Denver Handyman

Winter Home Maintenance – Roof Raking



Here is an article written by Keith Paul, founder of HandyPro Handyman Service:

With snow piling up on my roof I am afraid it might do damage or worse yet cave in. What can I do?

This week, I have talked to many people with this same concern. The fact is, snow along with ice could cause roof damage. The threat of collapse is a very low probability, but possible. As I stated in my Feb. 10, 2010 article “Preventing ice dams,” sometimes snow can weigh up to 30 pounds per square foot. On a 1500-square-foot house with a roof surface area of 1600 square feet, that’s 48,000 pounds or more on your roof! Some roofs aren’t built to withstand that amount of weight. The weight of a large amount of snow and ice can also cause damage to your gutters and downspouts.

The damage mostly occurs when the snow melts and refreezes underneath the snow where it meets the shingles. Snow melts because of the heat from the attic, then drains to the gutters and refreezes. Now, the water and ice accumulates and works back up the roof growing underneath the shingles causing damage, and in many cases melts into the house.

Using a roof rake will help you alleviate some of the stress on both you and your roof. A roof rake is a solid piece of metal or plastic about 16 to 20 inches wide on the end of an extension pole, which allows you to rake or pull snow off the roof. They can be purchased at most local hardware stores. Remove as much snow as possible from the top of the roof down toward the gutters. About 10 to 15 feet should be sufficient. Never remove the snow while on top of the roof. For obvious reasons, it is a slippery slope and snow isn’t as soft as you think to land in.

Apply calcium chloride to all ice in gutters and down spouts. Do not use sodium chloride (rock salt) or table salt, it can cause damage to your landscape greenery. I’ve seen homeowners insert calcium chloride into panty hose and lay them inside the gutters, it was successful to remove the ice. To apply, I recommend tossing it up into the gutters. It sounds funny, but it really is the best way.

There is controversy over whether or not to use a ladder when removing the snow. I believe it is much safer not to use a ladder because when the ice and snow melts, it can accumulate on the rungs of the ladder and refreeze in minutes. This is definitely a slippery and hazardous situation. You can easily fall and get seriously hurt.

Lastly, if your home continually has a problem with ice damming, have a professional check your home for proper roof ventilation and insulation. You may consider having heat tape installed in those problem areas along your roof then you’d be able to melt the ice with a flick of a switch. Heat tape is a low temp electrical cord that is normally placed along the perimeter of the roof, in the roof valleys and in the gutters and downspouts to keep the water moving during the frigid winter months. It should be installed by a professional.

Keith Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder and president and founding member of Nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service.  The growing company has over a dozen independently owned location in the US.

HandyPro Handyman Services performs work in over 1600 categories including Home Improvement, Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, Painting, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Drywall, Home Modifications for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities.  No job is too big for the full-service handyman and no job is too small to be handled with detail and precision. 

What’s on your to-do list?  HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and maintenance projects.  They also offer senior home modification services including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, super strong grab bars, walk-in tubs and showers and more.  HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have minor repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.

Hiring a Handyman, Senior home modification, wheelchair ramps, stair rails and grab bars, stair lifts, kitchen and bathroom retrofitting, Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home warranty/maintenance, paint home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors, cabinets, countertops, fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install molding, security services, stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair, painting, kitchen, insulation, concrete, masonry, repair gutters, remove wallpaper, replace ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic tile, window well covers, replace bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades, glass, mirrors, decks, and much more…just ask!

Safety Tips from the Denver Handyman



Denver Handyman:  So you've called a home service provider who will be arriving soon to repair some drywall or paint a room.  Though he comes highly recommended by a friend or family member, the person coming to your home is still a stranger.  Sometimes the company will send a different contractor rather than the one who did such a great job for your friend.   In most cases, there is no threat in allowing the home maintenance contractor into your home, but older, single homeowners may feel uncomfortable.  Here are some safety tips that will provide some assurance:

Ask for the repairman's physical description.  If the handyman is employed by a large company, ask the service representative for a physical description of the contractor.

Ask to see the handyman's photo identification.  Sometimes the handyman arrives in his own pick-up truck or panel van with no logo or lettering.  Ask to see photo ID or credentials proving he is indeed the home service provider you are expecting.

Keep an eye on the repairman.   A handyman should not roam around your house without your supervision.  Show him the job you need done and watch him as much as possible while he works.

Let a neighbor know that a repairman is coming to your home.  If your neighbor is aware that you are expecting someone, then he or she can keep an eye out or stop by while the service man is there.

Do not valuable items like expensive jewelry, laptop computers, and cash laying around.

Let the company know about any issues you have with the home repairman.  Report any suspicious or unprofessional behavior to the company.  Perhaps they have record of other complaints so they will take action to eliminate the problem and preserve their reputation.

Make sure the handyman picks up all his tools.  As he is leaving, make sure he hasn’t left any tools behind to give him reason to return unexpectedly later.

Ask for a written or printed receipt.  Once the work is complete, get a written receipt and keep it in your file. 

Most home service providers can show that they are qualified, licensed, insured and have a good reputation.  Physical attacks and robberies by home repair contractors who were called to your home are rare.  The danger is most present with the handyman who comes knocking at your door to sell his service.  A good handyman will not go door to door looking for work.

The above tips may be critical to safety in some circumstances, but they are also a good way to provide your own reassurance.  Being aware of who is entering your home and using good common sense is necessary.



What’s on your to-do list?  HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and maintenance projects.  They also offer senior home modification services including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, super strong grab bars, walk-in tubs and showers and more.  HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have minor repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.

Hiring a Handyman, Senior home modification, wheelchair ramps, stair rails and grab bars, stair lifts, kitchen and bathroom retrofitting, Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home warranty/maintenance, paint home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors, cabinets, countertops, fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install molding, security services, stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair, painting, kitchen, insulation, concrete, masonry, repair gutters, remove wallpaper, replace ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic tile, window well covers, replace bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades, glass, mirrors, decks, and much more…just ask!



Denver Handyman Offers 15 Low Cost High Return Home Improvement Tips

Selling a home in today’s market can be challenging so the local handyman partners with homeowners to help make their property more competitive




















Denver CO – The local handyman teams up with area residents and home sellers in their efforts to make their property more competitive in today’s market. He explains to his customers that in a “buyers market” it is important that their home stand out form the oversaturated inventory.

According to Todd Wortmann, owner of HandyPro Handyman Service, one of the largest impacts with home improvement is interior and exterior painting. To repeat a quote by a real estate professional, “paint is worth $20 in the can and $1,000 on the wall.” A fresh coat of paint is one of the least expensive, but most effective ways to improve a home and help make it more competitive.

Curb appeal is especially vital when selling a home. Keeping the lawn mowed, bushes trimmed and flower beds clean and general home maintenance helps make a home more inviting to buyers. A littered and overgrown yard will turn people away, leaving the impression that the inside doesn’t look any better.

Additional home repair tips from the local handyman include:

• Paint or replace the front door – The door is like a tie on a suit, which means that it is a focal point on a home and perceived to reflect the general condition of the property.

• Remove dingy wallpaper – replace it or repaint the room for a fresh, new look

• Fix drippy faucets and showerheads

• Remove clutter – A well organized home shows pride of ownership and makes the home appear larger and roomier, where a cluttered home looks small and cramped.

Homeowners are encouraged to visit the handyman website (http://aurorahandyman.blogspot.com/) to read the complete post entitled, “15 Low-Cost, High-Return Home Improvement Tips.”

Todd Wortmann was raised in Colorado and has spent the last 16 years in the Denver area. After graduating from Colorado State he went into various business management areas including restaurants and plumbing operations. After spending the last 8 years in financial planning he saw an opportunity to help homeowners find a reliable and trustworthy home service provider. Todd provides service to homeowners and business owners in the Suburban Denver and Aurora area. Visit http://handypro.com/codenverandaurora.html to learn more.



About HandyPro Handyman Services:
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs including home modification for seniors, home improvement and home remodeling, seasonal home maintenance and more. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have building repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. HandyPro Handyman Service has been in business since 1996, serving over 20,000 clients with zero complaints from the Better Business Bureau. HandyPro Handyman Services has been featured on Rachel Ray and Fox News.

Denver Handyman Deck Repair and Maintenance Tips



Denver Handyman proudly offers this information about deck repair and maintenance provided by Keith Paul, President of HandyPro Handyman Services:

Dear Keith - When stepping on my deck, some of the boards appear to be moving. Should I be concerned? -Tina A. Chelsea

Hi Tina, You ask a very good question and one that anyone with a deck over 10 years old should be asking themselves. Research from Simpson Strong Tie tells us that in the last 15 years there have been over 900 injuries and 20 deaths related to deck malfunction. Deck problems can range from age, improper installation or lack of maintenance. Either way, it is important to take some time to ensure the stability of your deck.

In a recent interview I had with the president of the National Home Safety Council, Meri K. Appy, regarding a summer safety alert on deck safety, she states that there are an estimated 20 million decks across the United States and the public needs to be aware of the potential hazards. The Home Safety Council is a nonprofit Washington based organization dedicated to preventing home related injuries.

During the interview Ms. Appy provided a few safety awareness tips for anyone living with a deck. She explained that even though most decks appear to be safe and sturdy, a closer inspection could be surprising. She provided a list of five warning signs you should be aware of concerning decks:

1. Missing Connections. Improperly built or maintained decks could have missing connection pieces and still appear stable.

2. Loose Connections. Over time, fasteners such as screws bolts and nails can work their way loose from the hangers or brackets which support the deck. Also insure the brackets themselves are secure.

3. Corrosion. Mother Nature can be tough on most metals. Ensure all connections and fasteners are not in the state of deterioration

4. Rot. Elements such as rain and snow can also play havoc on the wood used for the deck. Look for areas that are discolored or spongy and replace as necessary.

5. Cracks. The boards used to construct your deck will fatigue overtime because old man winter freezes the water in the cracks which causes expansion which then widens the crack and the problem worsens leaving the boards to be unsafe.

Meri K said the part of a deck every homeowner should inspect first is the ledger board. This board is the connection between the home and deck itself. If the ledger board becomes detached from the house the deck can become unstable very fast!

With summer in our back yard many of us will be having friends and family over for entertaining. Decks should be inspected yearly because most of the accidents are preventable. If you suspect any concerns with the integrity of your deck, repair immediately or call a professional. Remember, have fun and enjoy the great outdoors.

Keith Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of Nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Southeast Michigan.

HandyPro Handyman Services is a locally-owned franchise company offering home repairs and remodeling. We provide free estimates and all work is guaranteed for one year. Our technicians arrive within one our of your scheduled appointment time, equipped and prepared to handle your to-do list as they move from one job to the next. All service contractors are licensed and bonded. HandyPro is a member of the Better Business Bureau with 0 complaints and a BBB Rating of A+ on a scale from A+ to F.


What’s on your to-do list?  HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and maintenance projects.  They also offer senior home modification services including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, super strong grab bars, walk-in tubs and showers and more.  HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have minor repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.

Hiring a Handyman, Senior home modification, wheelchair ramps, stair rails and grab bars, stair lifts, kitchen and bathroom retrofitting, Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home warranty/maintenance, paint home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors, cabinets, countertops, fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install molding, security services, stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair, painting, kitchen, insulation, concrete, masonry, repair gutters, remove wallpaper, replace ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic tile, window well covers, replace bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades, glass, mirrors, decks, and much more…just ask!