Month: November 2019

Are your gutters clogged and hard to clean? Check out our handy infographic to learn about the best tools for cleaning your gutters and removing gutter clogs.

The post Infographics: Tools to Make Cleaning Your Gutters Easier appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Carports are extremely common alternatives to garages in certain parts of the country. If you’re interested in providing your vehicle with a bit more protection, the carport can be a slightly less expensive option. Here are just a few examples of some of the main carport benefits in Oklahoma City, OK:

• Protection from the weather: The most obvious benefit of a carport is that it will keep your vehicles shielded from the elements all year long. That means protection from rain, snow and sleet, as well as long-term exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This level of protection can vary depending on how enclosed the carport is—it will have a roof, and perhaps sides, but will never be fully enclosed.
• Extra living space: If you don’t want to park your car in your carport, you can instead use the carport as extra space outside to sit and relax. You can quickly and easily turn it into a porch to sit and enjoy the outdoors by yourself or with guests.
• Shade: Carports provide plenty of shade, which can be beneficial in several ways. For your vehicle, keeping it in the shade protects it from ultraviolet rays, and also prevents it from heating up too much on hot summer days. It can be quite uncomfortable to step into a car that has been baking in the sun all day long! In addition, if you do decide to use the carport as a porch or patio every now and then, it will be pleasant to have some shade covering you so you can remain comfortable even on hot days.
• Storage: Carports can be used to store a wide variety of vehicles beyond just cars. If you have boats, trailers, snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles or other types of vehicles or large equipment, you can easily add a carport on your property to store them, particularly if you don’t have room in your garage or other existing structures. Carports with walls can also have pegboards installed for you to store tools, boxes or other items as you wish.
• Convenience: Carports do not have doors—they are open areas with a roof on top, and maybe a wall or two. The lack of a door can be extremely convenient when you get home and have items you need to carry with you. This also cuts down on the amount of energy expended using your carport versus a garage, which has electrical components it uses to operate.
• Home value: You can improve your home value by adding a carport, particularly if you do not already have a garage. Buyers are not as likely to take an interest in a home that has neither a garage nor a carport.

These are just a few examples of some of the primary carport benefits in Oklahoma City, OK. For more information about why you should choose a carport for your property and how you can begin the process of getting one, contact the team at L & S Seamless Guttering today.

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

A properly functioning rain gutter system is essential for the wet weather we experience here in Tacoma. While there are several ways to take on rain gutter maintenance yourself, sometimes, you just have to turn to the pros. And when it is time to hire a rain gutter service company in Tacoma, you’ve got to know what to look for if you want the job done right.

Here are some quick guidelines to help you decide which company will take away all your gutter installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement stress and deliver high-quality work that will keep your home safe and protected from our wet weather.

Years of Experience

A company who really knows what they’re doing will have the years of experience to back their work. The only way to truly be able to handle any potential rain gutter issues is to have the practice in all kinds circumstances. For instance, at Tacoma Gutter Service, we have more than 30 years of experience in the rain gutter industry; we’ve worked with every style, material, and shape imaginable! We’ve seen it all and have done it all.

From single-family homes to huge commercial buildings and projects, you want a gutter service company that has a wide range of experience on all types of structures. Experience also helps a rain gutter company give you the most accurate estimate of the time and cost it’ll take to finish a project.

Quality & Variety of Products Offered

Attempting to install or repair gutters on your own can be overwhelming. Just a quick internet search will present you with hundreds of products and materials. A great gutter service company will not only offer you a wide variety of high-quality products to choose from, but they’ll help you sift through all the available options—taking both functionality and aesthetic into account—to help you find the best for your project.

Warranties, Guarantees, and Transparency

At Tacoma Gutter Service, we stand behind our installation and repair services as well as all the products we offer our clients. That’s why we offer a 10-year warranty on all our gutter installations! If you want confidence in what you’re paying for, make sure the professional gutter company you hire also has warranties and/or guarantees on their work.

On top of that, any gutter company you work with should offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees or fine-print costs. During your initial estimate, you should be given an accurate idea of the overall time and cost that will go into your project.

Personalized Service and Estimates

Speaking of estimates, the company you’re considering should always visit your property before giving you a price quote. The architecture of your home or building can greatly affect the type of rain gutters you need; materials and the size and number of pieces you’ll need are all contingent on your home’s structure. You should also be given several options—or at least an explanation of options—during your estimate. For example, you might be tempted to purchase a cheaper material, but a different gutter system might be more cost-effect in the long run, either through an increased curb appeal or because they’re more durable. Your gutter company should be able to explain all this, without pressuring you into choosing a certain brand or style.

Excellent Reviews and Reputation

You may be tempted to overlook a few bad reviews in an attempt to save money, but it could cost you in the long run! Paying close attention to reviews or asking your neighbors or friends for recommendations on who they’ve worked with in the past could save you a major headache. And if you’re unsure about the quality of a particular company, err on the side of caution and look for another. Online reviews, word of mouth, and a company’s overall reputation are typically accurate indicators of what you can expect during the completion of your project.

If you’re looking for a rain gutter company that exemplifies longevity, dependability, and experience, look no further than Tacoma Gutter Service! Call us at (253) 927-7111 or visit us online to get a free estimate from Tacoma’s most trusted gutter experts.

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

As you go through the process of selecting new gutters for your home, you might be surprised at just how many options are available to you. Between the kinds of design options and the materials that can be used, it’s understandable why you might be overwhelmed by all of the choices you have in front of you.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the differences that exist between the types of gutters in Oklahoma City:

• K-style: Of the various types of gutters, the five-inch aluminum K-style gutters are far and away the most popular. These gutters have a unique gutter profile that resembles a decorative crown molding. They’re also occasionally referred to as ogee gutters, a reference to the Roman ogee type of profile on molding and trim. There is not a K shape to these gutters—the name of the gutters is actually a reference to the gutter’s alphabetical listing in the 12 most common types of gutters. It occupies the 11^th spot on the list, and K is the 11^th letter of the alphabet.
• Half-round gutters: Half-round gutters, meanwhile, do have a shape that reflects their name. These gutters have a half-circle with the open side facing the roof. However, there’s a good reason why contractors tend to avoid using these gutters when possible. For one thing, they’re only about half as deep as the K-style gutters, which means even slight level problems or small debris buildups could result in the gutter overflowing. In addition, the gutter does not have a flat back, which means there will need to be underside gutter hangers to hold them up instead of hidden hangers.
• Fascia gutters: On homes that do not have wooden fascia to hide the rafter tails, fascia gutters are used as a sort of replacement. The smooth face of the gutters performs the same function of the fascia boards, hiding the rafter tails. This is a very common type of gutter in the American West, due to the architectural style of some of the buildings in that region.
• European gutters: European gutters often come in half-round styles, and are designed with naturally weathering materials like copper. These types of gutters have been used for centuries. They are not necessarily a feasible option for all homes, however, because they must complement the architectural style of the home—otherwise, they’ll look severely out of place.

Among these different types of gutters, you’ll also have different options for materials. Far and away the most popular gutter material is aluminum, because it is highly resistant to corrosion, is very lightweight (which makes it easy to work with) and comes in a wide range of stock colors. Perhaps best of all is that it is more affordable than many other types of gutter materials. Still, other materials like galvanized steel, copper, galvalume, zinc and vinyl are available, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

For more information about the different types of gutters in Oklahoma City, contact the experts at L & S Seamless Guttering today.

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

Installing copper gutters can bring out your home’s beauty and unique character.  While they look stylish on their own, there are many other features and embellishments that you can add to your gutters and to your home that will give its exterior a cohesive and gorgeous look.   

Rain Chains

Rain chains have become popular fixtures in the U.S. in recent years but they are hardly new.  They’ve been used in Japan for hundreds of years to collect rain from the roof into ceramic bowls or rain barrels for use in the home or garden.  They can be simple single or double-loop chains or more ornate with lotus flowers or small cups along the chain that collect water and guide it down the chain.  Cup designs are more efficient and splash less than others as their open bottoms allow them to work like funnels as they guide water to the barrel.  

Rain chains are installed at the gutter where the downspout is normally attached.  It is connected through a small hole and sometimes adaptations need to be used.  

Chimney Caps

Chimney Caps cover your chimney to keep debris from falling into your chimney and keeps critters from setting up camp in there.  Copper chimney caps are particularly stunning and really draw the eye to the top of a building.

Weathervanes

You don’t need to have a barn to have a weathervane.  The first weathervanes were made of bronze but copper weathervanes have become a common choice today. Weathervanes give a personality to the building but can also reflect the personality of the homeowner.  They come in traditional styles such as monogrammed banners, whales, or horses but can be more personalized designs such as motorcycles, golfers, dragons, or fishermen. The styles of weathervanes are virtually limitless and are the cherry on top of a house with character!  

Rainwater Hoppers

Also called hopper heads, these rainwater collectors help increase the flow of water into the downspouts.  They’re usually funnel or box-shaped and can be simple or more ornamental.

Copper Mounts and Hangers

Copper mounts and hangers should always be used with copper gutters.  Other materials can corrode and cause discoloration to the copper gutters but copper attachments look better and provide continuity.  Designs for mounts and hangers can be basic or they can be ornate and more stylish.

Copper gutters are an investment in your home.  They’re more expensive but their durability and long life make them a wise choice.  If properly maintained copper gutters can last a century. Copper gutters should always be installed by a professional who has a lot of experience installing them, like GutterPros of St. Louis.  The technicians at GutterPros have installed and maintained many copper gutters so they know how to handle them and how to design their setup to not only be effective and functional but also to look beautiful and make architectural features stand out.  Adding copper ornaments to your home and gutters is a great way to create an exterior to your home that is a standout in your neighborhood.  

GutterPros can install your copper gutters the right way the first time.  The technicians at GutterPros do all things gutter, from copper gutters to commercial gutters to leaf protection to everything in between and as always, customer satisfaction is our priority.  Call GutterPros today at (314) 656-7195 and see how copper gutters can transform your home.

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

That jolly time of year is well on its way to us and with all of the fun and festivities comes cold, harsh winter weather.   As a business owner or property manager, you have to take extra care during this time to ensure your commercial property is free of winter hazards that could cause injuries to employees or customers or could result in property damage or lawsuits.  You’ve probably stocked up on ice melt, had your HVAC cleaned, and winterized your sprinkler system but have you thought about your gutters?

Your commercial gutters are as important during the snowy winters as they are in the rainy springtimes.  Melting snow and ice needs to be directed away from your building through your gutter system all year round.  When your gutters are unable to work as they should, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.  

The Roof

Many roofs on commercial and industrial buildings are flat which makes it easy for snow to build up.  One cubic foot of snow can weigh 20 lbs. So it’s not surprising that excessive snow building up on a roof can cause a roof to collapse.  Imagine the weight of a large commercial roof covered in a foot of snow from an overnight storm!  

The risk of heavy snow to angled roofs is mainly from ice dams.  Ice dams occur on slanted roofs when a poorly-insulated roof causes snow to melt and then freezes again when the water reaches colder areas of the roof. Because water expands as it freezes, it can lift and get under shingles and cause leaks.  Water from a leaking roof an cause expensive damage to the roof but can lead to extensive damage to the interior walls, ceilings, and if not noticed right away, could cause wood rot and mold.  

As snow and ice melt, the water gets into cracks and crevices and it expands as it refreezes, widening them and destroying the strength of the roof or gutters.

Ice Dams and Your Gutters

Having gutters or gutter guards does not cause the formation of ice dams but blockage of gutters with leaves and debris clogging gutters can cause them which is why it’s so important to have your gutters cleaned before winter weather hits.  This is particularly true of box-style gutters that are a common choice for commercial gutters because the wider opening allows more leaves and debris to collect in them.

Fasteners

Even in cold weather, the sun’s rays can usually melt the snow on your roof and gutters but it can be days and even weeks before this happens.  Snow is heavy as are commercial gutters and if your gutters’ fasteners are damaged or not installed properly, your gutters can sag or come crashing down after a heavy snowfall, creating a hazard for employees and customers as well as costly repairs.  To prevent this, your commercial gutters need to be cleaned and inspected before the harsh weather hits. 

It’s not too late to have your commercial gutters serviced for winter.  At GutterPros, our technicians can clean and inspect your commercial gutters to make sure they’re ready to withstand the hard winter storms. As leaders in commercial gutters, copper gutters, and leaf protection in the St. Louis area, GutterPros is your go-to for all things gutters. Call GutterPros today at (314) 656-7195.

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

We recommend homeowners have their gutters cleaned six times per year on average. This may seem like a large number of gutter cleanings, but hear us out – there’s more going on with your gutters than you think!

Many people might think that gutter cleanings are a seasonal service, only necessary during seasons that bring heavy rain such as spring and summer. Your gutters get a lot of wear and tear during the fall and winter months too, with leaves actually being the biggest culprit! Gutter cleanings are something your gutters and your home benefits from year-round. In fact, making gutter cleanings part of a regular maintenance program helps ensure there won’t be a bigger mess for you to clean up down the line. 

Why Your Gutters Are So Important

Your gutters are designed to collect water from the roof and carry down to the foundation of your home. It’s absolutely necessary for the gutters to be clear so they can do this task! Otherwise, the water will keep building and ultimately have to overflow the foundation of your home without anywhere else to go. This could lead to the water seeping into the basement and open your home to the risks of mold. Clogged gutters can also cause additional strain to your rooftop.

Repairing Damages Is Expensive

The repair for these types of damages can run as high as $10,000. As a homeowner, there is a choice between regular upkeep or potentially letting a bigger issue build up.

Not only do gutter cleanings help the gutter systems, but it also helps prevent further damage to the exterior and interior walls of your home. Regular gutter cleanings are vital to protect your home from water damage and having them cleaned regularly will save you thousands of dollars in possible repair costs in roof damages, exterior damage, or interior wall damage.  

The Benefits of Gutter Upkeep

Regular upkeep for your gutters prevents other types of damages, including:

• Sagging gutters. The weight of leaves and other debris causing gutters to sag.

• Gutter clogs. Leaves and other debris falling, clogging the filters and ultimately leaving gutters ineffective.

• Exterior damage. Leaves that pile up during the fall creates a tinted color in the water that can cause stains anywhere the water trails through once it leaves the gutter.

Our routine gutter cleaning services are easily coordinated with your busy schedule. Our staff can get the job done without your presence required; we will show up, do the job quickly, and leave a service order form on your door so you know it was complete. 

Call Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning today to set up a gutter cleaning with us in order to save time and money down the road! If you’re a new customer, call today and receive $25 off your service or $50 off your first time Diamond Service Plan.

Claim My Offer!

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

It’s that time of year! Fall is passing us by quick and the holidays are steadily approaching, taking our to-do lists from somewhat manageable to oftentimes overwhelming. There are many things to take care of in preparation for the holidays, whether you’re hosting the festivities or going elsewhere. Holiday shopping, cooking, planning visits, getting all your work taken care of before time off, or working more than usual. With all these extra stressors, it’s difficult to keep up in maintaining a pristine condition in our homes—especially the garden which may get forgotten in colder months.

We believe taking care of your home shouldn’t be one of those extra stressors or something that falls off completely! Here are some quick tips for sprucing up your place for the holidays in the midst of all the annual chaos:

First, this is not the time for a deep clean.

(That’s what spring cleanings are for!) When we say “spruce,” we mean spruce! No need to go through every nook and cranny in your home, which are the areas most likely to be dirtied during the holidays anyway. Take a walk through your home with a duster and clean major appliances, except for the inside of your oven. Don’t add more to your plate than you need to!

Clean the carpets and polish the floors.

Your floors have probably survived some traction throughout the summer. Rent a carpet cleaner to help get rid of any stains and use your preferred floor polish to get hardwood floors looking pristine.

Decorate your home’s exterior!

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without decorations. Trade out your Halloween gear for a new fall look for the outside of your home with an autumnal wreath and new pumpkins.

Touch up the yard. 

Fall’s been in full swing, bringing a lot of leaves down ready to be raked! Throw fallen leaves into a yard bag and move up to the street.

Prepare the garden for winter.

Even though temperatures are dropping and your garden won’t be in full bloom, there are still a few things your garden needs to be fully prepared for winter. While you’re sprucing up the home, start by removing rotting and finished plants as well as removing any invasive weeds that have taken over during the growing season.

Light some seasonal candles!

Nothing will make your home feel like it’s time for the holidays more than a couple of scented candles. 

We at Ned Stevens believe in keeping it simple and understand that you have a busy life in addition to taking care of your home. We’re here to provide resources and tips on how to make your journey run a bit more smoothly. Give us a call today to learn more about our services and see how else we can help! Contact us today and receive $25 off your service or $50 off your first time Diamond Service Plan.

Get $50 Off Your First Diamond Plan!

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

With fall’s arrival, the leaves are changing colors and there is an abundance of fallen leaves in our yards (and in our gutters!). One option is to rake the leaves and place them in yard bags only to be picked up and tossed away. But why do that when there’s a great opportunity to do arts and crafts with family and loved ones as you prepare for the holidays?

With the kids out of school for fall break, it’s always good to keep their hands busy and creative juices flowing. Try out these DIY fall leaf art projects to help spruce up your yard and have fun!

First things first, here’s what you’ll need in order to best preserve the leaves:

• Autumn leaves. Collect leaves from your yard in a variety of shapes and colors and then wash gently and allow them to dry. Be sure to grab some small leaves, too, to help fill in detail in your project.
• An old book. You can press the leaves in an old book to perfectly flatten them, making them easier to use in your project! Leave them in this book for a day for best results.
• Acrylic spray. Spray with the acrylic sealant on both sides to protect the leaves from crumbling and falling apart.

Once they’re preserved you’re ready to go to try these crafts!

Draw on your leaves!

This one is simple: once your leaves are preserved, you and your family can easily draw designs on the leaves. Draw with metallic sharpies for the best effect in creating autumn leaf art. You can also use your decorated leaves for these other project ideas.

A leaf mandala.

Use removable Scotch mounting putty to arrange your leaves in a mandala or other designs on your wall. You can easily rearrange the leaves if you ever get bored with the design!

A “stained-glass window.”

A quick and easy art project you can use to decorate your home! For this you will need:

• Wax paper
• Craft glue
• Crayon
• Old sheets of newspaper
• An iron

Gather your favorite, most vibrant leaves and arrange them on a sheet of wax paper. When you decide on a design, glue the leaves to the wax paper and add crayon shavings for extra design. Cover with a second sheet of wax paper, then place between a sheet of newspaper and iron on low heat in order for it to set. Hang your craft in a window and enjoy your own fall decor!

A leaf garland.

Another quick and easy project to spruce up your interior fall decorations. For this you’ll need:

• Your favorite decorated leaves
• A satin ribbon
• A hot glue gun
• Pushpins

Take the satin ribbon and lay face down. Arrange your favorite leaves in a line, face down with the stems on the ribbon. Next, use a hot glue gun to attach the stems to the ribbon. Let sit for a couple of minutes to dry and then voila! You have a beautiful, handmade leaf garland that could adorn your door or hallway. Use push pins to hang on the wall or exterior.

While most leaves that fall on our yards are perfect for use in a DIY leaf art project, some leaves get caught in the home’s gutter system and aren’t salvageable. Call Ned Stevens to learn more about our gutter cleaning services and arrange a gutter cleaning today. New customers receive $25 off your first service for a limited time.

Get $25 Off Your First Gutter Cleaning!

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

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