At Home In The Woods

[clemsonfor]

Gutter Cleaning Time Again

When we got some heavy rains last week, I noticed our gutters were overflowing again. It was obviously time to clean the gutters. When we cleaned out our gutters for the first time this past spring, CurlyDave said the "pictures looked like a circus act". Since I didn't think I could sell any tickets to this fall's gutter cleaning act, I decided to buy a ladder stabilizer as suggested by Barton.

Thus, I went to Lowe's to buy a ladder stabilizer. Unfortunately, the stabilizer sold by Lowe's only stands the ladder 10" off the wall. Our eaves are 24" plus the gutter depth so I had to go online and order a Louisville Ladder stabilizer that has a 24" stand-off. However, the stabilizer would not be delivered in time for the weekend so the circus act returned to our house this weekend.

Is started at the easiest spot which is the single story section above the garage. I then moved around to the front of the house and worked my way from the garage end of the house to the opposite end. Using the hoe handle, I would drag the leaves to me and then pull the leaves out of the gutters with my hands. The hoe handle extended my reach and minimized the number of times I had to move the ladder.

There is one section in the front of the house where the ladder had to stand on a very unlevel piece of ground. I stacked some boards under the ladder to level the spot and asked my wife to steady the ladder when I climbed it. Having the ladder stabilizer would certainly have been nice at this point. The stabilizer arms rest against the brick and provide lots of friction to keep the top of the ladder from slidding right or left. Without the stabilizer, my ladder was resting against the slippery edge of the aluminum gutters and did not have a lot of lateral support. The gutter cleaning the on the front of the house went smoothly.

I observed that a large section of the gutters on the front of the house slope away from the downspouts instead of toward them. I'm not very happy about that. The gutter company rep assured us that the gutters would all slope toward the downspouts. However, I am fairly confident that the installers never used a level at all. They just installed the gutters even with that trim work around the eaves. I would estimate that the worst section of gutter will have 3/8" of water standing in it after the rain stops. If real terms, I don't know how much of a problem the standing water is but it is definitely annoying.

After finishing the front of the house, I cleaned the gutters on the back of the house. I can access the main floor back porch roof via a window in the attic. Both porches on the back of the house have 3/12 pitch shed roofs. Cleaning the gutters on the shed roofs was easy. I just got on my hands and knees and pulled out the leaves with my hands. I was able to get to the basement back porch by climbing out a living room window.

The hairiest part was cleaning the gutters around the dormer on the back of the house. I've attached an older picture that gives a view of the back dormer. I had to climb out on the 8/12 pitch roof to get to the gutters on the side of the dormer. I've very uncomfortable walking around on that steep of a roof.

I did not clean out the gutter over the two story section of the back of the house. I'm going to wait for the ladder stabilizer to arrive before I tackle that section of the roof. For those who were looking for this episode of the circus act to be as exciting as the spring edition, I must apologize. The circus act this fall was pretty boring.

WOW! im with the other guys. I would not be taking pics of this let alone climbing over 8 feet or so on a latter like that. At least if your gonna do that use some larger pieces of wood! Your putting stuff on the net that will deny a claim if you need one like the others have pointed out. We all do really unsafe things but i hope when im your age im not doing things like this. At 29 i think i wont even do this! im with the other guy, dig a hole for the other foot.
Also since you live near those trees you need those gutter gaurds for real, not that expensive esp if you use the same company id imagine. All these latter holdoffs and things your a part of the way to it anyway.

And just curious do you have any other clothes other than the grey pants and light blue shirt? Seems every picture of you your wearing them! Like one of those shows where the guy has a closet of the exact same thing.

 

[shane]

OK, this is getting funny. I understand some of the safety critiques and even agree with most of them to a degree, but questioning his wardrobe...

 

[dex3361]

WOW! im with the other guys. I would not be taking pics of this let alone climbing over 8 feet or so on a latter like that. At least if your gonna do that use some larger pieces of wood! Your putting stuff on the net that will deny a claim if you need one like the others have pointed out. We all do really unsafe things but i hope when im your age im not doing things like this. At 29 i think i wont even do this! im with the other guy, dig a hole for the other foot.
Also since you live near those trees you need those gutter gaurds for real, not that expensive esp if you use the same company id imagine. All these latter holdoffs and things your a part of the way to it anyway.

And just curious do you have any other clothes other than the grey pants and light blue shirt? Seems every picture of you your wearing them! Like one of those shows where the guy has a closet of the exact same thing.

I have to question any guy who notices the clothes another guy wears. Your man card may be revoked for such things or at least be put on probation. If the desire to critique the fashion of others Womans Day has a nice web site that may interest you.

 

[Coyote machine]

I have to question any guy who notices the clothes another guy wears. Your man card may be revoked for such things or at least be put on probation. If the desire to critique the fashion of others Womans Day has a nice web site that may interest you.

Dude, YOU'RE the one recommending a women's fashion web site, so what does that tell us!?:confused2:

 

[Obed]

I would not be taking pics of this let alone climbing over 8 feet or so on a latter like that. ... Your putting stuff on the net that will deny a claim if you need one like the others have pointed out.

Is anybody out there an insurance agent who can comment on this concern?

Also since you live near those trees you need those gutter gaurds for real, not that expensive esp if you use the same company id imagine. All these latter holdoffs and things your a part of the way to it anyway.

If you are interested, please see the discussions in this thread regarding gutter guard decisions here.

And just curious do you have any other clothes other than the grey pants and light blue shirt? Seems every picture of you your wearing them! Like one of those shows where the guy has a closet of the exact same thing.

Yes, I own one other shirt but I wear it 5 days a week during my day job so it is already dirty by Saturday. So I bring out the blue shirt for Saturdays.

Obed

 

[Coyote machine]

Did your insurance agents tell you that most people are hurt or killed by falling off ladders, and falling in general, from a height of no more than 6-8' off the ground?
Is there any real point to this never ending thread in which you pose various ridiculous scenarios, where you then want to argue in defense of your way of doing things? Those who reply are seeking to pass FREE knowledge on to you to help keep you from hurting yourself or your family members. I can only speak for myself but I'm tired of trying to make a difference in this thread. It is pointless

FWIW:

Work-related falls from ladders – a follow-back study of US emergency department cases

by Lombardi DA, Smith GS, Courtney TK, Brennan MJ, Kim JY, Perry MJ

Objectives Ladder falls comprise 16% of all US workplace fall-related fatalities, and ladder use may be particularly hazardous among older workers. This follow-back study of injured workers from a nationally representative sample of US emergency departments (ED) focused on factors related to ladder falls in three domains of the work environment: work equipment, work practices, and worker-related factors. Risk factors for fractures, the most frequent and severe outcome, were also evaluated.

Methods Workers injured from a ladder fall, treated in one of the 65 participating ED in the occupational National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) were asked to participate. The questionnaire included worker demographics, injury, ladder and work equipment and environment characteristics, work tasks, and activities. Multivariate logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of a work-related fracture.

Results Three-hundred and six workers experiencing an injury from an – on average – 7.5-foot-fall from a step, extension, or straight ladder were interviewed primarily from construction, installation, maintenance, and repair professions. Injuries were most frequently to the arm, elbow or shoulder; head, neck, or face with diagnoses were primarily fracture, strain, sprain, contusion or abrasion. Workers were most frequently standing or sitting on the ladder while installing, hanging an item, or performing a repair when they fell. Ladder movement was the mechanism in 40% of falls. Environmental conditions played a role in <10% of cases. There was a significant association between fracture risk and fall height while working on the ladder that was also influenced by older work age.

Conclusions This study advances knowledge of falls from ladders to support those who specify means and methods, select equipment, and plan, supervise, or manage the performance of employees working at heights.
Refers to the following text of the Journal: 2010;36(3):258-265

Key terms construction; emergency department; epidemiology; fall; follow-back study; fracture; injury; ladder; safety
Additional material

 

[dex3361]

Dude, YOU'RE the one recommending a women's fashion web site, so what does that tell us!?:confused2:

That I am married.:laughing:

 

[CurlyDave]

...Is there any real point to this never ending thread in which you pose various ridiculous scenarios, where you then want to argue in defense of your way of doing things? Those who reply are seeking to pass FREE knowledge on to you to help keep you from hurting yourself or your family members. I can only speak for myself but I'm tired of trying to make a difference in this thread. It is pointless...

I like Obed and his thread.

He might not do everything according to the best advice he gets, but I have learned a few things along the way.

Personally, I only do ladders when all conditions are right. I am too old to take a fall. If I can't get a safe setup, I hire someone to do it for me. Someone who has experience, the right equipment, and about half my age.

 

[bem1965]

Well, I love this thread! Obed is a fantastic guy who seems to live out a dream! A daughter, a self-made house! If I'm not mistaken Obed and his wife have done a lot of climbing so he is probably quite relaxed with heights... Me I have vertigo so I have big problems with ladder an roof work. On all my houses (5) I have a line permanently attached to the chimney and use a safety harness all the time. I usually hire people to do roof work if my wife isn't interested in doing it.

/Lars

 

[Obed]

I admit I've done some stupid things and I'm sure will do so again in the future. I'm sure I've done stupid things that I've posted in this thread. You guys pretty much get the whole picture without much filtering.

I knew some people would not like how I leveled the ladder with the wood blocks. On the picture it looked rather fragile. I don't like climbing ladders; I like climbing them now much less than I did in my 20's. However, believe it or not, in practice the base of the ladder felt very solid; I tested it carefully before climbing it. I used my wife to steady the base "just in case"

Please understand, anybody out there who might want to claim that I'm "justifying" my actions, the reality is while at home I report to me (or maybe to my wife). So I don't feel any need to "justify" what I do as has been suggested in this thread. I ask questions on this thread because this forum has been a great source of help and information to me. I respond to people's comments because I find the communication to be helpful, and I think some other people also find it to be so. When I pose questions, I'm not asking for "permission". That would be absurd. So I make my best judgment call and go with it, for better or worse.

I'm not suggesting that using a stack of boards to level a ladder is a best practice. I'm not encouraging people to rescue a tractor with a come-along. I'm not recommending that someone cut down a tree close to their house without adequate experience or help. I'm not promoting that someone who has no knowledge of electricity attempt to fix an electrical smell in the house.

Everybody gauges risk differently and that's ok. Who am I to say that a NASCAR driver is wrong because of the risks he takes? Do I think NASCAR racing is right for everybody? No. Is it right for some people? Yes, I believe so. What I do recommend is for people to try new things, to ask questions, to learn, to experience the fullness of life by DOING stuff. Take calculated risks but make sure you use your head.

Obed

 

[Tororider]

Well said. One of the best ways to learn is by doing something less than perfect. The great thing about this site is that many people have varied experiences and great and efficient ways to do things. Keep up the good work Obed.

 

[PAGUY]

I've dealt with people on other messageboards who seem to know-it-all and criticize just because that is their nature. I am sure we have all done things that we regret but we learn from our mistakes. Obed is doing the best he can and truly appreciates others suggestions and comments. It is how we all learn sometimes from others mistakes. I am sure he uses common sense and would not put himself or his family in harms way intentionally. Granted living in the woods causes the gutters to fill with leaves and eventually Obed will take action to put a stop to it but it takes money and I'm sure he is not the richest guy in the neighborhood. It is nice when you can hire someone to do work around your home but that takes money and when we feel we can do a job that is money saved for more important projects around the house.

So let's just offer our suggestions and we can all learn together without the preaching to the choir.

 

[carnochanm]

I am not one to post to often but I have certainly enjoyed this whole thread so please keep us updated even if a few don't like what you are doing. I usually check this thread for an update at least 4-5 times a week.

Keep up the good work and stay as safe as you want.

 

[Obed]

Hey guys, there have been lots of good comments from everybody. I welcome people's opinions in this thread. Yes it's fine to disagree with me or others and to air your opinion. We all just need to try to be friendly when we share our opinions. Sometimes it takes extra care to do so in a forum but we should all at least try. For the most part, I think people have been extremely good in this thread about sharing their views in a helpful way.

 

[Obed]

Yesterday my wife called the electrician and told him about the electrical smell in our foyer. Today two of his workers came by to check things out. They replaced a switch, tightened a wire terminal connection, and replaced the light bulbs in one of the light fixtures. The bulbs had some construction debris melted on them.

The smell seems to be gone now and so is $80 of our money. My wife is crying the blues a little because the electricians didn't do anything we couldn't have done. I have not had any time during daylight hours to personally address the issue so we got help.

 

[RadarTech]

Yesterday my wife called the electrician and told him about the electrical smell in our foyer. Today two of his workers came by to check things out. They replaced a switch, tightened a wire terminal connection, and replaced the light bulbs in one of the light fixtures. The bulbs had some construction debris melted on them.

The smell seems to be gone now and so is $80 of our money. My wife is crying the blues a little because the electricians didn't do anything we couldn't have done. I have not had any time during daylight hours to personally address the issue so we got help.

Something I learned and often use to self justify to myself in regards to the spending of money to pay another to do something I could have done is this :

If I can do it but the end result of the loss of my time will be better used for family or anything that is fun, and the cost is minimal... Just pay it..
One thing I just don't bother with is oil changes for my truck anymore... Ie the dealer charges me $27 and during that time they rotate my tires and fill the fluids... Parts would be about $23.... Then I would have to spend the time and gas to get rid of the used oil.... Plus the time for the tire rotation.. That 30 minutes at the dealer every 8 weeks or so.... Is worth it...

The $125 the local volunteer fireman asked to clean my gutters... Hmmm.. I am soooo leaning towards that...

That is cheaper than the $150 emergency room deductible...... I have a 24 foot extension ladder and it won't reach all my gutters....

So ,to me at least, $80 for an electrician and the time to diagnose in the worry of a potential electrical hazard is a drop in the bucket.... The family is safe... Don't fret my friend.... It was the right decision......

I have to say I have truly enjoyed this thread, all the things I have learned and the experiences we have all shared.... Please keep writing....


Just as hallmark keeps making cards, you keep on writing and we'll keep on reading.....


RT

 

[dstig1]

Did your insurance agents tell you that most people are hurt or killed by falling off ladders, and falling in general, from a height of no more than 6-8' off the ground?
Is there any real point to this never ending thread in which you pose various ridiculous scenarios, where you then want to argue in defense of your way of doing things? Those who reply are seeking to pass FREE knowledge on to you to help keep you from hurting yourself or your family members. I can only speak for myself but I'm tired of trying to make a difference in this thread. It is pointless

 

[Depmandog]

Yesterday my wife called the electrician and told him about the electrical smell in our foyer. Today two of his workers came by to check things out. They replaced a switch, tightened a wire terminal connection, and replaced the light bulbs in one of the light fixtures. The bulbs had some construction debris melted on them.

The smell seems to be gone now and so is $80 of our money. My wife is crying the blues a little because the electricians didn't do anything we couldn't have done. I have not had any time during daylight hours to personally address the issue so we got help.

You said it all - you didn't have the time - but I bet...no, I know - you had the worry that something bad could happen. It's $80 spent that instantly took a huge weight off your mind. To me - it's cheap payment for having the piece of mind that all is well - no electrical fires for me! Cross that worry off my list!!

I have never done a major project such as yours. We did add a substantial addition/remodel on the house when my wife was pregnant - finishing alter she gave birth to our son. Pretty much had the entire house tore up except for three rooms. Started in April, finished in November Much like you i did the majority of the work myself - while working a full time job It's very stressful time - especially at the end. You are tired, but still have tons on little things to do.

Keep posting!! Don't let some jerk poo head bother you or get under your skin!

Love the place, now take some time to enjoy it for a bit! You deserve it - both of you deserve it.

Dean

 

[clemsonfor]

OK, this is getting funny. I understand some of the safety critiques and even agree with most of them to a degree, but questioning his wardrobe...

I have to question any guy who notices the clothes another guy wears. Your man card may be revoked for such things or at least be put on probation. If the desire to critique the fashion of others Womans Day has a nice web site that may interest you.

How can nobody notice he always has the same hat and shirt on? If i posted a buch of pics everyday that i as another person realized were taken on all different days i would think someone may notice. Two or 3x maybe you could have the same thing on but everytime. Im thinking some of you are just to worried about sterotypes to mention it.

Put me on probation please dont revoke it!

Is anybody out there an insurance agent who can comment on this concern?

If you are interested, please see the discussions in this thread regarding gutter guard decisions here.

Yes, I own one other shirt but I wear it 5 days a week during my day job so it is already dirty by Saturday. So I bring out the blue shirt for Saturdays.



Obed

That last one is a good one.



And someone a few posts above commented about he is living a dream, that he is. Why cause an end to the dream to early. Im not saying i dont do unsafe stuff but it seems like everything here is a bit crazy, almost circus like?

As for previous posts on all subhects in this. I had come across this thread over a year ago read a bit lost interest, returned and saw the recent progress and the home and after comments i thought Obded built the house himself after all he said he did. I just in the last week realized he was the GC, in my opinion you didnt really build the house you contracted it out. Im not knocking what you did im just saying what i think and see what you and others have to say.

It wasent till the electrical problem that i was like i thought you did it? Then was like ok he subbed that out and did carentry etc. Then i read about the framers and the insulation guys, and was like i think he means he was GC, then you posted about "building" your own house as GC.

My point is when i installed the wood floors in my living room i said i did it or when i finished a room when remodeling i said i finished it or when i remodel the upstairs bath and bed i will have rebuilt it. When i say i built it i mean i actually took a hammer and nail or screws or nail gun to it put the dry wall up and even polly'ed the floors. In my opinion if you hire a guy to insulate or install floors or frame your house or whatever you did not "build" it you subcontracted it out. All your doing is paying someone to do the work, after assessing thier ability and references and cost. This is a heap different than buying the material and actually building it yourself.

OK i will now step down. NOthing personal even though i am attacked for mentioning that you seem to wear the same thing like im gay, "not that theres any thing wrong with that (any Seinfeld watchers here?)". I have just been following for a few weeks before my first post on this thread and took me awhile without reading all 400+ pages to figure this one out, cause it keeps being talked about you building your house.

Sorry if i crossed the line with this comment, just something that kind of bothers me i guess. I personally hate it when a "builder" says they built this or built that. **** that guy barely ever got mud over the rubber soles of his boots during construction. All he has is a check book and an account and a list of subs. Thats not to say that some of them cant do it or never did.