Spring Home & GardenSummer storm damage: What to look for and how to fix it(ARA) - Storms are a natural part of Roof repairs can be difficult and danger-piece of material - the same kind as the gut-especially if you entertain regularly on summer. After a storm has passed and it is ous for homeowners, even if you're an ters - that is 1 inch larger than the hole onyour deck. Check for damaged boards and safe to go outside, take stock of your home adept do-it-yourselfer. So be careful when all sides. Using a stiff brush, spread a bit of replace them with the appropriate deck-and repair any minor damage caused by the climbing on your roof to inspect damage, gutter repair compound on the area arounding material. Tighten loose fasteners or storm. Repairing minor problems quickly especially after a storm when damage is the hole and place your patch over the top.replace them if they won't tighten. Tap can help ensure they don't evolve into unknown. Ask for professional help at your Cover the patch with another layer of com-down and set protruding nails or replace major headaches.local home improvement store if you have pound to ensure a good seal.them with deck screws. Check for splin-The home improvement and maintenance any doubt about your abilities.To repair minor sags, simply add a newters, especially along handrails and steps, experts at Lowe's offer some guidelines for hanging bracket to the sagging area orand smooth them with sandpaper.assessing and dealing with storm damage:Maintaining your guttersreplace an existing one if it's old or dam-If your deck is too far gone and you Clogged gutters and downspouts can aged. Screw in the bracket until the gutterhave to build a new one, consider using Checking the roofkeep water from being carried away from is back in proper alignment. Be sure tocomposite decking, such as Trex or Your roof and gutters will often take the your roof. Follow this gutter health check-use hanging brackets that are designed forChoiceDek. The decking material is low brunt of a storm's power. After a storm, list for obvious signs of failing gutters:your type of gutter system.maintenance, splinter free and mold resis-check out roof shingles by walking slowly ? Gutter hanging off the roofCracks or more serious gutter damagetant. You can also use traditional treated around your home and inspecting from the ? Downspout disconnected from the may require professional help.lumber for a more economical option.ground. Use a good pair of binoculars to gutter or houseSometimes storm damage is unavoid-look for lifting or missing shingles around ? Missing guttersCaring for decksable. But making quick repairs can help the edges, valleys, plumbing and furnace ? Water in the basement or elsewhere The safety of your deck after a stormensure your home is safe, sound and dry vent pipes and the chimney. inside the housepasses through is of great importance,before the next storm of summer arrives.You can also inspect your roof from ? Leaking or dripping gutter seamsinside the attic. Discoloration of the deck-? Overflowing guttersing or plywood surface of the roof could Gutter damage usually takes one of three signal problems. And if you can see light forms - holes, cracks or sags. You can easily coming in around plumbing vents or the repair minor sags or pin-sized holes yourself. chimney, it means the flashing needs to be If careful inspection reveals a pinhole, use an repaired or replaced.abrasive pad to clean the area. Then, cut a Renaissance Landscaping specializes in providing thediscriminating home owner with a completely comprehensive landscape experience.WOOD N FLOOR Ecologically friendly designs and installationLet us create your...We install all Kinds of Floors, Stairs and Railings Creative design teams who think outside the boxSERENITYServing Oakville residents for over 20 years. Electrical, plumbing and gas fi tting services Visit our indoor showroomWRefinish Your Wood Floor Like New 25 years of design and installation experience. We will beat every written quote!454 South Service Road W, Oakville905-337-7707 www.deckstore.caCall KAZ (905) 338-1881 www.woodnfloor.caRenaissance Landscaping is a division of The Deck Store Artistically Designed, Professionally built.The Carrier Factory Authorized Salereturn on investment principles ielindae derffO11!02 ,0 3enuJCut your cooling costsby up to 56%*and get up to a$CoolCashrebate*1,250SAVE NOW ON ALLORget up to a10-yearparts andlabour warranty*BEDROOM COLLECTIONSCall your Carrier dealer to SAVE BIG TODAY!A1 Air Conditioning Aire One Brooms Heating Maintemp Heating & & HeatingHeating & Coolingand Air ConditioningAir Conditioning Inc. 905-844-2949 905-849-4998905-634-7701905-681-3440* For details call these participating Carrier dealers today217 Lakeshore Rd. E.,Downtown Oakville 905-844-3530www.swissinteriors.com27 Friday, June 24, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com