Spring in the desert is the time to take care of some outdoor chores before the heat arrives. To protect the longevity of our homes, one of the favorite chores is: cleaning the gutters. Clean Your Gutters Like a Pro! The Definitive Guide to This Must-Do Chore
The Boston Mara ITS HISTORY AN YOURSELF RUN
This season, tackle your gutters with the only guide you will ever need.
The Right Setup If you want to be a pro, you should look the part. Dress in “work” clothes, and opt for long sleeves and gloves to protect your arms and hands. Wear sturdy shoes for support, and cover your eyes. Use a ladder that is extendable and has a strong, sturdy base. It’s always best to have someone hold the ladder for extra support, too. Experts also recommend laying a tarp below your ladder to catch any falling debris. And rather than sticking your hands into the gutters, use a gutter scoop or an old spatula to remove the gunk. If you don’t have a ladder — or fear using one — you can search your local hardware store for tall cleaning tools, like leaf-blower attachments that will stretch up to your roof. Once again, you will want a tarp below to catch debris. And anything that does come out of the gutter can be thrown away or composted. Not Done Yet! Real housing professionals
There’s nothing like watching incredibly dedicated athletes from all over the world, speaking lots of different languages, meet for the sole purpose of doing what they do best: push their bodies to the limits of human achievement. The experience of the majestic Olympic Marathon inspired U.S. Olympic Team manager John Graham to organize and conduct the very first marathon in the Boston area. With the help of Boston businessman Herbert H. Holton, a careful route was measured and selected from Metcalf’s Mill in Ashland to the Irvington Oval in Boston, with a total distance of 24.5 miles. The very first winner on April 19, 1897, was John J. McDermott of New York, who emerged from a 15-person field and won the first B.A.A. Marathon in 2:55:10. The 24.5-mile distance was the Olympic standard at the time, but that changed during the 1908 Olympic Games in London. King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria wanted the marathon race to begin at Windsor Castle outside of the city so they could observe the start. The distance between Windsor and the Olympic stadium was exactly 26 miles. Organizers added an extra 385 yards to the finish with a lap around the track so the runners would finish in front of the king and queen’s royal box. That extra yardage became the official standard in 1924.
always make sure the job will be easier next time — so don’t skip these crucial steps. After your gutters are clear, spray water into them and watch the downspout. This “test” will determine if every part of your gutter is clear or if there are other
concerns you need to address. Then, consider
installing “gutter guards” to prevent debris from falling into the gutters. Screens or metal guards will work well, and when it’s time to clean your gutters in the fall, simply swipe any material off the guard!
Bonus: Don’t forget to repeat this cycle in the fall!
In the same year, to conform to the new Olympic standard, the Boston Marathon’s starting line was moved west from Ashland to Hopkinton.
For more information and guidance, search the online directory at ConsumerReports.org. They offer advice on finding the right gutter guard and give other tips for how to clean your home.
Of course, Boston marathoners and Olympians have inspired many, but you do not have to be either to live a thriving, healthy lifestyle — just start a running habit. Although I have never run in a marathon, I run pretty much
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DLJonesHomes.com
Dennis & Lisa Jones
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