Month: October 2021

During the winter months, dropping temperatures and increasing precipitation can wreak havoc on roofs, siding and foundations. Because of the harsh conditions that exist during the winter months, gutter problems are far more common during this time of year. Even minor gutter problems can cause extensive damage to homes, so it’s important to minimize the risks of gutter damage as much as possible.

If you’re wondering how winter weather affects your gutters, keep reading to learn more.

Winter gutter problems to look out for

Gutters are essential when it comes to protecting homes from the elements, and gutter problems can cause serious issues for homeowners. When gutters aren’t working effectively, it can cause siding damage, roof damage and even foundation damage.

Here are some common winter gutter problems to look out for as the seasons change:

• Ice accumulation: One of the most common—and most serious—gutter problems that comes up during the winter months is ice accumulation. During the fall, leaves and other debris build up in gutters and block water flow. Once winter rolls around, these obstructions cause ice and snow to accumulate in gutters and weigh them down. The best way to avoid ice accumulation is to keep gutters free of leaves and debris with regular cleaning.
• Downspout clogs: Gutter systems are designed to divert water off of the roof and through downspouts which direct the water away from a home. When those downspouts become clogged, water overflows, and it can’t be directed effectively. As a result, water might roll down siding and seep into the ground around a home’s foundation, eventually causing erosion and even foundation cracks. To prevent downspout clogs—and all the issues that come with them—make sure to clean your gutters and remove debris and leaves before the winter months.
• Icicle development: Another problem that can be caused by damaged gutters is increased icicle development. When gutters aren’t working effectively, water and ice accumulate in gutters. When temperatures dip below freezing, the overflowing water coming from clogged gutters causes icicles to develop. Icicles add weight to gutters which causes undue strain on gutter systems and leads to gutter sagging and other types of damage.
• Roof leaks: Roof leaks can cause extensive water damage that is difficult to repair. Unfortunately, roof leaks can happen as a result of faulty gutters. When water can’t flow freely through gutters, it increases the likelihood that rook leaks will develop. Investing in gutter maintenance, repair and replacement can extend the lifespan of roofs and keep them in better condition for longer.

How winter weather affects your gutters

If you’re looking for help dealing with winter gutter problems or you’re thinking about replacing your gutters, look no further than L & S Seamless Guttering. We are a premier gutter contractor with decades of experience providing comprehensive gutter services, including gutter repairs and replacement.

Whether you are looking for help addressing some minor gutter problems or you’re interested in getting a quote for a new gutter system, reach out to our team today.

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

We don’t always prioritize gutter cleaning. Perhaps we’re not even thinking about it. We overlook the gutter system’s performance and what it accomplishes to keep water out of our homes. Isn’t it true that what’s out of sight is out of mind? That is until it starts causing problems in our homes.

Ten Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning

1. The gutters are overflowing with rainwater
2. The gutter is drooping or pulling away from your house
3. You have standing water at the foundation of your home
4. Your gutters are growing weeds, moss, or algae
5. Birds, small animals, or insects have taken up residence
6. Your roof is deteriorating
7. There is damage to your landscaping, or there is soil erosion
8. You’re noticing draining problems
9. There are water stains on your fascia boards or roofing
10. You can’t recall your last gutter cleaning

Three Reasons Why Gutter Cleaning Is Best Done in the Fall

1. In the winter, clogged gutters allow water to sit and eventually freeze. 
2. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees. A late-fall gutter cleaning keeps leaves out of gutters for the length of the winter season.
3. Fall gutter cleaning allows for problems to be discovered and fixed before the weather changes. A homeowner will not want to repair or clean gutters from a ladder in the winter. Additionally, it will not be safe for those living in colder regions battling snow and ice.

Keep Leaves Out of Places They Shouldn’t Be—Your Gutters

Gutters aren’t just set it and forget it. They, too, require attention, and the fall is the ideal time to do so. Gutter cleaning can extend the life of both your gutters and your roof. 

Superior Pressure Washing wishes you a wonderful fall season! Our main goal is to make gutter cleaning for homeowners as simple and safe as possible. We take care of the details, so you can enjoy the results. Please get in touch with us for a no-cost, no-obligation estimate.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorwash.net/

If you’re building a home or an office, you may be wondering about the necessity of rain gutters. There are a number of things that contribute to this decision, but generally gutters are a good idea for any building. Are there exceptions to this? Of course! There are exceptions to most rules. If you’re weighing your decisions when it comes to gutters, keep reading. We provide all you need to know…

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

The main purpose of gutters is to protect your home by moving water away from the roof, walls and foundation to prevent moisture damage. By keeping your gutters in prime condition, you’ll be able to avoid having to spend money for costly repairs or even a possible gutter replacement project. 

The Most Common Causes of Gutter Problems

Sadly, many homeowners end up having to deal with the trouble and expense of maintaining gutters that clog, overflow and sag. These issues are most prevalent in the fall and winter and throughout the rainiest months of the year. To prevent these problems from occurring, you need to know what’s causing them. Below is a list of some of the most common culprits behind clogged, overflowing, sagging gutters. 

• Not having enough gutters and downspouts. Gutters should be installed all around the perimeter of your roof and connected to the appropriate number of downspouts. If you don’t have enough, the gutters that you do have will have to make up the difference. This will put a strain on the gutters and may cause them to overflow. In addition, when there’s not enough downspouts, water will drain from your roof at a much slower rate, which may also lead to an overflow.
• Leaves, seeds and other tree debris. While trees beautify your property and enhance your home’s curb appeal, they also dump a lot of leaves, seed pods, twigs and other debris. All of these can collect in the gutters if the trees are close enough to your house. If not cleaned out of the gutters, the debris can interrupt the flow of water and prevent it from reaching the downspouts. 

• Clogged downspouts. When downspouts get clogged, water has nowhere to go, which will cause it to back up and your gutters to overflow. Overflowing gutters can cause damage to your siding, fascia and other parts of your roof. To prevent this problem, you may want to think about installing oversized downspouts that will allow the water to drain faster. The larger size should also reduce the occurrence of clogs in your downspouts,
• Nests. Birds, squirrels and other rodents often choose to build their nests in gutters. When they do this, water backs up behind them, which will then cause the gutters to overflow. To avoid this problem, consider installing a gutter shield on your gutters. This will prevent leaves and debris from building up in your gutters and stop pests from nesting in them.

Give Us a Call to Learn More

For more information on the best gutter protection system around or to learn how to clean gutters with gutter guards, contact Gutter Helmet at (800) 824-3772 or via our online form. We can take care of all your gutter, roofing and siding needs, and much more.

The post 4 Common Culprits Behind Clogged, Overflowing Gutters appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Gutters perform the important role of safely dispersing water away from your property. They run horizontally along the rooflines of your home, collecting runoff from rain and snow melt, then direct this runoff to downspouts that work to take it away from your property. A well operating gutter system helps avoid the likes of water intrusion and foundation degradation, which are important to avoiding home water damage and mold growth. That’s why it’s so important to ensure water is able to travel freely throughout your gutters and downspouts – and that’s why routine maintenance becomes essential.

But gutters don’t last forever, and when it comes time for replacement, you may be surprised to learn that you have various material options to select from. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at three popular types of gutters: vinyl, steel and aluminum. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each style so that you can make the best decision on what type of new gutters to purchase when it comes time. Here’s a closer look:

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl, or PVC, gutters are among the most popular types of gutters today for a variety of reasons. But perhaps the No. 1 reason is their affordability, making them ideal for property owners looking to stay on budget with any home improvement project.

Pros

• Ease of installation: Vinyl is a lightweight material, so it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that vinyl gutters are also lightweight components. This makes them easy to install because they’re easier to handle. This can help you save on labor costs if you choose to have vinyl gutters professionally installed. The lightweight characteristics can also make installation a DIY project.
• Low maintenance: You won’t have to worry about rust, denting or corrosion when it comes to vinyl gutters.
• Range of color selection: The options are plentiful when it comes to selecting a color for vinyl gutters.
• Low cost: Just because it’s worth mentioning again, vinyl gutters are the most affordable type of gutter. The average price is $3 to $5 per 10-foot section.

Cons

• Not ideal for all climates: Vinyl gutters aren’t recommended for areas that see heavy winters, strong winds or heavy seasonal rainfall. They’re best intended for dry climates.
• They don’t last long: Though the lightweight nature of vinyl gutters makes them easier to install, they also don’t tend to last as long as other types of gutters. Furthermore, while they avoid some issues, they’re still likely to sag and crack over time. In the right climate, vinyl gutters are a viable option that can last at least 20 years. In the wrong climate, however, they may not even make it a decade.
• May be more likely to leak: Unlike with metal gutters, vinyl isn’t able to be soldered or properly sealed in areas with seams. This can lead to leakage issues.

Steel Gutters

Though steel is a more expensive choice than vinyl, it makes up for it in durability.

Pros

• Durability: The biggest benefit of steel gutters is their durability. Steel excels in inclement weather and can stand up to the likes of snow, hail, high winds and heat without damage. If you live in an area that is prone to inclement weather, steel is a great choice for your gutters.
• Leak proof: Another nice thing about steel gutters is that the seams are often soldered together, forming a seal that helps prevent leakage.
• Long lasting: Stainless steel gutters can last for several decades with proper care. Because they’re so durable, they won’t sag and they’re not easily dented or damaged.

Cons

• Steel can rust: Steel gutters typically come in two varieties: galvanized and stainless. Galvanized steel will rust – even if a protective coating is applied. Stainless steel, however, will not rust.
• Cost: Like we noted earlier, better quality also comes with a higher cost. Steel gutters average $9 to $20 per linear foot, with downspouts costing about $10 per linear foot. It’s a significant price jump from vinyl. Because steel is a heavier material than vinyl, it also costs more to have steel gutters professionally installed.
• Can be hard to find: A lot of companies don’t carry stainless steel gutters due to their high price, limited selection variety and difficulty to install.
• Must be painted: Unlike vinyl gutters, which come in just about any color you could want, color options are much more limited with steel. In fact, you may even need to paint stainless steel gutters yourself if you want an exact match.

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum is an ideal middle option when it comes to gutters. They’re more durable than vinyl, and easier to install and find compared to steel. They’re also the most popular choice for gutters today.

Pros

• Long lasting: Though they may not last for several decades like stainless steel gutters will, when cared for properly, aluminum gutters can last for at least 20 years.
• Easy to find: Aluminum gutters are easy to find and come in a range of color options and other styles. And if you can’t find the color that you want, they’re able to be painted.
• Easy to handle: Like we said in the intro, aluminum is a perfect middle point between vinyl and steel – and this includes weight too. Aluminum is lightweight, yet durable, and easy to handle and install.

Cons

• The material may corrode: Aluminum won’t rust, but if the gutters are routinely subjected to salt – as is the case in coastal areas – then they may corrode over time.
• More damage prone than steel: Aluminum is a material that tends to dent fairly easily. While minor knicks and dents aren’t a big deal from a functional standpoint, they may be from an aesthetic standpoint. Hence, you may have to invest in repairs to your aluminum gutters.
• Color can fade: Over time, it’s common for the color of the gutter to fade. This may require repainting to keep them looking great.

Have questions or need assistance installing your new gutters? Contact us today!

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

Fall is here, and winter is not far behind—that means it’s the perfect time to invest some time and energy into preventative maintenance to get your home ready for the winter.

One of the most important parts of winter home maintenance is gutter preparation. If you are trying to tackle gutter preparation for the winter season, keep reading for some tips and tricks to get gutters ready for the winter.

Winter gutter preparation tips

Preparing gutters for winter is the best way to avoid gutter issues during the fall and winter months. Taking some time to prepare gutters for the winter reduces the risk of a variety of problems including siding damage, flooding, erosion and foundation cracking.

Here are some tips for gutter preparation for winter season:

• Remove leaves and debris: The first step to prepare gutters for the winter is to clean out leaves and debris. As leaves and debris accumulate in gutters, they obstruct water flow and weigh down gutter systems. Once temperatures dip in the winter, snow and ice accumulation add to that weight and can cause extensive damage to gutters. Cleaning leaves and debris out of gutters reduces the risk of damage to gutter systems during the winter months.
• Inspect gutters: After removing leaves and debris, it will be much easier to inspect gutters and identify areas that are worn or damaged and must be repaired or replaced. Pay attention to things like sagging, holes, rust development and cracks in gutters that might affect performance and prevent gutters from doing their jobs effectively. It’s also a good idea to look at the alignment and slope of your gutters to make sure that water can flow effectively through gutters to prevent pooling.
• Invest in gutter repairs: Once you’ve inspected your gutters and taken note of issues that need to be repaired, take care of necessary maintenance and repairs. Waiting too long to invest in gutter repairs can result in more serious gutter damage that requires even more complicated and expensive repairs. With that in mind, make sure to prepare gutters for winter by investing in gutter repairs as soon as possible.
• Consider replacing gutters: If your gutters are getting old, it’s a good idea to consider replacing gutters. New gutter systems are designed with specialized technology to optimize performance. Features like leaf guards and seamless designs can promote water flow and minimize issues like clogging, ice-dam formation and sagging. Replacing gutters in the fall is a great way to protect your home from winter weather and reduce wear and tear on siding, roofs and foundations.

Gutter repair, replacement and maintenance

Make sure that your home is prepared for the winter months with gutter repair, replacement and maintenance services from the team of experts at L & S Seamless Guttering. We have over 30 years of experience providing our customers with comprehensive gutter services to keep their homes protected from all kinds of weather conditions. Find out more about what we have to offer and request a quote for our services by giving us a call today.

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

The end of summer means that temperatures are starting to cool off. There’s a nice window of opportunity to get outdoor chores done before it gets too cold, and after the summer rain storms have stopped. One of those chores might be painting your house! Painting your gutters alongside your house is a great way to keep everything looking fresh and proper. Keep reading about how to paint your…

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

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons, but it can also be the most treacherous for your gutters. Thankfully, you can protect your gutters by taking certain precautions. Here we discuss the steps you should take to keep your gutters in tip top shape during the fall seasons.

Take safety precautions

Good fall gutter maintenance is important, but so too is your health. Before you climb up to inspect your gutters, you should also take necessary precautions. This includes wearing proper glove wear and eye protection, as well as using a standalone ladder. If possible, have someone standing at the bottom of the ladder to keep an eye on you.

Remove fall foliage

The biggest problem you’ll have to contend with during the autumn months is fall foliage. While the falling leaves certainly look beautiful, they can easily clog up your gutters. Working your way up from the downspout, check your gutters frequently to make sure that no leaves or debris have fallen in. If you notice that leaves have clogged up your gutters, remove as many as you can.

Check for leaks

Cracks and leaks should be fixed sooner rather than later. Once you’ve cleaned your gutters thoroughly, spray water down them and see if anything leaks out. You should also check the nearby walls and roofing for any cracks as well. During times of heavy rainfall or snowfall, water can overflow from your gutters and seep into the cracks in your wall or roof, damaging the inside of your home.

Bell Seamless Gutters can help you maintain and protect your gutters for the fall months. Contact us today to learn more!

The post Fall Gutter Maintenance appeared first on Bell Seamless Gutters.

Major home improvement projects, including gutter replacement and installation, generally require a significant investment. No matter how much you spend on a project, however, there’s no guarantee that issues won’t arise somewhere down the road. Nor is hiring an expert contractor to handle the work a guarantee of a flawless installation – though this will definitely go a long way to ensuring that project is as successful as possible. 

Even with top-quality products and skilled installers, it’s possible for problems to come up. If they do, it’s important that you have a top-notch warranty in place. 

Benefits of a Good Warranty

The purpose of a warranty is to protect consumers from defective products and shoddy workmanship. This is why it’s important to take a careful look at any warranty a contractor is offering before signing a binding contract. Go over the conditions of the contract to ensure that they are fair, then thoroughly assess the terms, such as when the warranty goes into effect, when it expires and what damages will be covered, to name a few. 

The Highlights of a Gutter Helmet® Warranty

Gutter Helmet offers an excellent warranty that provides the following benefits:

• A Lifetime Guarantee that our exclusive PermaLife coating won’t chip, crack or peel.
• Full Warranty Service guaranteed for the lifetime of the original purchaser.
• A Lifetime Performance Warranty on our products and installation services.

Our customers have the satisfaction of knowing that if any issues arise which are covered by the warranty, we’ll take care of them in a timely manner. Gutter Helmet® products can only be purchased through and installed by factory-trained and -certified dealers. Despite our confidence in both our products and the services of our experienced installers, we don’t hesitate to back them with one of the best warranties in the industry to provide our customers with additional security and peace of mind. 

How Do Gutter Helmet® Gutter Covers Work?

Gutter Helmet® is the #1 gutter protection system available on the market today. This patented product features a textured surface to which water clings and a nose-forward design that keeps water flowing freely into the gutters while keeping debris out. This means that you’ll never have to clean your gutters again! 

Choose Gutter Helmet® to Prolong the Life of Your Gutters

When you choose Gutter Helmet, the best gutter guard company around, you can be secure in the knowledge that your gutters will be protected from the harmful effects of clogging – namely, water damage and insect infestation. For a free estimate on a Gutter Helmet system and to learn more about our exceptional warranty, give us a call today at (800) 824-3772. You can also go to our page and check out the best gutter guard reviews on our website. 

The post The Many Benefits of a Gutter Helmet® Warranty appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Did you know that the 2021 season has been the third most active Atlantic hurricane season and the fifth most costly in history? If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or your home has been affected by hurricane-induced storms and flooding, it’s important to know what to do in the aftermath. Though many homes that go through such events may appear to have suffered minimal damage, homeowners often have to deal with extensive repairs to address damage that may not be noticeable at first glance. 

The Essential Post-Hurricane Checklist

If you need to inspect your home after a hurricane or related event, here’s a checklist for you to

consult:

1. Check for standing water. A few puddles in your yard aren’t a big deal, but in certain areas, water can be problematic and even dangerous. If water is present near appliances or gas meters, turn off the power leading to these units and call a qualified repairman as soon as possible.
2. Examine power lines. Obviously, you shouldn’t touch downed power lines but sagging poles or wires that have become entangled in the trees are fires waiting to happen. For this reason, it’s important to notify an electrician and steer clear of these areas if you notice these issues.
3. Look at your roof. Stand back from your house and look for shingles that have been displaced. If it’s safe to do so, get on a ladder to take a closer look. Holes or gaps left behind by shingles that have blown off the roof can allow water to infiltrate your roof, which is why the missing shingles must be replaced quickly.
4. Inspect your gutters. High winds can pull sections of guttering away from the roofline and/or cause the gutters to sag. Be sure to thoroughly inspect your gutters, and make certain any repairs to these components are completed before the next storm hits. (Note: necause of the heavy rainfall that generally accompanies hurricanes, pooling water near your foundation isn’t necessarily evidence of gutter failure.)
5. Look for evidence of foundation damage. New cracks or buckling at your foundation slab may have occurred during the storm, especially if there was substantial flooding or flying debris. Inside your house, be on the lookout for buckling or uneven floors that were flat before the hurricane hit.
6. Check interior cracks. Some homes may have already had cracks in the ceilings or walls but a major storm can cause them to lengthen further, to the point that they may need to be repaired. Pay special attention to the areas around windows and doors.
7. Inspect the plumbing. Once water service has been restored, systematically test every faucet and toilet in your house. Not only should you make sure they’re all working properly, you should also check for evidence of leaks in pipes which may have been jostled or cracked during the storm.
8. Check closets and crawl spaces. When you finish with your plumbing, look into every storage cabinet, closet, pantry and crawl space in your home. There may be water damage or other problems in these rarely used places which will go undetected if you don’t take the time to check.
9. Examine your water softener and/or heater. As with your other equipment, make sure there’s no standing water around your water softening unit or water heater. If there is, you may want to cut power to them. Also, hand-check connections to pipes that attach to the water softener and heater to ensure they’re still tight.
10. Call your insurance company to report any issues. It’s true that you may have to wait on hold for a long time due to the high volume of calls after a hurricane. However, the sooner you report your home’s damages to your insurance carrier, the more quickly you’ll get reimbursed for the repair costs.

Turn to Gutter Helmet for Gutter Guard Installation

If, after taking care of repairs to your gutters and other storm-related damage, you’d like to look into investing in a gutter protection system, give Gutter Helmet a call. We have the best, most experienced gutter guard installer in your area. Contact us at (800) 824-3772 or reach out online to find out more. 

The post Tips on Inspecting Your Home After a Hurricane appeared first on Gutter Helmet.