Month: August 2020

If you’re like most people, you spend a considerable amount of time trying to think up ways to improve your home and make it more uniquely yours. While it is possible to do this in several ways, installing copper gutters can be a functional and elegant addition to your home. Copper is a lovely and shiny brown metal with some truly amazing properties. Historically it was used to make functional…

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

You may not notice they’re even attached to your roof, but your gutters are essential when it comes to keeping your entire house safe from all sorts of damage. However, all gutters are not created equal—the best gutters these days are seamless gutters. This post will teach you more about them and give you all of the pros of seamless gutters in Oklahoma City, OK.

What are seamless gutters?

Unlike traditional gutters that are fabricated in sections and then put together, seamless gutters are constructed out of a single piece of metal. So, as the name suggests, there are no seams or joints in the gutter system.

What are the benefits of seamless gutters?

Since they’re constructed of a single piece of metal, seamless gutters are more expensive. They’re worth it, though! These are the pros of seamless gutters in Oklahoma City, OK:

• Less likely to leak: Most gutter leaks occur from water leaking from the seams or out of the joints. Since seamless gutters don’t have either of those things, there’s a very low chance that you’ll ever encounter a leak. Since seamless gutters age better than their traditional counterparts, you also won’t have to worry about leaks occurring due to old age.
• Fewer clogs and backups: Again, most clogs happen in gutters at the seams or joints. You’ll very likely never have a clog with a seamless gutter system, so water will flow easily from your roof down onto the ground. Just be sure to clean out those gutters twice a year to ensure everything continues to flow smoothly.
• Perfect fit: Seamless gutters are custom designed for each home, so they’re a perfect fit every time. Since they’re custom made, seamless gutters also often look better than traditional gutter systems. Just be sure to hire the right team to install your gutters. Professionals with decades of experience are guaranteed to do a good installation job.
• Little maintenance: We touched on it above, but the only real maintenance you’ll need to do for your seamless gutters is clean them out twice a year. While you’re cleaning them out, perform a quick inspection to ensure they don’t need any repairs or adjustments. Call a professional as soon as possible if something seems off.

What are our seamless gutters made of?

Seamless gutters in Oklahoma City, OK can be made of a variety of different metals. When you buy your seamless gutters from our team at L & S Seamless Guttering, you can choose gutters that are made of either aluminum or copper. We also carry gutter sizes in both five-inch and six-inch varieties. Selecting the right seamless gutters for your home can be a bit difficult, which is why we’re here to help! We’ll help you pick the perfect gutters to protect your home.

Call L & S Seamless Guttering today

If you don’t already have seamless gutters in Oklahoma City, OK, then pick up the phone and get a free estimate from us today. At L & S Seamless Guttering, we have over 38 years of industry experience, so you know we’re up to the task of installing and repairing your gutters.

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

It can be distressing to look out at your beautiful, well-maintained lawn and see brown spots. You’ve watered and fertilized your lawn properly. You’ve diligently mowed it every week. You’ve even stared at it longingly hoping it will stay alive through your sheer willpower. But what if it’s not dying? What if the browning of your lawn is being caused by something else?

Many grass varieties respond to summer heat by going into summer dormancy and turn brown. If your brown patches persist into the cooler months, you may have a more serious problem that merely watering and fertilizing won’t fix. There are many possible reasons why your lawn might change color and most solutions are relatively easy to put into action once you’ve figured out the cause.

Is My Lawn Dormant Or Dead?

It can often be hard to tell by looking at brown patches if your lawn is dormant, dying or dead. One easy way to find out is to tug on the grass plants. If they pull out of the soil easily, they are most likely dead. If the roots hold fast when pulled, your grass is just dormant or dying. Grass changes color in response to stress which can include heat and drought. A healthy lawn can survive up to 4 weeks without water, however, you should still water your lawn once every two weeks while it’s in its dormant phase. By watering in this way, your lawn will most likely not return to green, but it will increase its survival through this period.

Other Possible Issues

One of the many causes of lawn damage comes from fungal issues. Fungi that are always present in the soil will take advantage of times when grasses are under environmental stress to attack their hosts. Times of environmental stress include, excessively wet or dry weather and unseasonably hot or cool temperatures. Once the fungus has been eradicated, your grass will have a chance to grow back a vibrant hue once more.

Improperly fertilizing your lawn can also make it turn brown or yellow. This includes both over- and under-fertilizing, both of which can cause damage. Over-fertilization can cause chemical burns that can turn grass yellow or brown and eventually even kill your lawn. Grass has a preferred pH and any shift will create issues in coloring and health. Under-fertilizing may lead to discoloration due to a lack of nutrients.

Over-watering your lawn is another cause of discolored grass. Over-watered grass turns yellow or brown because the waterlogged soil can’t allow enough oxygen and other nutrients to penetrate the roots. Subsequently, roots are unable to grow deep enough into the soil to make them be impervious to disease and other damage.

Other causes of browning or yellowing grass include: pet urine, lawn diseases, improper lawn mower maintenance and pest problems in the grass and soil. It can be difficult to discover which of these issues is ultimately the one that is causing harm to your lawn, but once you’ve figured it out, browning of the lawn can be treated and often reversed.

Call Ned Stevens

Taking care of your lawn can be a full-time job and that comes with surprises and setbacks. Ned Stevens is here to help. Do you have standing water affecting the landscaping of your home? Don’t let your grass die! Reach out to Ned Stevens to discuss setting up gutter cleaning services today.

Get $25 Off Your First Gutter Cleaning!

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

Looking for a great way to create more color in your gardens with little effort? Outdoor succulent gardens can be an easy way to bring a bold statement to wherever it is needed around your home. Succulents thrive on patios, decks and balconies as well as in your garden. They brighten up pool-side hangouts, bring life to front-door walkways and add intrigue and variety to your gardening life. Succulents can be grown outside in almost all climates and are relatively low-maintenance. They do well in the ground as well as in planters that can be moved indoors and outdoors depending on the weather and the season.

What Do Garden Succulents Need?

If you are thinking about growing succulents outside, there are three major things that you will need to take into consideration. These three things are essential to know before you choose the types of succulents you want to plant as well as where in your garden you choose to plant in order to successfully grow succulents outside.

First, you will need to know what the temperature range is for your area during both the summer and winter. Secondly, you will need to look at how much rainfall your area gets and for how long. Lastly, it’s important to know how intense sunlight is in each area that you wish to plant outdoor succulents—how long and from where the sunlight comes. You might think that all succulents can handle direct sun, and while all succulents like several hours of daylight, some will burn or fade if left in direct sunlight for too long. Similarly, it’s sort of a misconception that succulents can tolerate dry conditions for long periods of time. While some varieties can, most benefit from regular watering during their active growing season. Others will easily contract root rot if watered too often. Like all other plants, succulents are most successful when thoughtfully planted and taken care of, though, they can take more neglect than more fragile plant types.

How To Plant Succulents Outdoors

Again, the most important thing you can do when planting succulents outdoors is to make sure that you are planting the right kinds for the conditions most common to your garden or area you want the plants to live. Most succulents will need more drainage than other kinds of plants. Native soils and container soils will need to be augmented with other materials like coarse sand, pumice or small rocks to increase water drainage during rainy seasons. Make sure to only water as needed to avoid overwatering. Water a maximum of once a week in the summer. You don’t need to completely soak the soil as you might do with other plants and do not water if it has rained recently. Always provide shade to those succulent plants that do not like full sun to prevent burning or browning.

Get $50 Off Your First Diamond Plan!

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

When homeowners want to do renovations to their home, they typically consult or hire a contractor. Contractors can help with fixes big and small by assisting with every stage of the project. With so many people using contractors for their home renovation projects, it would seem like a straightforward undertaking, however, hiring a contractor is known to be one of the more stressful things a homeowner does. For many people engaging in home renovation, contracting is the top complaint when it comes to their home improvement projects. When asked, many homeowners said they wouldn’t hire their contractor again, even in situations where the contractors were recommended by trusted friends and family.

How, then, should a homeowner go about finding a trustworthy contractor that can help keep the project on-time and on-budget? It’s probably not possible to truly know if your contractor is the right one for your particular job. But that is part of the process. There are ways to be certain that whatever contractor you do decide to hire doesn’t defraud you, but if your idea of  “trustworthy” is, “can I depend on my contractor to deliver on my vision,” then there are different approaches for that too. Read on to find out Ned Stevens’ tips for finding a trustworthy contractor.

How Can I Tell If A Contractor Is Licensed?

Perhaps the most important thing that you can do in terms of making sure that you aren’t choosing an unreliable contractor is to find out if they are correctly insured. Not all states require contractors to be licensed and/or bonded, so check with state regulations to see what is required and what you are comfortable with. In order to protect yourself from any possible issues, make sure any possible contractor has comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation and make sure that it is current. You can ask to verify their insurance information directly from the contractor’s insurance agency.

To ensure that no costly communication mistakes are made, ask for a written contract agreement with anyone you hire, making sure to read and understand the contract in its entirety before signing. Once you have chosen a contractor, never pay for any project or service until you are 100% satisfied with the work. While you may be anxious to get things back to normal, do not let your emotions get the better of you and do not be pressured into making an immediate decision.

What To Ask A Contractor?

If your real question about finding a trustworthy contractor is finding the right person who will understand your project goals and will take your home renovation as seriously as you do, then it will be necessary to ask a lot of questions. Interviews over the phone as well as in person are vital to truly ascertain any contractor’s availability, reliability, communication style and amount of time and attention they will be able to give you and your project.

Ask potential contractors if they typically take on projects of your size and scope. Find out if they are willing to provide a list of previous clients or financial references. It might be a great idea to find out how many other projects they have going at the same time. Discern how long have they been working with their subcontractors and have they had any prior issues. Don’t be afraid to have a list of all your questions and to ask them from the very beginning to root out any possible issues down the road. Your contractor should be able to answer your questions competently and in a way that puts you at ease about your project.

Ned Stevens Can Help

No one knows how much you care about your home like Ned Stevens does. We have been here since 1965 making sure that your home is as protected as it can be. We fully guarantee all of our work, and are fully licensed and insured. With Ned Stevens, you can be sure that with us, you’re protecting not just your home—you’re protecting yourself! Find out all about the expert services provided by Ned Stevens.

Get $25 Off Your First Gutter Cleaning!

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

Proper gutter care is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner to control your home’s well-being. Gutters that are in good working order and clear of any mud and debris are a necessity at any time of the year for the health of your gutters and your home. Good homeowners know that by keeping gutters clear of debris, your gutters will be able to redirect any precipitation runoff away from your home. Your home’s gutters also prevent water from running down the sides of the house which, if otherwise allowed, will damage the walls and foundation of your home.

It is recommended that you inspect and clean your gutters at least twice a year. While some homeowners choose to take on this task for themselves, there are many reasons why gutter cleaning isn’t a home maintenance task that you should endeavor to do on your own.

Proper Gutter Health Can Be Complicated

Gutters can only protect your home if they are working properly. Small cracks in the gutter or fascia can become big issues if not taken care of in time. Any small amount of detritus that is left behind in a careless or incomplete cleaning can quickly become a large clog and cause major problems. Even a small tilt or bend can cause your gutter system to become unbalanced creating water backlogs and major spills that can lead to wall or foundation issues. Professional gutter cleaning services are skilled at navigating the detailed aspects of gutter cleaning like making sure that joints and caulking is in good working order and can make necessary slope adjustments. Gutter cleaning experts can find and fix problems quickly and without hassle and can spot future problems to prevent any major issues down the road.

Gutter Cleaning Is Dangerous

Any home task performed on the roof of your home is, by nature, dangerous and difficult. Gutter cleaning requires the use of a ladder while maneuvering strange cleaning implements. Most people aren’t accustomed or skilled at these kinds of operations and put themselves at increased risk of falls that can result in serious injury and even death. Professional gutter cleaners are used to working on and with ladders while using specialized equipment that helps them get the job done safely and in a timely manner. Additionally, many homes have roofs that are difficult to navigate or areas of the gutter system where access is obstructed by landscaping. Professionals know how to access these areas of your gutters without doing any damage to your landscape or home. Prevent accidents, protect your home and save yourself time by calling a professional gutter cleaning service like Ned Stevens.

What to do if you suspect clogged gutters

Gutter cleaning is recommended 6 times a year. That is a lot of times a year to put yourself and the health of your home at risk by doing your gutter cleaning yourself. Avoid the hassle by calling Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning to help. Our team of highly trained professionals can easily clear your gutters relieving you from the arduous task of cleaning them yourself.

Get $50 Off Your First Diamond Plan!

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

We’ve all seen houses with roofs covered in leaves and pine needles and not thought much about it. Maybe you don’t think about what your gutters look like or haven’t checked yours since the last time there was a big storm. Clogged gutters may even be something you think is just a normal part of living in a home, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Like studying for a big quiz, gutters prepare your home for anything that might test its soundness: storms, rain, snow, insects and vermin. If your gutters aren’t in good shape, your home won’t be either, but knowing about good gutter health can arm you with all the right answers. Grab your pencils and notebooks and get ready to take some notes on how to maintain good gutter health.

Gutter Health Is More Than Just Clean Gutters

While it may seem that the only aspect of good gutter health would be to make sure that your gutters are free of all leaves, needles, sticks, mud and other debris, there is more to making sure your gutters are in good working order. Optimal gutter health includes making sure that water is flowing freely through the entire system through a comprehensive check for leaks and slow spots. This includes checking the downspout and any pipes which may connect to the downspout, including pipes underground. Good gutter health also includes making sure that there are no slope issues, which can cause water to pool or slow significantly. Any spikes or hangars that hold the gutters to your roof must be checked to see if they have recently come loose and then must be secured or replaced. Finally, all the seams, ends or any other part where sealant may be missing or where you may find leaks must be checked and mended.

Good gutter health doesn’t stop at just the gutters. A complete examination of any gutter system includes examining the space between the gutter and the wall, especially if there are any visible water stains on the side of your house.

Get Your Gutters Cleaned Several Times A Year

Not only do we recommend having your gutters cleaned seasonally, we recommend that you have them done six times a year. You may have heard that you should check your gutters in October as leaves begin to fall as well as in the early spring to clear away all the detritus and debris that have collected during the winter months. These are two great times to have your gutters cleaned, but it’s just as important to keep up with the health of your gutters throughout the year. By setting up a gutter service plan with regular check-ins for cleanings and repairs, you never have to worry that your home might be at risk of damage from rainwater or snowfall.

Reach Out To Ned Stevens

Gutter systems can only do their job if they are in good health, and to be as healthy as possible, they must be regularly maintained. Gutter pros, like the ones at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning, are experts in handling your spring gutter concerns. Call today to speak with one of our team of professionals to schedule a gutter cleaning for your home. Our friendly customer service team can answer any questions about our plans and set you up with the best gutter cleaning plan for you and your home.

Get $25 Off Your First Gutter Cleaning!

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

The post Gutter History 101: How Gutters Were Developed appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Rain gutter covers are a type of gutter protection that works to keep water flowing freely through the gutter system by preventing leaves and debris from getting into the gutter. Gutter protection has grown increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason: it greatly reduces the occurrence of water damage to structures due to overflowing gutters and eliminates the messy, dangerous chore of checking on and cleaning gutters once or twice a year. Ultimately, gutter covers pay for themselves by saving homeowners time and labor, as well as by reducing potential home repairs.

When Is the Best Time to Install Gutter Guards?

If you still haven’t invested in gutter guards, the early fall season is a great time to consider adding them to your home or office building! Your gutter cover installer will clean out your gutters and ensure they’re functioning properly before adding the covers. Though the initial installation cost can be considerable, these costs will be recouped over the years because you’ll save hundreds of dollars annually on gutter cleaning.

Choose Only the Best Gutter Protection System

To extend the life of your gutter system and begin enjoying the benefits of gutter protection, we invite you to learn more about Gutter Helmet®, America’s #1 choice in gutter protection for more than 30 years. Gutter Helmet is the best gutter protection system because it’s constructed of tough, premium-grade aluminum and reinforced with horizontal stiffening ribs. Its patented nose-forward design keeps water flowing freely while keeping out leaves, twigs, needles and other debris at the same time.

Learn more about Gutter Helmet and our current specials! To schedule an appointment with a local Gutter Helmet dealer and receive a free estimate, call (800) 824-3772 today or submit our online contact form.

The post Early Fall Is a Great Time to Invest in the Best Gutter Protectio appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

While most homeowners are keenly aware of basic structures like trusses and beams when it comes to their roof, many don’t realize the importance of soffits and fascia boards. Soffits and fascia boards are the materials that are used to seal up the edges of the roof and finish out the spaces where the rafter tails are exposed to the open air. Fascia boards are the ones that run horizontally around the roof’s edge under the shingles. These are best protected by a gutter system like K-Guard Gutter Guards.

Soffits, meanwhile, are the boards that are tucked under the overhang of the roof, covering the rafter tails. If they become damaged via rot or other causes, they can severely threaten the structure of the roof, leading to instability in the entire structure.

We are here to help! Give us a call today to see how the K-guard Gutter System can help protect your soffits from rot.

What exactly do soffits do?

It’s easy to overlook the role of soffits, assuming they are just there to give your home a neat and finished look. The truth is, however, that they serve very important structural roles as well. Protecting your roof and attic spaces from water is one of their primary roles. The quantity of water that is carried upward in a windy storm can be surprising. Soffits also prevent humid air from gaining direct access to your roof edge and rafters, saving them from rot.

Also, soffits provide structural support, joining the edges of rafters together, and help with energy efficiency, providing an enclosed, insulated space in your attic that helps control your utility costs. Another important role they play is in keeping out unwanted pests and rodents. No one wants critters crawling around in their attic! Soffits help to seal off access to these unwanted visitors.

How do soffits get damaged?

Since one of their main functions is to protect your roof and attic from rain and sun, you need to take proactive steps to protect them. This includes installing a K-Guard Gutter System to make sure that water is effectively and efficiently moved away from your roof and property.
Some warning signs could alert you that your soffits may be in danger of rot or other damage.

Flaking paint or cracks. Finding flaking paint or cracks is one of the easiest ways to tell that water has intruded underneath the protective coating on your soffits. If you notice damage like this, it’s a sure bet that the soffit underneath has been damaged. We highly recommend that you consult a professional to find the source of the leak and create a mitigation plan.

Evidence of pests. One of the worst nightmares of a homeowner is when you hear the telltale scratching of critters in your attic or find the debris and droppings these unwanted guests leave behind. Both bugs and rodents are capable of causing severe damage to your attic and roof, and their presence could mean that the soffit has developed gaps and is no longer sealing off your attic spaces appropriately.

Asbestos. Particularly in older homes, if you notice damage to your soffits, you’ll want to make sure that the rotting and deteriorating materials don’t contain asbestos. Older homes often included materials that were manufactured using asbestos in the construction of their soffits, so you’ll want to be sure to have that checked.

Pooling water. There can be a no more obvious sign of trouble than the discovery of pooling water in your roof void. If left unnoticed, water can quickly cause significant damage to your roof. This could lead to costly repairs to mitigate the effects of rot, mold, or structural damage. We highly recommend that you check your soffits and other roof structures regularly for signs of water damage. If caught early, you can avoid expensive repairs down the road.

Poor ventilation. Since one of the primary reasons to install soffits in your home is to control the flow of air and manage ventilation in your attic, noticing poor or little ventilation is a sure sign that the soffits aren’t functioning as intended. If they are damaged or blocked, moisture and humidity can quickly cause rot, not only in your soffits but in other parts of your attic and roof structure as well.

How can I prevent rot and other damage to my soffits?

The best thing that you can do to prevent damage to your soffits is to make sure that rainwater is effectively and efficiently moved off of your roof and away from your property.

When you call a K-Guard Gutter Systems expert, they will perform a thorough evaluation of your roof structures, including your soffit. There may be specific areas that need more attention, and we’ll work hard to make sure that your roof and soffits are functioning perfectly as they should. We’ll give you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected, providing you with a safe and healthy home!

Contact us today to learn more about the K-Guard Gutter System.

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