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When you purchased your home, the chances are good that the thing furthest from your mind was the difference between regular and seamless gutters. That difference, however, can be critical in keeping the maintenance needed on your property to a minimum.

Unless you are the kind of person who enjoys spending time cleaning and maintaining gutters, installing seamless gutters, like the K-Guard Gutter System, allows you to spend more time enjoying your home and less time taking care of it.

Why not spend less time on ladders, and more time relaxing? Learn more about how the K-Guard Gutter System helps you with this goal.

Why are seamless gutter systems better than “seamed” gutters?

The most commonly installed gutter in the United States is the regular, seamed gutter. This is the case because they are inexpensive and easy to install as a do-it-yourself project. Also known as sectional gutters, seamed gutters are installed around the roofline by attaching small sections of gutters that are joined at the seams, hence the name “seamed” gutters.

Though this may be the cheapest and easiest solution, it can cause significant problems down the road. The seams where the gutter sections are joined collect debris, which in turn cause clogs and water leakage.

Unless you clean them out on a very regular schedule, the gutters will fill up and cease performing their intended function, allowing water to pool and potentially cause significant damage to the roof and structure of your home. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, seamed gutters will cease providing any benefit at all.

When it comes to seamless gutters, you avoid this problem altogether. While they may be slightly more expensive, seamless gutters systems provide an exceptional level of protection, and the benefit of avoiding dangerous and frequent maintenance is worth well more than the added cost.

Put most simply, seamless gutters, like the K-Guard Gutter System, are installed in long runs that are fitted exactly to your home, minimizing the chances of leakage caused by seams and requiring no maintenance for upkeep.

How do seamless gutters provide benefit to my home?

Prevent accumulation
Not only do seamless gutters prevent the accumulation of debris in your gutters, but they also stop the nesting of small inhabitants and other unwanted guests. This means you can completely ignore them, and they’ll keep doing their job year after year!

A perfect fit
Another benefit is that they are custom-fit for your property. Since they are created and installed by pros onsite, measurements are exact and a perfect fit for your home no matter how unique your roof-line may be. By providing an exact fit, the gutters perform their function optimally, moving unwanted water away from your home without the need for regular maintenance.

Say goodbye to leaks
As mentioned above, seamless gutters also mean fewer leaks. Since there aren’t any joints that can come loose, there is no need to worry about leaks. It also means less clogging since the main cause of clogs is when leaves, twigs, and other debris becomes snagged by seams and cause a build-up.

These clogs are the primary cause of blockages that prevent the gutters from moving the water away from your home. They are also the primary cause of gutter-related damage to your property.

Without the worry of unwanted clogs, you’ll have less need for upkeep. You can rest assured that your gutters are working right season after season, year after year.

Why should I consider installing K-Guard seamless gutter guards?

While there are many different seamless gutter guards out there on the market, K-Guard Gutter Systems offer significant benefits. Others can be very basic, often without hoods and only available in limited colors or materials.

The whole package
K-Guard, on the other hand, gives you the complete package needed to provide complete coverage. They are designed and constructed as a single, complete system, rather than attaching to existing gutters.

Every piece is custom-formed to provide unbeatable performance and optimal quality. Not only that, they come in a wide variety of colors guaranteed to match your home!

Professional installation
Finally, K-Guard Gutters are only installed by professional contractors who are part of the K-Guard team. You can rest assured that your seamless gutters will last for years, minimizing the chance of having to request a repair. With a well-deserved reputation for quality and excellence in gutters since 1998, you can trust that your property is in the best of hands.

How do I make sure I have the best seamless gutters installed on my home?

The goal of K-Guard Gutters is to bring you back to that state of bliss you felt when you purchased your home, that time before you even considered the importance of seamless gutters.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. A K-Guard pro will come out and give you a free estimate, laying out a plan to install the last gutters you’ll ever need to worry about again!

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

In a previous blog, we discussed the different options for keeping winter ice off your roof. We also explained why Helmet Heat® is the best of the bunch among gutter heating systems. Here’s more on this important topic for homeowners.

The Downsides of Heating Cables

For decades, heating cables have been the choice of many homeowners for keeping their roof and gutters free of the dangerous effects of ice dams and icicles. Heating cables are most commonly installed in a zigzag pattern along the lower edge of the roof. This installation can result in a very unsightly look. Heating cables also have to be fastened to the roof, and may not be able to melt large amounts of snow and ice. Helmet Heat is the latest innovation in heating cables that solves many of the issues that have plagued its predecessors.

The Upsides of Helmet Heat®

Helmet Heat is a high-density heating cable that emits more heat and is installed along the interior of the gutter and downspout system so that it heats only the gutters and Gutter Helmet® gutter cap system. The heat is contained, which means that when snow begins to melt, it will hit the warm gutters and warm gutter protection system. As a result, you only have to deal with water – not ice! You also don’t need to be concerned that heating cables will ruin the curb appeal of your home; Helmet Heat® is an invisible solution because it lies out of sight inside the gutters and downspouts.

Request a Free Estimate Today

Don’t waste your money on do-it-yourself heating cables sold at big-box stores. Not only are they not energy-efficient, they’re also susceptible to cracking after only a year or two. Professional-grade Helmet Heat is installed by certified gutter guard companies in your local area. Call (800) 824-3772 today to find out more about this innovative system and request a free estimate!

The post Understanding the Differences Between Zigzag Heating Cables & Helmet Heat® appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Have you ever wondered what half-round gutters are? Half-round gutters are a half circle with curled top outer edges on both sides. In some instances, the curled top outer edge may only be on one side. Half-round gutters come in different colors, in sections or seamless finish, and in materials including galvanized steel, copper, aluminum, and vinyl. This offers you the opportunity to customize…

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

Georgia is known for its hot, humid weather, which can present some unique challenges to work around when planning to clean the exterior of your home. Weather conditions and seasonal changes play a big part in your pressure washing project’s effectiveness, so read on to find out the best time to power wash a house. Like many things, cleaning your home’s exterior is a matter of timing.

Favorable Temperatures

In Warner Robins, GA, the summers tend to be hot and muggy, with temperatures rising above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, winters are short, wet, and cold. That means your home likely takes a battering from the harsh elements of changing seasons.

Spring and fall tend to offer the most favorable temperatures for pressure washing. The icy storms of winter can damage the materials of your home’s structure, and the heat of summer can bake dirt and grime into your exterior. Mild temperatures allow for a respite from harsh weather, making pressure washing more effective.

Moisture and Precipitation

Wet winters and humid summers in Warner Robins, GA create perfect conditions for the proliferation of mold, mildew, and algae. Besides causing unsightly cosmetic stains, these organisms can destroy the surfaces they grow on. Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions, so gutters, downspouts, and foundations can be particularly problematic areas.

Environmental Effects

Aside from the risks of allergies and asthma from too much exposure to mold and mildew, environmental concerns such as leaves and debris from nearby trees can present their own challenges. As debris collects on and around your home, it can become compressed by harsh weather conditions and stain surfaces.

Summer storms can also bring high winds that cause an accumulation of dirt and leaves that stick to your home’s siding and cause molds and fungus to grow. This debris also tends to get blown into hard-to-reach areas that are easy to miss. Pollen that settles into the siding and other surfaces can stain and ruin your paint.

Prioritize a Cleaning Schedule

Ideally, a cleaning schedule for the exterior of your home in Warner Robins, GA should be at least twice a year – once before the winter season and once afterward. This will not only preserve the structural integrity of your home but will also reduce the possibility of your home appearing dull, faded, and as if it is aging prematurely.

That being said, if you have missed the ideal seasonal window for pressure washing, take heart. Pressure washing can still be effective in the winter and summer months. Just do your best to avoid pressure washing during thunderstorms or harsh winter conditions like heavy snow and ice.

Let Us Help

Our highly-trained specialists are happy to work with you and answer any questions you may have about scheduling regular maintenance cleanings for your home, including the best time to power wash your house. We are proud to serve our clients with our expert pressure washing services in Warner Robins, GA, and are committed to a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee. To schedule a consultation, call our team at Propel Pressure Cleaning at 478-335-3375 today.

The post Best Time to Clean the Exterior of Your Home in Warner Robins, GA appeared first on Propel Pressure Cleaning.

It’s time to get serious about winter. We know you’re probably still wrapped up in the activities of the season, such as putting away Christmas decorations, playing with new gadgets and staying cozy inside. But winter has only just begun, which means many more weeks of winter weather that can bring potential trouble to your home!

Ice Dams: A Sign of Winter

Did you neglect your gutters again this past fall? If so, you may end up dealing with ice dams all season long. Ice dams most commonly form along the edge of the roof when snowmelt freezes and prevents water from flowing into the gutters. Clogged gutters only exacerbate the problem. Melting ice and snow are trapped on the roof, which results in the water backing up and finding its way into your attic, walls and ceilings. 

You’ve probably already guessed that ice dams can result in major damage and costly repairs to your home’s interior, and possible damage to the gutter system outside as well, such as buckling, dents and the need for a full gutter system replacement.

Heated Gutters Stop Ice Dams

Why deal with dangerous ice dams all winter? Stop the problem before it starts with Helmet Heat®. Helmet Heat is a self-regulating gutter heating cable that’s installed in conjunction with the Gutter Helmet® gutter shield. Together, Gutter Helmet and Helmet Heat keep gutter clogs and ice dams at bay. The electrical heating coil that runs through Helmet Heat gently warms the ice and snow that collect on top of the Gutter Helmet system, melting it and sending the water safely through the gutter system. 

Helmet Heat automatically detects when the temperature outside drops below freezing and adjusts its heating output accordingly, so you never have to switch it on or off. And Helmet Heat is GFCI-protected, meaning it’s safe to handle and won’t create a fire hazard for your home.

Learn More About Helmet Heat®

Don’t put off installation of Gutter Helmet and Helmet Heat any longer. Beat winter by calling Gutter Helmet at (800) 824-3772. We’ll put you in touch with certified local Gutter Helmet dealers who can provide you with a free inspection and fill you in on the cost of Helmet Heat, along with one of our gutter protection systems.

The post In the Dead of Winter, Helmet Heat® Protects Homes Across the Country appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

When you think of the exterior of your house, you normally do not automatically think about the gutters. However, you might want to start paying attention to them because when your gutters begin to not work properly, it can cause frustration and many headaches. In other words, they become a major hassle. Gutters that malfunction create pools of water on the ground and foundation problems…

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

Ice is one of the biggest nuisances for homeowners in the winter. Whether it creates slick sidewalks or icicles hanging from the gutters, ice poses a serious threat to your home and to your safety, as well as that of your family. Ice that builds up along the roofline and in the gutters can lead to ice damming, which can result in costly damage to both the interior and the exterior of your home.

Smart Deicing Solutions

If slippery walkways and ice damming are a concern for you, there are several deicing solutions you can try. Here are some of the most common options.

• Heating cables. A heating cable is a heavy-duty electrical cord that gets hot enough to melt snow and ice. Most companies install heating cables in a zigzag pattern along the eaves of the roof, which can be unsightly.

• Heat tape. Heat tape is very similar to a heating cable, and is designed to create an opening under the ice dam just big enough to allow any water that’s trapped above the dam to drain off the roof. Heat tape can only melt a small area of ice around the tape, however, so a gutter full of ice will stay full of ice. And if the downspout is blocked, you’re in a jam.

• Heated mesh. Heated mesh is installed under the shingles, not on top of them. The installation of heated mesh needs to be done at the same time the roof is installed for best results. If you don’t need a new roof, this isn’t a viable option.

• Heated pans. Ice dams can cover large areas on low-slope roofs and cause major leaks without ever forming icicles. A pan is a type of metal flashing that covers a protrusion in a roof, so a heated pan will melt ice on that section. However, it won’t help with ice damming in other areas.

• Helmet Heat®. Helmet Heat is an innovative, self-regulating gutter heating cable that warms up only when needed, making it not only effective, but energy-efficient as well. Helmet Heat installs inside Gutter Helmet® gutter guards, so there are no unsightly wires that could become a fire hazard or cause damage to your roof. Contact us to learn more about why Helmet Heat is your best option.

Request a Free Helmet Heat® Estimate Today

If you’re interested in a smart, simple solution to ice buildup on and around your home, give the experts at Gutter Helmet a call. We’ll arrange for a local dealer to provide you with a free estimate on Helmet Heat heated gutters.

The post 5 De Icing Options for Roofs & How They Rate appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

If you live in a cold-weather climate within the U.S., such as the midwest or northeast, Fall has turned into deep Winter. For many of us, that means more time spent at home, cozied up with a hot cup of coffee, while avoiding the crisp winter air.

However, that does not mean your rain gutters get to share the same interior enjoyment. While you’re inside getting warm, your rain gutters are taking a beating from all the heavy ice weighing them down.

Winter gutter maintenance is just as critical as any other season. What makes the Winter period worth discussing, is the level of safety involved.

Safely Cleaning Your Gutters During Winter

If you are the type of DIY homeowner, and you’ve taken on the responsibility of cleaning your rain gutters yourself, bravo! We applaud hard-working Americans who want to get their hands dirty (so to speak) and work on the care and maintenance of their gutters themselves… but DIY gutter cleaning is dangerous, especially in the winter. The key to gutter safety is always to stay off the ladder completely and get professional help. However, if you plan to clean your gutters yourself this winter, please be cognizant of the following dangers, and note our recommended safety protocols.

• Remember that every other time you clean your gutters during the year, you’re likely picking out leaves, debris, and other matter with your hands. Although these leaves could be wet from rain, they certainly aren’t frozen like snow and ice. Plan to use a scooper to fetch the ice and snow out of the gutters, rather than using your hand. Using your hand to retrieve snow leads to you losing feeling in your fingers, which could make working on a ladder, or being on the roof more dangerous. In a less extreme concern, that type of exposure to snow and ice could lead to getting a cut on your hand, if you are not careful.
• Furthermore, bring another object to chip any icicles off the rain gutter while you’re up there. This doesn’t have to be anything too specific, as something like a small metal camping shovel would do. Just remember, you don’t want to use your hands, even with gloves, to remove snow, ice, and icicles.
• We hate to state the obvious, but if you’re dealing with the ice and snow in your gutters you are likely dealing with it on the ground as well. Always use a ladder when attending to your gutters, and during winter, make sure to wear rubber-soled shoes to try and limit any slipping or sliding.

What to Look for When Cleaning Your Gutters in Winter

If you follow the safety protocols outlined above, you can feel a little better about the position you’re putting yourself in to clean your gutters during winter. Once you’re up there, make sure to inspect each of the following:

• First, check for any obvious damage. Whether it’s a hole in the gutter, rotting, or a clog, make sure the obvious damage gets noted and addressed immediately. This should include removing as much as you’re able to remove out of the gutters (aka cleaning).
• Then, check to see if any water is pooling. You don’t want any pooling water in the gutter system, because that means it is compromised. After all, gutters are supposed to make water flow out of the gutter system. 
• Third, check to see if there is any seepage. Inspect all gaps and seams between the gutter and the fascia to see if any water is leaking through.
• Once you’ve had a chance to audit all of these aspects of your rain gutters, it’s time to decide how you want to address any issues.

Ned Stevens: A Trusted Rain Gutter Maintenance Company

If after you’ve identified all of the issues with your rain gutters, you’re concerned about fixing the problems yourself, call Ned Stevens at 800-542-0267. We are a trusted, and national rain gutter maintenance company, who have worked on more gutter systems during winter than we can remember.

If the issue feels complicated, like one of your gutters has an ice dam, we would strongly urge our clients to give us a call. A complicated issue during the most difficult time of the season to clean a gutter is a recipe for a disaster, and Ned Stevens has insured professionals ready for same-day maintenance. 

Photo by Kelly Lacy from Pexels

The post Can Gutter Cleaning Be Done in Winter? first appeared on Gutter Talk.

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

If you’ve gone outside in a storm and seen water dripping out of seams in your gutters, or started to feel like they’re not properly draining, then it’s time to consider whether you need gutter replacement or repair in Oklahoma City. However, that can be a challenge—how do you know if you just need some repairs done, or a full replacement of some or all of the materials?

Inspecting and evaluating your gutters is best left to a professional, but there are some steps you can take as a homeowner to help make this decision easier. By preparing yourself for a discussion with your gutter professional, you can work together to come to the right solution.

How to repair localized damage

If the damage to your gutters appears to be confined to one or two specific areas, then you might be able to get away with just performing repairs to those spots. These are usually going to be small tears or breaks in the gutter, which you can actually fix yourself if you’re confident on a ladder. Basically, all you’ll need to do is wash the dirt and grime from the area in question with alcohol, and then use specialty gutter sealant to close up these areas. This can be a messy process, so for best results, make sure you wear disposable latex gloves.

Deciding between gutter replacement or repair in Oklahoma City doesn’t have to be a difficult choice—sometimes it can just make sense to try basic DIY repairs first and see what happens.

When to replace

There are some telltale scenarios when it becomes clear that you’re going to want to replace your home’s gutters rather than attempt stopgap repairs. For starters, seeing that your gutters are consistently separating from each other is usually a sign that repairs won’t be enough. Along the same lines, seeing rusty portions appear is another red flag. Rust usually means things have progressed too much for repairs to do much good, as do damaged or failing fasteners. These fasteners are made to last, so if they’re constantly popping out and falling down into the yard, it’s usually a sign that the gutters themselves are the culprit. At this point, you should know it’s time to replace gutters in Oklahoma City and call in a professional technician.

Other warning signs

The general rule of thumb is that if an issue is confined to one spot, you can probably get away with repairs rather than replacement. If the problem is becoming more systemic and you’re noticing things like stains along your house, eroding paint on the gutter or signs of accumulating water and mildew in the gutters, then it’s probably time to start fresh.

While DIY repair work is usually possible, working with a professional team like L & S Seamless Guttering means gutter repair or a full replacement installation will be done right the first time around. We have almost 40 years of experience in gutter replacement and repair in Oklahoma City, so you know you can rely on our expertise. Give us a call today and let us inspect and evaluate your gutters so you’ll be ready for the precipitation of winter and spring!

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