Month: October 2019

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

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

The wintertime can really take a toll on your home’s roof. It can also put a huge strain on your gutters if you’re not careful. It’s not uncommon for ice dams to form on the edges of roofs when the heat inside of an attic causes snow to melt and trickle down towards the gutters. Before the melted snow is able to reach the gutters, it will often refreeze and form ice dams. Here’s how those ice dams can do damage to your gutters.

Adds weight to your gutters and puts them at risk of falling off your home

Ice dams are known to form right on the edges of roofs, which puts them in close proximity to your gutters. As they get larger and larger, it’s not uncommon for ice dams to lean right on your gutters and put a lot of pressure on them. This can cause your gutters to crack. It can also apply so much pressure that your gutters fall right off your home.

Stops rainwater from working its way towards your downspouts

In the event that ice dams form anywhere near your downspouts, they could prevent rainwater from being able to go down them. When this happens, rainwater will back up in your gutters often times and spill out over the sides of them. This could put your home’s foundation at risk. It could also lead to problems with your gutters since they’ll be filled with rainwater all the time. They may leak, crack, or break when your downspouts aren’t accessible.

Leads to additional ice and icicles forming on your gutters over time

If you don’t do anything about ice dams, they’ll usually get worse before they get better. A small ice dam can accumulate even more ice and cause icicles to form on the side of your home. This will increase the chances of your gutters getting damaged. It’s why you need to make it a point to remove ice dams ASAP and find ways to stop them from forming in the first place.

Have ice dams done damage to your home’s gutters? Bell Seamless Gutters can provide you with brand-new gutters and talk to you about how to prevent ice dams from damaging them once they’re in place. Call us at 800-597-1616 to speak with someone about our gutter systems.

The post How Ice Dams Can Damage Your Gutters appeared first on Bell Seamless Gutters.

That crisp chill in the air is a reminder that Old Man Winter will be coming along before you know it.  Will he be relaxed and chill this year or will he be raging maniac? Not even the Old Farmer’s Almanac knows for sure.   That’s why it’s important to get your commercial property ready for the cold, winter months while you still can.

Fall maintenance isn’t just about cleaning up; it’s about safety and making sure that there aren’t any hindrances for your snow and ice removal practices and there aren’t any issues that could lead to an ice hazard when water begins to freeze.  Property managers need to ensure the safety of employees and customers and winter’s unpredictability makes it perpetually difficult.

Clean and Inspect the HVAC System

If you haven’t been turning up the heat, you soon will.  Make sure that your HVAC system is in perfect working order before it has to work overtime in the colder months.  Having it cleaned and the filters changed will allow it to work smoothly which will increase its efficiency as well as allow it to clean the air which is so important during winter when viruses run amok.

 Winterize Irrigation Systems

Once there’s no longer a need to water the lawns, have your irrigation systems winterized.  Water must be drained completely because even a little water turning to ice can damage the system.  Also, remove and drain all hoses and drain outside faucets. 

Clean the Interior

Don’t just focus on preparing the exterior of your commercial property.  Prepare for the onslaught of cold and flu germs by giving the interior of your property a thorough deep-cleaning.  Disinfect kitchens, bathrooms, doorknobs, and anywhere that people gather and touch things. While you’re at it, have the carpets deep-cleaned too.  

Inspect Exterior Lighting

As the days get shorter, your exterior lighting will kick on earlier.  Make sure any broken lights are replaced and that there’s adequate lighting in all areas of your property.  Well-lit properties deter crime and make it easier for your employees to see where they’re walking.  

Check Stormwater Drains

Make sure all stormwater pipes, catch basins, manholes, inflow and outflow structures are clear of any blockages or overgrown vegetation. A blockage may not be that obvious now but when water begins to freeze, it could leave you with an expensive mess.

Inspect Walkways and Parking Lots

You should constantly be on the lookout for tripping hazards on walkways and parking lots but as part of winter prep, you should also look for cracks.  If water gets in and freezes, it will expand and cause an uneven surface where someone could trip and fall. Seal any cracks and keep up with asphalt sealing recommendations.  

Remove Leaves and Other Debris

Remove leaves and other debris from the grounds as well as the roof.  Leaves, sticks and other debris can keep stormwater from being properly drained away from the building.

Clean and Inspect Your Downspouts and Gutters

Have your gutters professionally cleaned of leaves and debris that can cause clogs.  Clogs will cause overflow and ice buildup that can lead to damage to the gutters and roof and hazardous conditions below.  The professional gutter technician can also inspect your gutters for any leaks or damage and make sure that your gutter system is securely fastened to the roof.

If you’re preparing your commercial property for winter, call Gutter Pros today at (314) 656-7195 and make an appointment to have your commercial gutters serviced by one of our experts.  We’re the leaders in commercial gutters, copper gutters, and leaf protection in the St. Louis area and we can show you options in commercial leaf protection to help cut down on the frequency of your cleanings.  

With an inspection and cleaning from Gutter Pros, your gutters will be ready when Old Man Winter arrives!

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

Fall is in full swing.  Summer’s green turned to fall’s orange and before winter’s white arrives, everything has settled into faded, brown limbo.  As you clean the mounds of muck out of your gutters as part of your winter preparations, you curse yourself because you know there’s a better way.  You’ve seen the commercials on tv and all over the Gutter Pros blog. Leaf protection.  If only you’d listened, and had gutter guards installed in the spring.  Now, it’s fall and you’re stuck with the muck.  

The thing is, it’s not too late!  Gutter guards can be installed in the fall, and even though they may not be able to keep out this year’s crop of color, you’ll be ready for the next, and they’ll keep out sticks and debris that often accompany winter storms.  

Why spend the money on leaf protection?  Your gutters are under a constant barrage of leaves, sticks, and debris, especially in the fall months.  Clogs can happen anytime and can cause water to overflow and damage your foundation, siding, windows, doors, and landscaping.  They can also cause ice and snow to back up onto the roof in the winter and contribute to roof-damaging ice dams.  

With gutter guards in place, you can avoid that costly damage and minimize the need to climb up on that rickety ladder to clean your gutters.  While gutter guards won’t completely eliminate the need for cleaning, they’ll greatly reduce the frequency.    

There are several kinds of leaf protection available.  Micro Mesh or Perforated Aluminum Guards are placed over your gutters with holes that allow water to flow in while keeping leaves out.  Solid Gutter Covers or Reverse Curve Gutter Guards are sheets of metal that hang over your gutters and as water flows over the smooth curve, leaves and debris drop over the edge and onto the ground.  This type works well with leaves and sticks but pine needles can cling to the water’s surface and cause a clog.  

Other types of leaf protection go inside your gutters.  They’re far less expensive than other forms of protection but they generally aren’t as effective.  Foam gutter guards are foam tubes that resemble pool noodles that are simply cut to length and placed inside the gutters.  They keep leaves out while letting water in but they tend to deteriorate in the harsh weather and need to be replaced often.  Brush Guards, long tubes made of bristle brushes, work similarly but the bristles can build up with leaves instead of repelling them.

Gutter Pros can help you determine what time of leaf protection will work best for your property.  Do you have lots of leafy trees? Trees that drop needles or tassels? Our technicians can install the right gutter protection, right now.  GutterPros is a full-service gutter company that specializes in commercial gutters, copper gutters, and leaf protection. Our technicians can clean and inspect your gutters and install the optimal leaf protection for your home! Call Gutter Pros at (314)656-7195 and schedule an appointment today.

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

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

When thinking about a good gutter system, perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is the expense.  While owning a home can be a real pleasure, the expenses can oftentimes quickly add up. From deciding which colors to paint your walls to the flowers you’ll plant in your garden, it can get pricey.  And then comes the whole other world of home maintenance problems — there are so many areas to ensure are properly maintained in order to avoid costly fixes down the road.

However, there could be a much less stressful way to deal with such issues.  Getting a good gutter system is the answer to many household woes and a preventative solution that could save you time, headaches and money in the long run. 

How do I know if my gutters are bad?

While traditional open-top gutter systems are the norm, they not only collect rainwater, but also leaves, dust and other debris that quickly clog and prevent effective water drainage.  Unless you’re always on top of seasonal gutter cleaning, clogging issues aren’t obvious until untold damage has occurred — usually manifesting in cases such as water-staining and rotting fascia boards.

What’s a good gutter system?

A good gutter system ensures that rainwater is effectively drained away from your property for maximum efficiency and protection. It should be able to do this entirely independently without needing constant care and maintenance.  With the incorporation of a gutter guard (a hood that covers the gutter) water flow is controlled and protects against windswept leaves and debris.

As well as eliminating the need for dangerous ladder-climbing chores, a good gutter system also increases the value of your property and makes it easier to sell in the future.

Which gutter system brand is best for my home?

The best gutter system brands provide a complete service, value for the money and the option extended the warranty to give you peace of mind for many years.  The gutters should be able to withstand all weather conditions and work efficiently with minimal upkeep.

K-Guard Gutter Guards stand out as being one of the best on the market.  Offering a complete system built around patented, high-strength hangers, no other gutter systems provide the same capacity, durability or attractiveness.  Just some of the benefits include:

• A lifetime warranty:  Yes, you read that right.  K-Guard’s gutter guard system is so resilient it gives your home a virtually endless lifespan of protection.  Made of non-corrosive, heavy-duty aluminum, K-Guard’s gutter, hood, and downspouts protect your home against all adverse weather elements. 
• Low maintenance: Because K-Guard Gutter Guards are made to last and feature an innovative, patented, high-strength hanger design, you can rest assured they will always keep their form and require zero upkeep once installed.  You’ll never again have to risk your safety climbing ladders to keep your gutters clean — there just won’t be any need to. 
• Greater capacity: K-Guard gutters are a full 5-inches wide and can accommodate larger, 3×4-inch downspouts for more water and debris drainage than other smaller systems. 
• Attractive appearance: K-Guard gutter systems are custom-fit and feature a smooth, curved look as opposed to the sharp corners and vertical faces of traditional gutters.  Available in a variety of colors, your new gutters can offer you beauty as well as functionality.

How does K-Guard compare to other gutter systems?

Here are a few key differences that set the K-Guard gutter guard system apart from other competitors:

• Size:   K-Guard 5-inch gutters are a full inch larger than traditional gutters.
  
• Performance: K-Guard gutter systems replace your gutters as a whole and are engineered to work together for optimum performance and durability. 
• No hindrance: Unlike most gutter systems, K-Guard attaches to fascia boards and rafter tails instead of roof shingles, so if any other unrelated issues arise you can rest assured your roof warranty won’t be affected. 
• Two drainage channels: Regular gutters only have a single drainage channel, which oftentimes cannot prevent windblown water from going up under roof shingles.  K-Guard gutter systems have two drainage channels that flush away water quickly and efficiently. 
• No cleaning needed: K-Guard Gutter Guards are designed and patented to never need any cleaning inside the gutter, unlike other systems that require dangerous seasonal declogging. 
• Custom-fit: While competitor gutter guards are designed to fit onto existing gutters, K-Guard gutter systems are engineered to attach to your home without obstructing the roof or roofline.  In contrast to the sharp corners and vertical faces of other gutters on the market, they also feature a smooth, curved design in a variety of colors to complement your home. 
• Unlimited lifespan: Made of non-corrodible, heavy-duty aluminum, K-Guard gutter systems never sag and are built to withstand adverse weather conditions.  Its innovative, patented, high-strength hanger design ensures your gutter system stands the test of time. 
• Free professional installation: To make sure you’re getting the very best of your new gutter system, K-Guard contractors will come to your property with specialized equipment and install it for you in just one day.

A lifetime of hassle-free protection

Owning a home should be a pleasure, not a pain. If you could save yourself the hassle and money drain of constant repairs and maintenance, wouldn’t you invest in a protective measure today? One that keeps you safe from dangerous chores, worry, and an uncertain future valuation?  Installing a K-Guard gutter guard system could be the last time you ever have to think about gutters – and that’s more than worth its price alone! Focus on the pleasure of enjoying your home as intended with a lifetime of protection from K-Guard. Give us a call today for more information at (614) 568-7777.

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

Have you ever driven by a home with gutters full of leaves and debris? Clogged gutters look bad and, when it rains, can allow water damage to the home. Rain gutter guards stop clogged gutters, keep your home looking great and prevent costly repairs.

All homeowners want to better the appearance and function of their home, and a home’s gutter system is one way to do this. Gutters that are in good working order permit rainwater to drain easily away, but this requires an investment in a quality gutter system and the best gutter guards for metal roofs (or whatever material your roofing system is made of). Often homeowners think of gutter leaf guards as being too costly when, in reality, they save a great deal of money over time.

Potential Problem Areas

When your gutters run clear and funnel rainwater and melting snow away from your home, you’ll save money. Some people think the best solution is gutter cleaning. However, gutter cleaning, if you hire someone to do it for you, can cost as much as $400 per year. In addition to the savings of time or money, there are other savings you could potentially see by installing rain gutter guards.

• Flooded basement – If your home has a basement, gutter backups can lead to water seeping in through walls and windows. This can cause a variety of damage to walls, flooring, furnishings and anything else in your basement. Plus, you’ll have to pay for water remediation and dry-out.
• Wet crawlspace or slab – Homes on a slab or crawlspace aren’t immune to water issues. Wet crawl spaces can lead to deterioration of wood footings, moisture damage to flooring and even movement in the foundation. Homes on a concrete slab may suffer foundation damage which leads to sinkholes and cracks throughout the home.
• Exterior damage – Leaky gutters can cause damage to siding and fascia as water drips and splashes over the exterior. For wood siding, this leads to dry rot and peeling paint. Other types of siding may develop staining and mold growth. If you allow your gutters to become completely clogged and the weight pulls them away from your home, it may damage fascia, siding or even break a window if the gutters fall off.
• Damaged landscaping – When gutters clog and water spills over, plants and shrubs on the ground take the brunt of the water’s force, which can lead to damage. You may also experience soil erosion or washed-out mulch.
• Roof damage – If your shingles sit in water because your gutters are clogged, they will deteriorate faster than they should. This can lead to a roof leak or, at the very least, the need to replace the shingles at the roof’s edge.

Contact Gutter Helmet Today

When you have the best rain gutter guards for metal roofs, asphalt shingles or tile roofing from the nation’s leading gutter cover company, Gutter Helmet, your home will be protected. If you are considering gutter leaf guards for your home, think of them as insurance against more costly repairs rather than an expense. To learn more about Gutter Helmet, please call (800) 824-3772 for a free, no-obligation quote.

The post How Rain Gutter Guards Can Save You Thousands in Home Repairs appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Your gutters serve a very important role for your home. To keep them working effectively and to protect your home’s exterior and foundation from water damage, it’s important to take good care of your gutters and identify signs that they need to be repaired. There are several gutter repair signs in Oklahoma City that you can look out for to help you determine when it’s time to have your gutters repaired or replaced.

Gutters will naturally go through some wear and tear, but they are designed to withstand the elements for years. To ensure that your gutters are still performing the way you expect them to, here are a few signs you should watch for:

• Cracks: Cracking is a common issue with gutters, especially if you live in a climate where temperatures dip below freezing throughout the winter. When water collects in your gutters, freezes and then thaws, it can put stress on your gutters that leads to cracking and splitting.
• Water pooling: If you notice that water pools in certain areas around your home or near your foundation when it rains, it’s a sign that your gutters are not effectively diverting water away from your home’s exterior. You should have this issue addressed as soon as possible to minimize the risk of water damage and erosion that could affect your home.
• Rust and corrosion: Depending on what kind of material your gutter system is made of, you might start to notice some rust or corrosion developing on your gutters. When that happens, it’s important to have your system inspected and repaired as quickly as possible. If there is only a small patch of rust, you might be able to fix the problem by replacing one or two gutter sections. On the other hand, if the issue is more widespread, you might need to replace your gutters entirely.
• Gutter sagging: If portions of your gutters are sagging, they might be weighed down by leaves, branches or other debris. First, try cleaning out your gutters to see if that fixes the sagging issue. If the sagging persists, you will probably need to invest in gutter replacement or gutter repair in Oklahoma City.

What to do when you need repair

When you notice these signs, it’s important to get help from a professional who specializes in gutter repair right away. The sooner you get professional assistance, the sooner you can get your gutters back into proper working order so they can effectively protect your home’s exterior and foundation.

Call today for gutter repair in Oklahoma City

If you need gutter repair in Oklahoma City, reach out to L & S Seamless Guttering. For decades, our team has been proud to provide comprehensive gutter services to customers throughout the area. Whether you need repair services for your existing gutters or you want to have a new gutter system installed, we have the experience and expertise necessary to assist you. Get started with a consultation and a quote by giving us a call today!

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

Whether you’re climbing on a ladder to clean your gutters, fix an issue or install metal gutter shields, you need to stay safe. Ladder-related falls are a leading cause of injury, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. On average, around 500,000 people fall from ladders per year, with a whopping 97% of those accidents occurring at home or on a farm. 

Often people using ladders are not mindful of the serious risks associated with ladder use. Injuries predominately involve men with an average age of 55, according to the National Institute of Health. The article further states that the ladder height doesn’t really matter; you can sustain injury from a fall from any height.

Ladder Safety Basics

If you plan to use a ladder to clean your gutters or if you have mesh-style vinyl or metal gutter guards that require cleaning, simple ladder safety could save your limbs and, potentially, your life. Follow these tips before making the climb.

1. Inspect – Before using an aluminum ladder, look for bent steps and rails, sharp edges and loose rivets. Fiberglass and wood ladders should have no cracks or loose steps. Tighten bolts and rods, but do not overtighten. Make sure the ladder is clean and dry.
2. Set-up – Place the ladder on a firm, level surface and lean it against a wall or another fixed object. Do not set up a ladder near a doorway or other high-traffic area. When your ladder is on firm ground, it’s less likely to cause a fall.
3. Climbing – Climb and descend a ladder carefully and slowly, holding side rails with both hands. If possible, have a second person available to hold the ladder when you go up and come down.
4. Positioning – Avoid overreaching. When you overreach, you can lose footing or cause the ladder to become destabilized. Keep your body centered between rails, and both feet on the ladder at all times. You should always have at least one hand on the ladder. Never use a ladder during rain, high wind or lightning.
5. Storage – When folding, retracting or closing a ladder, be careful not to place fingers between sections. Store the ladder away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

Avoid Climbing Your Ladder – Get Gutter Covers

If the only reason you climb your ladder is to clean gutters, look at gutter cover reviews. You’ll find many homeowners love that they rarely need to get their ladder out now that they no longer clean their gutters! If you haven’t looked at gutter cover reviews for America’s #1 choice in metal gutter shields, check out Gutter Helmet®. Gutter Helmet keeps all kinds of debris out of your gutters, so you’ll no longer have to risk serious injury to keep them clear. For more information about the best gutter guard system, call Gutter Helmet today at (800) 824-3772.

The post Important Ladder Safety Tips appeared first on Gutter Helmet.