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Your homes gutters play a crucial role in protecting your property from costly water damage and other dangers. Depending on where you live, the types of trees you have on your property and weather events common to your area, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year to ensure they dont get clogged.

Even with regular maintenance, though, your gutters will eventually need to be repaired or replaced to keep your house protected. To help you determine whether that time has come, Home Depot offers five signs to look out for:

Cracks or splits. Even small cracks will grow, allowing water to seep into the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles above the gutter and the foundation below. Replace any split or cracked sections of gutter.

Paint damage and rust. The paint on your gutters is weather resistant. Peeling paint or rust indicates that water is present on the surface on a continuous basis. Look for clogs and remove debris to get the water flowing. Replace or touch up the paint on the damaged section of the gutter.

Pools of water and mold. If you see standing water or mildew near the foundation, it can indicate one of two things: the gutters are clogged, or there could be a defect in the gutter system. Remove the clog. If the problem persists, replace that section of gutter and downspout.

Water damage or water marks. Inspect directly beneath the gutters on a dry, sunny day for any evidence of water damage. Water damage underneath gutters can indicate that theyre leaking or overflowing with water. Look for possible blockages in the area. If there are none, this indicates that the section has a crack or leak thatll need to be repaired or replaced.

Gutter sag. This is a definite sign that its time to replace gutters. Gutters should never sag or pull away from the house. Sagging gutters means that theyre no longer draining properly and need to be replaced. This may be a good time to look into upgrading your old ones with gutter guards, screens or seamless gutters.

If youre uncomfortable on a ladder or cant perform gutter cleaning and inspections on your own for any reason, consider hiring a pro to do the job for you.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If your home has a driveway, you may have encountered a common problem: cracks. Driveway cracks often start out small and go unnoticed, but they can eventually become so serious that the entire driveway needs to be repaved. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of problems.

How Water Can Damage Your Driveway
Concrete is a porous material. Water from rain or melted snow can make its way into a concrete driveway, freeze and expand when the temperature drops, then contract when the weather turns warmer. This process, if repeated several times over the course of the fall and winter, can cause concrete to crack.

An asphalt driveway can be damaged by frost heave. If the soil under the asphalt gets moist, it can freeze, swell and cause the driveway to crack.

How to Prevent Cracks Caused by Water
Clogged gutters or downspouts can overflow, which can cause water to wind up in places where it doesnt belong. If water flows toward your driveway and the temperature drops, the water can freeze and cause the driveway to expand and crack. Cleaning your gutters twice a year is a simple way to prevent this scenario.

If your driveway doesnt have enough of a slope, water may not drain properly. Puddles can form, and water can be absorbed by the driveway material and eventually cause cracks. If your driveway doesnt drain well, you may need to have it repaired.

Applying a sealant to your driveway can repel water and help you prevent cracks. A sealant can be rolled or sprayed on your driveway every few years. Use a sealant appropriate for your driveways paving material.

How to Keep Plants From Cracking Your Driveway
Roots of bushes and trees near the driveway can grow underground, put pressure on the driveway, and eventually cause it to crack. Homeowners often dont realize how far roots extend since theyre hidden from view.

If any trees or bushes are growing near your driveway, remove them. This may be expensive if you have one or more large trees or several bushes, but itll be a lot cheaper and much less of a hassle than repaving your entire driveway later.

Edging your driveway is another way to prevent cracks. Keep a few inches along the edge of the driveway free of sod and weeds to allow water to run away from the driveway and prevent it from freezing and causing cracks.

Do What You Can to Prevent Driveway Cracks
A cracked driveway can detract from your homes curb appeal and be a safety hazard. In many cases, cracks may be prevented if you understand what causes them and take steps to avoid problems. If you notice any cracks in your driveway, deal with them right away, before they have an opportunity to get worse. If you have questions or need help, consult a professional.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

There is perhaps nothing more synonymous with luxury than a penthouse apartment.

Here are a few advantages you can expect by living in the height of luxury!

Extra Spacious

The penthouse is almost always the largest residence in the building.

Rooftop Terrace

Penthouse residences usually boast a private rooftop terrace that you can escape to high above the city.

Far-Ranging Views

If youre looking for a dwelling that captures breathtaking views of the cityscape, this is where you want to be.

Extra Natural Light

Often designed with taller ceilings and bigger windows, penthouses let in an abundance of natural light.

Status Symbol

It may not be important to you, but it goes without saying that penthouses are a status symbol.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Some first-time buyers are surprised by the full cost of homeownership.

To prepare your budget, consider these extra costs:

Closing costs typically total 2 – 5 percent of the purchase price and are in addition to down payments.

Homeowners insurance costs an average of around $1,000 a year, but prices vary. If in a flood or earthquake zone, youll need extra hazard insurance.

Property taxes could range from hundreds of dollars to thousands a year, and they often fluctuate.

All home maintenance becomes your responsibility, so save money for normal upkeep and emergency repairs.

Youll also need to pay for all utilities. If moving from a smaller apartment, expect the larger home to have higher bills.

Nevertheless, the pride of homeownership is priceless.

Published with permission from RISMedia.