Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

ROUTE 29 / GAINESVILLE

No significant traffic impacts scheduled.

ROUTE 234 BUSINESS (SUDLEY ROAD) / MANASSAS

I-66 West near Bull Run

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Temporary 15-minute stoppages of traffic for blasting operations.

I-66 West between Route 29 Centreville and Cub Run

Monday, March 30, through Thursday, April 2: 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Friday, April 3: 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Three right lanes will be closed for crews to install bridge beams over Cub Run.

ROUTE 28 (SULLY ROAD) / CENTREVILLE

I-66 East and West between Route 29 Centreville and Stringfellow Road

Route 28 North and South between Route 29 and Braddock Road

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Temporary 15-minute stoppages of traffic on I-66 East and West, and Route 28 North and South for blasting operations.

I-66 West between Route 29 Centreville and Cub Run

Monday, March 30, through Thursday, April 2: 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Friday, April 3: 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Three right lanes will be closed for crews to install bridge beams over Cub Run.

Route 29 Centreville North and South at I-66

Turn lanes from Route 29 Centreville South to I-66 West

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 4: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Single lane closures on northbound and southbound Route 29 at I-66 for bridge pier construction. The turn lanes from Route 29 South to I-66 West will also be narrowed to a single lane.

ROUTE 286 (FAIRFAX COUNTY PARKWAY) / FAIR LAKES

Stringfellow Road North and South from Westbrook Drive/Village Square Drive to Fair Lakes Boulevard

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The right lane will be closed for utility relocation.

Route 286 North and South from Lee Highway (Route 29) to Fair Lakes Parkway

Monday, March 30, through Thursday, April 2: 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Friday, April 3: 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Two lanes will be closed for overhead bridge demolition of I-66 bridges over Route 286. Drivers should expect occasional 20-minute stoppages along northbound Route 286.

ROUTE 50 / FAIRFAX

Route 50 East at I-66

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The left lane will be closed for bridge abutment construction.

I-66 West from Route 123 to Route 50

Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31: 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Three lanes will be closed for crews to a implement a lane shift at Waples Mill Road. Drivers should expect periodic 20-minute stoppages between 12:00 midnight and 4:00 a.m.

I-66 West from Jermantown Road to Route 50

Beginning 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 30, through Monday, April 20

The HOV lane will be closed for bridge pier work in the median.

I-66 East from Route 50 to Jermantown Road

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The HOV lane will be closed for bridge pier work in the median.

ROUTE 123 (CHAIN BRIDGE ROAD) / OAKTON CITY OF FAIRFAX

Ramp from Route 123 North and South to I-66 East

Sunday, March 29, through Friday, April 3: 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

The ramp from northbound and southbound Route 123 to I-66 East will be closed. Traffic will be directed to I-66 West, to Route 50 East, and then stay to the left and follow signs to I-66 East.

I-66 West from Jermantown Road to Route 50

Beginning 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 30, through Monday, April 20

The HOV lane will be closed for bridge pier work in the median.

I-66 East from Route 50 to Jermantown Road

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The HOV lane will be closed for bridge pier work in the median.

ROUTE 243 (NUTLEY STREET) / VIENNA

Cedar Lane from Hilltop Drive to Cottage Street

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Flagging operation alternating two-way traffic in a single lane for water line relocation.

I-66 East from Blake Lane to Nutley Street

Sunday, March 29, through Thursday, April 2: 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Friday, March 3: 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Two right lanes will be closed for barrier wall demolition. The eastbound collector-distributor lanes at Nutley Street will also be narrowed.

I-66 West at Nutley Street

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The right lane will be closed for paving work. The westbound collector-distributor lanes at Nutley Street will also be narrowed.

I-495 (CAPITAL BELTWAY) / DUNN LORING

I-495 North from Route 29 to I-66

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Single lane closure for bridge work.

I-495 North and South from Route 29 to Route 7

Wednesday, April 1, and Thursday, April 2: 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Three left lanes will be closed on northbound I-495 and two left lanes on southbound I-495 will be closed for bridge work. Drivers should expect periodic 20-minute stoppages between 12:00 midnight and 4:00 a.m.

See the original post here:
I-66 Lane Closures and Traffic Changes, Week of March 29 - Prince William Living

Labourers walking to their villages take a nap along the Lucknow-Faizabad highway on Thursday.

In four days and 200 km of walking, Pravin Kumar, 46, was stopped at every checkpoint. Police checked whether he and 11 others with him had their Aadhaar cards and then waved them on, with an instruction to maintain social distancing.

So, for their only proper meal in 65 hours, offered by a voluntary organisation, the 12 sat one metre apart in Dehradun on Thursday afternoon.

Kumar, employed like the others at the Char Dham Road Projects Hanuman Chatti site in Uttarkashi, says he knows the value of hygiene in the time of coronavirus. So, every time he found a source of water along the route, he ensured he washed his feet at least. That also gave some relief from the footsores he developed from the long walk, with 60 km more to go, to home in Kutubpur village of Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

Between the 12 of them, only one had a mask.

For the past four months, Kumar and the others have been building a retaining wall using boulders for the Char Dham Road Project, earning around Rs 500 a day each. Now, Rs 500 is the maximum any one of them has, as they head home.

Also Read |Holes in the net: Many who have been hit still left out, relief too little

Back in his village, Pravin Kumar, a father of three, said, he can make a maximum of Rs 150 a day, with a meal thrown in, working as a farm labourer.

In Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, district authorities came to the aid of a group of 19 who had walked two days for over 450 km from Delhi, and arranged transport for them to Bahraich, a further 135 km away.

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The lockdown announcement caught them by surprise, Pravin Kumar said. On Janata Curfew day, March 22, the 12 had taken it easy, relaxing in the makeshift tents they stayed in, watching movies on their mobile phones. When the restrictions were tightened to a lockdown by the state the same evening, Kumar said, they rushed to their contractor. He said he cannot provide food to us without work for so many days. We were uncertain as to how long the work would remain stopped.

Kumar said they asked the contractor for a weeks worth of pay so that they could go home. However, he said he had no money. With no transport available, we decided to walk back.

Also Read |300 migrants found crammed in two trucks, thousands in a railway train

They left early morning on March 23, and made their way to Dehradun on Thursday via Chamba, Kaddukhal and Raipur.

Having carried food barely for one day, they could not eat anything after Monday night as everything along the way was shut. On Thursday afternoon, as they rested under trees at Banjarawala on the Haridwar bypass highway, a security guard at a nearby marble shop, Mohammad Akhtar, spotted them and rushed over with water. A few minutes later, four volunteers of a social organisation came with a packet of pooris, a bucket of sabji and disposable plates.

pm garib kalyan scheme, coronavirus economic package, coronavirus package for poor, food subsidy, coronavirus india news, coronavirus covid-19

Story continues

A Delhi constable provides hand sanitiser to a child at a slum area in Rangpuri on Thursday. (Express photo/Amit Mehra)

Pritam Kumar, a resident of Kaasampur village in Saharanpur, said that in the plains of Raipur near Dehradun Thursday morning, a family offered them tea and biscuits. However, as Deepak Saini, who is from Manjhipur village in Saharanpur, said, such instances were rare. We found several people outside their homes, but we could not understand their accent and they could not get what we were saying. The only breadwinner of his family, including his parents, wife and two children, Saini said he was getting constant calls from home checking where he had reached and if he was safe.

Explained:Unpacking the Garib Kalyan package

Zakir of Tanda village in Saharanpur, returning home with younger brother Usman, said that because they crossed forested areas during their walk, they slept hardly two hours at night and that too in shifts. We feared attacks by wild animals or criminals.

Usman said they came across many in a similar situation as them, headed home on foot. Before implementing the lockdown, the government should have made arrangements for workers like us to get home, Zakir said.

The brothers are also worried about returning without any earnings. The family has a farm where they grow foodgrains. Zakir pointed out that in the forests of Kaddukhal area, they had to leave behind their blankets and quilts as well, as the load got too heavy.

The labourers said they also faced problems finding their way, as they had earlier always used public transport to get home. We approached police for directions. But that was the only help they provided. Otherwise, they checked our ID proof (Aadhaar) at every check-post and barricade, said Pritam Kumar.

In Dehradun, as they ate, police arrived in a jeep and questioned them. Before leaving, the officials told them, Why are you seated so closely? Keep a distance of at least 1 metre, including when you walk.

Coping with coronavirus: Big challenge for Indias 37% internal migrants

A self-run site with almost 200 migrant construction workers from UP, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, accommodating men, women and children in several hutments in Delhi's Uttam Nagar. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Additional District Magistrate, Lakhimpur Kheri, Arun Kumar Singh said they spotted 19 migrant labourers in Mohammadi area. They told us they were coming from Delhi, where they were employed with a construction firm, and were headed for Nanpara in Bahraich. With dhabas and hotels on highways closed, they hadnt eaten in three days. We provided them food and arranged a bus to take them, the ADM said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath intervened to help around 80 people, including a pregnant woman, travelling in a bus from Mumbai to Sant Kabir Nagar and Basti districts who had been stopped by police between Teekamgarh and Chhatarpur.

In Dehradun, with home nearer, Deepak Saini clung to one silver living. My contractor gave me Rs 500 for travel. I saved that because I could not find transport.

with MANISH SAHU, Lucknow

The rest is here:
India lockdown: 12 walk 200 km, down hills and past forests, on biscuits, one meal - Yahoo India News

Devon is arguably one of the best places to live in the current climate of coronavirus lockdown.

Many of us will live in beautiful cities, towns and villages with stunning views on our doorsteps.

But there are so many stunning locations in Devon, that we thought now would be a good time to make a list of the places you should visit once all this madness is over.

We've carefully hand picked these 18 delightful Devon towns and villages which we think you need to see - but remember, for the moment stay home and #ComeBackLater.

The tranquil village of Berrynarboris just east ofIlfracombe, near Combe Martin, in the scenic Sterridge Valley.

It lies within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the North Devon Coastal Path close by, offering wonderful walks and scenery. There's a 12th century church and 15th century manor hall.

This gorgeous village on the edge of Lustleigh Cleave on Dartmoor has been inhabited since before records began.

A large granite boulder in the village orchard topped by a granite throne is the centre of the annual May Day celebrations.

The Cleave Inn and Primrose tea rooms are legendary and popular with walkers heading to Lustleigh Cleave and down the river Bovey valley. Paths criss-cross the Cleave (which is mostly common land) and surrounding fields, meadows and woods.

This idyllic spot at the mouth of the River Teign is known for its great community spirit. It has been growing in popularity ever since a retaining wall was built in 1800 to stop the sea washing the beach away.

Before that time the river settlement was upstream in Ringmore, sheltered from the sea.

The River Teign is home to one of England's largest rowing clubs.

This gorgeous little village on the edge of the River Dart two miles upstream from Dartmouth. It is opposite Agatha Christie's beautiful Greenway Estate, now run by the National Trust.

The most picturesque way to approach it is on the Greenway Ferry and land on the pontoons where children love to go crabbing. There are picturesque cottages alongside the quayside and the delightful Ferry Boat Inn.

This picture-postcard fishing village on the North Devon coast is completely unique.

Higgledy piggledy cottages roll down the cobbled main street to reveal the stunning harbour and turquoise ocean looking out over Bideford Bay.

But it's not just good looks - Clovelly has a thriving community spirit.

Tiny olde-world Lee Bay, or just Lee, is on the rugged North Devon coastline near Woolacombe - at the foot of the fabulous Fuchsia Valley.

The village is just a few hundred metres from the gently sloping, sandy beach which is revealed as the tide goes.

The jewel in South Devon's crown and one synonymous with heft house prices.

Salcombe is a charming, vibrant little town that still manages to retain that unique Devon character.

Home to numerous shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants, Salcombe is a hotspot for tourists who don't mind a bit of extra spending.

Woolfardisworthy in North Devon was recently ranked as the fifth most difficult-to-pronounce place name in the UK by a team of linguists - which is why it's just known as Woolsery.

The pretty village has an estimated population of just 1,100. Life has changed since this time last year when wealthy San Franciscans Michael and Xochi Birch, who founded social media firm Bebo (and sold it for a whopping $850million), opened the Farmer's Arms pub in Woolsery.

Michael, whose family originate from the village, has also spent serious money restoring the village's fish and chip shop, village stores, several residential properties, a large manor house which the couple are converting into a hotel and spa - and 90 acres of farmland.

Where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet, sits the delightful quayside village of Appledore.

This quiet fishing village has been an important ship building centre for centuries.

It's also home to one of North Devon's finest exports - Hocking's ice cream!

With enchanting streets and a fantastic scenic river location, Dartmouth overlooks one of the finest natural harbours in the UK and has a strong maritime heritage.

Quirky shops and art galleries line the quaint streets.

Dartmouth is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, sightseeing expedition or family break.

The stunning three-mile beach at Woolacombe was recently voted the best in the UK - and this picture shows why.

A quiet surf village in the winter, Woolacombe's population skyrockets in the summer when it becomes a haven for sun seekers, families and wave worshippers.

Sitting on its own estuary, Kingsbridge is a market town with a friendly atmosphere in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Located close to Salcombe and the stunning Thurlestone Bay, Kingsbridge feels like a proper town with a proper community - despite it's picture perfect looks.

There's no better place to laze with a coffee or a glass of wine looking out over the estuary.

Lynmouth - also known as Devon's Little Switzerland - is a the definition of natural beauty.

Along with its twin town of Lynton, Lynmouth is home to the Grade I listed, water-powered cliff railway which offers stunning views of the bay below, the rugged cliffs and the rolling beauty of Exmoor.

In the right conditions, it is also one of the finest surf spots in the UK - but be warned, this wave isn't for beginners.

If you have a hankering to live like a Hobbit for the day, Cockington is the place to be.

Take a walk back in time along the narrow lanes, lined with thatched houses and youll experience a quiet charm that is quintessentially English.

Theres a water mill and forge, and the cricket pitch was once a medieval deer park.

Sat directly opposite Appledore (which you can reach via a small ferry), Instow boasts stunning views over the Torridge estuary - best viewed at sunset.

It also features some cracking restaurants, quaint shops and an award-winning delicatessen in John's of Instow.

The beach and rolling dunes are a hit with families and dog walkers.

In a gorgeous setting with tea rooms, hotels, shops and pubs, this village often has wild ponies, sheep and cattle meandering on the village green.

The scenery surrounding the village is also stunning, with far-reaching vistas spanning out over Dartmoor.

If dramatic scenery is what you're after, Hartland is the place.

This quaint village is home to some of the most unique, rugged coastline on Devon's shores - as well as a couple of lovely old pubs to watch it from.

It's also very popular with Hollywood movie producers and TV production crews, having been used as a set for films such as Treasure Island and TV shows including The Night Manager, Top Gear and Sense & Sensibility.

Located in the stunning South Hams and within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bigbury on Sea is a favourite with families, couples and watersports enthusiasts.

Bigburys most famous landmark is Burgh Island, which overlooks the beach itself. The island is accessible at low tide, when the waters reveal a causeway that links it to the beach.

However, when the tide is in you can still reach the island by hitching a ride on the popular and unique sea tractor.

Read the rest here:
19 incredibly pretty Devon towns and village to visit when the coronavirus crisis is over - Devon Live

Beautifully appointed 2 story on a lovely lot. Wood floors on the main and upper levels. The 2 story entry foyer leads to the dining room and study/living room, both with custom shutters, crown and dental molding. The spectacular great room features a wood-burning fireplace, built-in bookcases, bay window, walk-behind wet bar and French doors to patio., The kitchen is the heart of the home with 42-inch cabinets, center island, stainless appliances and adjoining breakfast room with a bay window. The master suite boasts a walk-in closet and luxury bath with double vanities, shower, and soaking tub. Also on the UL are 3 additional bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level is perfect for gatherings with a rec room, game room, walk-behind wet bar, fireplace, full bath, exercise room, and sauna. Additional features include a patio, 3 car rear-entry garage, level lot, sprinkler and security system, and more. Impeccable throughout!

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38 of the Most Expensive Homes for Sale in the St. Louis Area - STLtoday.com

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Do you tend to put off cleaning the gutters until as late as possible?

Maybe you even skipped doing it last year because its such a dreaded household chore.

Well, theres no need to put it off anymore thanks to some helpful products that make cleaning gutters easier than ever!

Following arethe best tools that help you clean the nastiness out of your gutters.

Generally speaking, there are 4 ways to clean gutters:

1. Climb a ladder and use a variety of tools to grab and remove the leaves and debris at eye-level.

2. Attach tools to a wet/dry shop vac to suck up the leaves or to blast them out of the gutters.

3. Attach tools to your water hose to spray leaves out of the gutters.

4. Use a long-reaching pole to remove leaves from the gutters while standing at ground level.

Of course, there are some gutter cleaning tools that combine one or more of the methods mentioned above. And each has its pros and cons. In the end, it all comes down to your own personal preference and which seems like the safest and easiest option to you.

These are the best gutter cleaning tools available right now

If youre tired of climbing on ladders and pouring water from a hose to flush the leaves and debris out of your gutters, this nifty little tool may be just what youre looking for!

One of the best things is the fact that you can clean your gutters from the ground. No ladder is required. And theres no need for water from your garden hose either.

Plus, its so lightweight that you can even reach a 2-story gutter with no problem.

The tool itself has 2 prongs and fits on an ordinary extension pole. (Check your current brooms, mops, and ceiling fan cleaners to see if theyre attached to extension poles.) Think of the pronged arms as a pair of tongs. While youre standing on the ground below, the angled arms of the Gutter Senseare able tograsp everything from leaves to pine needles.

Not bad for $20.

TIP: The Gardena Gutter Cleaner Head is another similar option.

Reviews from Gutter Sense owners:

If you love gadgets, and the idea of having your own personal robot cleaning your gutters tickles your fancy, this could be a fun new toy.

Its a remote controlled auger that will blast right through everything from dried debris to wet sludge. In effect, it brushes your gutters clean.

One nice perk is that comes with a holster and belt which makes it both hands free and have its own easy storage.

TIP: Use this template to make sure the iRobot Looj will fit your gutters first.

At nearly $100, this one may seem cost-prohibitive at first especially since you will only use it a few times each year. However, iRobot products tend to be durable, reliable, and highly recommended. Therefore, not only will it save you time and energy when you do use it, but it will also last for years!

Reviews from iRobot Looj owners:

If youre looking for the most affordable option, this one rates right up there at around $15.

Of all the tools reviewed here, this one requires the most manual labor on your part. The effect is similar to using a broom and dustpan to clean your gutters.

Although you still have to stand on a ladder to use the Gutter Getter, it greatly extends your reach and reduces the number of times you have to climb up and down the ladder. You canclean up to 14 feet of your gutters at a time before having to move the ladder.

Its much more than simply a 42-inchextension pole though. The tools that come in the kit (a scoop, a broom, a dustpan, and a grabber)make it easy to get the leaves and debris out of the gutters. It also works great around and under gutter hangers.

Reviews from Gutter Getter owners:

If you like the idea of using air to either suck up the leaves from your gutters or blast out the leaves with pressure, here are the best ones:

(These are used while youre standing on the ground.)

Shop Vac Gutter Cleaning Kit Its simple in design, but effective nonetheless. Plus, its one the least expensive options at under $10.It comes with a 120-degree elbow and a concentrator nozzle, as well as 2 extension wands which attach to your shop vacs blower port. Simply plug in your shop vac and, while standing on the ground, youre able to blow everything out of your gutters. Want a similar but slightly more sophisticated contraption? Try the Gutter Clutter Buster.

Gutter Cleaning Blower Attachment If you have a Weed Eater gas or electric leaf blower, then thismay suit your needs better than using a standard vacuum cleaner. Youll get more powerful bursts of air.

AiraLeave If you have a clogged gutter due to a blockage of leaves in the downspout, attach this to any standard leaf blower and then to your downspout at ground level. Once you turn it on, the powerful burst of air will immediately travel upwards and break up the clog on contact. Its an effective but messy procedure, because it sends all of the debris into the air (and then back down on you) once the clog is removed. The reviews speak for themselves.

When youre using water to remove leaves and debris from your gutters, youre effectively cleaning your gutters at the same time!

While it may be a bit messier to use water, its important to note that air alone wont remove the bits & pieces of roof shingles that have a way of gathering in your gutters orthat nasty collection of decomposing leaves sitting in your gutters (if its been some time since you last cleaned them). Thats when pressured water can be a lifesaver.

Here are the best gutter cleaning tools that use water to get the job done:

(Each of these can be used while youre standing on the ground.)

Gutter Cleaning Extension Wand has a slight hook at the end of the telescoping pole to help loosen clumps of leaves or debris from your gutters. But the magic is in the nozzle which uses water to push leaves out of the gutters.

Angled Pressure Washer Gutter Sprayer if you have a pressure washer, this one is a little more heavy duty and powerful than most water-blasting gutter cleaning systems.

And finally, a few tips for the true do-it-yourselfer who doesnt want to buy any gutter cleaning tools at all:

I like to help people find unique ways to do things that will save time & money so I write about "outside the box" Household Tips and Life Hacks that most wouldn't think of. I'm super-organized. And I LOVE to clean! I even enjoy doing laundry (but not ironing). Im also a lifelong dog owner so I often share my favorite tips for living with dogs inside your home (like smart home design choices and dog-friendly cleaning & decorating ideas). Career-wise, I've been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). Prior to that, I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I'm truly passionate about instead. For example, I've worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. When Im not cleaning, organizing, decorating, or fixing something you'll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

Originally posted here:
Best Gutter Cleaning Tools For Removing Leaves & Debris ...

Below, youll find six of the best gutter cleaning tools available today to not only keep your gutters clean, but keep your feet on the ground. There are tools in every budget range and for almost any gutter setup included.

Spring and fall are the times when gutter cleaning is imperative. Clogged gutters can quickly cause major damage to your roof and fascia as water overflows and finds its way into the dark corners of your soffit. No one likes to climb on the ladder to dig leaves out with your hands, and some people hate it so much that they invented these creative solutions to gutter cleaning.

I hope youll find some good options below for your house and unique situation as you work your way through your home maintenance checklists.

What this tools lacks in creative naming (how many numbers and letters does it really need?) it makes up for in clever and simple design. Add this attachment to the business end of any pressure washer and place it into the gutter and blast leaves and debris in two directions.

Youll need an extension pole and if you dont have a downspout on both ends of the gutter, then this does work a little less efficiently since it blasts debris in both directions, but the ease of use cannot be denied.

This is as simple and inexpensive as it gets for gutter cleaning. Sure, youll have to climb up on a ladder and remove the debris by scooping it out, but at least you wont have to use your hands and at less than $5 what more did you expect?

I like to keep it simple and this scooper certainly accomplishes that in spades.

Funny name, serious product! Add this curved attachment to the end of your pressure washer and youre off. Angel the spray head whichever way you need and start at the high end of the gutter and blast all that gunk toward the downspout. It also works great for clearing jams in the downspout.

Theres nothing gimmicky here, just a simple design that is hard to mess up or claim you cant understand.

If you want to keep your feet on the ground while cleaning your gutters, then youll need a few of these extension wand to get your tool of choice in the right location. Depending on the height of your gutters, pick up a few of these extension wands so youre ready to roll.

The Simpson Extension Wand comes with a 1/4 quick connect already installed so that adding your attachment of choice is simple.

This one is for all the techies out there. Sure, you could do the manual labor yourself or choose some of these low tech options, but you could also go the high tech route and get this gutter cleaning robot! iRobot, the creators of popular Roomba also created this workhorse to get your gutters clean.

I have not used this little before and Im not quite sure how it works personally, but their website reviews give it 3.8 out of 5 stars and Amazon has hundreds of reviews scoring it about the same. So, from that I would guess, it gets a B+ for functionality, but A++ for coolness.

This little guy attaches to a standard hose and can blast dirt and leaves out of not only your gutters but also larger pipes. Simply push the hose along and the water rocket blast debris out the backside of the gutter and down the downspout.

Considering you dont need a pressure washer or any other tools, this one was pretty appealing to me. You can get started right away without asking your neighbor to borrow yet another tool.

Below I included a quick video of the iRobot Looj in action since as the most expensive options you should definitely do a little more research before plunking down a couple hundred dollars. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Go here to see the original:
The 6 Best Gutter Cleaning Tools | The Craftsman Blog

Gutter Cleaning Cost

The average cost of gutter cleaning is $150 with most homeowners spending between $110 and $185 or from $0.50 to $1.50 per linear foot. Gutter cleaning costs between $125 and $250 in a two-story home with 200 linear feet of gutters. A one-story house starts at $75 for a light cleaning and up to $200 for heavy cleaning.

On average, a gutter cleaning service will charge you anywhere from $75 to $300 depending on how much time, effort and equipment they will need to clean your gutters thoroughly. Expect to pay more if your gutters have not had a cleaning for a year or longer, especially if you have pine trees near your home or other additional damage to your gutters.

Two-story and three-story homes require special ladders and equipment to clean since the additional height brings with it more risk. The costs for rain gutter cleaning are significantly less if you clean them regularly and do not have trees near your home, especially if you live in a climate that does not experience severe weather conditions like flash flooding.

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The labor cost to clean gutters is around $0.50 to $1.50 per linear foot. A rough rule of thumb is that for every 100 square footage of a home, you can expect to have 10 linear feet of gutters. For example, a 1,500 sq. ft. house will have approximately 150 linear feet of gutters which will cost between $75 and $225 to clean.

Here are the cost factors that gutter cleaning companies take into account when estimating your total cost:

A single-story house is the cheapest in terms of gutter-cleaning costs. Additional stories require additional ladders and other safety gear that also drive up the price.

When you request gutter cleaning service, you'll first need to measure or estimate the length of your gutters. When talking to gutter cleaning companies, ask them how much per linear foot they charge to make comparisons. This way, you are more likely to get clear answers about the labor costs and avoid letting any company overcharge you. Always ask them about their specific cost-calculation models.

Common causes of a price hike:

It is normal for you to pay more for a gutter cleaning if any of these following points apply to your home:

Always make sure that your gutter cleaning includes flushing out your downspouts. They are the most important part of your gutter system since they move all the debris and water quickly away from your roof and your home's foundation. If you have clogged downspouts, then your gutters are almost useless since they will flood over fast. While it sometimes takes extra time and money to flush out the downspouts, it's still essential.

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Most experts will recommend that you clean your rain gutters and downspouts twice a year. The ideal times to clean them are right before your rainiest seasons of the year or right before you start experiencing snowfall if you live in cold climates. However, if you have gutter guards or another type of system where fine mesh screens are covering your gutters, then you will need to check them only once a year or once every two years if you don't have many trees close to your roof.

Some gutter-cleaning companies may offer additional services beyond simply cleaning and repairing gutters. For better protection of your gutter system, consider installing gutter guards so that it requires less cleaning. These systems generally feature a fine mesh screen that automatically prevents larger debris from entering your gutter channels.

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On average, gutter guards and covers cost between $4 and $12 per linear foot installed. The average home often has about 150-200 linear feet of gutters which most homeowners will pay around $570 to $1,529 for professional gutter guard installation.

Remember that you will get what you pay for. Even though you could buy cheap plastic or wire mesh screens yourself and install them on your own, it's a risky job and won't keep out the heavier weight of ice in the winter.

You will find gutter guards on the market in a variety of types. Some guards are only a simple screen, while other systems include foam, brushes, reverse curves, surface-tension features or micro-mesh gutter-guard options.

While the initial price of installing gutter guards will cost more than a standard gutter cleaning, keep in mind that they will also require you to clean your gutters much less often to save money in the long run. The only things that gutter guards cannot completely block out are dirt particles and tiny seeds, which is why they require light maintenance every year or two.

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The average cost to install new aluminum gutters is around $4 to $8 per linear foot and an additional $100 to remove and dispose of your old gutters. On the cheaper end, you could go with vinyl gutters at an average cost of $3 to $5 per linear foot. For a typical home with 150 to 200 feet of gutters, you can expect to pay around $600 to $1,600 for installation.

You could remove the old gutters yourself, but then you also run the risk of damaging your roof. Any damage you create can lead to more work for the installer who puts on your new gutter system, which will cost you more. Depending on the rules of trash and recycling collection in your city, you may also have to pay a fee to dispose of your old gutters if you bring them in yourself.

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If you think that cleaning your gutters is an easy do-it-yourself project, you may want to think again. People hire licensed gutter cleaners because they have lots of experience working on ladders so that you don't have to worry about falling.

They also have specialized equipment that makes it easier to fix unforeseen problems that come up during cleaning. For example, all sorts of things can wedge inside your gutters and cause clogs. They may need to take the gutters apart sometimes to clean them thoroughly. A qualified gutter-cleaning professional will make sure to remove every obstruction from your gutters, including insects, leaves, twigs, and parts of nests.

When you're ready to hire, ask your professional to inspect your gutter system, tighten fasteners, reseal end caps and outlets, and repair any problems.

Once they have finished disposing of all this waste for you, they will flush out your gutters to make sure that the gutters are fully channeling run-off water away from your home. If you would like to give it a shot yourself, check out our gutter cleaning tips below.

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Here's how to clean your gutters safely and more efficiently:

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted gutter cleaning services:

Get free estimates

Read more from the original source:
2020 Gutter Cleaning Cost | How Much To Clean Gutters ...

News Release, National Endowment for the Arts

Washington, DCAccording to the latest data issued today by theBureau of Economic Analysisand the National Endowment for the Arts, the arts remain a vital component of the U.S. economy. As the United States navigates a time of economic uncertainty due to the spread of COVID-19, it is important to recognize and champion the economic contributions of the arts to all 50 states, the U.S. territories, and the nation as a whole.

The sixth edition of the Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account (ACPSA) finds that arts and culture contributed $877.8 billion, or 4.5 percent, to the nations gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017. That same year, there were over 5 million wage and salary workers employed in the arts and cultural sector, earning a total of $405 billion.Complete national findingsare available including interactive infographic anddata tables.

The ACPSA tracks the annual economic impact of arts and cultural production from 35 industries, both commercial and nonprofit. The 35 industries that are tracked range from architectural services to sound recording and are considered a distinct sector of the nations economy. With the outbreak of COVID-19, many arts organizations and venuestheaters, concert halls, museums, studios, festivals, and gallerieshave shut their doors until further notice from public health officials.

Earned income accounts for a substantial share of the bottom line of most nonprofit arts organizations, Sunil Iyengar, Director of Research & Analysis at the Arts Endowment, said. During economic downturns, the sector is acutely vulnerablein terms of earned income, but also in fundraising. Given the lean operating budgets of such organizations, these losses can have an outsized impact, leading to fewer jobs in arts industries, and in the businesses that supply them.

Key National Findings

As arts venues close, it will be important to monitor the impact on ticket sales.

Arts industries that contribute the most value to the nations GDP are also highly reactive to swings in business cycles including:

Even as the sector continues to respond to market forces, it is worth noting that arts and culture contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.

The arts and cultural sector add more to the economy than do construction and transportation/warehousingcombined.

Arts and culture generate a widening trade surplus. From 2006 to 2017, this surplus grew 9?fold, to more than $25 billion.

The sector has shown a capacity for rapid growth.

Key State Findings

On a state level, the arts and cultural sector added $72.8 billion to the economies of rural statesi.e., states in which 30 percent or more of the population live in rural areas, equaling 18 states.

Six states significantly surpassed the average national growth rate of 5.6 percent for the period 2015-2017: Washington, California, Nevada, Utah, Georgia, and Massachusetts.

Arts and cultural value-added for Average annual growth rate of 2017 (in millions) value-added: 2015-2017

Complete state findingsare available also.In addition, through an award from the Arts Endowment, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) has producedan interactive dashboardthat allows users to explore key information for individual states.

The Southern Maryland Chronicle is a local, small business entrusted to provide factual, unbiased reporting to the Southern Maryland Community.While we look to local businesses for advertising, we hope to keep that cost as low as possible in order to attract even the smallest of local businesses and help them get out to the public. We must also be able to pay employees(part-time and full-time), along with equipment, and website related things. We never want to make the Chronicle a pay-wall style news site.

To that end, we are looking to the community to offer donations. Whether its a one-time donation or you set up a reoccurring monthly donation. It is all appreciated. All donations at this time will be going to furthering the Chronicle through hiring individuals that have the same goals of providing fair, and unbiased news to the community. For now, donations will be going to a business PayPal account I have set-up for the Southern Maryland Chronicle, KDC Designs. All business transactions currently occur within this PayPal account. If you have any questions regarding this you can email me at [emailprotected]

Thank you for all of your support and I hope to continue bringing Southern Maryland the best news possible for a very long time. David M. Higgins II

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During Economic Highs and Lows, the Arts Are Key Segment of US Economy - The Southern Maryland Chronicle

The City of Boca Raton is closing all non-essential retail and commercial establishments, effective 12:01am Wednesday, March 25, 2020, until further notice.

View the full Emergency Order (PDF).

All nonessential retail and commercial business locations (meaning all that are not expressly deemed essential as stated in 2 below) are ordered closed except to the extent necessary to perform Minimum Basic Operations.

Minimum Basic Operations means the minimum activities necessary to maintain the value of inventory, preserve plant and equipment condition, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, and facilitate employees working remotely, provided such businesses shall practice, and ensure persons interacting with and within such businesses practice, social distancing and all other measures as advised by the CDC.

The following retail and commercial businesses are deemed essential and existing retail and commercial business locations of these businesses may remain open, but shall practice, and ensure persons interacting with and within such businesses practice, social distancing and all other measures as advised by the CDC:

Essential Businesses That May Remain Open

Original post:
City of Boca Raton Issues Updated Emergency Order Effective Wednesday, Until Further Notice - The Boca Raton Tribune

Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered all non-essential businesses in the state to close. That includes bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and other places where crowds could gather that are not critical to infrastructure of day-to-day life.

Hogan emphasized that this is not a shelter-in-place order, as has been issued in other states. He said he believes closing down businesses is a more effective way to keep people from venturing out.

"Marylanders are urged to remain home, and employers are urged to promote work-from-home arrangements to the greatest extent possible," according to the Office of Legal Counsel of Maryland.

In Monday's press conference, Hogan thanked the Marylanders who have been social distancing and staying at home, but cautioned those who have not complied.

Unfortunately, many people are still not taking it seriously," Hogan said. "There were crowds of people visiting the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., and large gatherings on the beach in Ocean City and on the boardwalk. If you are engaged in this kind of activity, you are breaking the law, and you are literally endangering the lives of your family, your friends, and fellow citizens."

The cloture of all non-essential businesses began at 5 p.m. Monday, March 23.

Hogan said it's a difficult decision having to close businesses, but his administration is trying to be aggressive to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"It's the twin battles, so we don't take any of these steps, and hundreds of thousands or millions of people are going to die in America," Hogan said. "We do take these steps and hundreds of thousands are going to be hurt economically, so its a terrible choice, and so the solution is we try to do both. We try to save lives, and then we try to help save the economy."

He said they have set up multiple funds to help small businesses weather the storm.

At least one of the funds provides up to $10,000 in the form of a direct, immediate grant to help businesses with fewer than 50 employees. His administration said they are also offering up to $50,000 in low-interest loans, with a 0 percent interest rate in the first 12 months.

To help families as they try to stock up on supplies, the Governor also signed an executive order Monday to ban price gauging.

Retailers who attempt to exploit this crisis for profit and gain will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," the Governor said.

Below is a list of businesses that are considered essential and will remain open, according to a release from the Office of Legal Counsel of Maryland.

The Chemical Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Pharmaceutical manufacturers.

ii. Chemical manufacturers.

iii. Distributors of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

The Commercial Facilities Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Lodging.

ii. Building and property maintenance companies, including without limitation plumbers, electricians, HVAC service companies, roofers, environmental services companies, exterminators, arborists, and landscapers.

iii. Janitorial firms.

iv. Companies that sell supplies and materials for maintenance of commercial and residential buildings, including big box home improvement supply stores, plumbing distributors, electrical distributors, and HVAC distributors.

v. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry services.

vi. Commercial and residential construction companies.

vii. Self-storage facilities.

RELATED: Gov. Hogan issues order to close all nonessential businesses in Maryland

The Communications Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Broadcasting companies and stations.

ii. Cable TV companies.

iii. Telephone (cellular and landline) companies.

iv. Internet service providers.

The Critical Manufacturing Sector includes, but is not limited to, manufacturing of:

i. Steel, iron, and aluminum products.

ii. Engines, motors, turbines, generators, and power transmission equipment.

iii. Earth-moving, mining, agricultural, and construction equipment.

iv. Parts for water, electric, and telecommunications utility infrastructure.

v. Land, air, and water vehicles, and related parts.

vi. Medical equipment.

vii. Personal protective equipment.

viii. Cleaning and sanitation equipment and supplies.

The Defense Industrial Base Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Companies that research, develop, manufacture, or integrate weapons, defense, or intelligence systems or assets.

ii. Private contractors that support defense and intelligence agencies.

The Emergency Services Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Law enforcement.

ii. Emergency medical services.

iii. Emergency management.

iv. Fire and rescue services.

v. Private ambulance companies.

The Energy Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Companies engaged in electricity production (excluding hydroelectric and nuclear, which are included in other sectors).

ii. Companies engaged in the production, refining, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of oil, gas, and propane products, including gas stations and truck stops.

iii. Companies that provide utility maintenance services.

The Financial Services Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Banks and credit unions.

ii. Non-bank lenders.

iii. Payroll processing companies.

iv. Payment processing companies.

v. Armored car companies.

vi. Insurance companies.

vii. Securities and investment companies.

viii. Accounting and bookkeeping firms.

The Food and Agriculture Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Grocery stores.

ii. Farmers markets.

iii. Convenience stores.

iv. Alcoholic beverage stores and distributors, distilleries, and wineries.

v. Institutional food service and supply companies.

vi. Farms.

vii. Food manufacturing and processing.

viii. Pet supply stores.

ix. Veterinary hospitals, clinics, and kennels.

x. Companies that manufacture, maintain, and sell agricultural equipment.

xi. Companies that manufacture, or support the manufacturing of paper products.

Please note: Restaurants and bars are required to close except for carryout, delivery, and drive-through sales.

RELATED: 'Now is not the time' | Ocean City beach, boardwalk closes amid coronavirus concerns

The Government Facilities Sector also encompasses private persons and entities that support the judicial system including, but not limited to:

i. Lawyers and law firms.

ii. Court reporters.

iii. Bail bondsmen.

The Healthcare and Public Health Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Hospitals.

ii. Healthcare systems and clinics.

iii. Offices of health care providers, including physicians, dentists, and pharmacists.

iv. Physical, occupation, and speech therapists.

v. Behavioral health facilities and professionals, including psychologists, mental health counselors, and substance abuse counselors

vi. Rehabilitation facilities.

vii. Diagnostic facilities, including radiology, imaging, and laboratory facilities.

viii. Health plans, payers, and billing companies.

ix. Funeral homes and crematoriums.

x. Senior living facilities, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing.

xi. Manufacturers and distributors of medical equipment and supplies.

xii. Medical cannabis growers, processors, and dispensaries.

xiii. Home health care companies.

xiv. Pharmacies.

The Information Technology Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Companies that design, develop, distribute, host, sell, and support information technology software and hardware.

ii. Companies that provide network routing, access, and configuration services.

The Transportation Systems Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Airlines and operators of commercial aircraft (manned and unmanned).

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LIST: These are the only businesses to remain open in Maryland - WUSA9.com