As the days grow short, the air becomes crisp, and the neighborhood squirrels hide acorns in a winter-prep frenzy, you might think it’s too late to do anything about all those leaves filling your gutters.

It’s not!

Leaf protection can be installed even when the leaves are falling all around.  And once gutter guards are installed, you won’t have to worry about leaf buildup and all of the problems it brings.

Problem Leaves

Leaves are a huge problem in your gutters for one reason:  clogs.  Clogged gutters and downspouts may seem like a mere nuisance but leaves in your gutters can lead to some costly repairs to your home.  

Foundation Problems.  When clogged gutters can’t drain water properly, water overflows onto the ground below.  This leads to erosion which weakens foundation walls and causes cracks to form. In colder months, water gets into the cracks, freezing and expanding the cracks, and before you know it, you’ve got a flooded basement.  

Leaks.  As water overflows your clogged gutters and runs down the side of your house, water finds its way in through seams in your doors and windows.   It can cause wooden fascia boards and window and door frames to rot and need to be replaced. Anytime there are leaks in your home, the risk of mold is increased.  

Broken Gutters.  Even if your gutters are new, they may not be able to withstand the weight of the water that builds up in them because of a clog.  Fasteners can come loose, gutters can sag or break and will need to be replaced.  

Infestations.  Built-up leaves and debris make perfect breeding grounds for many insects such as bees, wasps, and ants, and if water is trapped, you’re likely to have a mosquito nursery move in.  Birds, mice, lizards, and even snakes have been known to hang out in your gutters amongst the leaves. Sometimes, seeds make their way in there and begin to grow, and before you know it, you’ve got yourself a gutter garden!  (not a good thing) Hiring an exterminator to remove pests can be costly.

Guard Against Clogs  

With the right leaf protection, these problems are virtually eliminated and along with them the need for seasonal cleanings.  You’ll still need cleanings but not nearly as often.  

There are several leaf protection options available.  There are inexpensive kinds that are simply cut to size and placed in your gutters and are bristle brush styles or foam tubes.  They’re not a great solution because leaves can stick to the bristles and foam tends to deteriorate rather quickly out in the elements but they’re better than nothing.

A better choice would be Solid Gutter Covers or Reverse Curve Gutter Guards.  These are sheets of metal that attach at the roof and hang over your gutters, allowing water to flow over the curve and into the gutters.  Leaves fall off over the edge instead of going in the gutter. These work best where pine needles aren’t a problem because they can stick to the surface of the water and clog the gutters.  

 

The option that works on both leaves and needles is Micro Mesh or Perforated Aluminum Guards.  They are attached on top of your gutters and have holes that allow water to flow in while keeping leaves out.  

Whatever form of leaf protection you choose, Gutter Pros can help.  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 right leaf protection that will guard those gutters! 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

You probably have that one neighbor who has a lush, green lawn that is always cut to the perfect length and looks like a thick carpet. Then, of course, there’s the one with the perfectly squared-off hedges that line his property. And who could forget the one at the end of the block who always has a 500,000-light Christmas display that people come from far and wide to see?

You, too, can be the envy of your neighborhood by making a simple yet dramatic change to your home―copper gutters.

A home with copper gutters has instant curb appeal. Some people may want their gutters to not be noticed and have downspouts that are the same color as their home to camouflage them. Copper gutters and downspouts are not for these people. Copper gutters are no shrinking violet. They make a big statement, and that statement is, “Look how beautiful I am!” Copper gutters become a focal point that perfectly compliments the charm and character of your home. Whether you have an older house or a more modern home, copper gutters can give your house a look that’s old-fashioned yet surprisingly timeless.

When your copper gutters are first installed, they are bright copper like a new shiny penny. Over time, that penny color turns a lovely green patina that people love.

Your neighbors will wonder how you could afford the extravagance of copper gutters but here’s a secret: they’re not really more expensive. Initially, yes, they are. Copper gutters can cost anywhere from $8-$10 per linear foot, compared to $4-$8 per linear foot for aluminum and $3-$5 per linear foot for vinyl. But copper gutters have the most durability and strength of any material used in gutters today and if maintained, copper gutters can last a century! You may pay more upfront but your copper gutters will likely be the last gutters you’ll ever have to buy for your home.

Installation of copper gutters should be left to the professionals who are experienced with handling them. They require soldering and oils from the skin can cost the copper to discolor. A copper gutter expert will install your gutters with copper fasteners and fittings that will make your house a real showstopper. And if you’d like to keep the copper color, your gutters can be sealed regularly to keep the patina from developing.

With copper gutters adding beauty and interest to your home’s exterior, you’ll no longer have to live in the shadow of someone with a perfect lawn. Your house will be the talk of the neighborhood.
If you’d like to have copper gutters installed on your home, call the professionals at Gutter Pros. At Gutter Pros, we’re experts in all gutters and have the knowledge and experience to install your copper gutters the right way. We’re the leaders in commercial gutters, copper gutters, and leaf protection in the St. Louis area. Call GutterPros today at (314) 656-7195.

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

Fall has arrived in all its colorful glory. The vibrant leaves are beautiful as they dance through the air. In your gutters, they’re not so pretty.

Problems with Debris Build-Up
Leaves and debris can build up in your gutters and cause a host of problems such as infestations, foundation cracks, asphalt and concrete damage, and puddling in your landscaping. As the muck builds up in your gutters, they clog the water and become heavier and the added weight can cause the gutters to sag and break as well as put pressure on the fasteners. Leaks can cause electrical problems and lead to mold and unsanitary condition for workers. Whether it’s damage to your gutters or damage to your building, repairs or replacements can be a big expense that you weren’t prepared for.
Commercial gutters are particularly susceptible to clogs because the most common type of commercial gutters is box gutters designed to handle large volumes of water. Their open side is typically 6 inches or more, giving ample room for leaves to collect there.
If your commercial gutters are clogged, you have all of the same potentials for damage as residential gutters with the added risk of damage to the roof’s drainage system that is needed for flat-roofed facilities. If water backs up onto a flat roof, it can greatly increase the weight on your roof and can lead to a disaster. Commercial gutters are much heavier than their residential counterparts which means they’re much more expensive to repair or replace.

Importance of a Professional Inspection
After the leaves have fallen and before the freezing temperatures have hit, it’s important to have your commercial gutters cleaned and inspected for damage.
Inspecting commercial gutters is not merely looking them over. Experts know what to look for such as staining where water may have collected. They check all fasteners to make sure they’re secure and look for early signs of problems. Problems that are caught before they become a big problem are easier and less expensive to fix.

Importance of a Professional Cleaning
Cleaning commercial gutters is not only a disgusting job (think of all that decomposing muck) but it’s a dangerous one that should only be done by the professionals instead of maintenance personnel from your company. Even if your gutters can be accessed at the roof, there is a risk of falling which could injure your employee and your company would be completely liable.
Taking care of your gutters makes your business more professional-looking, welcoming, and shows potential customers that you put care and pride into your business.

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 winter arrives!

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

Roof gutters are your primary defense from water accumulation around the foundation of your home. Roof gutters prices protect interior walls from leaks and possible mold contamination. Large amounts of water building up against the foundation of your home will eventually result in leaking basement walls with cracking and shifting of the foundation walls of your home.

There are several points to consider when selecting roof gutters for your home. Roof gutters come in numerous shapes, sizes, and materials. Choosing the right style, shape, and material will serve an instrumental purpose while adding curb appeal and value to your home.

Roof gutters are easy to install, requiring a small amount of DIY experience using standard household tools. For the novice and less experienced, getting the help of a family member, friend, or neighbor to help hold the placement of gutter runs may prove beneficial.

Gutter Installation Planning

Planning the installation of your gutters will determine the amount and length of materials that you will need. Simple sketching of the perimeter of your home with exact measurements is a good starting point. Install your new gutters over your current eaves or fascia boards. Replace all deteriorated fascia boards as needed. If your home has vinyl or aluminum fascia board protection already installed, your current fascia boards should be solid enough to handle your new gutters.

Rain gutters are typically installed on the front or rear of the home. Older styled ramblers with a 4/12 roof pitch may have gutters installed on all four sides of the house. Newer homes typically have gutters installed on the front of the home only.

Select the gutter material that you will be installing and the style. The most common are vinyl, and aluminum styled gutters are available in the “K” or “U’ shape configuration. The only real difference between the two is the “K” style gutter is deeper and capable of handling more water displacement. Learn how to clean gutters without a ladder here. 

After measuring and planning, you will need tools and materials to hang your new gutters.

Gutter Installation Tools that Mostly Needed?

•         Cordless drill
•         Extension ladder(s)
•         35’ tape measure
•         Inexpensive tool belt
•         Chalk line
•         Carpenter level
•         Hacksaw or miter-compound saw with a fine-tooth blade

The best gutter cleaning tools needed will depend on the gutters that you are installing. Vinyl gutters are easier to cut and hang and may require only a few simple tools such as a hacksaw to cut to proper lengths.

Note: The following gutter installation guide will detail installing vinyl gutters on the front of your home, which is one of the least expensive and easiest to install by DIYers. Follow the same gutter installation detailed for the front of your home for the remaining sections of your home’s roof adding vinyl corners and additional downspout drops as needed for installation of roof gutters around the entire roof perimeter of your home.

Material needed to include in Gutter Installation:

•         Vinyl gutters, sold in 10’ lengths
•         Vinyl downspouts sold in 10’ lengths
•         2-3 vinyl elbows for downspouts
•         Two vinyl endcaps
•         Gutter vinyl flashing
•         Gutter sealant
•         Gutter vinyl hanging straps. Installed every three feet per vinyl gutter run
•         2” rust-resistant screws
•         Optional vinyl gutter guard (More about this later)

Take your rough drawing to your local home improvement store. They will be able to determine the exact amount of material required with recommendations with possible money-saving ideas.

Types of Gutters

Four types of gutters are commonly used today: vinyl, aluminum, stainless steel, and seamless. 

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are lightweight, inexpensive, extremely durable, and easy to install. Vinyl gutters come in many colors to match the exterior of your home and are virtually maintenance-free. Vinyl gutters are rust-proof and the right choice for tight budgets fitting perfectly into a variety of climates.

Aluminum Gutters

These gutters remain cost-effective and available in several different gauges of thickness. The gauge of thickness determines the overall strength of the gutter. Aluminum gutters are installed in 10-foot sections or seamless in one continuous run. Aluminum gutters are slightly harder to install and cut with an average higher price per linear foot when compared to vinyl gutters.

Stainless Steel Gutters

Stainless steel gutters are perhaps the most expensive but remain the sturdiest of all available gutters. Depending on the thickness or gauge, these gutters are harder to cut to specific lengths and may require specialized cutting tools for accurate cuts. Some periodic maintenance may be required.

Seamless Gutters

Seamless rain gutters require less maintenance and less likely to develop leaks due to their seamless construction. Seamless gutters are installed in one continuous run without seams or connecting joints. Hanging seamless gutters requires the assistance of one or more helpers to install. These gutters are only available in either aluminum or stainless steel.

Steps to Installing Your Own Rain Gutters

Depending on your comfort level using basic tools, it is recommended to join the sections of your new gutter system on the ground. Making connections on the ground might be more comfortable, but it is also considered harder to install but make the overall gutter installation go much faster. Making gutter connections on the ground will also depend on the type of material of your new rain gutter system. The vinyl gutter system may be easier to install in 10-foot lengths with or without the assistance of another individual.

 

Step1 Preparation

Start at the end of the gutter away from the downspout location and measure down ½” from the roof drip edge, or the distance recommended by the gutter manufacturer, and make a mark. Move to the other end of the gutter run and measure down the same length. The two scores should be perfectly level. Adjust scores if need to maintain a consistent level across the entire fascia. 

At the downspout end, measure down 1/16” for every 10 feet of vinyl gutter run or approximately ½” per 10-foot of the gutter and make another mark. As an example, if the entire gutter run is 30 feet, marking down from the original ½” mark would be a total of 1-1/4″ from the drip edge of the roof at the opposite end. (1/2” original mark + ¾” ( ½” per total gutter run length= 1-1/4”).

Step 2 Determining Proper Slope

Using your chalk line snap a chalk line from the ½” downspout end of the roof measurement to 1-1/4” measurement at the opposite end. This should produce an overall slope or fall of approximately ¾” total drop or fall for water to run, which is a typical standard drop. This snapped chalk line will be your guideline for the installation of the gutter hangars and provide a reference point to keep your new gutter system at the proper slope.

Step 3 Installing Vinyl Gutter Hangars

Install the vinyl drop at the lower end of the gutter run. This drop typically has a connection for the downspouts which will be installed later in the installation process. Install all gutter vinyl hangars 24-30 inches apart along the entire run.

Align and fasten all vinyl hangars with the chalk line as a reference point to maintain proper fall or slope of all gutters. Adjust hangars as needed for uneven measurements with the spacing of vinyl hangars not to exceed the maximum of 24-30 inches apart.

Note:  Place gutter drops for downspouts near the end of a garage wall or the end of your home. When downspouts are installed, you will want a clean appearance that places the downspouts within close distances to the end of a wall and not sticking halfway down the center of a wall.

Step 4 Gutter Installation

Starting at the downspout end of the gutter run, lay a 10 feet section of vinyl gutter on the gutter supporting straps. Snap one end of the vinyl gutter into the downspout drop. Snap the remainder of the gutter run into the rest of the vinyl gutter brackets.

When joining sections, thoroughly apply the gutter sealing compound on one end of the already installed gutter section. Snap the end of the next 10-foot vinyl gutter section into the vinyl gutter connector wiping off excess sealing compound with a rag.

When approaching the end of the run, measure from the gutter connector the to end of the fascia. It is a good idea to allow for a little extra length to have the last piece of gutter to hang approximately one inch over the end of the roofline.

Place gutter sealant on the final connector and vinyl end cap. Place the vinyl end cap onto the last piece of the gutter run. It is always good to seal all gutter connectors from the inside of the gutters for additional leakproof connection.

Install gutter flashing. These are made of high-grade aluminum with placement under the last row of shingles on the roof.  Gutter flashings have a curved end that is placed into the gutter to prevent water from running behind the gutter.

A Better Option

Instead of using gutter flashing, vinyl leaf guards are a viable alternative that solves the problem of moisture running behind the gutters. Gutter flashings keep your newly installed gutters free of debris. These leaf and gutter guards are easy to install and fit under the last row on shingles on your roof and snap firmly into place on the gutters. Leaves and other debris blow off and do not collect inside your new gutters keeping water flowing freely.

Leaf or gutter guards are highly recommended and worth the slight increase in material cost. Color-coordinated to match your new gutters the addition of these leaf guards adds a professional-looking finishing touch to your new gutter installation that is very noticeable.

Step 5 Downspout Installation

Install a 45-degree vinyl elbow facing the wall, to the bottom of the gutter drop. Place another 45-degree vinyl elbow on the end of the downspout facing out. Hold the downspout against the wall and measure the distance from elbow to elbow. Cut the appropriate length and install into each end of the elbows.

Once a final determination has been made to the placement of the downspout, mount the downspout brackets to the wall. Place downspout brackets every 18-inches as needed and fasten with the appropriate length of rust-proof screws. Cut downspout off at the top of the foundation wall. Add another elbow facing out while adding another section of downspout pipe to drain rainwater away from your house.

Permanently secure all downspout connections with self-taping, color-coordinated ¼” or ½” sheet metal screws with your battery-operated cordless drill.

This section of DIY gutter installation is one that is the most problematic for many homeowners. No one expects perfection the first time. This may take some additional planning to perfect but remains one of the most critical parts of the gutter installation that will present a clean and professional-looking installation.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid choosing the wrong size gutter. The depth of your new gutters is crucial in handling all amounts of rainfall from occasional showers to downpours. Gutters that cannot handle large amounts of water will result in overflows leaving the water at the foundation of your home. Consider a deeper gutter than needed. Both “K” and “U” styled gutters are capable of handling large amounts of heavy rainfall.

Don’t Ignore the Pitch

Rainwater is not going to drain from your newly installed gutters if the pitch or fall is incorrect. This is a common problem when installing your own gutters. Allow between ¼” and ½” per 10-feet of gutter towards the downspouts for professional results. Gutters should never be level.  Make periodic checks during installation to confirm that the proper slop or fall is maintained.

Improper Spacing

Proper spacing of the gutter mounting and supporting bracket is crucial for proper installation that will remain in place for many years. Ice buildup and snow buildup place a tremendous amount of weight and pressure on gutters. Improperly spaced and installed gutter brackets will loosen with this additional weight and may even fall off your home. In snow and ice conditions, place the gutter mounting brackets closer together at 2-feet instead of the traditional thirty inches.

Never place gutter support and mounting brackets more than three feet apart under any conditions.

How to Install Rain Gutters with No Facia Board

Although rare, some homes have no fascia board.  No fascia board is an integral part of remote vacation cabins that want to retain the more traditional rustic look. Over time gutter installation may be needed to divert heavy rainfalls.

Installing gutters with no fascia is as stated above with one exception, the use of metal brackets.  Metal gutter brackets attach to either the outside or the inside lip of the gutters when no fascia board is present. These clips are then fastened directly to the tails of the roof trusses. There are a few different models of these straps available; however, all models are designed to make gutter installation on homes with no fascia board simplified.

Gutter Replacement

Replacing old, outdated gutters on your home will drastically improve your home’s curb appeal. Removing old gutters is accomplished with the use of a hammer and a little “persuasion”:

First, remove all old downspouts. These may be screwed together with self-tapping screws that are easy to remove.

Next, unscrew the gutter brackets from the fascia board with your battery-operated drill with the appropriate screwdriver bit, usually a Philips bit. The old gutters should begin to fall off. Be careful not to let old gutters fall against widows or home siding.

Inspect fascia board for possible rot or deterioration before installing your choice of new gutters.

Once all old gutters are removed, follow the steps for new gutter installation outlined above. It is as simple as that.

How Much Does it Cost to Install Rain Gutters?

The average residential home has anywhere from 120-250 feet of rain gutters. Newly constructed homes with sprawling roofs could easily double this figure, hence the reasoning for installing rain gutters on only the front of the house.

Installation of Gutters

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl or at times referred to as PVC gutters cost on an average of $3-$5 per linear foot or about $360-$600 for 120 feet and $750-$1,250 for 250 feet professionally installed. DIY materials cost approximately $50-$100 for 120 feet and $90-$180 for 250 feet. These costs will vary to some degree, depending on the area where you live.

Aluminum Gutters 

Professionally installed aluminum gutters average about $4-$9 per foot plus $5-$8 for each downspout installed. This equates to $500-$1,200 for 120 feet and $1,050-$2,400 for 250 feet of rain gutters. DIY materials for aluminum gutters cost on an average of $350-$500 for 120 feet and $450-$850 for 250 feet. Multiply this by a minimum of two to three times for gutter installation around the entire perimeter of homes built less than ten years ago with 8-10-degree roof pitches.

Stainless Steel

Installation of stainless-steel gutters by professionals is similar to overall costs of professionally installed aluminum gutters. Stainless steel gutters will run an average of $4-$8 dollars per foot professionally installed. This translates into $500-1,000 for 120 feet and $1,000-$2,000 for 250 feet. Steel runs between $8-$10 per foot or $960-1,200 for 120 feet and $2,000-$2,500 for 250 feet. Today, steel gutters are averaging $20 per foot in some areas. Stainless steel gutters remain one of the most expensive of all the gutters available today.

Facts and accurate figures represent an alarming fact in savings between $360-$1,250 for DIY vinyl gutter installation.

In Summation

Installing gutters on a home is one of the most common DIY home projects. Installation of rain gutters is not as difficult as one would imagine, requiring only a little patience and an understanding of the installation process. 

On average, installing new gutters on your home can be completed in one day depending on the number of new rain gutters that need to be installed. Installing rain gutters does not require a college degree or years of professional experience. A little common sense with a willing winning attitude to get the job done correctly goes a long way when installing your gutters.

Upon completion, you will be amazed at the professional-looking results with a newfound appreciation for skills that you thought you never had. Save your money and spend a little time taking pride in homeownership when installing new or replacing old rain gutters on your home.

The post How to Install Gutters-Gutter Installation and Replacement appeared first on Leaf Gutter Guards.

You might be wondering which season is the best time to invest in seamless gutter installation in Oklahoma City. The answer may surprise you!

Signs you need to replace your rain gutters

Your rain gutters might be getting up there in age, but that’s not a solid reason to tear them out. Why spend money on new gutters and installation services if your gutters are still functioning well? The following signs indicate it’s time for gutter replacement:

• Cracks, holes or rust spots: Small damage can be fixed using a gutter sealant or patch, but it’s better to get new gutters if there are a number of cracks and holes in a section.
• Separated gutters: Your gutter system cannot function like it’s supposed to if the sections are not fastened together to create a single channel. Replace gutters when they begin separating from one another frequently.
• Pulling away from the roof: There shouldn’t be spaces between the roofline and the gutters, and you shouldn’t have to reattach or replace the fasteners all the time. New gutters will solve both your water and fascia problems.
• Sagging gutters: Gutter systems are installed slightly angled in one direction so water flows down instead of just collecting in the gutters and overflowing. If you can’t fix this problem, consider replacing your gutters.
• Peeling exterior paint: When rain gutters pull away from the roof, water is likely to seep down over the edge and onto exposed trim or siding, causing paint peel.

The seasons and new gutter installation

You can install new rain gutters at any time of the year, so the best time to replace them is whenever you need to. Here’s what to look out for during each season:

• Fall: If you don’t have good guards in place, then falling leaves and debris can cause blockages, slowing water drainage through the gutters. Clean out gutters before fall, and replace damaged sections before the start of the rainy season.
• Winter: Between rain, snow and ice, gutters are often in for some rough treatment during the winter months. Snow and ice can block water flow and clog the gutters, which can lead to cracks or breakage. We advise against installing new gutters in winter, just because snow, ice and cold weather can damage them, regardless of their age.
• Spring: Spring is the ideal time of year to replace your gutters, but do it before spring rain showers come. Come fall, you’ll enjoy proper drainage away from your house.
• Summer: Mosquitoes love standing water, and hot summer days combined with clogged gutters can be very attractive to mosquitoes. If your gutters’ poor condition is causing an insect boom on your property, replace them. Call a gutter installer early on in the season to secure an appointment, as summer is the busy season for rain gutter companies.

For information about seamless gutter installation in Oklahoma City, contact the team of technicians at L & S Seamless Guttering. Call us with questions or to get a free estimate on any of our products and services!

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

Cleaning and maintaining rooves on multi-unit residential buildings, such as apartment complexes, condos, and HOAs, will attract more potential tenants to your properties. Keeping your roofs clean will also improve the satisfaction levels of your current tenants and encourage them to sign up for future leases. Carrying out proper roof maintenance in time for spring, when many people look for apartments or renew their leases, will provide you with a return on your investment.

Why Should You Clean and Maintain Your Roofs?

Roof maintenance is essential, especially in older properties. Cleaning and maintaining your roofs might sound like a huge expense, but it could save you money in the long run. In fact, research shows that a roof maintenance program could save you up to 50 percent over 30 years when compared to replacing a roof every 15-20 years [1].Maintaining your roofs on a regular basis can also increase tenant satisfaction and result in fewer complaints. Dirty roofs, for example, can annoy tenants and prevent people from moving into a property.Extending your spring clean to service areas will also please current and prospective tenants and reduce the number of complaints you receive from people who live in your properties.

How Do You Clean Roofs Properly?

Roofs are difficult and dangerous to clean. Attempting to clean roof surfaces yourself could result in a serious injury. This is why it’s a good idea to leave this job to the professionals. The best roof cleaning companies use pressure washing to clean your roof surfaces. This high-pressure water spray will remove grime, dirt, and dust on roofs and get rid of stubborn stains.

Who Are Superior Pressure Washing?

Superior Pressure Washing specializes in pressure washing services and can clean your roof in a speedy timeframe with minimum disruption to your tenants. Rated No. 1 for pressure washing, this company prides itself on excellent customer service and value for money and will create a customized cleaning solution based on your business requirements and budget. It’s that simple.Cleaning your roof at this time of the year will improve the appearance of multi-unit residential buildings and increase tenant satisfaction. Looking for high-quality pressure washing in time for the spring? Click here to discover more.

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

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