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Gutters play an often overlooked, yet essential role on any property when it comes to capturing water runoff from the roof and properly dispersing it away from a foundation. When gutters are installed correctly and work as they should, they can help reduce the risk of water intrusion, water damage and foundation degradation. And while gutters may seem like a simple exterior home component, there’s a lot involved in installing a system properly.

In this post, we’ll discuss some of the common parts and accessories involved in a gutter installation as well as some of the tools necessary to get the job done correctly. Here’s a look at what you need to know:

Common Parts and Accessories in A Gutter Installation

Let’s start by discussing some of the parts included in the gutter installation. As you might imagine, there’s more involved than just the gutters and the downspouts (not to say that those components aren’t important). In this section, we’ll cover the parts and accessories that you need or may need in a new installation:

Gutters 

Gutters are parts that run horizontally along the roofline and work to capture snow melt and rain water runoff. Gutters should be installed so that they gradually slope toward the downspouts (more on those next). In fact, it’s best practice to install gutters angled at a quarter-inch of slope for every 10 feet. Gutters come in 4, 5 and 6-inch sizes, and in special cases, 7-inch sizes are available.

Downspouts

Gutters should be installed to slope toward downspouts. Downspouts are installed vertically and, as their name implies, take water from the gutters and discharge it away from the property. Poorly installed downspouts are more likely to lead to water pooling around the foundation, which can lead to foundation erosion and potential water intrusion and damage. Downspouts should discharge water 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation. For best results, the land grading should slope away from the home. In some cases, downspout extenders may need to be installed at the ends of downspouts to ensure that water is draining far enough away from the property.

Elbow Joints

Elbow joints are a part of the downspout. They’re angled pieces that allow the gutter system to better travel around the bends of a home. It’s important to make sure that there’s a good seal where end joints connect with the downspouts, as they’re one of the more problematic parts of the gutter system that tend to clog with debris often.

End Caps

End caps are pieces that attach to the open ends of gutters, typically where the gutters extend past the downspouts. Without end caps, water that’s collected in the gutters could flow out and collect around your home, thereby somewhat defeating the purpose of the gutter system.

Fascia Boards

Fascia boards run under the roofline and are the material that gutters are typically installed on. In many cases, new gutter installations are able to be performed over existing fascia boards. However, in some cases, there may be damage to these boards, thereby requiring replacement prior to gutter installation. Replacement may also be necessary for aesthetic purposes if gutter installation is part of a larger overall exterior home project.

Gutter Hangers

Gutter hangers essentially ensure that the gutter stays attached to your roof and/or the fascia board. They help the gutter system stay secure and stable, which is necessary during storms when heavy rain can enter and weigh down the system. Gutter hangers should be installed about every 36 inches to properly secure the system.

Gutter Guards

Finally, an add-on option that you may elect to have installed when getting new gutters are gutter guards. These pieces fit over the gutters, and block twigs, leaves and other debris from entering the gutter system, while allowing water to pass through and drain appropriately. Gutter guards are especially helpful in areas with dense foliage or for property owners who either don’t like cleaning their gutters or don’t like paying someone to do it for them. They can help eliminate clogs in the system and ensure that your gutters are always getting the job done.

Tools and Accessories Needed to Perform a Gutter Installation

Aside from the major components, there are a lot of tools and accessories needed for a gutter installation as well. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the gear that you want to be sure to have in your toolbox.

• Tin snips: After you measure the gutters, a pair of tin snips is usually sufficient to make the cuts you need to make so the gutters fit properly on the home.
• A ladder: Even on a one-story home, if you’re planning to safely install gutters along the roofline, you’re going to need a ladder to properly access the space and install the gutter components.
• A rivet gun and rivets: These help connect the various gutter components (gutters, end caps, elbows, downspouts) together to form the home’s gutter system.
• Caulk: It’s always good practice to caulk gutter seams to guard against unwanted leaks in the system.
• Other tools and parts: A cordless drill, a hex head driver, measuring tape and gutter fascia are also good to have on hand.

Contact K-Guard Today

For more information on what’s involved in a typical gutter installation and to learn more about the importance of gutters and gutter guards, contact K-Guard today or contact your local K-Guard distributor.

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

As the adage goes, April showers bring May flowers. Even though we’re still solidly in winter, the time leading up to Spring is always incredibly exciting! Even though it is cold and damp, there is so much hope in the air because the promise of spring is about to come to fruition. The weather has not yet started to show signs of getting warmer, but it’s about to, and then the glorious spring…

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In order to determine whether your gutters need to be repaired, you have to keep an eye out for certain signs. Your gutter system — which can include gutter covers — has a very important job: protecting your home from water buildup and damage (especially the foundation). Leaky gutters can cause all sorts of problems, such as flooding, foundation damage and/or mold growth. 

Evaluate Your Gutters

There are certain questions you should ask when evaluating your gutters. The answers to these questions will help you determine if your gutters are having problems:

• Is water leaking from the gutter system?
• Have you noticed visible damage, such as cracks in the gutters or sections that are pulling away from the house?
• Are there water stains on the fascia?
• Does water spill over your gutters when it rains heavily?
• Do large pools of water form around your foundation when it storms?
• Are there nails protruding from or popping out of the gutters?
• Have you detected things in your gutters that shouldn’t be there, such as plants or animal nests?

Signs Your Gutters Are Failing

The previous examples given, which are specific to the gutter system itself, are usually easy to see and identify. There may be subtler issues in other areas in and around your house that have gone unnoticed, however, which could also indicate that your gutters are leaking or even failing. These signs include:

• Pools of water or flooding in the basement.
• Cracks in the sidewalk, driveway or foundation. 
• Lines on the ground beneath the gutters. 
• Paint flaking off your home’s exterior (a sign of ongoing water leakage).
• The rotting of exterior wooden components/structures, such as windowsills, garage doors or the deck.

Contact the Professionals at Gutter Helmet for Assistance

If you think that your gutters may be having issues, you need to call in the professionals right away. Leaving any of the aforementioned problems unaddressed will likely result in the need for bigger, more expensive repairs. In addition, you can learn how Gutter Helmet® gutter guards will help protect your gutters. Call Gutter Helmet at (800) 824-3772 or contact us online to schedule a free repair estimate or for questions about cleaning gutters with gutter guards or other maintenance concerns. 

The post How to Tell That Your Gutters Are Leaking appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

On February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of Winter. Unfortunately, that means there might still be time where your gutters are at risk of freezing from the bitter cold. In addition to Phil’s predictions, the months of February and March tend to see pretty cold weather at least periodically. These onsets of cold can wreak havoc on your gutters especially when combined with…

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Leaves aren’t the only things that might be clogging your gutters this time of year. If you live in an area with lots of wildlife, you may find the remnants of a few birds’ nests blocking the flow of water through your gutters as well. The good news is, there are a few simple, humane tactics you can employ to dissuade birds from nesting in your gutters.

Use a Decoy

Birds will be far less likely to take up residence in your gutters if they see a predator lurking nearby. Placing an owl decoy or an inflatable snake in a conspicuous place can give birds enough of a scare to make them thing twice about nesting in your gutters. The only downside to this strategy is that the birds may eventually realize that the predators are fake.

Try an Ultrasonic Repellent

Ultrasonic repellents are small electronic devices that emit high-frequency sounds to keep birds, mice and other common pests at bay. Although the high-frequency sounds they emit are unpleasant for small animals, they are undetectable to the human ear. If you have pets that spend time in your yard, however, you may not want to expose them to the sound of an ultrasonic repellent.

Install Gutter Guards

Perhaps the most straightforward and effective way to keep birds out of your gutters is to install gutter guards. A good set of gutter guards will not only prevent birds from nesting in your gutters, but also prevent leaves and twigs from falling into them as well. This way, you won’t have to clean debris out of your gutters nearly as often as you do now.

To learn more about the high-quality gutter guards we offer at Bell Seamless Gutters, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!

The post How to Prevent Birds From Nesting in Your Gutters appeared first on Bell Seamless Gutters.

When it comes to home construction, companies won’t stay in business long if their service and quality of workmanship are subpar. Developing a good relationship with customers and keeping them happy and satisfied should be a top priority for any company. When mistakes are made and there are problems with an installation, their reputation can be damaged. That’s why, when installing a rain gutter system, it’s essential to provide top-notch service and workmanship. Here we discuss five of the most common mistakes that are made when installing rain gutters, and what can be done to avoid them. 

Don’t Make These Gutter Mistakes

• The wrong gutter size – The amount of rain you receive in your area is the main factor determining what size gutters you’ll need. If they are too small, they won’t be able to keep up with heavy downpours and effectively drain water away from your house. Improper sizing can also result in gutter damage and foundation problems. In addition to rainfall average, the size and pitch of your roof should also be taken into account.

• Improper gutter pitch – The pitch or angle at which the gutters are installed will determine how well rainwater and snowmelt drains off the roof and away from the house. Problems will inevitably occur if the gutters aren’t at the correct pitch. For instance, if they’re angled too sharply, water will move too quickly through them and will end up flowing over the sides. On the other hand, if they’re not angled enough, the water won’t go anywhere. Rather, it will end up sitting inside them, which can lead to gutter damage and other problems. As a general rule, a quarter-inch slope for every 10 feet of guttering will ensure proper drainage. 

• Too many seams – The more seams a gutter system has, the more likely it is that leaks will occur. After all, the seams are the weakest points of a rain gutter system and where damage is most likely to occur. As such, it’s best to have the fewest seams possible. This is what makes seamless gutters such a great option. 

• Too much space between hangers – When the gutter hangers, which are what attach the gutters to the house, are spaced too far apart, the gutters will begin to sag. This can lead to pooling water in these sections because the water won’t be able to drain properly. Further, the additional load and strain can eventually lead to the gutters separating from the house. For proper support, the hangers should be placed at least every three feet — or every two feet in northern climates where ice and snow can add weight.

• Bad downspout placement – Where you position the downspout is an important factor in how well the system performs. If there aren’t enough downspouts in the right locations, your gutters can experience problems that include overflowing when it rains heavily, as well as standing water. Bad downspout placement can also lead to erosion, damage to the siding, landscaping and foundation, and insect infestations in the gutters, all of which can be expensive to remedy. 

What Sets Gutter Helmet® Apart?

One of the best ways to protect your gutters and ensure excellent gutter performance is to install the best gutter guard system from Gutter Helmet®. All you have to do is check out the gutter guard reviews on our website to learn what sets us apart from the crowd! If, after doing so, you’d like to schedule an installation, give Gutter Helmet a call at (800) 824-3772 or contact us online.

The post Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Rain Gutters appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

If you own a home, you know that homeownership comes with many different responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is exterior maintenance, including lawn upkeep, painting, and gutter cleaning. Many inexperienced homeowners neglect these responsibilities. They don’t realize that, left unchecked, neglected responsibilities like clogged gutters can do severe damage to their home.

Gutter cleaning in Warner Robins, GA, can play an important role in your home by funneling rainwater away from your roof and foundation. When they’re clogged, the water can’t flow freely and ends up overflowing. Let’s look at some of the things that can happen when your gutters clog up.

Mildew And Water Damage

One of the most common problems caused by clogged gutters is water damage. When the gutter system can’t funnel the water away from your home, it ends up seeping into your roof and walls. This can cause mildew and even structural damage over time.

Roof Leakage

If the water isn’t diverted away from your home, it can end up seeping into your roof and causing leaks. If you see cracking or leaking in your roof, your gutters may be clogged. 

Foundation Issues

If your gutter is clogged for an extended period, the water can end up pooling around your home’s foundation. This can cause serious foundation issues over time which can be costly to repair.

Insect Infestation

Another problem that can occur when gutters are clogged is insect infestation. When water pools near your home, it creates the perfect environment for bugs and other pests to thrive.

Yard and Landscape Problems

If you have a lot of trees near your home, clogged gutters can cause problems for your yard and landscape.

When the gutter can’t funnel the water away, it ends up soaking the soil and causing it to erode. This can damage your plants and make your yard look ugly.

Can Build Ice Dams

One of the most dangerous problems that can occur with clogged gutters is the formation of ice dams.

This can create a ridge of ice at the edge of a roof, preventing water from draining the right way. If this happens, the water can end up leaking into your home and causing serious damage.

After the ice builds up, it eventually melts. This water might not just go through your gutter again. It can seep through the roof and walls, building mold, rot, and damage to your household.

Shorten Lifespan of Roof

If you have a shingle roof, clogged gutters can shorten the lifespan of your roof. When the gutter can’t funnel the water away, it ends up pooling on top of the roof. This can cause the shingles to deteriorate faster, increasing the amount a property owner must spend on repairs.

Get Professional Gutter Cleaning on Your Home

Clogged gutters can cause damage to your home, so it’s important to make sure you clean them regularly. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can hire a professional gutter cleaning service in Warner Robins, GA, for pressure cleaning and other help.

Propel Pressure Cleaning does professional gutter cleaning in Warner Robins, GA, and other pressure washing needs. They can help clean your gutters and function properly in Middle Georgia. Contact us today for a free estimate!

The post What Clogged Gutters Do To Your Home appeared first on Propel Pressure Cleaning.

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Gibraltar Industries (the manufacturer of Gutter Helmet®) is a leader in established markets and drives a diverse set of companies. We build businesses that make an impact on the world, in good times and bad. We know that it’s the collective strength of our dedicated employees that is the driving force behind our success. When the pandemic first hit, we met the challenge to help keep our families and our communities safe. We are now focused on continuing to provide products that make homes more comfortable and functional, and enable renewable energy and greenhouse productivity.

Gibraltar Residential Business

At the end of the year, we held our 2021 Gibraltar Investor Day. As part of the presentation, Vice President and General Manager of Ventilation Gene Laminak discussed our residential building products group. Along with outlining past performance and projected growth in this segment, he covered how our abilities and core competencies in developing products and solutions help us protect families and serve our customers.

In addition, Gene shared a video in which General Manager Jeff Bedard outlines why home improvement is more important to homeowners than ever:
“Homeowners spend about 450 billion dollars a year on home improvements, and the reason is that for most of us, it’s the most important asset we own. It’s also where we spend most of our time. Especially today, more than ever, we live at home, we work at home, we school at home–and now we even vacation at home. With the residential group, our people, solutions, and technology advance quality of life by protecting what matters and providing peace of mind.”

Check out the full video of the Gibraltar 2021 Investment Day presentation.

How Roofing Accessories Ensure Comfort & Efficiency

As VP and GM of Ventilation, it’s no surprise that Gene Laminack is well-versed in the role a strong roofing system plays in protecting your home. This includes having high-quality roofing accessories — such as ventilation, trims and flashings, connectors and gutter protection — installed on your house. These are all essential in preventing water from penetrating your home and creating an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth, which is not only unsightly but can also damage building materials and pose a health risk. Our team in the roofing accessories division is even working on developing a new product — currently patent-pending — that helps channel water away from pipe boots, which is the top-leaking item on a roof.

Gibraltar Strong

Our top-notch residential building product program is just one of the things that sets us apart. At Gibraltar, we also give our investors the tools they need to make a difference. To find out more, please visit our investor page.

The post Gibraltar 2021 Investor Day: Residential appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Residential properties are not the only ones that benefit from a rain gutter system. Commercial buildings are no exception. Although rainwater is very beneficial to the environment, it can be damaging to buildings that are not protected by a gutter system by causing eventual deterioration of the roof, walls, and foundation. Cleaning the gutters of your commercial building is important to keep them…

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