My New Blog

Curb appeal is a problem when the roof has become stained with black algae.

Not only does it look bad, but untreated, it can eventually cause serious damage.  The algae will use the lime substrate that binds the roofing material together, causing eventual failure of the shingles.

Treating with chlorine-contained compounds will effect the lime part of the shingles, so it is not recommended.  Brushing to remove the stain also removes the granular coating of the shingle. 

Considering all things, it is best to use a treatment that does not use a bleach (chlorine), or require walking on the roof or strenuous brushing.

There are some agents that can be used that are safe for the shingles, and can be sprayed from a latter.  This requires a good sprayer, like a backpack sprayer, and multiple treatments.  But by the end of three or four months, the back stains should be gone, and the roof will not have suffered damage in the process.

Give me a call if you have questions about what I use, or go to the Virginia Cooperative Extension site at www.ext.vt.edu  

Real Estate Agents are seeing more activity by buyers, with buyers recognizing the great buys that are currently on the market.  There is still a glut of homes on the market, with several homes in the "must sell" category.

Contracts for the first quarter of 2007 are up over the same period last year. But again, there are plenty of homes to chose from.  There has also been an increase of homes ending up in foreclosure.  Two years ago you could hardly find a foreclosure home, but today there are several to chose from.  Banks are finding the no interest loans and short term arm loans are causing everyone grief.  So buyers have to come to the table with something down and good credit.  Still special deals for first time home buyers.

Sellers have to recognize that they must price their home competitively, and expect it to be on the market for 100 +/- days.  Make sure when you list your home, that your real estate agent has a marketing plan that is aggressive and the agent is willing to work to get buyers to the home.  The days of agents listing and then setting back and waiting for a contract is over.  Also, when you list, don't look for a "bargain" agent, or someone to cut commission.  They are going to need all the commission they can get to do an excellent job marketing your home.  Doing quality costs money.

Wishing all a Blessed Summer, with many sunny days!

As the grass starts to grow and spring flowers come up, we can really get busy outside doing the winter clean up, mowing, and multching.

Some things to think about to keep your home looking good and protecting it from incomplete maintenance.

1. Check any painted parts of your home, such as windows, eves, etc.  After the winter, you may find paint pealing or exposed wood.  Now is the time to repaint and protect the wood from rain and sun damage.

2. In Virginia there are two types of homes; those that have termites, and those that are going to have termites.  If you haven't had your home checked in the last year or two, schedule a free termite inspection by a qualified company.

3. Check around your home to see if any soil has settled or if there is evidence of water collecting next to your home.  Make sure all downspouts and water drainage is away from the foundation.  If necessary, have some extra dirt delivered and slop your yard so water does not collect next to the house.

4. Are all the gutters in good shape?  They may need cleaning or fixed so they drain to the downspout.

5. If you have a paved driveway, check for new cracks and see if it is time to reseal.  The hot summer sun can degrade blacktop over time.  Sealing helps protect against ultraviolet damage. And by the way, if you haven't checked the air in your car and lawn mower tires, now is the time. The one I tend to forget is the tire on my wheel barrow.

Wish you a very blessed summer!

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