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Sometimes hurricane-force winds tear off gutters or cause trees to come crashing down on them. However, if you have the right gutters, more often than not, they’ll be able to stand up to the torrential rain, hail and strong wind gusts that come with the less severe — but still potentially damaging — thunderstorms that are common in the summer. 

How to Prepare Gutters for Summer Storms

With summer just a few weeks away, now is the time to prepare your home and gutter system for strong summer storms. It’s essential for your gutters to be able to adequately direct water away from the house in order to prevent foundation damage. Below we’ve shared the steps to take to prepare your gutters for the summer season.

• Clean any leaves, twigs, pine needles and other debris out of them.
• Do the same for your downspouts, then run water through them to make sure there are no unseen clogs remaining.
• Check the fasteners that attach your gutters to your roofline. Are they all tight? If the fasteners are loose, either replace them or add an additional one at the point of weakness.
• Check the fasteners which attach your downspouts to the side of the house. If they aren’t as tight as they should be, replace the fastener or add another metal clip to secure the downspout.
• Inspect the gutters and downspouts for holes and cracks, and repair any that you find with caulk or sealant. After all, you don’t want water trickling through these openings into your house.
• Check the seams of your gutters and downspouts. If they’re separating or have become completely detached, you’ll need to repair them; otherwise, these will be the weakest link of your drainage system and could fail during a heavy storm. Refasten and recaulk these seams or replace an entire gutter section if necessary. The same goes for downspout seams and connectors.
• Trim back tree limbs that are too close to the house. Overgrown limbs could fall on top of your gutters and either crush the metal or cause sections of guttering to detach from your house entirely. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least three feet between any limbs and your roofline.

Protect Your Gutters With Gutter Helmet®

To further protect your gutters this summer, consider installing a Gutter Helmet® gutter protection system. To learn all about this unique system, you can contact us by calling (800) 824-3772. 

The post Can Your Gutters Survive the Next Storm? appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Chances are every fall you’re busting the rake out of the storage shed and raking up leaves as they fall from the trees. And while leaves that fall onto your lawn can be fairly easily raked, bagged and put out on the curb, leaves are likely to fall in other places on your property too – like the roof and in your gutters. And any leaves that fall on your roof are almost certain to end up in your gutters.

In this post, we’ll discuss the dangers of falling leaves and the damage they can do when they accumulate in your gutters. We’ll also share how to prevent it from happening. Here’s a look:

The Dangers of Falling Leaves

Fall foliage may be a beautiful sight, but it’s not without some potential problems if you live in an area with plenty of trees. Specifically, leaves can land on rooftops, and from there they can enter gutter systems. And if they’re not removed from gutter systems frequently enough, they can cause some serious problems for your home. Here’s a look at some of those potential problems:

Clogging Gutters and Downspouts

Perhaps the biggest threat associated with falling leaves is how they have the potential to clog gutters and jam up downspouts. In order for gutters to flow freely, they need to be void of leaves and other debris. Otherwise, these obstructions will impede the flow of water runoff from the roof, likely causing water to spill over the gutter near the foundation. Additionally, leaves can clog downspouts, or the pieces of the gutter system that are responsible for carrying water from the horizontal-running gutters to the discharge point at ground level. Again, if downspouts are unable to perform as they’re supposed to, it’s going to impact the entire gutter system and create a greater likelihood of foundation degradation and property water intrusion.

Adding Excess Weight to Gutters

While leaves may seem light as they fall off trees, when they become wet and mix with other debris, they can become very heavy – so heavy that the excess weight put on your home’s gutter system can potentially cause the gutters to sag away from your roof line. This may not just lead to gutter damage, but it could also create a gap between the roof line and your gutter – and cause water to trickle down through this gap rather than into your gutters. This, too, can cause water to pool up near the foundation, leading to degradation and potential water intrusion.

Pest Infestations and Mold Growth

As leaves build up in gutters, the environment they create can serve as a welcome invitation to pest infestations. The likes of bees, hornets and wasps like to nest in damp areas, and while they may not be as destructive as other pests – they can be a major nuisance. Other pests that may take up shelter in your gutters include mosquitoes, ants and termites. Mosquitoes in particular like to nest in areas with standing water. Leaf-filled gutters and pooling water in the gutters could represent that perfect environment for them. In certain parts of the country, snakes may even get up into gutters to feed on any critters or pests that have made a home there.

In addition to a greater likelihood of a pest infestation, leaf-filled gutters and standing water can also lead to mold and mildew growth. This can impact the appearance of your gutters and lead to premature replacement.

Ice Dams

Leaves in gutters and winter weather also don’t mix. Just as how rainwater runs off the roof and into the gutters during the spring, summer and fall, snow melt needs to be able to drain properly during the winter months. Ice dams form when snow melt refreezes as it comes into contact with the gutter – and if gutters are clogged with leaves, then there’s the potential that any ice dam formations become that much more significant. If ice dams become too large, then water may seep through the roof shingles and boards, entering the attics and damaging ceilings within the home.

Property Water Damage

Finally, culminating leaves in your gutter system have the potential to result in foundation degradation and water intrusion. The weight of leaves in the gutters can cause them to pull away from the roof line, meaning water will fall in the gap between the gutters and the roof. Clogged gutters may cause water to pool within the system and then spill over once they become too full. This can disperse large amounts of water in select places around the foundation. If water buildup becomes too significant, it could enter basements or lower levels of the property. In the winter, clogged gutters due to leaf buildup can increase the likelihood of ice dams, which can result in water intrusion into the attic area.

Bottom line: If you want to significantly reduce your property’s water intrusion risk, making sure the gutters are clear and functioning properly is very important.

Prevent Leaf Problems in Gutters with Gutter Guard

As you can see, leaves can present some serious problems when it comes to how effectively your gutter system operates. The good news is that there’s an easy fix – and it doesn’t involve you regularly getting on a ladder and manually cleaning out the gutters on the regular. The easy fix is the installation of gutter guards. The K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System blocks leaves, branches, pine needles and other debris from entering your gutters, yet allows rainwater and snowmelt to pass through and the system to discharge roof runoff accordingly.

Contact KGuard Today

For more information on the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System and to get a free estimate, contact us today. You’ll never have to worry about leaves clogging up your gutter system again after equipping your gutters with the appropriate gutter guards. Contact us today for more information.

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

Nothing is better in the summer than hanging out with family and friends in your backyard, sipping cold drinks and eating food hot off the grill. But it’s harder to relax and unwind when you’re looking at a grimy deck or patio and sitting on dirty furniture.

Make Your Outdoor Living Space Inviting

You don’t want your guests to feel anything but comfortable when visiting your home. To get your outdoor living space ready for summer and your next backyard get-together, follow these tips:

• Sweep it up. Remove everything from the deck or patio surface. Sweep off leaves and loose debris with a broom, and don’t forget to get spider webs and dust in the upper corners.
• Inspect for problems. Examine your deck for any damage, including rot, loose boards, protruding nails and rough spots. Rough spots can be lightly sanded to prevent splinters in bare feet.
• Cover greenery. Before washing down the deck or patio, be sure to cover up nearby shrubs and plants if you’re not using an organic cleaner.
• Clean surfaces. Use a deck cleaning solution from your local hardware store to remove stains and kill any mold or mildew. Scrub the surface with a stiff-bristled broom for a gentle clean or use a power washer for more intense action. Rinse the surface with plenty of clear water immediately after scrubbing.
• Refresh patio furniture. Brush loose dirt off patio furniture, then wash both the furniture and the cushions with soapy water and rinse. Examine wood furniture to determine if it needs to be repainted or restained.
• Spruce up the landscaping. Pull weeds in flower beds and from between brick pavers and stone tiles. Trim back tree branches that are encroaching into the deck area. Add mulch in flower beds and around trees.
• Stain or seal. If your deck is made of wood, apply a stain or waterproofing deck sealant if needed to repel water and make the deck last longer.

The Importance of Examining Your Gutters

Even a once-a-year scrubbing and touch-up can greatly extend the life of a wood deck, concrete patio or brick walkway. While you’re caring for your deck or patio, remember to check on the condition of your rain gutter system as well. Clogs will result in overflowing gutters that dump water and debris onto your newly cleaned space, in addition to potentially causing water damage, so take the time to ensure they are functioning properly. 

Give Gutter Helmet a Call Today

To find out how Gutter Helmet® gutter covers can help protect your gutter system, give us a call anytime at (800) 824-3772. You can also check out our website to read our customers’ gutter cover reviews and find out more about our top-of-the-line gutter protection system.

The post How to Clean Your Deck or Patio appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Your gutters are a very important part of your home. They safely deter water away from your home to help keep you from any serious and costly damages such as foundation problems, structural issues, landscape erosion, and more. Water has the capability to pool up around the foundation of your home, leaking into areas that are supposed to stay dry, like the basement. High winds, snow, ice…

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

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2021-22 winter season saw above-average temperatures across the country, while precipitation was below to much-below average. Though Alaska was an anomaly with the wettest winter on record, many other regions are still experiencing drought conditions. As for New England, several states saw less snow than usual, though there was one massive storm in February that stretched from Texas to Maine and brought bitter-cold temperatures, freezing rain, ice and more than a foot of snowfall across parts of the Northeast. 

Spring Maintenance Tips

Though this past winter can’t be counted as especially severe, no doubt many homeowners celebrated on March 20, the first day of spring. With winter behind us, now is the time to spruce up your home and yard by doing a little spring cleaning and maintenance. Below we share some tips for ensuring your home is in tip-top shape. 

• Inspect the roof. Remove any debris lying on the roof surface. Inspect both the roof and the interior of the attic, checking for misplaced or damaged roofing materials. Snow and ice buildup may have allowed water to seep under the shingles and create leaks. If you discover areas of concern, call in a professional roofer to take care of repairs.
• Examine your gutters. There’s a good chance that winter left behind a significant amount of debris. Remove this from the gutters and flush them with water to ensure there are no clogs. Note any sections of guttering that need to be repaired or replaced. To avoid having to clean out gutters in the future, consider installing Gutter Helmet® rain gutter guards.
• Take care of your trees. Damaged tree branches will need to be trimmed or removed. Make the cut as clean as possible to help prevent rot when pruning and cutting limbs. To prevent future damage, make sure there are no limbs within three feet of your rooftop.
• Fix cracks in the concrete. The freeze-thaw process can cause cracks in concrete foundations, driveways, sidewalks and walls. If you notice shifting surfaces or cracks that continue to lengthen, call a professional for a consultation.
• Inspect all exterior pipes. Faucets, pipes and hoses should be inspected for cracks and leaks before they’re needed in the summer.

Find Out More About Gutter Helmet®

Close the book on winter and get your home in shape for warmer weather with these simple home repairs. Be sure to check out our Gutter Helmet reviews online and contact us at (800) 824-3772 if you have questions regarding our gutter protection system. You can also reach us via our online form. Our experts are always ready to help!

The post Give Your Home a Spring Check-Up appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Many property owners overlook pressure washing as a crucial part of structural maintenance. It’s easy to get carried away in the never-ending list of outdoor upkeep, but we’ll explain why pressure washing should always remain at the top of the list.

At Propel Pressure Washing LLC, we specialize in pressure washing in Warner Robbins, GA. Read on to learn some of the pitfalls that can happen to your property without regular pressure washing.

Property Damage

When you put off giving your structure a good deep clean, mold, mildew, algae, pollen, and bird droppings can take root. Changes in weather and air particles turn the excretions to rot and damage their surroundings over time. Pressure washing strips this gunk off your property and prevents long-term damage.

Health Hazards

Not only can lingering mold and mildew cause structural damage, but they also pose serious health risks. People with developing or compromised immune or respiratory systems can experience many symptoms, ranging from symptoms like the common cold to full-scale allergic reactions. Exterior cleaning keeps you, your family, and your guests healthy.

Homes and commercial buildings aren’t the only places that attract destructive grime. Playgrounds, sheds, driveways, pool decks, and parking lots can also benefit from pressure washing treatment.

Damaged Roof and Gutters

The roof and gutter are responsible for collecting the vast majority of debris and build-up in any dwelling. Neglecting upkeep of these areas results in clogged drainage and bacterial growth in the form of moss, mold, and algae.

These areas are dangerous to clean yourself, so it’s best to turn to a professional pressure washing company for expert roof cleaning and gutter cleaning. We also use industrial-strength pressure washers with more powerful engines than what you might pick up at your local hardware store. The water that flows through our hoses contains the optimal pressure to ensure the removal of all build-up.

Reduced Curb Appeal

Putting off pressure washing in Warner Robbins, GA, will make your curb appeal plummet and leave a less-than-stellar impression on people passing by. Whether you’re putting your house on the market, conducting business at your commercial property, or just want to keep up appearances in your neighborhood, regular pressure washing services will make your property look its best.

Leave It to Us! Contact Propel Pressure Cleaning Today

Now that you understand the dangers of skipping pressure washing, give us a call! Propel Pressure Cleaning is fully licensed and insured and complies with OSHA safety training. We are equipped with the latest technology in pressure washing services at Propel Pressure Cleaning LLC.

Our family-owned business has served the Warner Robins and Middle Georgia community for many years. We are detail-oriented and clean with care, ensuring we protect fragile items such as AC units, windows, light fixtures, patio furniture, sheds, oil tanks, and plants.

Propel Pressure Cleaning offers pressure washing in Warner Robbins, GA, to help maintain your property value and protect your home or business from harmful mold and mildew. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

The post Drawbacks of Skipping Pressure Washing Services appeared first on Propel Pressure Cleaning.

Aging happens to everyone, it’s the process where your hair starts to gray and thin, your skin starts to sag, and it gets harder to move around freely. Did you know that your gutters undergo a similar phase of life as they get older too? While your gutters don’t have hair or skin, and they were never particularly quick on their feet, your gutters certainly feel the effects of years being exposed…

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

Some homeowners try to save money by doing work around the house themselves but, in many instances, DIYing certain types of home maintenance and improvements is unsafe and impractical — particularly those that require the use of a ladder. These jobs are best left in the hands of experienced professionals. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 164,000 people receive emergency medical treatment for ladder-related injuries every year, and 300 people die from them — and this number keeps climbing. And according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, most of these accidents could be avoided just by using the proper climbing and equipment practices.

Common Mistakes Made While Using a Ladder

While climbing a ladder may seem like a no-brainer, there are a number of mistakes that people tend to make when doing so. Most of them can easily be avoided by observing basic ladder safety practices. In this blog, we share a few of the most common mistakes homeowners make when using a ladder:

• Choosing the wrong type of ladder. The type of ladder you should use will depend on the project you’re trying to complete. Different types of ladders have different uses, and each one will have a weight limit. Obviously, it’s not safe to get on the ladder if your weight exceeds the posted limit. One of the most dangerous things you can do is stand on the top step of a ladder. You’re much more likely to lose your balance in this position, which will significantly increase the chances of falling. If the ladder isn’t tall enough for what you’re doing, under no circumstances should you put the ladder on something else to reach higher. Instead, switch to an extension ladder that can give you more height while still maintaining stability.  

• Not using the ladder correctly. While the warnings and directions that ladder manufacturers include on their ladders may be intended to protect themselves from liability, this doesn’t make them any less believable. Some of these warnings include:

• Never use a ladder for anything other than what it’s intended.
• Don’t reach for something that’s not within reach of the top of the ladder. 
• Don’t climb up or down the ladder with your hands full. 

Placing a Ladder Properly

Situating a ladder on stable, level ground is essential for maintaining safety while climbing and balancing on it. Other mistakes such as placing the ladder in front of a door or other areas where it can accidentally be bumped or knocked over can be dangerous as well. Setting the ladder at the wrong angle can cause it to fall over or slip, while resting it against gutters can cause it to slide (as well as damage the gutters). If your overhang extends out too far when you need to work on your gutters, you’ll either have to try to access them from the roof or, better yet, call in professionals to help you. Either option is dangerous, which is why most crews send out at least two people when the use of ladders is required. 

Install a Gutter Helmet® System

To avoid having to use a ladder, at least when it comes to cleaning out gutters, consider installing a Gutter Helmet® gutter protection system. We have the best gutter guards around, and they do an excellent job of keeping leaves, twigs and other debris out of your gutters. In fact, there’s a good chance that with a Gutter Helmet system, you’ll never have to clean your gutters again! To find out more about this exceptional system, contact Gutter Helmet today by calling (800) 824-3772 or reach us via our online form.

The post The 3 Most Common Ladder Mistakes appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Spring has arrived, and how fitting would it be to restore your home’s original beauty during the season of renewal? As we bid adieu to winter, it’s time to sort out the condition of your structures and keep them in the best condition to last through the rest of the year. 

The cleaning specialists at Superior Pressure Washing provide comprehensive services that will spruce up your property’s appearance from every angle. Our technicians offer a keen eye for detail to guide you to the minor blemishes and signs of damage to ensure full marks for your spring cleaning checklist.  

Professional Exterior Cleaning

Mold and mildew are opportunistic contaminants during the spring months. Superior Pressure Washing offers certified low-pressure cleaning solutions that will exterminate these unsightly microorganisms and stubborn buildups from your siding without damaging your home structures.

Perfectly Polished Roof Systems

The wintery months can do a real number on your roofing systems with the constant freezing and thawing that causes defects like cracks, distortions, and broken downspouts. Spring provides the earliest opportunity for a quick damage assessment and control. 

With Superior Pressure Washing at your side, you can expect complete and lasting results that keep your roof streak-free and your gutters flowing. 

Cleaning Inside Out

Well-maintained windows provide your home with ventilation and let in natural light that creates a positive environment for all occupants. Superior Pressure Washing’s window cleaning service offers a deep clean on the inside and outside glass panes to avoid missing a spot. 

Contact Superior Pressure Washing today to take your spring cleaning efforts to the next level!

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

It can really be said that your home speaks to you. Of course, you have to be paying attention in order to understand what it’s trying to tell you. Here we list some examples of possible warning signs your home may be sending you. Be sure not to ignore these distress signals: 

• Peeling paint. Peeling paint may not seem like a big deal, but it can be a sign that there’s moisture in the walls or, even worse, that the walls are rotting. If something seems off and the paint continues to peel off your walls, you should contact professionals as soon as possible and have them inspect the affected area(s) to determine if there’s a bigger issue. 
• Roof damage. Just as your gutter system is your home’s number one defense against water, the roof is its number one defense against the elements. If you notice that there are shingles missing from your roof and/or soft spots that indicate rot, the potential for damage, water infiltration and leaks is increased tenfold, especially in the event of a storm. If not addressed, what may at first seem like small, insignificant roofing problems can quickly become much bigger, more expensive issues.
• Pooling around the foundation. Your gutter system’s job is to direct water away from your home, particularly the foundation. While water can damage many parts of your home’s exterior, foundation damage is the most serious. The buildup of water around your foundation can lead to a cracked foundation, water in the basement, mold, rotted wood and warping. It can also harm your landscaping. 

If you frequently spot puddles on the ground near your foundation after it rains, this may be a sign that your home’s gutters are clogged, the wrong system was installed or it wasn’t installed correctly. Leaking from the endcaps, seams, fascia or other areas can also indicate that the gutters were installed improperly. Cleaning your gutters regularly can help prevent these issues, but if you think that the size of your gutters is the problem, installing six-inch oversized gutters that can hold more water should definitely help. 

Protect Your Gutters With Gutter Helmet®

Many of the problems homeowners experience originate from water being where it’s not supposed to be. To maximize your gutters’ effectiveness and minimize the effect water has on your home, consider installing gutter covers from Gutter Helmet. To find out more about our excellent gutter protection system, contact us online or give us a call today at (800) 824-3772.

The post 3 Telltale Signs Your Home Is in Trouble appeared first on Gutter Helmet.