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Category Archives: Home Maintenance

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Author Alloy Gutter Categories Home Maintenance Posted on

Milwaukee M12 LED Spotlight – Like a Handheld Car High Beam

In case one brightness isn’t enough for you, the Milwaukee M12 LED spotlight has three different modes. One of them, a strobe feature, I didn’t actually realize existed until I read the documentation. Unlike many multi-mode flashlights, Milwaukee doesn’t make you power the light on and off to find the mode you want. That style of light can be really annoying as you power on and off the light repeatedly to get to what you want. Instead Milwaukee has a trigger on/off and a cleverly-named “mode” button at the back of light. Once you power the light on with the trigger pushing the “mode” button will cycle you between low and high beams. If you hold down the “mode” button, you’ll discover the strobe mode which is great for emergency use or to bust out your freshest moves from Saturday Night Fever. One thing I really like is that the light remembers what mode you used last and defaults to that each time you turn the light back on. The trigger design on the M12 LED Spotlight is great. Not only is the handle ergonomic (if you’ve held any of the M12 drills, the LED Spot will seem very familiar), but the trigger can either be depressed lightly for momentary brightness or pulled in on the way for constant on (until the trigger is pulled again in the future). Despite the whole rig not exactly being pocket-sized, the head of the tool doesn’t feel particularly heavy. The overall weight depends on whether you use the original m12 batteries, or the larger XC square shaped battery pack. I definitely prefer the XC, both in terms of runtime, but also because you can stand the light up without it toppling over. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
  • This light is no joke when it comes to projecting a beam far away.
  • It’s great for home inspectors, or pro’s that need to inspect dark buildings or big unlit and hard to reach areas.
  • The beam pattern has an intensely bright bullseye in the center, a slightly dimmer ring around that, and then a much dimmer broader ring around that.


    • "The Milwaukee M12 LED Spotlight kicks out a narrowly-focused 750 Lumens in high beam and strobe modes, or 400 Lumens in low beam mode. Both low beam and strobe use about 1/2 the battery power as the high beam mode (4-8 hours according to Milwaukee, with an XC 4.0 battery). Milwaukee also estimates the beam distance as 700 yards." Original Source: http://homefixated.com/milwaukee-m12-led-spotlight/

    Author Alloy Gutter Categories Home Maintenance Posted on

    Don’t Make These Mistakes Prepping Your Home for Winter

    Homeowners tend not to appreciate that their gutters, by channeling storm water away from the home, perform a pivotal function. If you expect your gutters to do their job, you must first clear out any accumulated debris that could eventually clog and compromise the drainage system. In addition to ensuring problem-free performance at peak efficiency, regular service also helps the furnace fulfill its estimated useful life expectancy. The HVAC technician should inspect each furnace component individually, making repairs as necessary, while also cleaning or replacing the filter. As the furnace filter goes a long way toward supporting indoor air quality and protecting the internal workings of the furnace itself, the technician may suggest that you clean or replace the filter on your own, perhaps as often as every three months. Be sure to ask. As much as homeowners fear the prospect of a frozen pipe, many forget all about the fixture most at risk—the outdoor hose faucet. Nowadays, it's easy to protect it. Simply purchase a low-cost cover to block cold air from reaching the faucet. Or better yet, install a brand-new outdoor faucet that's specially designed not to freeze. Of course, in a pinch, you can also do it the old-fashioned way: Locate and close the water shutoff valve along the line that supplies water to the outdoors. Then, to complete the process, open the faucet to clear out any remaining water. if you see branches scraping against your home's roof or exterior siding, cut them back to a distance of at least three feet. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
  • Don't disregard your gutters.
  • Don't omit outdoor faucets.
  • Don't trifle with trees.

    • "If you detect air leaks around their perimeters, seal them with weatherstripping, caulk, or a combination of the two." Original Source: http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/don-t-make-these-7-mistakes-prepping-your-home-for-winter-50609/4-don-t-underestimate-creosote?bvsp=lg

    Author Alloy Gutter Categories Home Improvement, Home Maintenance Posted on

    How to Properly Set Up a Fence Post

    For years, it has become a tradition to set up or fix old fence posts by millions of families worldwide. Today, it has become easier to set up fence post. And no, it does not require expensive tools and very uncommon skills. However, before starting your fence post, it is important to think of long term goals to avoid wasting your time in doing such. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
    • Select the best type of wood to make more sturdy.
    • Don't make post holes too small.
    • Employ a base gravel layer to delay wood deterioration.
    • Apply caulk to fence post to safeguard your fence wood.
    It’s a bona fide do-it-yourself classic: Every summer without fail, legions of homeowners grab their toolbox and head outdoors to erect a wood fence. The good news? Setting a fence post doesn’t require uncommon skills or expensive tools, and doing it right doesn’t really take much longer than doing it the slapdash way.
    A well- constructed fence can protect your family's privacy and provide a curb appeal to your property. Whether the purpose for setting it up is  the former or the latter, it is important to do it in the best possible way. Original Source: http://www.bobvila.com/articles/setting-fence-posts/#.V3IldPl97Dc
    Author Alloy Gutter Categories Gutter Repair, Gutter Replacement, Home Maintenance, Leaf Protection, Spring, Uncategorized Posted on

    Spring Is Here! Suggestions From HGTV

    Now that winter is nearing its' end and spring is on the horizon, it is time to get outside and examine your house.(Contractors - encourage your homeowners to do this!!) The spring sunshine will highlight areas that have taken abuse over the wet winter months. Fan of HGTV? They're #1 home maintenance tip for spring is to get out and take a look at your gutters! HGTV's first suggestion is to look for loose or leaky gutters. If your gutters are hanging off your house or if they are getting old, it might be time for a total replacement. You definitely want to avoid improper drainage, which could lead to water leaking into your basement or crawlspace. HGTV's second suggestion is to check for debris clogging your gutter system. This would be a good time to call on us for a professional gutter cleaning, or perhaps even to consider a leaf protection product. As always, we would be happy to come out and offer suggestions for your home as well as give you a free estimate.