Month: July 2022

Stormwater runoff needs to be properly dealt with. If it accumulates or is diverted to the wrong areas, it can cause significant damage to your home. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage this runoff.

Keep reading as Gutter Helmet shares three ways to effectively manage stormwater runoff and prevent moisture-related problems.

1. A Rain Barrel or Cistern

Rain barrels are one of the most common ways to store runoff for future usage. A typical rain barrel can hold about 50 gallons of water and is placed directly under the downspout. The barrel collects all the runoff, and the water can be used for other purposes, like gardening. One rain barrel is usually enough, but some homeowners who live in areas that experience more rainfall connect their downspouts to multiple barrels to better accommodate the volume of water.

2. A Rain Garden

A rain garden is an environmentally friendly solution because it makes use of runoff to keep plants healthy while preventing excess water from getting into your home. The garden is designed to have a shallow depression so that water naturally pools into it, where plants and the soil can absorb and filter the runoff. The key to a rain garden lies in the permeability of the soil that is used for it, and the layering. To get good results, landscapers recommend a mix of 30% sand, 30-40% topsoil and 30% organic material, such as compost.

3. A Dry Well

A dry well is a runoff collection area that is intended to slowly release water into the surrounding soil. The well is made with a drain pipe that is surrounded by gravel, which is held in place by landscape fabric and then covered with topsoil. It is installed in the lowest point of the area so that gravity can naturally direct the runoff into it. The water is then contained in the gravel and drained into the deeper permeable soil or an underdrain.

Gutter Helmet’s patented gutter protection system keeps out the debris that can cause gutter blockages and many types of water damage. Thanks to its ability to handle a high volume of runoff, water can be properly directed away from your home. Request a consultation to learn more by filling out our contact form or calling us at (800) 824-3772.

Summer is all about having fun under the sun, on the beach, in the pool or even in your yard. However, it could be hard to enjoy this season if there are mosquitoes everywhere in your home. These creatures are pesky and multiply fast. They can carry viruses and bacteria that can cause diseases to your loved ones and pets. 

Often, homeowners underestimate the importance of installing rain gutter covers when controlling mosquitoes. Here are more mistakes to avoid when getting rid of these creatures.

Failing to Check Tire Swings

It’s never a good idea to leave spare tires in your yard. Often, tire swings are left unchecked. Water can collect in these things and attract pests, including mosquitoes. If you have them at home, inspect them regularly for standing water.

Not Emptying Pet Water Bowls

Mosquitoes could be breeding somewhere you least expect it. Do you leave your fur baby’s water bowl outside? If so, make sure to give them just enough water to drink. Leftover water in their bowls can call the attention of mosquitoes. 

Neglecting Your Gutters

Keep your gutters clean to ensure they effectively divert water away from your home. Clogged, neglected ones will contribute to the development of extensive water damage. When water doesn’t drain properly and stays in your gutters, it will make the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

It simply means that cleaning gutters regularly can prevent these insects from getting attracted to your home. Invest in a high-quality gutter protection system to keep your gutters clean for longer. Gutter guards will keep debris from entering. As a result, your gutters stay spotless, and water flow improves. 

At Gutter Helmet® of Minnesota, we only install superior rain gutter covers. We add them to your existing gutters to keep both debris and unwanted creatures out. Call us at (866) 984-6166, or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.

There are different gutter materials available on the market, and vinyl gutters are one of the cheapest options available. But there are reasons why most gutter experts don’t recommend installing them on your home.

Continue reading as Gutter Helmet shares the top reasons you should avoid vinyl gutters.

They Deteriorate Faster

Vinyl gutters are inexpensive but they deteriorate faster than other gutter materials. Unlike aluminum or copper, vinyl gutters become brittle after consistent, long-term exposure to fluctuating temperatures. They also tend to sag as they get older. If you’re looking for a balance between performance and price, galvanized gutters can give you more bang for your buck. They also work in most climates and environments.

They’re Not Environmentally Friendly

Vinyl gutters are typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Plastic is known to decompose very slowly and it can be hard to recycle — significantly impacting the environment when not disposed of properly. Although they are cheap, vinyl gutters easily break down and when sent to landfills, they will remain for a long time, slowly releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. More environmentally friendly gutter materials are available, so consult a reputable contractor before making a choice.

They Have Limited Color Selection

Vinyl gutters are available in limited color choices, mostly white and brown. This can make it difficult for you to find a shade that complements your exterior color scheme. If you want more color options, take a look at aluminum gutters instead.

Keep your home free of water damage by keeping your gutters in optimal condition. Gutter Helmet® gutter guards offer excellent protection from debris and prevent the clogs that often lead to overflowing gutters and water-related damage. Consult our gutter experts by calling (800) 824-3772 or filling out our contact form.

When you save water in your yard and garden, it doesn’t only reduce your water bills. It also helps preserve the water supply of your community. Today, we offer a few suggestions on how to do just that. 

1. Install a rain barrel. One of the easiest ways to harvest rain is to use a rain barrel. And because rainwater is free of many of the chemicals that are present in groundwater, it is good for the foliage in your garden. In fact, many municipalities offer incentives to homeowners who integrate this water-saving device into their irrigation system.

2. Clean the gutters. It is essential to clean your gutters at least twice a year. Without routine cleaning, leaves, branches and other debris will collect in your gutters and create clogs that will block the flow of rainfall from the roof and into the drainage system. Clogged gutters may also contaminate your rain barrels, leaving you with more cleaning to do.

3. Water the soil. When it is time to water your plants, make sure that you keep the water at root level. Keeping water off the leaves of plants also helps in minimizing fungal diseases and preventing sunscald.

4. Mow high. For most grass species, the ideal height limit for proper maintenance is about two inches. This helps shade the soil from direct sunlight and hinder excessive evaporation.

5. Do not overwater. In many residences, the amount of water wasted through overwatering is at an all-time high. Too much water in your garden soil stresses root systems, contributes to root rot and results in a waste of resources.

Gutter Helmet® Systems of Alabama specializes in installing gutter systems and gutter caps. Give our professional team a call at (866) 598-7525, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment or request a free estimate. We serve clients in and around Chelsea, AL.

Gutters are responsible for diverting water away from your roofing system and your home’s foundation. Seamless gutters are a type of gutter system that is highly recommended because they have fewer joints, making them less prone to leaks.

Proper installation ensures that the seamless gutters are working efficiently. In this post, Gutter Helmet discusses what you can expect during seamless gutter installation.

Removing the Old Gutters

To begin the process, gutter installers need to inspect and remove the old gutter system. This process involves tearing off the old materials and making sure the fascia board, where the new seamless gutter system will be attached, doesn’t have any issues that might affect their performance and stability. 

Taking Measurements

Gutter installers must get the correct measurement of the roofline to ensure the seamless gutters will fit properly. They will take note of the dimensions of the eaves to determine the length of the seamless gutters. It is also during this step when they must identify the appropriate locations for the downspouts.

Fabrication & Installation

Once the measurements are taken and the downspout placement is determined, the installers will start the fabrication of the seamless gutters. These gutters are made on-site and are customized to fit your roof. A machine molds and cuts the gutters to the desired dimensions. Then, the gutters are installed using hangers. Afterward, the downspouts are fabricated and fitted to the system. Your contractor will then clean up and dispose of the old gutter materials.

Protect your new seamless gutters by adding gutter protection to your system. Gutter Helmet is a trusted brand that provides high-quality and effective gutter protection. Learn more about our products and services by filling out our contact form or calling us at (800) 824-3772.

Regular cleaning helps ensure your gutters stay clog-free and efficient. With a high-quality gutter protection system, your gutters will be easier to maintain. That said, you want to invest in a product with the best gutter guard reviews. However, it will only reduce the number of times you need to do the task. When it’s time to clean your gutters, you have the option to use a specialized vacuum. 

Here are the pros and cons of using a gutter vacuum. 

Pros

It Doesn’t Require Ladders

You don’t need to climb a ladder if you choose to clean your gutters with a vacuum. Aside from added safety, it’s also more cost-effective because it won’t require you to purchase high-access equipment.

It Is Easy and Effective

With a gutter vacuum’s excellent flexibility, you can easily clean every nook and cranny of your gutters. This powerful tool can take heavy debris while cleaning surfaces precisely. It’s significantly more effective and convenient than cleaning by hand.

It Doesn’t Create Mess

Mess is the least of your concerns when cleaning gutters with a vacuum. With other cleaning methods, leftover leaves are sometimes unavoidable. A gutter vacuum can eliminate dried leaves, seeds and other debris from your gutters easily. 

Cons

It Might Not Remove Wet Built-Up Debris 

Gutter vacuums can only pick up dried debris. It means a wet, clumped mess will likely be left inside. When you don’t remove this sticky residue, it will build up and clog your gutters. As a result, water will back up to your roof and overflow into your siding. 

You’ll Need to Use It Constantly 

Another downside of a gutter vacuum is that you need to use it constantly to be effective. Constant cleaning is necessary to prevent debris from getting wet and clumping up in the bottom. It’s an option ideal for people who don’t mind frequent work. 

The easiest way to keep your gutters clean for longer is by installing a high-quality gutter protection system. If you are looking for a product with the best gutter guard reviews, you can count on Gutter Helmet® of Minnesota. Call us at (866) 984-6166, or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.