Month: August 2019

The end of summer is coming and that means that fall is upon us. The best time to start getting prepared for fall is now. Ensuring that your gutters are ready for the seasons to come is important and necessary.

1. Clean Gutters

The end of the summer is the perfect time to give your gutters a deep cleaning. While cleaning your gutters you will be able to inspect for any damage that may have occurred during the summer and get that fixed before the fall and winter roll around. Ensuring that your gutters are clean and functioning properly will help to keep debris out of your gutters during fall and winter. 

2. Check Water Drainage

Checking the water drainage of your gutters is very important. If the water is not draining properly away from your house your gutters or downspouts may be clogged or damaged. The water should be flowing away from the house and the foundation. Making sure that the water is draining properly can help to prevent costly repairs in the future.

3. Trim Landscaping

Trimming the landscape around your house can help to keep the debris out of your gutter and away from your home. Summer is a great time to clean your landscaping before the temperatures get cooler and the leaves begin to fall. Ensuring that your landscape is trimmed will make gutter maintenance easier for you in the fall and seasons to come.

4. Install Gutter Guards

Installing gutter guards is a great way to ensure that debris won’t be piling up in your gutters this fall. Summer is the best time to get gutter guards installed because you will be able to ensure that your gutters are ready for fall and all of the leaves to come. Keeping your gutters free from leaves and debris makes keeping your gutters maintained easier and less time consuming.

Making sure that your gutters are ready for the seasons to come will save you time, stress, and money in the future. Be sure that your gutters are ready to take on the fall by preparing them properly. The Gutter Pros have trained and experienced professionals that are ready to take care of any of your gutter needs.

Call The Gutter Pros at 443-880-4813 today!

This post first appeared on http://www.thegutterpros.net

The vast majority of houses have rain gutters, but many people don’t think too much about them. Because of this lack of attention, it’s easy to mistakenly ignore them if they become clogged or damaged. Some even think it’s a fine idea to just pull them down and be done with them. Is this really a good way to deal with gutters? Read on to learn how rain gutters work and why they are necessary.

Why Are Rain Gutters Necessary?

When it rains, every 100 square feet of your roof accumulates and drains 60 gallons of water per inch of precipitation. Many roofs are about 2,300 square feet. That means they will be shunting off 1,380 gallons of water for every inch that falls on them.

Without gutters, those 1,380 gallons of water drop straight off of the leading edges of the roof and go into the ground at or very close to your house’s foundation. This interferes with the ground’s ability to support the foundation, and in turn, that can lead to shifting, cracking of the foundation, and foundation undermining. It can also cause cracks in basement walls and damage to your house.

Foundation damage is extremely expensive to repair. It typically requires lifting the house on jacks, doing the work necessary to fix the problem, and then carefully setting the house back down. This lifting can cause other latent structural problems to appear, especially in the walls of the house. Unfortunately, ignoring foundation damage only lets it get worse, so if the house is to be kept indefinitely, repair must be done when damage occurs.

Damage to basement walls not only weakens the structure of the house, but allows leaks. When a basement leaks, mold soon finds the wet materials perfect for incubation. Then, you end up with a mold problem as well as a water issue. Even worse, water that leaks in typically does not go away nearly as fast as it came. This allows the mold to keep growing even when it is dry outside.

How do Gutters Work?

Gutters are placed at the leading edges of the roof. There, they collect the torrents of water that come from the roof during rainstorms, and direct them to a safe area for discharge via downspouts. In many cases, this area is simply far enough away from the house to avoid foundation damage. However, many people now have their downspouts aimed into rain barrels or into hoses for distribution to their gardens. Rain barrels allow the water to be saved for drier days.

As you can see, how gutters work is simple. Even so, they are very important for protecting your house from damage.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Rain Gutter

Maintaining your rain gutter is essential for preventing a wide variety of problems, not all of which are at ground level. A cracked or rusted rain gutter will drip down from any gaps, and if it is close enough to your wall, this will leave ugly stains all down the side of the house. If its fasteners are in a similar state, it can fall down suddenly as well, potentially injuring anyone or anything that is beneath it.

Clogged gutters pose even more problems. The rainwater can’t get out properly, so these gutters fill up with water. Some will spill over the side, but there’ll still be a full gutter below the water line. That puts weight into the system that the gutter’s fasteners were never meant to hold, so they may fail and let the gutter fall down without warning. Alternatively, one or two fasteners will fail, leaving the damaged gutter hanging askew.

If gutters are left clogged long enough, the fallen leaves causing the blockage will rot and turn to humus. This doesn’t clear the clog, but it does provide the perfect environment to germinate the seeds and fern spores that have landed in there. Wild plants growing from the gutters may not look all that bad, but they gain a huge amount of weight as they grow. A full-grown tree weighs many tons, so you can see that a sapling will quickly end up weighing enough to tear a gutter off of a house. If there are multiple plants growing up there, it will take even less time for their growth to add up to a catastrophic amount of weight.

The Right Time to Get a New Gutter System

Like any man-made thing that is constantly exposed to the weather, gutters eventually wear out to the point that replacement is in order. Look for large numbers of leaks, widespread corrosion (including in the fasteners), and similar problems. Also check to be sure that your downspouts go at least 10 feet from your house.

If your gutters are in an overall poor condition due these problems, it’s time to go ahead and replace your gutter system. The exception is the downspouts, which can be replaced separately from the rest of the system.

When Are Gutters Not Necessary?

While some say that every house needs gutters, there is one situation where many say that they’re not absolutely necessary. That is when the house is built on piers. A “pier foundation,” as it is sometimes called, elevates the house off of the ground and uses relatively thin, deep posts to give it stability. This foundation system is often found in mobile and manufactured homes as well as old site-built ones. Houses in flood zones may also use piers, regardless of whether they are manufactured or site-built.

Even with a pier foundation, you may find that it’s a good idea to have gutters. This is because some soils are prone to shifting if they get too wet, and this can cause the piers to move. If you have this type of soil, the answer to “are gutters necessary” is yes.

To get an estimate for gutter maintenance, repair, or replacement, contact us here at Weatherguard Gutters. We’ll be glad to help you keep your house safe.

The post How do Gutters Work and Why are They Necessary? appeared first on nfl.

There’s nothing worse than having a new set of gutters installed on your home—either as a DIY project or by a gutter company—just to have them not work properly when it really counts. At Tacoma Gutter Service, we’ve been in business for nearly 50 years and we’ve seen so many homeowners face this issue. Sometimes they’ve hired another gutter company to do the job, other times they’ve attempted to do it themselves, and when it comes down to keeping their home safe and dry during a storm, their gutters don’t work.

It’s not always because of an improper installation, sometimes debris clogs the gutter system or heavy winds pull the gutters away from the fascia. Whatever the reason, when rain gutters aren’t working, it can lead to expensive exterior, interior, and structural problems down the road.

Here’s are 10 ways to evaluate your gutters to make sure they’re in tip-top shape and working properly before the next storm hits.

1. While it’s raining, take a few seconds to see if any water is shooting out over the gutters, this indicates they’re not doing their job properly and something needs to be fixed.
2. Check the gutter corners after the next rainfall (or use your hose to run water through your gutters) for dripping; if you do find water leaks, it means the seal has been broken.
3. If you see your gutter sagging or pulling away from the fascia of your home, it could suggest that your gutter is full (which could be the result of improper pitch) or that your fascia has rotted.
4. A washed-out landscape, holes, or standing puddles along your home are likely caused by a clogged system.
5. Along the same lines, eroded landscape near your home’s foundation could simply mean your downspout isn’t positioned far enough away.
6. If your roof is covered in fallen leaves, there’s a good chance that your gutters are filled with them too, which will clog your system.
7. Exterior damage to your fascia, window sills, or wooden deck could mean your gutters are clogged.
8. Water dripping between the gutter and the fascia board suggests you have an impaired (or non-existent) drip edge, meaning water from your roof isn’t making it into your gutters.
9. If water is bubbling out the underground drain your downspout is pouring into, it could indicate that the drain is clogged; you may need city assistance to fix this issue.
10. If you can see flying insects hovering around your gutters, it may be because there’s standing water, this is likely due to an improper pitch. Similarly, if you see birds near your gutters, they may have built a nest in your system, which will cause it to clog once it rains.

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If you see any of these warning signs as you inspect your rain gutters, or if you need help evaluating their competency, get in touch with us at Tacoma Gutter Service. We have years of experience and will be glad to help you get your gutters into proper working order. For your FREE estimate, visit us online or call us at (253) 927-7111.

This post first appeared on https://tacomagutterservice.com

Rain gutters are the invisible workers of a home, performing the important function of directing rain water away from your home and foundation. Even so, there are many homes that don’t even have them! The necessity of gutters wasn’t always understood by builders. Because of that, there are many older homes and buildings constructed without them. Is your home one of them?

If you don’t have gutters, it’s time to look for signs of water damage. Do you see mold or mildew build-up around the base of your home or on the siding? Go down to your basement and feel the walls for extra moisture. If you see signs of water damage, a lack of gutters is likely the reason. 

Why Now?

If your home wasn’t originally built with gutters, and you’re not currently experiencing or seeing water issues, why now? It’s the best way to protect your home investment. In fact, it’s well known that installing gutters is nothing short of a necessity. There’s only one reason a home is built without them–it’s cheaper. Or you live in an area where it never rains. Ever.

Gutters prevent damage to the structure of a home by protecting the foundation, driveway and sidewalk. Protecting your home’s foundation is serious business. When water pools in yard and around the base of your home, it causes your foundation to settle. Settling leads to uneven floors, cracked walls and other damaged features, like a fireplace or chimney. 

Besides protecting the roof and structure of your home, rain gutters also help prevent soil erosion.  

Okay, I Need Gutters. Now What?

Now that you realize the need for gutters, what’s the best way to install them? Opt for a complete system like the award-winning GutterShutter. Not only will our professional team make sure they are installed correctly, but you won’t have to learn the ins and outs of maintenance and clean-out. That’s because GutterShutter is a patented, seamless system that encloses the gutter and prevents debris from building up and blocking water flow. Meaning, you can go on living like before, without ever having to worry about gutters. 

Contact your nearest GutterShutter Factory Authorized Dealer today for more information on our patented closed gutter system and professional installation with lifetime guarantee. 

 

The post Does Your Home Really Need Gutters? appeared first on GutterShutter.

Ever wonder how long people have been using rain gutters in their homes, and what kinds of materials have been used in gutters throughout history?

Today we’ll address a few landmark events in the long history of residential rain gutters.

It all started in the Indus Valley, in what is present-day Pakistan and northwestern India. Between 3000 and 1500 B.C., humans began constructing primitive rain gutters made of burnt clay bricks. Centuries later, between 27 B.C. and 14 A.D. the Romans began to develop basic gutter technology as well.

A major change took place in Britain, during the spread of the Norman Empire between the 10^th and 13^th centuries. You’ve probably seen gargoyles in photos of medieval European buildings, but did you know that these sculptures aren’t purely decorative? Evolving roof styles during this period led builders to use stone gargoyles as innovative gutter systems that discharge water through their mouths. In fact, the word gargoyle is derived from the older French word for a throat, gargouille.

Later builders manufactured gutters from lead. That changed in the early 1700s, when cast iron became plentiful and cheap, replacing lead as the most popular material in gutter fabrication. Later in the century, wealthy homes and public buildings began to use aesthetically pleasing and functional wooden V-shaped gutters instead.

New technologies in the 20^th century, such as metal rolling machines, led to further changes in the gutter industry. In the 1960s, the seamless aluminum gutter machine was invented. Aluminum gutters are sturdier and lighter than gutters made from many other materials, and aluminum continues to be the most common gutter material today. 

At Bell Seamless Gutters, we’re proud to offer durable, long-lasting seamless gutters and gutter guards to homeowners throughout New Jersey. To learn more about all the gutter options we have available, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!

The post A Brief History of Residential Rain Gutters appeared first on Bell Seamless Gutters.

Commercial gutters serve the same function as residential ones―they direct the flow of rainwater away from your building.  Without them, water would flow off your roof in heavy streams that would cause damage to your building and property below. Damage can include broken siding, leaky windows and doors, flooding, and even cracks in your foundation.  All of this can be quite costly, even more so when you add slip and fall lawsuits due to damaged walkways or fines for not following local regulations for stormwater runoff.  

Commercial and industrial buildings often have flat or near-flat roofs that require some kind of drainage equipment on the roof to move the water and gutters work hand-in-hand with that system.  If inadequate gutters are used, that system can’t do its job as it should.

Materials

Commercial gutters are available in different types of materials.  Aluminum is the most common because it’s less expensive and lightweight which makes installation easier.  The downside of aluminum gutters is that they can dent. Heavy-gauge aluminum doesn’t dent as much as lightweight and it resists rusting.  

Steel is more expensive but also more durable.  Galvanized 24-gauge works best but because they’re heavy they should really be installed by a professional.  Copper gutters are also a great solution, especially for historic properties but they can add character and charm to any building.  Copper may be the most expensive choice for material for your commercial gutters, but they’re the most durable gutters and with proper maintenance, they can last for a century!

Styles and Sizes

Gutters come in different styles and which works best depends on the size of your building.  K-style (named because from the side they are shaped like the letter K) and U-shaped or semi-rounds are most often used for residential buildings but they can be used for commercial properties too if the building is the size of a house.  If it’s bigger, it will need bigger gutters that can handle a larger volume of water. Box gutters are most commonly used for commercial and industrial properties.  

Gutters usually come in widths from 5” to as high as 8” but the most common size for commercial gutters is 6”.

Installation

Proper installation is a key component to gutters that will last.  Experienced professionals will ensure that fasteners are at the appropriate distance apart which will keep them from sagging during heavy rains.  Installing the gutters yourself is risky especially when you consider their heavy weight and bulkiness along with the height of your building. It’s a dangerous job that should be done by professional, fully-insured gutter technicians.  Gutter companies also follow all regulations so you can be sure the gutters you choose will be up to code.  

Maintenance

Commercial gutters are an expensive investment so it’s important to properly maintain them to prolong their life and get your money’s worth.  Box gutters tend to accumulate more debris than their counterparts so cleanings on a regular basis are necessary. Clogged gutters will overflow and lead to all of the damage that goes along with it.  Cleanings also include inspections to ensure there are no leaks or loose fasteners that could cause future problems.  

GutterPros is a full-service gutter company that specializes in commercial gutters, copper gutters, and leaf protection.  Our technicians can help you find just the right type of gutter for your commercial company. From installation to maintenance, Gutter Pros does it all.  Call us at (314)656-7195 and schedule an appointment today.

This post first appeared on https://gutterpros.com/

As a homeowner, considering the best leaf gutter systems may be the last thing on your mind.  After all, our tendency is to focus on only the most obvious areas of home improvement — such as a dated kitchen or an uninspiring bedroom — before taking notice of preventative solutions that could protect our properties from serious damage. 

What’s wrong with my gutter?

Inefficient gutter systems are silent enemies to your home’s foundation and roof, causing a myriad of problems from water stains to rotting fascia boards. Traditional, open-top gutters collect leaves, dust and other debris that cause gutters to clog, preventing effective water drainage.  This can lead to a whole host of issues that aren’t obvious until you’re left to deal with the aftermath, like wall and ceiling damage resulting from water leakage.

Why is a good leaf gutter system important?

Aside from preventing damage caused by ineffective water drainage, a good leaf gutter system affords peace of mind and doesn’t require you to risk safety by climbing ladders every few months to keep them clean.  As well as eliminating the need for this sometimes dangerous chore, an effective gutter system could also increase property value due to its practical advantages.

The best leaf gutter systems channel rainwater and debris away from your property’s foundation and surrounding areas for maximum efficiency and protection.  They do this by incorporating gutter guards — a cost-effective and useful addition to gutters that limit water flow as well as protect against windswept leaves and debris.

How can K-Guard Gutter Guards protect my home?

Imagine having a leaf gutter system you didn’t have to worry about for at least 20 years. One that could withstand virtually any weather conditions, keep its form, drain water/debris effectively and blend in with your home’s appearance? 

K-Guard Gutter Guards provide exactly that.  With a system built around patented, high-strength hangers, no other gutter systems provide the same capacity or durability. 

Here’s why:

Low maintenance: Featuring an innovative, patented, high-strength hanger design, K-Guard Gutter Guards are made to last with strong, all-weather polymers that keep their form no matter the external conditions.  Say goodbye to gutter sag and expensive upkeep.

Unlimited lifespan: K-Guard system’s gutter and hood is made of heavy-duty aluminum that is non-corrosive and practically invincible against any weather conditions.  The durability of its design gives your home a virtually endless lifespan of protection.   

Better capacity: K-Guard gutters are a full 5-inches wide and can accommodate larger, 3×4-inch downspouts for more water/debris drainage than other, smaller systems.  

Blends in: Most gutter systems have sharp corners and vertical faces, whereas K-Guard gutters’ smooth, curved appearance blends in effortlessly with your home.  With a wide variety of colors available, you can find the perfect solution that compliments your needs both practically and aesthetically.

What makes K-Guard Gutter Guards better than other systems?

Unlike competitor gutter systems, K-Guard gives a multitude of additional benefits that not only protect your home from the elements but can also eliminate liability in terms of the roof warranty.  Key differences include:

Size:  K-Guard is a 5-inch gutter system, at least full inch larger than the 3 to 4-inch gutters offered by other competitors, giving your home much more capacity for water drainage. 

A complete system: K-Guard is the only ‘value for money’ gutter system that provides a complete gutter and hood solution.

No roof liability:  Since K-Guard gutter systems attach to fascia boards and rafter tails instead of roof shingles, you can rest assured your roof warranty won’t be affected if other unrelated damp issues arise.

Rear drainage channel:  There are 2 ways for water to go into K-Guard gutters and flush away quickly and efficiently, unlike regular gutters that send windblown water up under roof shingles.

No interference with roof:  K-Guard gutter systems are engineered to fit properly on your home without obstructing the roof or roofline, whereas competitor products are designed to go on existing gutters.

Gutter leak prevention:  K-Guard gutters always include a new gutter and hood to give your home a completely new, efficient drainage system.  Other competitor products incorporate their products onto existing gutters which may be effective unless the gutters are leaky or rotten before the product is installed.

Complementary appearance:  As K-Guard hoods and gutters are installed together and made of the same material and color, there is no chance of a mismatch – unlike other products that try to match colors of existing gutters.  The smooth face, crown-molding-like appearance is also more aesthetically-pleasing than traditional clunky vertical faces.

Peace of mind

While not the first thing on a homeowner’s mind, a good leaf gutter system is essential in protecting property value.  Don’t be faced with the choice of either money or leaves down the drain — eliminate that question today!

It needn’t be disruptive – a professional installation of K-Guard Gutter Guards can be completed in one day for most homes and will save you headaches and money in the long run.   A variety of colors available will help you to choose both beauty and functionality while affording you the peace of mind that your drainage system is guarded against the elements, and ready to serve you for the things that matter — enjoying your home.

Call us today at (614) 568-7777 to enjoy that peace of mind now and in the future.

This post first appeared on https://www.kguard.com

Your gutters help to protect your home by draining water away from your roof and foundation. When your gutters are clogged water begins to build and cause costly damage to your home. Cleaning out your gutters can be a hassle. Here are 4 tips to prevent your gutters from clogging so much.

1. Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance on your gutter is very important. Neglecting to inspect or clean your gutters for long periods at a time make way for debris, insects, animals, and mold to take over your gutters. Over time these things can cause serious damage. When you have debris and other things in your gutters water is not able to flow through them and away from your home. Routine maintenance of cleaning your gutters and inspecting them is important to ensure that your gutters are in good condition. This also saves time in the long run because the debris and other things will not have time to stack up in your gutters.

2. Inspect and Clean Your Downspouts Regularly

Downspouts are a very important part of making sure that your gutters are draining the water away from your home properly. A lot of times people focus on the gutters and clearing debris that they miss the potential threat of a clogged downspout. Downspouts run vertical along the side of the home and when they are clogged water can begin to gather around the roof. This can cause very costly damage to your home. Running a hose through your downspouts routinely is a good way to ensure that they are working effectively.

3. Trim Trees and Tall Bushes Near Your Home

Trees and tall bushes around your home can cause your gutters a lot of grief. When leaves, twigs, or other debris fall they can cause your gutters to clog. Trimming tall trees and bushes around your home helps to decrease the amount of debris that end up in your gutters. This will help to ensure that water is flowing away from your home and not sitting in your gutters causing any damage to your home.

4. Add Gutter Guards to Your Home

Trimming tall trees and bushes around your home is a great way to prevent clogging. Another way to prevent clogging in your gutters is to go a step further and add a gutter guard to your home. This will help to prevent the debris from getting stuck in your gutters. Gutter guards are also a great way to help with routine maintenance as they are easier to clean.

Clogging in your gutters seems inevitable, but there are things that can be done to prevent and help lighten the load on your part. Your gutters are an important part of your home and protecting you from costly repairs. Take some time to routinely take care of your gutters and go the extra mile to make your life easier in the long run. Companies like The Gutter Pros can help you with all of your gutters needs. From cleaning to installing gutter guards they can do it all.

Call the Gutter Pros for a no obligation, free estimate today! 443-880-4813.

This post first appeared on http://www.thegutterpros.net