If a homeowner is looking for his decorating dollar to do double duty, he should look no further than out his front window – and add an awning. Awnings can keep sunlight from penetrating and heating a house in the summer – and they up the drive-by appeal of property as well.
An estimated 40 percent of heat buildup in a home comes through the windows as sunlight – and that’s money going down the drain in an attempt to cool the home. Shutters, drapes, and shades can reduce the buildup, but it’s more efficient to use outside items such as awnings to block the sunlight before it hits the windows and enters the house. 
There are two categories of awnings — fixed and retractable. Both types come in a variety of colors, but all colors aren’t equal when facing direct sunlight. Pacific blue handles sun best, followed by green, and the earth tones. To keep awnings clean, the homeowner should hose the fabric down on a regular basis. Prices vary, based on the width of the awning, the size of the projections, and the mode of operation.

Sheet-metal screws or aluminum rivets can be used to hold together reassembled gutter parts. An  installation tool for the rivets can be purchased for  approximately $15 – a worthy investment.  
However, we recommend that a homeowner hire a  professional to do this type of ladder work.  Gutters should always be cleaned adequately. If  they are clogged with leaves or debris, the  homeowner needs to get up on a ladder to do the  job right. Clogs often occur near downspouts,  especially when downspout screens are used. The  homeowner can use a paint scraper or any flat tool to scoop clogs out of the gutters. 
Run some water from a hose into the gutter to  assure the gutter and downspouts are properly  opened. Water should flow quickly to through the gutter and into the downspout.