Wipe up all drips, runs and pools immediately so the color isn't uneven. Make sure to stir your stain frequently during application so the color stays even. Allow your deck to dry for at least two days before walking on it. If you prefer the look of natural wood, sealing is another option. Sealing, unlike painting, absorbs into the wood to seal in color as opposed to covering it up. This process will also help to protect your deck from the elements. A quality water repelant deck sealant that coats your deck's surface and fills the cracks will give your deck ultimate protection in the winter as well. 

Enjoy the summer weather and let Top Dog do the rest. We specialize in a variety of exterior maintenance and repair projects. 

Preparing Your Home for Summer

You've Probably Been Ready for Summer Since January, but What About Your House? Here are Some Tips to Get Your Home Prepped and Ready for the Warm Weather.

Changing your ceiling fan's direction is a simple way to cool off your house. During the summer months, your ceiling fan's blades should be moving in a counter-clockwise fashion to better circulate cool air. Locate the switch around your light fixture to change the blade's movement.




Heavy curtains and/or blinds can be used to deter heat-carrying sunlight from entering your home. Keep blinds and curtains shut during the hottest part of the day, especially in the rooms of your house that the sun shines directly into.






Heat has a tendency to rise so it's no surprise that your attic is one of the hottest parts of your home, Installing an attic fan or vent will help to counteract the heat. Adding a solar powered attic fan adds to the energy savings.






Regularly check your dryer vent for blockage so that hot air is not blowing back into your home.

Switch out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), which will help save energy and put off lest heat.












Use the bathroom exhaust fan when you shower so that the steam and humidity don't flow throughout the house.







Have your air conditioning unit checked by a professional. An AC's filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently. You should also regularly replace the filter or filters (every 60-90 days)





Check and replace all weather stripping on your home as needed- Weather stripping helps seal gaps around doors and windows, saving you 10-15% on your electric bill. Check your doors to make sure the weather stripping is intact and providing a good seal around the door. Check windows to make sure there is no cracking, splitting, or peeling of the seals.

Hire a professional to conduct an energy audit on your home to help you understand your home's energy use. This will help you determine how much energy your home uses, where your home is losing energy, and which problem areas and fixes you should prioritize to make your home more efficient and comfortable.







Have roof flashing, caulking, and shingles inspected and repaired, as needed, in preparation for the storms to come.

Clean your gutters and downspouts





Taking these, mostly simple, steps will help you save money on your electric bill while staying comfortable in your home throughout the summer, the best part is, they don't require much investment.

Tips to Help Sell Your Home Now

Looking to sell your home? If so, here are a few upgrades to consider to help your home make the right impression on potential buyers. 

 Enhance the Curb Appeal

No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already made a judgement before they even walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It's
important to make people feel warm, welcome, and safe when they approach your house. Here are a few suggestions to help with your home's curb appeal.

• Make sure you regularly mow the lawn
• Plant inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers
• Replace your front door
• Update your mailbox
• Wash the front windows, clean the gutters, power wash the siding and the porch
• Replace siding if necessary

Upgrade Your Kitchen

Some say you're not selling your house you're actually selling your kitchen. This is a popular saying because kitchens are one of the main factors considered in the home buying process. If your kitchen is completely outdated and you have the time and money, a full remodel may be something to consider, however if you're in a hurry to sell or don't have the funds for a full remodel, here are a few suggestions to try.

• Paint the walls a neutral color to appeal to more people
• Paint kitchen cabinets and/or add new hardware 
• Buy ONE fancy stainless steel appliance. When people see one high-end appliance, they assume the rest are expensive too.
• Reface your kitchen cabinets.  To reface your cabinets, first add a self-adhesive veneer on the sides of the cabinets and around the cabinet's face frame, then add the replacement cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Note: You want the veneer and doors to match.
• Hang a pendant light or two. Right now big, statement pendants are popular, adding two of these will not only add to your kitchen's style, but it adds extra light, which is ALWAYS a good thing. 
• Add a backsplash. The average backsplash is between 10 sq ft and 40 sq ft making this an easy-to-tackle area that won't break the bank
• Replace the countertop. This is not as expensive as you'd think, you can get a new laminate countertop for a few hundred dollars or you can 'upgrade' to granite which is also more affordable than most people think.

Update Your Entryway

The entryway is the first thing buyers see when they enter your home, so you should make it as warm and inviting as possible.

• Paint- this is a task that you can probably handle yourself, but if you have high ceilings in this area, you may want to hire a pro.
• Add decorative trim around the entry door (if there isn't any)
• Place a bench or table on a wall nearby and place freshly-cut flowers in a vase or warm cookies on it 

Update Your Bathroom

Next to the kitchen, the bathroom is the second most important room in the home for prospective buyers. Most buyers prefer 3 bathrooms (a Master bath, a Family bathroom, and a half bath/powder room). If you only have one bathroom in your home, you may want to consider adding a second bathroom instead of renovating that one. Before doing this (or any upgrade for that matter) you should consult with a real estate pro in your area. 

• Update your vanity/vanities- paint, replace, or reface them
• Update your vanity and/or cabinet hardware
• Upgrade from a single sink vanity to a double
• Replace vanity countertop
• Replace fixtures- shower/bathtub faucet, sink faucet, door knobs, TP holder, towel holder, towel bars, etc.
• Replace the toilet seat and handle instead of the entire toilet 
• Remove old shower/bathtub surround or replace outdated tile with new tile
• Paint walls
• Replace light fixtures
• Add a hand-held shower unit

Some Other Suggestions to Consider:

Talk to a Real Estate Agent

Talk to an agent that is familiar with your neighborhood. You may want to view a few comparable homes in your area. You'll want to find out things like: how many bathrooms do most homes in your area have? What features do people buying homes in your area look for the most? What price are other homes in your area selling for? You don't want to spend too much renovating your home if you won't get a good return on investment, so make sure to do your homework!

Add a 'Wow Factor'

If it's within your budget, add something with a 'wow factor', such as heated floors in your bathroom, this will make your home standout in a prospective buyer's mind. When house hunting, most people tour numerous homes, if you can add something to yours that makes it more memorable, it will pay off.

Set the Right Asking Price

This kind of goes along with speaking with a Real Estate pro in your area, they will be able to help you set the right asking price. You should not price your home well above other homes in your neighborhood. If you're asking too much for your home, it can sit on the market for a while causing buyers to wonder why it hasn't been purchased yet, most likely scaring them away.

De-Clutter and Clean

When people are house hunting you want them to see your home, not your stuff. If your furniture is too big for a room, put it in storage, hide kids toys or store those as well, remove knick knacks and decorations except for a few key pieces.

Light Up Your House

Take down heavy drapes, change out lampshades, clean windows, increase light bulb wattage, cut bushes that are blocking windows, etc. You may even want to add lighting in some areas, such as pendant lights in the kitchen, recessed lighting in the living room and bedrooms, a decorative light in the bathroom, etc. Do what you can to make your house bright and cheery. 

In closing, not all of these items need to be on your list in order to sell your house, but using some of these suggestions are sure to help you sell your home faster and for more money.