February 21st, 2012
Even our regular clients are sometimes surprised to discover that we clean gutters as well as windows. But gutter cleaning is a natural add on. We work with the same tools, safety considerations and client base. In the Oakland and Berkeley hills trees are abundant and steep lots with poor access make it difficult to keep roofs and gutters clear of debris. Ignoring the gutters can result in very costly damage, so, homeowners will often opt to put screens over the gutter to prevent leaves and pine needles from filling the gutter troughs and downspouts. However, gutter screens can be a false sense of security.
Gutter screens which cover the whole trough generally have openings that are too large and debris is able to get through. Some newer gutter screen designs have tried the opposite approach and are designed with openings so small that debris cannot pass through. These products utilize a screen with microscopic holes that is supposed to prevent the screen from clogging. But, if the roof isn’t cleared regularly these finer screens will become clogged and water will not be able to pass through spilling over the roof side instead. And remember, both of these products require frequent maintenance. When done infrequently the process requires removing, cleaning, and reinstalling the screens. Ultimately it is a lot of wear and tear on the screens and the gutter line itself. We find it is two or three times as expensive for us to clean gutters with screens covering them because of the time involved dealing with the screens.
We generally recommend installing downspout screens as opposed to gutter trough screens. Downspout screens are far less expensive, cover only the downspout opening and will prevent larger debris from getting into the downspout where it is most difficult to get to. Regular cleaning means you, as a property owner, have eyes on your roof and gutters more frequently, so potential issues are more likely detected and resolved early.
Gutters and roofs should be cleaned regularly whether or not gutter screens are in place. If you have gutter screens be sure to stay on a regular service schedule or they will take more time and money to clean. If you haven’t invested in gutter screens, consider simply regularly cleaning your roof and gutters. Your investment of time and or money will pay you back ten fold over time.
February 13th, 2012
By frequenting local business, we keep our local economy strong. It can cost a little more sometimes, but the money we spend continues to circulate in our community instead of disappearing into a big box. And often, when we stay local, it doesn’t end up costing any more after all.
Last week I went to Someone’s in the Kitchen on LaSalle Ave in Montclair and bought a spatula. But it wasn’t just any spatula. It turned out to be a magic spatula. Magic you say, how so..? Well… Next I sauntered up the street to Farmstead’s Wine and Cheese, spatula in hand. When Jeff the owner saw the spatula he was compelled to grant me a 10% discount on the yummy cheese I bought.
It turned out that Jeff (of Farmstead’s) and Jennifer (of Someone’s in the Kitchen) had a deal for their customers. Shop with one, and the other would extend a 10% discount. I was excited, what a great way to support each other. I figured since I paid for the spatula, it wouldn’t really be stealing to use the idea.
I have always felt lucky to have such an amazing group of storefronts that work with us. Wonderful people, great local businesses, folks with superior products and service. Many of them I met because I loved their stores.
To say thank you, and encourage cross promotion, Mr Sparkle will be showing love to our storefront clients by offering their customers 10% off any of our services with a proof of purchase from their businesses. We’re sending out an email offer on February 14th, listing our local storefront clients. I hope you will take advantage of this offer, support our partners, and keep your money local when possible.
Link to the promotion!
February 5th, 2012
It has been a great start to the new year. I have spent the last two weeks traveling and attending training by myself and with staff. Last week Wednesday thru Saturday, Fou and I attended the IWCA window cleaner’s convention in New Orleans; attending seminars, networking, checking out new industry product, and eating. It was a great opportunity for us to spend dedicated time on the training and leadership aspects of the company vision for 2012. We took long walks every day while we talked shop and took in the city. I had the best lemongrass soup from a thai restaurant that I’ve ever had, we saw a camera crew filming a cop show– police with guns drawn and all, and watched the town get ready for their Mardi Gras celebration in three weeks. Meeting with other professionals left me feeling that we are in a good place currently as a business with all the right goals for the future.
December 16th, 2011
Did you know that Mr Sparkle makes art. He makes stuff out of other stuff. High-gloss Assemblage. “I’ve always liked to make stuff,” says Mr Sparkle, “Making stuff is cool.”
It started when I was young. People were always saying I was making something out of nothing. And it was true. But the part that nobody saw, the hardest part, was getting hands on enough of the right kinda nothing to make something outta. Read more »
December 16th, 2011
I’ve been wearing the same uniform to work for nearly a decade. Ben Davis work pants and a navy blue Mr Sparkle shirt. In the more recent years I have switched from work boots to a Vans tennis shoe. But that is what I’ve worn during my off work hours for the last two decades, and only more recently could justify during work hours as my responsibilities changed. The need for periodic re-invention strikes us all from time to time. I have become expert at blocking that blow when it comes to my attire. But, I have always been more open minded when it comes to the look of Mr Sparkle.
Thank God for good advisers. Read more »
