BLOGSERVATIONS

We just cleaned out the gutters in preparation for a deluge of rain that Sandy will be dumping on us later this weekend. We’re in the process of repairing our home from storm damage sustained earlier this year, and now we’re facing a big storm with much more potential for damage. It’s scary.

Two tall poplar trees had snapped at the top and landed, along with other large branches and trunks from a nearby maple, on our screened porch roof, side deck and in the yard. Damage included destroyed deck railings, a broken skylight, a couple of punctures in the roof, shingle damage and gutter damage.

I said we’re in the process of repairing, but realy we’re in the process of waiting for our storm damage to be repaired by a contractor working for Service Master, and we’re getting a little annoyed. It’s been four months since the damage occurred and no repairs had been made until last week, when a crew came out to replace plywood and put new shingles on the roof.

The broken gutters are still broken, and that is not ideal considering the storm we are facing. Will State Farm or Service Master be responsible for dwelling damage that may be caused by water going where it shouldn’t?

We can only do so much. One gutter is essentially sagging from the house, over loaded with leaves and standing water that smells like rat pee. I drilled a few holes to allow the water to drain, and scooped out the leaves.

Hopefully Sandy is gentle with us. Based on current data and the cone of uncertainty her eye could pass to our south and west, or north and east, or directly overhead. If she passes to the south and west we’ll face more damaging winds. Not looking forward to this.

Keeping my fingers crossed that our trees remain standing, in their entirety.