While many homeowners enjoy performing do-it-yourself projects around the house on the weekends, most of them choose to add paint to the interior or exterior of the home. Others elect to install new bathroom fixtures, change the flooring in the home, or simply work on the landscaping. However, there is a significant home improvement project that any homeowner can perform that can save the roof.

Independent of where the homeowner resides in the country, nearly every house has the same issues regarding the roof. When the gutter system becomes overflowed, or plugged up due to a clogged drain, it can cause significant damage to the roof. This is often a result of a buildup of leaves, branches, twigs and debris that gets lodged either in the gutter, or the downspout.

Significant damage can be caused to the roofing system when the gutter remains clogged with debris and leaves. It is quite easy for the water to get up underneath shingles or tile and cause damage along the fascia boards and the plywood residing just beneath the tile or shingles. The only way to ensure that the roof will remain in proper condition is to keep the gutter system operating as it is design.

Cleaning out the Downspout

Cleaning out the downspout is an easy process that requires the homeowner to work on both the top end and the bottom. By placing a ladder at the top of the downspout, remove all debris that is accessible. Do the same from the bottom, using some type of a hose, or hook to grab any of the clogged debris lodged deep into the downspout.

Next, take the garden hose in place it at the top, and turn on the water. This will help push the lodged debris down the downspout using a minimal amount of pressure. Work the hose up and down into the downspout until it is completely cleared. It may require a broom handle or other long instrument to dislodge some of the stuck debris. Be sure and use some type of a stick that has a large top, such as a broom upside down, to ensure that the pole itself does not get lodged if dropped in the downspout.

Cleaning out the Gutter

Nearly every time of the year, the gutter can easily become clogged from blowing leaves, debris and other objects. Move the ladder along the gutter and use your hand to pull out the debris and leaves. Follow that with the water hose, turned on almost full blast, to move any of the solids that have become stuck to the bottom of the gutter. Consider installing gutter guards that will naturally accept the water, but pushed the leaves over the top of the gutter instead of getting built up inside.

Keeping a gutter system operating is designed is the easiest home improvement project that is guaranteed to save the roof from issues along the fascia board. The process should be performed at least every spring and autumn, and anytime there is a clogged downspout.

When picking a home improvement project, it’s important to choose one that’s within your budget and abilities.

Let’s face it, just about any home could use a little work here or there. Not all of us have bottomless budgets, however, which makes prioritising our projects important. When deciding on a home improvement project, you should consider the immediate needs of your home, your budget, your ability to do the project if it’s a DIY, and the necessity of the project.

Here’s a checklist of considerations to weigh when picking a home improvement project.

Safety

While some home improvement projects are just nice tweaks that make the home prettier or save you a little in energy costs, some are vital to the safety of you and your guests. Home improvement projects related to safety, such as fixing unstable steps, reflooring a slippery floor, repairing faulty electrical work, etc should take precedence over other projects.

Some safety projects may be related to your home’s original construction. For example, homes built before the mid-90s may have used asbestos as a building product, and as insulation – a known carcinogen.

To be sure, having your home evaluated by a professional to determine if there is any risk areas may be a good idea.

Improving comfort

Making your home comfortable is important. Projects to improve the overall enjoyment of your home, such as installing new carpet, getting a climate control system that heats and cools all rooms evenly, or projects to reduce draughts or mould problems should be high on the priorities list.

Keep your mind on your money

Fixing problems in your home that are costing you money should rank highly on your to-do list. Repairing leaky taps, installing more energy efficient appliances and adding insulation can help save you money.

Be realistic

If you’re considering a DIY project, realistically evaluate your skill before embarking on a project that’s may end up costing you twice – once when you do it, and again when you have to call a professional to fix the mess you’ve created!

Should you need to call in a professional for a job that you haven’t yet mastered, ask if you can provide the labour for him or her. This could reduce the cost of the hire, and also help you to acquire these skills for the future.

There’s no magic formula for deciding which project to tackle first, but this list may go a long way to formulating a realistic home improvement project plan.