Month: June 2020

Most homeowners understand the importance of installing gutters, but some may be unsure about what exactly they need to do. Don’t worry: here we provide a complete overview of gutter solutions, from figuring out how to install the gutters, how much material you need and how to keep them clean once they’re up.

Design

There are two considerations to think about when designing the best gutter system possible on paper: the length of the gutters and how wide they need to be. The first part is fairly straightforward: you and a friend can simply use a measuring tape to figure out the length of the roof along each slope.

But what about the width? Determining the correct width is a little more involved. First, check local zoning laws: it’s very possible a local  official has already determined the gutter size you need. You’ll have to figure out the square footage of your roof – which is easy to do using basic math – and note the average rainfall of the area in which you live. The bigger your roof and the more rain you get, the bigger your gutters will need to be. The most common residential gutter size is five inches. For downspouts, a good rule of thumb is one for every 40 feet of guttering.

Next, you’ll need to choose your material. All materials have individual benefits and drawbacks; as a general rule, choose the most durable material you can afford in the thickest size it comes in.

Installation

If you’re installing the gutters yourself, first lay them out in front of the part of the house where you’ll be installing them. Weld on any end caps and cut out any holes for downspouts you may need, then go up and install the hangers, keeping safety in mind.

Install the hangers on architectural supports, such as rafters, and space them closely together. This keeps the gutters from sagging, which can lead to stagnant water or to them being ripped off your house during high winds. Hang the gutters so there’s a slight pitch towards the downspout; one to two inches every 40 feet should work just fine. Weld together any corners and attach the downspouts with welding or zip screws.

Maintenance

Maintaining gutters is simple: every three months or so, go up and take a look at them. If you don’t have a gutter protection system, clean out any debris that may have accumulated. There are dozens of tools on the market to help with this. Keep an eye on your gutters, looking for signs that they’re not draining, such as icicles or water dripping over the sides of the gutters. Patch any holes as soon as possible.

For a permanent solution to gutter cleaning, call us for the professional installation of Gutter Helmet® gutter shield, along with Helmet Heat® heated gutters. Do all this and you’ll have long-lasting gutters that keep you dry even in the worst weather!

The post Gutters 101: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Everyone loves the timeless beauty of copper gutters on a home. They add charm and character, giving it uniqueness while showing off the architectural features of the house. Having copper gutters installed is a great way to make your house stand out above the rest. The decision to go with copper for your gutter material may not be an easy one. There is a much higher initial cost than with its…

Source

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

It’s inevitable that your gutters are going to get dirty, but fortunately there are steps you can take to keep them as clean as possible. These steps will not only extend the life of your gutters, they’ll also keep you from having to frequently climb up and down a ladder for routine gutter cleanings.

How to Keep Your Gutters Clear

The best kind of medicine is always the preventative kind, so consult this handy checklist for some great tips on keeping your gutters clear.

• Trim any branches that may be hanging over your roof. Not only will trimming back branches protect your roof, it will keep those same branches from dropping leaves into your gutters.
• Check your roof for worn, warped or split shingles. You’ll know if your shingles are starting to wear out if you notice a significant amount of shingle granules accumulating in your gutter troughs. Regular inspections will help ensure that your roof is in good enough shape to stand against any rain or snow that may come along.
• Animals can cause major damage to gutters and surrounding areas. Installing gutter guards has the added benefit of preventing critters such as squirrels and birds from nesting in gutters.
• Snow and ice have dirt and other particles suspended in them. The dirt and other particles found in snow and ice contribute to future gutter crud. Snow and ice can also wear away at your shingles, especially when ice dams form. Install heated gutters to break up ice dams and melt off snow quickly.
• Don’t forget your downspouts! Check your downspouts regularly to make sure muck or piles of leaves haven’t collected at the bottom of the spout. Otherwise, your gutters may back up.
• Consider installing a gutter shield system like Gutter Helmet®. Leaves and other debris can’t get into gutters with Gutter Helmet, so the water is able to flow smoothly through the gutters and out the downspouts.

Get a Free Estimate on Gutter Helmet®

A gutter protection system just makes sense: you’ll have less muck and leaves to deal with because it’s harder for them to get in there in the first place. Call (800) 824-3772 or contact us online to be connected with a Gutter Helmet® dealer near you!

The post Tips to Protect Your Gutters From Leaves & Muck appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Now that spring has come and gone, it’s time for some sun, swimming, and summer relaxation. Gardens are planted, the A/C is up and running, and school’s out. What better time to think about leaf protection? “Leaf protection?” you say. “But leaves aren’t falling yet!” True enough. But clogged gutters aren’t just a fall thing. If you have trees anywhere near your home as most people do…

Source

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

Gutters are standard for most homes, but not all houses are equipped with gutter systems. Some homes have broken or missing gutter systems, while others never had them installed to begin with. Regardless of the reason, a home that doesn’t have gutters is vulnerable to all kinds of problems. Keep reading to learn more about gutterless home dangers in Oklahoma City and for some tips to keep your home protected from the elements.

Here are the most significant gutterless home dangers in Oklahoma City:

• Structural roof damage: One of the most important reasons not to have a gutterless home in Oklahoma City is because it can lead to structural roof damage. When water doesn’t have anywhere to go, it is more likely to leak into your home and cause damage to your roof’s structure.
• Erosion and foundation damage: Another one of the most significant gutterless home dangers in Oklahoma City is erosion and foundation damage. When water pools around your home, it causes soil to shift, and that can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation. In addition to erosion, pooling water can also seep into your foundation and cause cracking that is very costly to repair.
• Plant and tree damage: In addition to structural and exterior home damage, gutterless homes are also susceptible to landscaping damage. Gutters are designed to divert water from the roof and channel it away from a home. Without gutters, water slides off roofs, down siding and collects and pools in different areas in your yard. This can harm your plants, flowers and trees, leading to wood rot and other issues that have lasting effects on your landscaping.
• Rotting siding: Gutters protect siding from water damage. Without siding, home exteriors are vulnerable to damage that can contribute to mold and mildew development and rotting siding. Not only does this damage affect the outside of your home, it can also lead to damage to your home’s interior.
• Pest infestations: Gutters serve as a barrier between your home and the insects and pests outside. Without gutters, pests like squirrels and insects can access your home and begin nesting in your roof, where they cause all kinds of damage. The erosion caused by a lack of gutters can also make your basement susceptible to pest infestations.
• Flooding: In extreme cases, a lack of gutters can lead to basement flooding that causes extensive damage to your home. Even minor flooding can cause mold and mildew development that leads to health issues and damage to your home’s foundation and other building materials.

Professional gutter installation

Keep your home protected from the elements and avoid gutterless home dangers in Oklahoma City by investing in gutter installation services. The team at L & S Seamless Guttering is equipped with the experience and skill necessary to install a new gutter system that will offer the best protection, durability and longevity possible. Find out more about the services we have to offer and get started with a consultation for your project by giving us a call today.

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

There’s no denying that the mosquito is one of the peskiest creatures in existence. Around the county, mosquitoes invade yards and even homes every summer, as well as just about every place to which you may travel in the great outdoors. 

Protecting Yourself From Mosquitoes

Follow these tips to take back your outdoor living space from these bloodthirsty insects:

1. Arm yourself. If mosquitoes are a constant presence in your yard, arm yourself with an insect repellent containing DEET. Mosquitoes strongly dislike the smell of this oily chemical, yet at the same time it’s non-toxic to animals and humans. In addition, try wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding colognes, perfumes and scented body products that may attract mosquitoes.
2. Treat standing water. For areas with standing water such as landscaping ponds, birdbaths and drainage ditches, add BTI granules to the water. BTI is a natural larvicide that kills mosquito larvae without harming humans, birds, pets or fish. Also inspect your yard for flower pots, old tires and even toys which have been sitting outside and may contain enough standing water for mosquitoes to lay eggs in.
3. Go green. There are many natural methods for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Citronella candles, for instance, produce a strong scent that masks the smell of humans, as do certain plants including catnip, marigolds, lemon balm, lavender and peppermint. Using fans to keep air moving through outdoor living areas also discourages mosquitoes.
4. Check the gutters. Mosquitoes require only a scant inch of water in which to lay their eggs and multiply, and clogged gutters make an ideal out-of-sight location to do this. As such, it’s important to routinely clean them out to avoid clogs that can create standing water. Consider installing a rain gutter shield like Gutter Helmet® to prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters and creating the perfect water-logged location for mosquito families to grow.

Invest in Gutter Covers

If mosquitoes are an ongoing problem around your home due to debris-filled gutters, you can solve the problem with one quick call. Call Gutter Helmet today at (800) 824-3772 to speak with a certified installer in your area about installing America’s best gutter covers! If you prefer, you can also submit an online quote request form.

The post 4 Ways to Effectively Repel Mosquitoes Around Your Home appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

It’s hard to keep a positive outlook when the view through your windows is dirty and cloudy. Having clean residential windows makes life better, especially when you are stuck indoors. That’s why now is the time to make an appointment with Superior Pressure Washing

Clean windows make an immediate difference. Your home looks bigger and brighter; plus, you can really see nature’s beauty. When people cannot get out much, having a clear, unobstructed view of nature is a huge bonus. Your mood will improve when the sun starts pouring in once more.

Your home’s appearance is always important, whether you plan to sell it soon or not. Experts note that having your windows professionally cleaned is one fast and affordable way to add instant curb appeal to your residence. After just one appointment, your home will look so much better than before.

Superior Pressure Washing takes a professional approach to this cleaning service. First, their trained technicians inspect your windows and screens for damage. They then remove, label, and stack your screens for cleaning.

The tech who enters your home will wear protective booties and use drop cloths to protect your floors as they clean your window sills, tracks, and inside the glass. The outside tech will clean the glass, sills, and tracks as well, using the safest and most effective methods.

Don’t waste any more of the spring and summer sunshine. Contact Superior Pressure Washing for your free estimate today by visiting their website or calling (301) 949-8000.

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