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When you’ve got water in your basement, the two likely sources are pipes or rain – that’s pretty obvious. Aside from figuring out the best way to clean up the water, it’s important to know how to prevent this mess from happening again.

In order to do preventative maintenance, you first need to find the source. Sometimes a pipe just breaks due to age and there’s nothing a homeowner can do to prevent that from happening. For most of the other causes though, there are fixes or at least ways to identify that a problem may be building. Here are some examples:

Window Well Leaks

A basement has windows to allow in light and air, and in some cases for emergency escape. These windows aren’t always completely above ground though, so a window well is needed to create a barrier between the window and the soil.

This window well can, unfortunately, absorb water during heavy rains or if there is drainage problems. The well is designed to be sturdy enough to hold the soil away, so of course that pushes the water towards the window. Gaps around the window will then start to leak.

Solution: Make sure windows are caulked and fix drainage problems around window well.

Soil Grading

Concrete is thick and durable, but cracks can also form because the Earth around your foundation is always shifting. The last thing you want to do is force rain water towards that foundation which is why soil needs to be graded away from the concrete.

Solution: Build up dirt around the foundation to slope away into the yard.

Clogged Gutters

A perfect gutter system collects rain water off slopes of the house, funnels that water to a downspout, and the downspout forces the water safely away from the foundation or to a drain that sends it to the street.

When leaves and other debris clog that water path in the gutters, the whole system is disrupted. This water then overflows the gutters and not only starts to rot the soffit, but also settles near the home’s foundation which can cause basement leaks.

Solution: Have a leaf guard installed so that debris can not build up in the gutters.

Cracks in Foundation Walls and Floor

Even if your gutters are cleaned and the soil graded away from the foundation, it’s still possible to get water in your basement if there are cracks in your foundation walls. This happens most often during extremely heavy downpours or with melting snow when the soil absorbs the water pushing that moisture closer and closer to the foundation. Something called Hydrostatic pressure means that water eventually needs somewhere to go, and the only spot left is in cracks in the foundation floors and walls.

Solution: Improving drainage will help, and putty will be needed to fill the cracks and make sure the basement is waterproof. It never hurts to call a professional in case the flaws are caused by structural issues.

Sump Pump and Drainage Issues

Many newer basements are designed to deal with at least some sort of water issues. There are drains in utility rooms and sump pumps that evacuate moisture out of the basement. Sometimes water in a basement is nearly inevitable either from rain/snow or condensation, but a sump pump helps to rid the space of that moisture to prevent mold growth and further damage.

Of course if there is water forming in the basement, a likely cause is that a drain and/or sump pump has failed. Drains can clog up anywhere from the source to the exit point, and sump pumps that are hard wired to the home’s electricity can get tripped at the breaker.

Solution: Have the drain ‘snaked’ to remove clogs. Check the sump pump breaker, install a battery backup, or have a professional inspect it to see if a replacement is needed.

Interior Pipe / Appliance Leaks

Many causes of water in the basement can be prevented. Whether it’s installing gutter guards, grading the soil away from the foundation every few years, or even just having the sump pump regularly inspected, there are great ways to avoid unwanted water.

When it comes to old pipes just breaking, there’s not much you can do. The same goes for a washing machine or dishwasher that malfunctions. You can prevent pipes from freezing by unhooking exterior garden hoses and running the water a bit in extreme cold, but sometimes accidents simply happen in a home.

Solution: Take proper precautions in cold weather. Inspect appliances and fittings regularly. Hope for good luck.

Water in Basement Summary

Having water infiltrate your basement is unfortunate, but especially if the proper methods weren’t taken to prevent this catastrophe. It’s better to spend a little time making sure the water won’t enter your property than a lot of time after the fact trying to clean it up.

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

With the expertise of our professional technicians and our hot water pressure washing system, your concrete surfaces won’t just look clean — they’ll look like new again.

High Standards are the Only Standards

We take your property seriously. That’s why our hot water pressure washing represents the best technology in the industry. When you’re a Superior Pressure Washing client, you can always expect superior results. Because we don’t settle for anything less. With our team tending to your property, you get the best quality.

Your hardscapes are the point of arrival for anyone who visits your property. They’re also the last thing that people see when leaving your space – and so it’s important to start and end the experience on the right foot.

That’s where Superior Pressure Washing can help. Our commercial concrete cleaning protects your property with:

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

With all the activities and home maintenance chores that come with spring, it’s easy to forget (or procrastinate) gutter cleaning. However, it’s crucial that you don’t ignore this important task! If you don’t check for damage and clear out any dirt and debris that have accumulated in the gutters since the last cleaning, you could be in for roofing, siding and even foundation issues in the near future.

How Gutter Systems Work

The sole function of a gutter and downspout system is to protect your home from water damage by channeling rainwater that drains off your roof away from the house and depositing it a good distance away. However, when this system is compromised by clogs or other issues, water can back up under the shingles and also penetrate the soffit, fascia and siding. Eventually, this can lead to rot and damage on both the exterior and the interior of your home.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Gutter experts will tell you that regular inspection and maintenance by a professional will reduce the need for the repair and replacement of a gutter system. Gutter Helmet® installers frequently encounter problems that are hidden from the view of homeowners. Because you can’t see the inside of your gutters from the ground, it’s essential to either do the work yourself or call on a trusted contractor to tackle built-up debris before damage can occur.

Signs of a Blockage in the Gutters or Downspouts

 A simple way to check the performance of gutters is to observe the flow of water on a rainy day. If water is pouring over the sides of the gutters or not emptying freely from the downspouts, there’s definitely a blockage in the gutters and/or downspouts that must be removed.

Stop Clogged Gutters With Gutter Helmet®

To take care of periodic gutter cleaning tasks, we highly recommend Gutter Helmet®. After Gutter Helmet metal gutter guards are installed on your home, it’s okay to forget spring gutter cleaning, because you’ll never have to do it again! For more than 30 years, these gutter guards have protected homes from the damage that can result from clogged gutters. Contact Gutter Helmet today for a free, no-obligation gutter protection quote.

The post Don’t Forget Spring Gutter Cleaning appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

If you want to start the new year off right, be sure to check your roof and make sure it’s in top condition. After all, maintaining your roof is much less expensive than having to pay for repairs or even a premature roof replacement! To keep your roof healthy, strong and prevent minor issues from developing into serious problems, follow these roof maintenance tips.

• Inspect the shingles. It’s easy to forget to look up and visually inspect your home’s shingles. This essential task should be performed every few months under normal conditions, and always following severe weather or high winds in your area. Keep an eye out for shingles that are missing, cracked, curling or peeling. These visual inspections don’t require you to pull out the ladder and climb up to the roof – a simple pair of binoculars is all you need. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, call a roofing professional right away. 

• Clear out the gutters. Blockage in the gutters will cause a host of problems that can be damaging to your roof and other parts of your home’s exterior, such as the soffit, fascia, siding and even the foundation. Clean out your gutters at least twice a year in late spring and early fall. Remove leaves, twigs and any other leaf debris that has the potential to cause clogs down the road. Doing so will also help prevent damaging ice dams in the winter. 

• Trim back overhanging tree limbs. It’s never a good idea to have tree limbs hanging over your roof; all it takes is one good storm to cause one of them to come crashing down on your roof. Trimming back limbs that are looming over your roof as well as those that are close to your house will help prevent such incidents. In addition, fewer limbs mean fewer leaves deposited in your gutters. 

• Check attic insulation. If your attic isn’t well-insulated, not only will you have problems with ice dams on your roof in the winter, you’ll also have moisture problems that can lead to wood rot as well as insect infestation and problems with pests. Having the right amount of insulation as well as proper ventilation will help prevent these issues. 

Learn More About Gutter Helmet®

Here at Gutter Helmet, we not only install the best gutter systems but also the best gutter covers! To find out more about what we can do for you, give us a call at (800) 824-3772 or complete our online contact form.

The post 4 Tips for a Healthy Roof appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Fascia boards are the long, straight white trim boards that run along the lower edge of the roof. It is secured directly to the lower ends of the roof trusses and does much of the work of providing support to the lower edge of the bottom row of tiles. The gutters are also mounted to the fascia board and carries all of the guttering. The main job of a fascia board is to stop water from going into…

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

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

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