The Importance of Clean Gutters

Gutters don’t just collect the rain and snowfall from the roof of your home and carry it away to a drainage system. Gutters also make sure that rainwater or snowmelt won’t find its way into tiny cracks in your walls or foundation and won’t cause either minor or lasting damage. The best way for gutters to work with total efficiency, however, is to make sure that leaves, sticks, rocks, dirt, critters, and any other objects that might cause a blockage are regularly cleared out. However, not all gutters are the same and their care and maintenance should be approached depending on your home and gutter needs.

Your home’s gutters were designed to function in their best working condition and this can be impeded by things other than clogs or obstructions. Tree falls during any severe weather storm can easily knock your gutters off their fasteners or shift the pitch of the water flow such that your gutters can’t work their best for the rest of the season. It’s easy to forget about your gutters and their health, but your home will always need the best protection. Whether you are experiencing the build-up of leaves in fall, the threat of severe winter weather conditions, spring pollen and mold accumulation, or the effects of the summer heat, your gutters need a solid plan in place to ensure their health and longevity year-round.

What is a Gutter Service Plan?

At Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning, we understand just how important it is to make sure that your gutters are in great working order year-round. We know what services need to be performed during which season, will diligently clean out any obstructions or clogs, check for loose fixtures, connections, loosening of sealant, and damage to the roof edge and your home’s fascia. We are experts in knowing how to treat your home’s gutters according to their needs. Do you live in a heavily wooded area? Does your home experience harsher weather on one side more than another? At Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning, our cleaning experts know just where and how to treat your gutters right. And having a gutter service plan with us guarantees that your home will experience the same level of thoughtful maintenance throughout the year.

Ned Stevens offers two different gutter service plans: the Diamond Service Plan and the Platinum Service Plan. The Diamond Service plan is the best and most comprehensive plan. The Diamond Service Plan includes regular maintenance in March, Spring, Summer and Fall. By choosing this plan, you will receive all recommended cleanings throughout the year, including three (3) in the fall during the heaviest period of debris clutter. Our comprehensive plan includes same-day emergency service, next-day emergency service, and priority services during peak seasons at no additional cost to you.

By choosing our Platinum Service, your home will receive four (4) cleanings, next-day emergency service and priority services at no additional cost. Choosing either of these comprehensive service plans will ensure that your gutters are always in tip-top condition and your home and foundation are always protected. We even take the worry out of having to remember to schedule appointments as we will call you ourselves to schedule your following appointments.

Why You Need a Gutter Service Plan for 2020

Each new season of the year brings along its own projects and concerns about the health of your home. We know it can be overwhelming to have to think about your gutters during every seasonal change. By taking advantage of Ned Stevens’ year-long gutter service plan, you have one less thing to worry about and can always be sure your home is in great hands. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that our team of professionals at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaners will properly maintain your gutters at all times without you even having to think about scheduling repeated services. Call Ned Stevens today to ask about selecting a gutter service plan for 2020.

 

Get $50 Off Your First Diamond Plan!

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

Can Spring Allergens Be A Threat To Your Home?

The arrival of spring brings warmer weather and new beginnings. Early flowers are just beginning to peek out from the hard winter ground and the trees are starting to bud. New plant and tree growth bring with it the promise of longer days and summer to come. It also brings with it the promise of allergy season. That greenish/yellow dusting of pollen on our cars, houses and outdoor surfaces can be annoying at best and damaging at worst. Many of us recognize the signs of spring allergy season as we suffer from itchy eyes and a runny nose. But did you know that your gutters can show signs of pollen vulnerability as well? Read on to find out how that yellow pollen covering your house is not only unsightly but can cause damage to your gutters and roofing as well.

Spring Allergy Season and Your Gutters

According to allergy researchers, higher temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide have created the ideal conditions for the increase of pollen production. As a result, we are experiencing progressively lengthened allergy seasons, having increased by as much as twenty-seven days over the past decade. Researchers also say that the increase in flooding we’re experiencing in large parts of the country are leaving behind rising levels of mold, adding to the high pollen counts in spring.

Spring pollen, and the rising menace it brings, is not only a concern for our eyes, noses and throats, but also for our homes. When pollen is released into the air, it naturally lands on surfaces as its main mode of pollination. The roof of your home, with its large amount of surface area, is thus showered with pollen particulates for the entirety of the allergy season. All that extra pollen, dust and flowering buds can lead to lasting damage on our homes and gutter systems if not maintained properly. In addition to creating a higher risk of gutter obstruction due to the sheer amount of extra material that is washed off your roof, pollen can pose risks just by sitting there. Certain types of tree pollen, for example, are acidic. When this acidic pollen mixes with moisture, it can start to oxidize and eat away at any surface. This process doesn’t even require rain and can be activated simply by high humidity. Dry conditions can cause equal damage to your gutters as they can cause build-up leading to clogs and obstructions down the road.

Protect Your Gutters From Spring Allergies

Remember that pollen isn’t the only threat your gutters are facing this Spring season. Debris build up from the winter and fall need to be cleared so your home is safely prepared for the seasonal spring showers. Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaners knows the hazard that pollen, mold and seasonal build up can bring to your home. Our professionals understand that the light dust traveling through the air is composed of a varying combination of particulates from plants, trees, flowers, grass and weeds and knows just how to treat whatever combination by which your home may be afflicted. We are equipped with all the right tools to make sure that your home is properly protected from all the elements, including pollen and molds. We are experts at cleaning away all the offending biological matter, making sure there is none lurking in nooks and crannies that could cause any possible damage down the road. Ned Stevens’ team of professionals can even help prevent possible damage from pollen damage in the future by ensuring that your gutters and exteriors are in the best shape to resist any possible water and particulate damage.

 

Get $25 Off Your First Gutter Cleaning!

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

Alarming statistics from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons tell us 500,000 people in the U.S. are treated for injuries stemming from ladder accidents each year. About 300 of those accidents prove to be fatal.

Older people are especially vulnerable to ladder accidents, and their injuries are often more severe.

It doesn’t have to be that way, though.

With K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter Guards, you’ll never again have to risk your life by climbing a ladder to clean your gutters.

Is using a ladder really that dangerous?

It sure is. In fact, because climbing a ladder may not seem like such a big deal, we are often lulled into a (very) false sense of security. The truth, though, is that a fall can happen in a flash.

Whether it’s using the wrong ladder for the job, incorrect placement of the ladder or using a ladder with worn or damaged parts, you’re literally putting your life at risk each and every time you step on that first rung.

Commonly reported injuries from ladder falls include:

• Damages to the spine
• Head trauma (concussions and other traumatic brain injuries)
• Broken bones
• Deep bruising

Since our bones become more fragile as we age, injuries sustained by older persons in ladder accidents are often far more severe than with other populations. Even a fall from a shortened height can lead to traumatic consequences in the blink of an eye. 

How does K-Guard prevent ladder falls?

That’s easy: we virtually eliminate your need for a ladder to clean your gutters. It’s as simple as that.

Here’s how it works.

The K-Guard system (the hood and the gutter) is attached to the existing fascia board just below your roof. (If there is no fascia board material at your home, we can add it.)

This does not negatively affect your roof at all. Rather, your roof is actually strengthened to withstand ice damming and blowback.

There’s a narrow opening between the hood and the gutter that allows rainwater – and rainwater only – to pass through onto the gutter before being guided to the downspouts.

Leaves, pine needles and other debris are prevented from finding their way into the gutter. 

With the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System, there’s literally no more worries about clogged gutters or concerns about damage to your home’s roof, foundation and siding.

Better still, there’s no need to use that ladder!

Why should I select K-Guard over other leafless systems?

There are many tangible differences between the K-Guard System and the “other guys.”

• Increased ability to divert more rainwater. Most of the other leafless gutter systems are made for or use gutters barely wider than 3-4 inches. K-Guard gutters, though, provide you with a 5-inch-wide leaf-free gutter; there’s no water buildup.
• No damage to your roof and home. The other systems typically attach just under your roof shingles, putting your roof at risk and possibly voiding any warranties you have. By attaching to the fascia board, the K-Guard System protects your roof and the structure of your home.
• Better fit to the structure of your home. Because K-Guard doesn’t even touch your roof or roofline, it can be properly fitted specifically to your home. Other products are designed to be placed on top of your existing gutters — adding significant weight and posing structural damage to your roof and your home’s foundation.
• No maintenance required. Because the narrow opening between the hood and gutter allows only water to pass through, K-Guard is an excellent example of a “set it and forget it” accessory for your home. There literally is no maintenance needed on your part. With the others, they’ll even admit you’ll need to regularly clear their systems. 
• Water is kept from damaging your shingles. With K-Guard, there are two ways for water to flow into the gutter before being diverted to the downspouts. Due to a design flaw with the other systems, windblown water can easily find its way underneath your shingles. 
• They’re visually appealing. K-Guard gutters have a smooth finish that resembles crown molding, and are available in a wide variety of colors. In fact, the colors of the hood and gutter are matched, so there’s more of a uniform appearance. The other systems merely attempt to match the color of your existing gutter – sometimes it works out, but it often doesn’t. Other systems also tend to be chunky and look out of place. 

How well does K-Guard handle icy and snowy conditions?

We have a healthy respect for Mother Nature. That’s why we designed and built K-Guard Systems to withstand practically any amount of snow or ice buildup as well as gusting wind. 

Because of the design of other systems, ice will continually freeze and thaw – which can eventually pry the gutters from your home. 

K-Guards, on the other hand, are designed for ice to form on the outside of the gutter, rather than inside. Because of this, thawed ice simply falls away instead of refreezing. 

How do I get more information about K-Guard for my home?

We’d love to talk with you about our K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System. In fact, we encourage you to take advantage of our free estimate offer by contacting your nearest K-Guard dealer. You can also get in touch through our online contact form or by calling us at (614) 568-7777. 

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

How to Clean Your Own Gutters

When it comes to cleaning gutters, we always recommend hiring professional gutter cleaning services in order to avoid injuries and to make sure you get the best quality of work.

If you are not used to working on a ladder, cleaning your own gutters can be a dangerous task. We do understand, however, that many homeowners like to do the home maintenance chores on their own. If you have the necessary tools and often climbs on ladders, DIY gutter cleaning could be an option for you.

To help you get the job done right, our gutter experts put together a quick guide so you can learn the basics of how and why you need to clean your gutters and downspouts.

Why is it important to keep your gutters cleaned?

Most people don’t understand how gutters work and why they are necessary. The short explanation is that your rain gutters allow water to run off your roof, keeping your home protected from moisture buildup that can cause damage and rot.

Letting your gutter cleaning and maintenance unattainable can lead to costly repairs.

If debris builds up in your gutters, it could lead to sagging and leaky gutters or even worse; It can damage the interior and exterior of your home and its foundation.

A clogged gutter can also create the perfect environment for mold growth, and they can also make nice place for rodents and other pests. So cleaning your gutters properly should be a priority to ensure your gutter system is working efficiently.

Gutter cleaning tools

First thing you should do is to make sure you have all necessary gutter tools and accessories, which includes:

• • • • • • • Waterproof Gloves: Under the layer of leaves there is a thick layer of wet stuff and sharp debris
      • • • • Safety Glasses: Not only safety glasses but appropriate clothing to protect you from debris
          • • Ladder: The best way to clean your gutters is by using a ladder, so make sure you have a good and sturdy ladder and follow the best practices of ladder safety
          • • Gutter cleaning tool kit: these cleaning kits usually come with a scoop, a rake and other tools you will need when cleaning your own gutters
          • • Pressure washer: A pressure washer will just help make the gutter cleaning job easier

Related article: Why a Pressure Washer is Essential to Clean your Gutters

5 important steps to follow when cleaning your gutters

• • • • • • • Safety first! Use appropriate accessories which includes gloves, glasses and suitable clothing. We recommend placing the ladder on solid, stable and level ground and to use a ladder stabilizer to avoid any damage to your home.
          • • We also recommend placing a tarp under your working area to protect the landscape from the debris that fall out. Make sure you have 2 buckets attached to the ladder, one for your tools and a second one to dump the debris as you clean your gutter.
          • • To remove the first layer of debris from the gutters, use gloves and the gutter cleaning kit that comes with a rake and a scoop.
          • • After removing all the leaves and debris, use a pressure washer to remove residue, mold and grease from your rain gutters.
          • • After cleaning your gutters, use a garden hose to flush the gutters and downspouts and clear out any debris. This also helps identify any leaks. Make sure they are working properly and there is not sagging or leaky parts.

Gutter cleaning tips

Here are a few things you should also consider when cleaning your own gutters:

• • • • • • • Check the weather forecast before you start cleaning. Allow a few dry days before cleaning your gutters, as removing dry debris makes the job much easier and less messy.
          • • Think about safety, most of the cleaning work is on a ladder. If you are not comfortable on ladders, consider hiring professional help.
          • • After cleaning your gutters, check the downspouts for any lodged debris.
          • • Check if water is flowing through your gutter. Look for any leaks or standing water in the gutter, this indicates that the gutter may need to be repaired.
          • • Let someone know you are going to clean your gutters, or even better ask someone to help you
          • • Never work in wet, icy or windy conditions.
          • • If your home is located near power lines, hire professional help instead

How often should you clean your gutters?

We recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year.

Ideally you will want to clean your gutters in the late fall to clear out leaves and to get them ready for the rainy season in metro Vancouver. And once again, at the beginning of spring so your gutters are ready to handle heavier spring rains.

If you have trees around your home, your gutters may need to be cleaned more than twice a year.

Why you should hire professional help to get your rain gutters cleaned

If you consider the time, risk and quality of the job, hiring a professional gutter cleaning service in Vancouver is always worth the money.

If you don’t have much experience climbing and working on a ladder, cleaning your own gutter might be quite challenging. Gutter cleaning professionals are usually insured for any injures and they have the right safety equipment to get the job done.

A gutter expert will do the job thoroughly and they are also able to identify potential issues with gutter and downspouts and recommend gutter repairs or even a new gutter system

Gutter Cleaning Cost

The cost of gutter cleaning will depend on the size of your home and the condition of your gutters. Your gutter cleaning company will ask about the height of your house, size of the gutters and their overall condition.

If there is a significant amount of debris and dirt, the job will likely take longer, and the cleaning costs will reflect that.

Contact us today to get a free gutter cleaning estimate.

Let the professionals at Weatherguard Gutters take care of your gutters for you and avoid the dangers of trying to clean your gutters on your own.

 

The post How to Clean Gutters? Best Tips from Vancouver Gutter Experts appeared first on nfl.

When most people think about replacing their gutters, they think about vinyl gutters or aluminum ones and rightly so. They are the most popular choices for gutters for homes and many businesses. And they are a cheap choice. But there’s another option that you may not have considered because you assume that it’s well out of your price range―copper gutters. The belief that copper gutters are an…

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When it comes to home maintenance, certain steps must be taken to ensure every component is functioning properly. Gutters are small but critical components that have a dramatic effect on the long-term viability and value of your home. Regarding gutter maintenance, there are numerous gutter materials, styles and solutions to choose from, including home gutter guards. However, it’s important to keep in mind that choosing an inferior gutter guard can do more harm than good.

Problems That Can Be Caused By Inferior Gutter Guards

Certain types of gutter guards have screens which can become dislodged by wind or animals, or mesh which traps debris. Such gutter guards require frequent maintenance. In addition, if the weave of the screens is too tight, this may cause water to overshoot the gutters, resulting in damage to the landscaping and exterior of your house.

The Importance of Gutter Protection

Interest in gutter protection has continued to increase in recent years as “baby boomers” age and homeowners in general seek to reduce the demands of home maintenance. Though gutter leaf guards aren’t an insignificant investment, the cost can be mitigated over the years due to the safety benefits of not having to clean gutters and/or the cost savings from fewer maintenance requirements and not having to hire a gutter cleaning service.

Read Gutter Helmet® Reviews

Gutter Helmet® is an excellent option for capturing and channeling water without permitting it to overshoot the gutters or allowing the buildup of debris such as twigs, needles and leaves, which can cause clogs. This enables you to save money on maintenance and costly repairs. If you check gutter guard reviews, you will find that Gutter Helmet products are top-quality and can provide you a lifetime of clog-free gutters. With Gutter Helmet, we guarantee you’ll never have to clean your gutters again. Call (800) 824-3772 today to schedule a free estimate with your local Gutter Helmet dealer!

The post Improve the Value of Your Home With Gutter Leaf Guards appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Of all the hardships that can befall your home’s gutter system, few things are more obnoxious than a large piece of debris getting stuck in your home’s gutters or downspouts. Not only can a large stick or rock be a real hassle to remove, but it can also cause irreparable damage to your gutters. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to defend your home’s gutters from large debris. It’s called a gutter guard, and they come in a wide array of designs and size options.

Of late, one type of gutter guard that is gaining in popularity is the gutter sponge, a custom-crafted piece of heavy-duty foam that is engineered to fill up the space in your gutters. When it’s put in place, the gutter sponge acts as a filter that allows rainwater to pass through your downspout and onto the ground while keeping sticks and leaves from causing blockages.

With every exciting new innovation that comes along, however, any conscientious homeowner should be a little bit wary. If you’re curious about the gutter sponge’s effectiveness in Oklahoma City, OK, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.

A short lifespan

When you first purchase a set of gutter sponges for your home, you may think they’re an excellent deal for the price. Unfortunately, gutter sponges can be prone to wearing down over just one or two short years, making them an expensive long-term option.

They don’t replace gutter cleaning

Regardless of the extent of the gutter sponge’s effectiveness in Oklahoma City, OK, you will still need to clean your gutters regularly. A gutter guard may not allow debris into your downspout, but you’ll still need to get in there and scoop it out (or have a professional scoop it out for you).

They can rot (and smell)

If you’re not diligent about cleaning out the small bits of debris that the gutter sponge stops from flowing into your downspout, they can congeal into a layer of mud and gunk that can cause the gutter sponge to rot. If left to its own devices long enough, the decayed gutter sponge can begin to smell and may require professional removal.

Find the right gutter guard for you

If you still have questions about the gutter sponge’s effectiveness in Oklahoma City, OK, then come to the team that never fails to provide its customers with honest service. At L & S Seamless Guttering, we’re proud to a range of gutter guards that will protect your gutters from becoming clogged with large debris. Perhaps a foam gutter guard is the right fit for your needs, or maybe not. Regardless, we’ll work with you to find something great.

In addition to gutter guards, we also offer carport and patio cover services, gutter cleaning and maintenance, gutter replacement and installation and so much more. We’re also happy to serve residential and commercial customers alike. All you have to do is pick up the phone and give L & S Seamless Guttering a call today to schedule your free estimate. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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

Of the tens of thousands of gutter systems that Gutter Helmet® installers install and care for each year, a certain number sustain damage or suffer defects caused by improper installation or inadequate maintenance. This is a problem, because the longevity and long-term integrity of a home is dependent on the effectiveness of its rain gutter system. 

Common Gutter Problems

Below is a list of some of the most common and troublesome gutter problems:

• Clogged gutters. Clogs cause water to back up in the gutter trough and frequently overflow, causing erosion on the roof and resulting in standing water that’s a breeding ground for insects, as well as damage to the foundation and siding if the issue isn’t addressed promptly.
• Poor downspout placement. If you don’t have enough downspouts or they aren’t placed properly, this can cause overflowing gutters and standing water during heavy downpours. If it is allowed to flow off a roof unimpeded, water can leak into your home via the trim, siding, windows, doors, foundation and other spots. This can cause mildew and mold, rot, structural damage and landscape erosion.
• Overgrown gutters. If vines and trees are allowed to encroach on gutters, they can become blocked to the point that the gutters no longer function. The consequences of this issue include window and door, gutter, roof, siding and structural damage, as well as insect problems.
• A lack of drains or splash blocks. When water runs down the downspouts, it must be carried safely away from the house via a splash block or underground pipe. Otherwise, the ground around your home will become saturated with water. This can result in mold and mildew growth, a flooded basement and cracks in your foundation.
• No flashing at the eaves. Without metal flashing to protect the bare wood between the roof’s support structure and the gutters, wood is exposed to the elements, which can lead to possible insect infestations and rot.
• Improper pitch. Gutters must be pitched properly to enable water to flow to the downspouts. If the gutter pitch isn’t adequate, standing water can be the result. As previously mentioned, this can result in damage to the gutter support system, gutter deterioration,  insect proliferation and potential damage to the house from overflowing gutters.

Contact Gutter Helmet Today

Taking into account the amount of damage that can occur, it’s important not to overlook the importance of an effective gutter system. Consider investing in a solid gutter protection system like Gutter Helmet® to keep out animals, leaves, debris and a host of other things that can interfere with your gutters. Gutter Helmet has the best gutter protection products around and offers a Triple Lifetime Warranty. Instead of searching for “gutter guard companies near me,” go with our pros by calling (800) 824-3772.

The post 7 Rain Gutter System Problems to Watch Out For appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

As winter slowly melts away into memory and spring flowers begin to peek up through the thawing ground, we turn our focus from keeping warm to the mess that Old Man Winter left behind. Sticks, sand, and debris scatter the landscape, leaving your commercial property looking beat down and dirty. It’s time for some spring cleaning to brighten things up and here are some areas that could probably use…

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

Gutters are essential for any commercial property. In most cases, they’re needed for a building to be up to code because stormwater runoff can be so damaging to the property as well as those surrounding it, that regulations need to be followed that dictate the size of the gutters and how far they direct the water away from the property and those around it. Often, commercial properties consist of…

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