As spring emerges from beneath the icy blanket of winter, the precursor to summertime activities includes the opportunity for repairing and improving projects in and around the local home. While some home improvements are best accomplished by a professional, there are many areas that require only basic skills and tools. Warm weather projects that are easily accomplished include the washing of vinyl siding when applicable, exterior window cleaning, and removing winter's collection of debris from the air conditioning unit. These simple home improvements are both inexpensive and relatively non-laborious. During the fall of the year, depending upon the abundance of trees around the home, leaves will collect in the gutters that shield and channel rainfall from the roof. To prevent downspouts from clogging and the forming of stagnant water, removing excess leaves from the guttering will not only improve water flow, but will prevent damage to the shingles.
