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The post What Is the Problem With Gutter Sponges or Foam? appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

The carport vs. garage debate is one you’ll need to confront if you’re considering adding vehicle storage spaces to your Oklahoma City property. Today we’re specifically focusing on the advantages of a carport vs. a garage. Keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different—there are benefits to each type of structure.

Here are just a few examples of some of the advantages of a carport vs. a garage:

• Easier to install: Building a garage is going to be a much larger, more complicated task that requires more permitting and more stages of construction. For example, a garage will always need a foundation, while this is not necessarily always going to be true with a carport. While a carport will require permitting of its own, the process of getting it approved and built will not take as long.
• Aesthetics: Depending on the way a garage is designed, it could potentially damage the aesthetics of the home and make it appear smaller, especially if it’s an attached garage. Carports have a smaller profile and are open, which makes them feel smaller and more a part of the surrounding landscape.
• Flexibility: Carports are more flexible than garages in that they can be used in a wider variety of ways beyond just storing automobiles or yard equipment. There are all kinds of creative shelving solutions that can be employed with carports, and you can use carports for other types of hobbies and interests, or even just as a covered patio of sorts.
• Decoration: Part of the extra flexibility associated with carports is that there are far more opportunities for decorating them. You can hang plants, lights and wind chimes, put up screens for some privacy or even use plants as privacy curtains.
• Cost: Because carports are nowhere near as complex of structures as garages, you can expect them to cost you significantly less, which is helpful if you’re trying to get the project done on a budget.
• Shade: Carports are great spots to use as play areas for children, or shaded areas for adults to set up chairs and relax while still being able to enjoy the outdoors. As we mentioned earlier, you can use carports in this way to create a feeling that’s sort of like a covered patio.
• Convenience: The lack of doors and general openness of a carport makes them a very convenient option, especially when you’ve got items you need to carry inside.
• Energy savings: Because you’re not raising and lowering an electric door every time you pull in and out of the carport, you’re saving quite a bit of energy over the lifetime of the structure.

There are also many benefits carports share with garages, including protection from the elements and against potential burglars, as well as plenty of vehicle and equipment storage options and ways to organize other items you might want to store on your property.

For more information about the advantages of a carport vs. a garage in Oklahoma City, we encourage you to contact the team at L & S Seamless Guttering today.

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

After a long, cold winter, the arrival of spring is a welcome change. One aspect of spring that’s not quite so enjoyable, however, is the long list of home maintenance tasks that comes with it. As unenjoyable as these chores might be, it’s necessary that they be completed in a timely manner in order to prevent damage and unnecessary repairs. Follow the tips below to ensure that your home is in tip-top shape by the time summer rolls around! 

• Check the gutters. Clogged gutters can do a number on your home, causing water to back up under the shingles and enter your home, as well as potentially causing damage to the soffit, fascia and siding. Start by positioning a ladder under your gutters, making sure that it’s on level ground. Then grab a pair of gloves and use your hands to remove any leaves, twigs or other debris that have collected inside. If there’s residue left behind, use a garden hose to rinse it away. Another option is to invest in our exceptional Gutter Helmet® gutter guards. 

• Wash the windows. By the time spring rolls around, your exterior windows are likely to be very dirty. Take care of this problem by hiring a window cleaning service to thoroughly clean your windows on the outside. If this isn’t feasible for your situation, pick up a squeegee and use this along with mild soap and water or a solution of water and vinegar to get your windows sparkling clean. 

• Test smoke alarms and CO detectors. To protect your home and family, the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be changed at least once a year, and twice is preferable. Spring is a great time to do this; it only takes a few minutes and could end up saving lives!

• Seal windows and doors. It’s important to inspect your windows and doors to make sure that the caulk sealing them is still in good shape. If it’s not, recaulk them. Making sure all your windows and doors are tightly sealed will help keep out the cold drafts of winter and the heat and humidity of summer. This will help you save money on your utility bills year round. It’s also a good idea to ensure all your windows open and close smoothly and shut tightly. If they don’t, check the weather stripping and replace as needed. 

Learn More About Gutter Helmet®

To learn how to clean gutters with gutter guards or to connect with the Gutter Helmet dealers closest to you, give us a call today at (800) 824-3772 or complete our online contact form. 

The post Spring Home Maintenance: What You Need to Know appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

If you are a homeowner, and you have gutters bravely protecting your home from the perils of foundation damage, mold, or worse, then you probably are wondering how often you should clean your gutters, in order to preserve their lifespan.

Gutters should be cleaned six times throughout the year, with at least three cleanings during the fall season. Location and weather both impact the ideal number of cleanings, as well as your general approach to gutter protection services.

Location

Keep in mind that gutters are meant to funnel debris and other harmful elements away from your house. Houses in locations that are more prone to natural events are more likely to have gutter cleaning on their radar. However, each location can provide different challenges.

For example, a house in Southern California may be more concerned about the damage done to their gutters during the summer season, which is known for the Santa Ana Winds phenomenon.

Meanwhile, a house in Connecticut might be looking at the onset of fall, and know that trees drop leaves at a more rapid rate, thus increasing the chances of ending up in the gutter.

These are all valid, so while seasonality is the primary driver for how often to clean your gutters, your location should be something you consider too.

Seasonality

End of Winter Gutter Cleaning (Feb – April)

Although this applies more to cold-weather states, it is important to remember that just because it hasn’t rained, or hasn’t been windy, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t address your gutters.

The end of winter can produce what is called “late-clinging leaves and branches,” which are leftover debris from winter that funnels into your gutters as ice melts.

It is advised that you clean your gutters at least once, as you near the end of winter. You should also use this time to reinforce your gutters, after the storm season. This can include resealing your gutters or reinforcing them to the roof. 

Spring Gutter Cleaning (May – July)

Spring, the time of year where everything is fresh, new, and ripe. Spring is also a time when the most pollen, wayfaring leaves, and more may be floating about. These can easily end up in your gutter, creating logjams.

It is advised that you clean your gutters once towards the end of spring.

Summer Gutter Cleaning (August – September)

This season may be more relevant to southern states, and regions that experience summer thunderstorms. With these storms come violent winds, which rips leaves off the trees, and slams them into your roof and gutters.

It is recommended that you clean your gutters sometime around Labor Day, which is the first Monday in September. 

Fall Gutter Cleaning (October – November)

Fall is the time of year celebrating the beautiful color in the changing leaves. That euphoria is often short-lived because after the leaves change, they are quickly shed from the tree to blow about in the wind.

Fall is perhaps the most critical time when it comes to cleaning your gutters. Although it may feel excessive, the rate at which trees are shedding their leaves can fool you, until you’re up in the gutters digging caked leaves out of your gutter.

It is recommended that you clean your gutters at least three times during fall.

1. Early Fall
2. Middle Fall
3. Late Fall

Ideally, you are finalizing your “Late Fall” clean up prior to the first snow, and as a way to rid your roof of the final fall leaves.

Gutter Cleaning Season to Avoid: Middle of Winter (December – January)

This article has given great advice on when good times to clean your gutters are. However, keep in mind that the middle of winter is not the best time to clean your gutters. Between the snow and ice, it can create a very precarious situation, that can result in injury or worse.

If you clean your gutters yourself, don’t risk it by doing it while snow is on the roof. However, if you find yourself in an unavoidable situation, contact Ned Stevens to do your gutter cleaning. We have the expertise and know-how to assist in cleaning your gutters any time during the season, winter included.  

The post How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters? 2021 Edition first appeared on Gutter Talk.

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

The post What You Should Know About Gutter Sponges appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

The post Pros and Cons of Different Ice Dam Removal Methods appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

One of the most important parts of your home is undoubtedly the roof because it keeps the water from pouring inside! But what happens to all of that water that runs off? If you don’t take steps to move it effectively and efficiently away from your home you could face serious damage, from cracked and shifting foundations to rotting soffits and sidings.

This is where gutters come in. By providing an efficient channel to move water away from your home, you can prevent significant damage.

There are many different kinds of gutters out there, with many different styles and construction, but not all are created equal. The K-Guard Gutter System is the industry leader when it comes to moving water away from your home.

How do rain gutters protect my home?

Every building requires gutter protection to make sure that excess rainwater is dealt with appropriately. Leaking water from gutters or overflowing gutters can cause damage to your home, so alongside the roof and well-fitting windows, gutters are a critical part of your home’s protection.

When the system is in proper working form, it maintains the structural integrity of your home. The rain gutters collect the runoff water and channels it safely and efficiently to the downspouts and out and away from your home.

The problem arises when the system isn’t properly maintained. If you have regular, open gutters, you can expect them to collect twigs, leaves, and other debris, which can lead to:

• Rot developing around your soffit, fascia, and eaves.
• Leaks appearing around doors and windows.
• Water constantly seeping into the ground near your foundation, which will lead to basement flooding and cracks.
• Insects, critters, pests, and mold finding the perfect habitat to thrive.
• Dangerous conditions that you’ll face by climbing a ladder several times a year to keep them clean.

All of these issues can be avoided by installing the appropriate gutters, like the K-Guard Gutter System.

What are the benefits of installing gutter guards?

When you choose to install a gutter guard system like the K-Guard Gutter System you are adding an extra layer of protection to your home. They are designed to make sure that debris and litter don’t get into your gutters to start with.

Gutter guard systems also eliminate the need to conduct routine maintenance on your gutters. Not only does this save you time, but it helps to keep you safe. Think about it – gone is the need to climb a ladder perched precariously on your roof a couple of times a year just to keep your gutters clean!

With the right system, you’ll realize significant savings not only in the time you’ll save, but also by reducing your maintenance and repair costs. While the initial investment may be more than with a regular gutter system, the long term benefits are substantially more valuable.

Not to mention that gutter guards will protect your home from many dangers, including rust and corrosion, fire, insect infestation, and pests. The reduction in standing water takes away the prime ingredient for inviting insects and pests, and the lack of soggy and wet leaves lingering in your gutters will prevent rust and damage to your gutters and prevent rot on your roof.

Another significant benefit is that gutter guards help protect against the dangers of freezing water and ice dams. By making sure that water continues to flow freely without obstruction, you mitigate the damage that could be caused during freezing weather.

How do I know what kind of gutters will work best on my home?

The best thing you can do when it comes to knowing what kinds of gutters will work best on your home is to seek the advice of a pro. The expert technicians that provide K-Guard Gutter Systems will come out to you, conduct an evaluation of your home’s needs, and provide you with a free estimate on what it would take to install a worry-free gutter system.

The trick to navigating all of the many different gutter systems that are out there in the market is understanding that the personal touch and guarantee of a system like K-Guard will permanently remove thinking about your gutters from your list of home maintenance chores.

We continue to stand behind our products with a 100% guarantee, which is what makes us a market leader. We are so confident in our products that we’ll come out and repair them free of charge if you ever encounter a problem.

By installing the right gutter system on your home, you can take away one source of potential damage and danger, while freeing up the time you would normally have to spend maintaining them.

Give us a call today and learn more about how the K-Guard Gutter System can protect your home.

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

Ice dams are thick collections of ice that tend to form along the edges and eaves of a roof. They typically form by snow melting, running down the roof and then refreezing at the edges. The snow melt drains down toward the gutters or eaves, and as it freezes, it forms a thick, heavy dam that can prevent additional snow melt from draining.

Gutters are a common location for ice dam formation, particularly if they haven’t been cleared out recently, because the snow melt won’t be able to get into the gutters and flow down through a downspout. It’s in your best interest to avoid ice dam formation, as ice dams can cause roof damage. Here’s a quick overview of what you should know about ice dams and gutters in Oklahoma City.

Avoiding ice dams

Over time, ice dams can start to allow water to seep under the shingles, which can cause them to lift and fall off, and could result in leaks forming in your attic and potentially running down your interior walls. When they become particularly heavy, ice dams can rip off gutters, damage tiles and potentially cause sagging in the roof. When they break off, they are a safety hazard to any person or item below.

The first step in avoiding ice dams is to carefully inspect your roof during the winter and see if you have any ice dams forming, so you know where and when to take action. You might see ice bulging at the edge of your house, or large icicles forming. Any icicles larger than 2.5 inches in diameter are problematic and indicate the likely presence of an ice dam.

The best way to prevent ice dams is to make sure you clean out your gutters before the winter arrives. Get rid of all the leaves, sticks and other debris so melting water can freely flow into and through the gutters without getting blocked by debris buildup.

Installing gutter guards can also be helpful. This will prevent debris from getting into the system, instead allowing the snow melt to flow into the gutters uninhibited by debris that might otherwise get inside.

If you’re planning on replacing your roof, you should also prioritize using an underlayment, which is designed to prevent water damage from ice and snow. This is a good idea if you know you’ve already experienced water damage from snow in the past.

Finally, you should make it a point to better insulate your home and keep your heat inside. Adding insulation to the attic floor will keep heat trapped in your living space. Replacing old, recessed can lights with other fixtures that are more easily covered up can also help prevent air leaks. If you see any holes or cracks, seal them up whenever possible to limit the places where air can escape.

Are your Oklahoma City gutters creating ice dams? For more information about the steps you can take to avoid ice dams and the damage that can result from them, we encourage you to contact L & S Seamless Guttering today.

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

Cleaning the gutters, though not glamourous, is typically done on residential properties without professional intervention. However, commercial gutter cleaning and inspection is an entirely different sport that requires the help of a specialist. Industrial gutter systems are usually higher and larger, making it crucial that you consider hiring a professional service for cleaning and inspecting the…

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

Wondering about soft washing your home’s roof? If so, it’s time to turn to the professionals at Superior Pressure Washing, servicing the areas of Olney, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Frederick, Columbia, and Potomac in Maryland!

Soft Washing Your Homes Roof

Soft washing your home’s roof is integral for the cleanliness and health of your property. At Superior Pressure Washing, our low-pressure techniques are our trademark; if we can’t clean it with low pressure, we won’t do it! That’s how we protect our customers. We have your best interests always top-of-mind and want to clean your home with quality. Safety is our priority. You can feel secure knowing that we provide a professional staff to gently treat your home.

Protecting Your Property

Superior Pressure Washing takes the utmost care to protect your property. We place one or more ladders around the home, using ladder standoffs to protect gutters. Large, heavy-duty trash bags go to the bottom of the downspouts to catch any solution runoff.

Also, all furniture goes back to its proper places, and Superior Pressure Washing provides a final rinse of plants. We also take special care to collect and dispose of all of our contractor bags. There’s no worry for property damage or trash disposal with Superior Pressure Washing!

The Edge Superior Pressure Washing Provides

There’s no need to worry about quality and safety when you turn to Superior Pressure Washing for residential roof cleaning. Our team always follows the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association approved methods for cleaning and treating roofs. The professionals at Superior Pressure Washing will get your roof looking its best for all the seasons to come!

Why turn to the professionals at Superior Pressure Washing for soft washing your home’s roof? Hear it from our customers!

We have been working with Pete Heon and his crew for the last couple of years, with their most recent visit last week. They are the best. Very professional, do the work as discussed, and help answer any questions we may have. We particularly want to thank Pete, Terry, and Hunter for the great work they’ve done during each of their visits. We look forward to working with Superior Pressure Washing for many more years to come. Thanks again, and keep up the great work! – Roni 5 Star Review

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