Maintain Your Gutters With These DIY Cleaning Solutions

Are your home’s gutters looking a little the worse for wear these days? Without periodic cleaning, old gutters can become covered in dirt, debris and black streaks that detract from their original appearance. The good news is, there are a few DIY cleaning solutions you can use to keep your gutters looking their very best.

Use TSP-PF to Your Advantage

Do you have some deck or siding cleaner tucked away in your garage? Check the label and see if you can find the letters “TSP-PF” on it. TSP-PF stands for “trisodium phosphate-phosphate free,” and it means that the cleaner is capable of degreasing and cleaning surfaces without harming the environment. Take one cup of this cleaner and mix it with one quart of Clorox bleach along with three quarts of hot water. Apply it to your gutters with a rag or brush to wipe away dirt and mildew stains.

Try Cream of Tartar

The spice rack in your kitchen might not seem like a logical place to look for gutter cleaner, but cream of tartar can make gutters shine when used properly. Take cream of tartar and mix it with water to create a thick paste. Then, apply that paste to the outside of your gutters and buff it with a rag before letting it sit for a little while. After about 30 minutes, hose your gutters down. They should look a little brighter after being treated with your homemade cleaning paste.

Remove Dirt and Grime With White Vinegar

In addition to cleaning the outside of your gutters with a DIY cleaning solution, you should be sure to clean their interior as well. Scoop out any dirt, leaves, stick, and other debris before pouring a solution of warm water and white vinegar into your gutters. Plug your downspouts to prevent the solution from washing away and allow it to sit in your gutters for about an hour. Then simply drain your gutters once the hour is over and hose them down.

At Bell Seamless Gutters, we can install gutter guards on your existing gutters to prevent them from getting clogged with dirt and debris in the first place. To learn more, feel free to give us a call at our toll-free number or contact us online today!

 

The post Maintain Your Gutters With These DIY Cleaning Solutions appeared first on Bell Seamless Gutters.

Gutters don’t always look like a big deal, but they are very important in protecting your home. Rainwater causes damage, and too much water near your foundation or running down your home is a problem. Only one inch of rain can cause the need to direct 500 gallons or more of rainwater away from your home. Without gutters, rain will wreak havoc on your home and landscaping.

When You Have a Flood

Without a working gutter system on your home, you will find that your basement floods during heavy storms. Gutters take rainwater away from your roof and directs it away from your property. When water is allowed to run down the side of your house instead, the water pools down and into your basement.

Damage to Your Foundation

Poorly working gutters will cause damage to your foundation. Too much water near your foundation causes cracks because it will dissolve the masonry. If the water near your foundation freezes, this is going to make your foundation crack. Too much water in and around your foundation will cause problems.

Mold Growth In Your Home

When gutters are not keeping moisture and water out of your home, mold and mildew will be able to grow. Both can cause respiratory problems, especially in people who have asthma or a compromised immune system. Your gutters help protect your home from mold and mildew growth throughout the home.

Damage to Your Landscaping

Your gutters help keep your beautiful landscaping intact. When you have invested money on making your property look great, it’s important to keep unwanted water off of your flowers and shrubs. If you’re landscaping is getting damaged from water coming from your gutters, your gutters should be inspected carefully to determine what is wrong.

The gutters on your home bring rainwater from your roof, down the length of your gutters and then out throughout the downspouts. Gutter clogs, gutters pulling away from the side of your house and sagging gutters can all cause problems with the water flow. Water that gets into your basement and causes damage to your landscaping is not necessary. A good gutter system will guide the water away from your home so that your property remains protected.

Contact Weatherguard Gutters Today

If your gutters are no longer protecting your home, it’s time to contact Weatherguard Gutters to see how we can help. We have been providing homeowners quality gutter service in Vancouver and the lower mainland for more than 30 years, and we are ready to provide you with a free estimate today.

The post How Gutters Protect Your Home from Damage appeared first on nfl.

Spring is on its way! There’s no better way to enjoy the sunlight than having it filter through a bright clean window in your home.

Sparkling clean windows let the light in. They also make your home feel bigger and cleaner. If you want to enjoy the early spring mood outdoors, yet still stay indoors and keep warm, a clean window is essential.

Getting Professional Help for Your Windows

Sure, you could spring-clean yourself, but why not have a professional do your windows? You save a lot of time, effort, and if you select the right company, you’ll get high-quality work done.

According to HGTV, it is one of the cheapest possible ways to give your home instant curb appeal. And having a Window Service company clean your windows frees you to take care of other spring-cleaning work.

Find Reliable and High-Quality Window Cleaning Services

We at Superior Pressure Washing provide Window Cleaning to Olney, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda & Potomac Maryland. We take charge of cleaning and maintaining Windows for multi-unit residential buildings, apartments, condos, and HOA’s.

Here are some more reasons why it pays to have a professional window cleaning service:

· Scheduling and Logistics

If you have a lot on your plate, hiring a window cleaning service will help you schedule things better. They can work around your schedule requirements, on-time and effectively.

· Professional Service

The only way to get the best quality is to entrust the work to those who are well-trained in it.

· Experienced Technicians

No more worrying about your windows or glass panes shattering, Our technicians know how to handle all types of home and residential furniture.

· Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is the best way to get your windows cleaned. It ensures the removal of mold, mildew, and algae. It will also keep your windows cleaner for longer during the spring and summer months.

Let us help you enjoy the bright and beautiful windows of your home. See what a big difference sparkling windows make to your residence.

For more information, see our complete list of services, or call Superior Pressure Washing for more information.

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

K-Guard gutters have finally solved an age-old problem: how do you keep leaves out of gutters? Cleaning out the gutters used to be an annual tradition (if not more frequently) for many homeowners. Now, however, homeowners can use patented K-Guard gutters that will prevent most leaves from getting in the gutter in the first place.

Our gutters are equipped with a hood system that will prevent most leaves from entering the gutter. This prevents jams and reduces the need to clean the gutters. K-Guard gutters are made of very high-quality aluminum and are designed to last for ages. In terms of quality and value, it’s hard to beat K-Guard.

Of course, some customers are going to have some questions and concerns. Let’s review some tips for selling gutters to potential customers.

Why Are K-Guard Gutters Better Than Traditional Gutters?

The first question a new homeowner will likely ask you is why they should bother with K-Guard gutters. Traditional gutters have been around for years, aren’t they good enough? The answer, quite simply, is no.

Once a traditional gutter is clogged with leaves, it may not be able to effectively drain water. Over time, poor drainage could result in damage to a homeowner’s property. Further, the leaves in the gutter will eventually rot, which can produce an awful stench.

Homeowners will either have to get the ladder out and clean the gutters themselves or hire someone to do it. Hiring someone can get quite expensive. Meanwhile, when homeowners clean gutters themselves, they are going to spend a lot of time carrying out an unpleasant task. Worse yet, there’s always the risk of a slip or fall.

Do K-Guard Gutters Actually Keep Leaves Out?

Yes. Our patented K-Guard gutters actually keep leaves out. Clogging and other issues rarely occur. K-Guard gutters use a specially designed system consisting of a hood, gutter, downspouts and the patented K-Guard hangers.

New homeowners don’t have to take our word for it. Hundreds of happy customers can testify that our K-Guard gutters work year in and year out. We recommend showing skeptical customers our product reviews. Often, other happy customers make the best salespeople.

Are K-Guard Gutters Only For New Homes?

No. While we recommend installing K-Guard gutters from the get-go, existing homes can be refitted with our system. K-Guard has helped both new and existing homeowners.

What If Customers Are Worried About Longevity?

Eventually, all gutters have to be replaced. However, homeowners can rest assured that K-Guard gutters will last a long time. First, we use a heavy-duty aluminum that will resist corrosion. Lesser gutter manufacturers use lesser aluminum that won’t hold up to the elements.

Second, our patented K-Guard Hangers are made out of durable, long-lasting all-weather polymers that can resist just about anything nature throws at them. These hangers can also support the weight of the entire system, ensuring that it retains its shape.

New homeowners will be adding value to their home by using high-quality, long-lasting K-Guard gutters. They’ll be able to rest easy, knowing that they likely won’t have to replace their gutters in the near future.

What if Customers Are Worried About the Aesthetics?

Many new homeowners rightly obsess over aesthetics. K-Guard gutters look a bit different from traditional gutters. If anything, however, they look better. For one, there won’t be rotting leaves hanging out of K-Guard gutters. Further, homeowners can select a wide range of colors. Also, K-Guard gutters can be fitted to just about any roof line.

What If Customers Want to Go With the Cheapest Option?

K-Guard gutters are a bit more expensive than the lowest cost gutters. However, the high-quality aluminum and patented K-Guard Hangers mean our gutters will last for years. Customers who buy cheap gutters may quickly find themselves having to uninstall and reinstall new gutters.

Then there are the cleaning costs. Unless the homeowner cleans their gutters themselves, they’re going to have to pay someone to do it. Cleaning gutters is no one’s idea of a dream job, so homeowners may have to pay quite a bit.

What If My Customers Want to Install Hood Systems on Their Existing Gutters?

Does your customer already have gutters installed? Some homeowners try to take a short-cut: they install hoods on existing gutter systems. Unfortunately, this often turns out poorly. Our 5-inch gutter system offers better drainage than the 3 and 4-inch gutters many people have. Further, the hoods rarely fit properly, leading to sub-optimal performance.

Not only that, but the hoods are often a different color than the gutters. This can lead to poor aesthetics. Ultimately, these ramshackle systems look clunky and out of place, something you’d never say about K-Guard gutters.

Do You Have Any Materials I Can Provide to Customers?

Yes! You can refer customers to Kguard.com where they can learn more about our patented system. Customers can also watch an explainer video that will outline our gutter system works. Further, we can sell you brochures and door hangers at cost. Just get in touch!

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

If you’re like most homeowners in Tacoma, Wash., then you know that a rain gutter system is an essential part of your home. Rain gutters have an important function, and they can also be stylish—adding a certain elegance to your home’s exterior.

With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to make the right decision as to which is best for your home. One option to consider is copper gutters. At Tacoma Gutter Service we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners beautify their home with this type of system. If you’re thinking about upgrading or replacing your system and considering this material, here are a few things you need to know about copper gutters.

1. They Have a Long Lifespan

Copper gutters can last at least 50—sometimes even 100—years with proper maintenance. Some homeowners may balk at the price of a copper gutter system, especially when they compare it to vinyl or aluminum, but its lifespan is well worth the cost. Not only does it last for decades, but they typically require fewer replacements and repairs, which can you save money after the initial costs.

2. Copper is More Durable Than Other Material

You really can’t beat copper’s durability. Most of the material’s longevity is due to its ability to resist corrosion. While copper does weather, it doesn’t rust. It is also very unlikely that a copper system will creak, wear out, or develop other issues that would be the end of gutter systems made with weaker material. Because of this, copper gutters require minimal maintenance; you’ll still have to routinely clear out debris, but they rarely sag, dent, or need replacement.

3. These Systems are Stronger

Copper gutters feature soldered seams, so there won’t be any gaps in the gutter or downspouts where water can leak and escape. The hangers and fasteners used to keep copper gutters secured to your home are also stronger than other materials, so you won’t have to worry about your system falling away from your home’s eaves or fascia after a big storm.

4. Copper Gutters are Generally Made to Order

Copper gutters are truly a seamless system; this is because they are usually made to order and customized to fit your home exactly. Joints are smoldered together, so you won’t have to worry about leaks, or gaps, and because the pieces are measured to fit your home, you won’t have to worry about them being ill-fitting or awkward. The only downside to this is that you won’t be able to install a copper system yourself, and it may be more challenging to find professionals who can handle the job.

5. They Can Immediately Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Copper rain gutters offer immediate interest and appeal. Oxidation gives copper a beautiful coat of patina, so, over time, your gutters will have a bit of rustic charm and a dramatic, weathered look to them. Copper gutters can be a great way for your home to stand out and also increase the curb appeal of your home, since its unique look can’t be matched by other types and finishes of gutters. Its durability makes it a great selling feature when it comes time to sell your home.

 

Because copper is a more difficult material to work with, you’ll need to hire professionals for the job. If you want the job done right, contact Tacoma Gutter Services. We have decades of experience and have worked with all types of gutter materials—including copper. For a free estimate, visit us online or call (253) 927-7111.

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

From their ecological benefits to the significant savings they can provide on your monthly water bill, there a number of good reasons to consider adding a rainwater collection system to your home. These systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, as many homeowners are looking for creative new ways to minimize their water consumption around the house.

Rainwater collection systems are also ideal for avid gardeners, or for people who live in areas where soil conditions make it difficult to drain large volumes of water away from their homes.

Although we often add rainwater collection bins to new seamless gutter installations, these systems can be easily integrated into your existing gutters and downspouts as well. All we have to do is divert the downspout of your choice into two separate pipes. One of these pipes will feed your rainwater collection bins, while the other will carry water safely away from home in the same manner as an ordinary downspout. Once the system is installed, you can select which path the rainwater will take at the flip of a switch.

In the event that your rainwater bins become filled with water, you can simply close the downspout diverter to prevent them from overflowing. Otherwise, you can let your gutters fill the bins with free water to use in your lawn and garden.

Interested in learning more about the rainwater collection systems we offer at Bell Seamless Gutters? Feel free to give us a call at our toll-free number or contact us online today to speak with a representative!

The post Adding a Rainwater Collection System to Your Existing Gutters appeared first on Bell Seamless Gutters.

Gutters protect your home and property from water damage. While your gutters might not look like much, they bring water from the roof of your home and guide it along so that it doesn’t damage your roof, basement or landscaping. There are a number of signs that indicate your gutters aren’t working properly. From damage to your gutters that is visible, to water pooling in your basement, poorly working gutters will cause a number of problems. Learn more about common problems seen when your gutter system is not working as it should to protect your property.

Visible Signs of Damage

Your gutters need professional help when you can visibly see signs of damage. Holes in your gutters, or gutters that are pulling away from your home are not going to work correctly. You may notice that your gutters are sagging or cracked when they need to be repaired. There may be gaps in between the gutter connections that need to be replaced. Any time you see gutters that are pulling apart or that drip at the connection points, they need to be assessed. If you find screws or small pieces of your gutter system on the ground, it is clear that it’s time to call for help.

Less Obvious Signs of Gutter Damage

There are times when small animals will make your gutters home. If your gutters overflow all the time, or you see small nests in your gutters, they aren’t able to direct water to where it needs to go. If you find standing water in your gutters, this means they aren’t at the right angle to drain water from your roof. When icicles form in cold weather, this shows that your gutters aren’t draining water as they should. If you aren’t able to clean your gutters on your own, professional gutter cleaning can get the work done for you.

Signs Around the Home That Gutters Are Failing

Beyond the clear signs that your gutters are structurally failing, your home can show signs that your gutters are in need of help too. Ifyour foundation has water that is pooling around it after a storm, the gutters aren’t moving the water away from your home. Rotting wood or peeling paint on the exterior of your home are signs of water damage from a poor gutter system. If your basement floods often or your landscaping gets damaged after a rain storm, your gutter system needs professional attention.

Contact Weatherguard Gutters for Gutter Maintenance Services Today

Weatherguard Gutters is ready to provide your home in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland with gutter maintenance or replacement gutters. Contact us today to get a free estimate and learn why Weatherguard Gutters has been serving the area for more than 25 years.

The post 3 Signs Your Gutters Need Professional Attention appeared first on nfl.

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Are you considering installing a new copper roof on your home or place of business. Copper roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their long lifespan, low-maintenance and choice in styles, including standing seam, flat seam, diamond panels and copper shingles. You can also choose the type of finish you’d like on your new copper roof as well as whether or not to allow your copper roof to develop a patina, which is the green-gray hue that develops on the copper over the course of six to 20 years or to keep your copper roof looking new by applying special coatings and sealants.

Copper Roofing Finishes

Copper roofs can be given a wide range of finishes, depending on the composition of the copper and the chemicals placed on the copper after installation. For example, 99 percent copper is salmon red upon installation. Other metals can be introduced to create alloys such as 90 percent copper / 10 percent zinc (red-gold upon installation), and 85 percent copper / 15 percent zinc (reddish yellow in appearance upon installation). All of these copper and copper alloy roofs form patinas over time, ranging in color from gray-green to gray-brown. The reason is oxidation, and homeowners and commercial building owners can opt to allow the patina to form, or use coatings to stop the patina process.

Copper Roofing Oxidation and Patinas

Copper roofs last more than 100 years due to oxidation and the patina that forms on the surface of the copper. The patina process starts the minute the copper is exposed to air and moisture, and over time, a very thin layer of corrosion develops on the copper, which helps protect it against the elements and degradation. As more years pass, the patina thickens, changing the appearance of the copper from a shiny bronze color to gray-green or brilliant green, like the shade of green on the Statue of Liberty.

Factors That Affect the Patina Process

Two factors can slow the formation of the patina, including how clean the copper is when it is installed and the amount of moisture present in the environment.

Copper Cleanliness

If the copper panels are lubricated or oiled by the manufacturer, this can slow down the development of the patina because the oil or lubricant acts like a coating that prevents air and water from coming into contact with the copper.

Environmental Moisture

If the environment is extremely dry, like in the desert, it may take as long as 20 years for a patina to start to develop. However, a copper roof that is installed in an ocean environment may develop a patina in as little as five or six years.

Preventing Copper Patinas

While the formation of the patina should be considered a natural process and admired, some homeowners and commercial building owners may want to keep the original color of the copper by preventing air and moisture from coming into contact with the copper. This can be accomplished by coating the copper sheets, panels or shingles with a sealant that prevents air and water from coming into direct contact with the copper.

Common types of copper sealants include nitrocellulose, acrylic and silicone. Nitrocellulose coatings are the most popular due to their cost, but they must be reapplied every year. Acrylic coatings are slightly more durable, but also more expensive. Silicone coatings also work well to prevent patinas from forming on copper roofs. This is slightly more expensive than nitrocellulose but may offer the best protection against the formation of the patina.

Once the coating is applied, the patina process will not occur as long as the coating remains intact. Unfortunately, coatings do wear away over time, which means the copper roof will need to be resealed periodically in order to maintain its shiny, original color, and if the coating wears away unevenly, parts of the copper roof may start to develop a patina before other sections of the roof.

The good news is that home and business owners can stop coating their copper roofs at any point and let the patina develop naturally. Any coatings placed on a copper roof are merely for aesthetics. They don’t actually protect the roof against wear and tear. The copper is wear, tear and weather-resistant all by itself.

Restoring Copper After Patina Has Occurred

If the patina has already formed on the copper roof, it can be removed in order to restore the original color of the copper. The process starts by thoroughly cleaning the patina from the copper. This can usually be accomplished via powerwashing, but may require some scrubbing by hand if the patina is particularly thick. Once the patina has been completely removed, the copper can then be sealed in order to prevent future redevelopment of the patina.

The post Copper Roofing; Managing Oxidization and Patinas appeared first on Rain Gutter Pros Inc.

One way to update your home’s curb appeal is to have a new roof installed. Standing seam metal roofing is a popular option that creates a sleek, contemporary look you will enjoy for many years. Available in a variety of colors and panel widths, this metal roofing complements most architectural styles including traditional homes, charming California bungalows and more formal Tudor-style abodes.

What is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?

An alternative to traditional asphalt roofing shingles, this metal roofing is comprised of long panels typically made of aluminum, galvanized steel or blended metal that run from the ridge of the roof to the eaves. Panel seams are connected by raised fasteners to give this roofing its distinctive look while helping to prevent water leaks.

Metal roofing can be easily cut and customized for placement around chimneys, dormer windows and porch overhangs.

There are many benefits to raised seam metal roofing. When properly installed, this lightweight, fire-resistant, EPA-designated ‘cool roof’ acts as a heat conductor to help keep your home cooler in the summertime and warmer in the winter. This energy-efficient roof can help lower your overall energy costs. In addition, an experienced roof installer can install this roofing material quickly.

Modernize a Traditional Home

Give your traditional home an updated look with a standing seam metal roof. This roofing has clean lines and a flawless continuity that complements your home’s entranceway, large front windows and stucco exterior. Narrow metal roofing panels add a little texture to the home without taking away from its beauty. Natural earth tones add a subtle pop of color to the roof without making it the focal point.

Update a Charming California bungalow

Play around with color and roofing panel width to give your California bungalow a fresh, modern feel. Wider panels create a bold, industrial look, while narrow panels blend in for a more traditional appearance. Many bungalows are one or one and one-half story with classic architectural details including unenclosed rafters and a sloping roof. Raised metal panel roofing highlights these unique details without making your home appear small. You can go bold with the roof color or choose a more neutral shade depending on the existing colors of your home.

An Interesting Spin on the Traditional Tudor-Style

With its high-pitched roof and timber façades, your Tudor-style home is already a show-stopper. Narrow metal roofing panels complement the intricate facades without altering the overall style of your home. Adding a metal element to a wood, concrete or brick exterior creates more visual interest. A dark or light-colored roof will suit this beautiful manor home.

The post Pairing Architectural Styles with Standing Seam Metal Roofing appeared first on Rain Gutter Pros Inc.

One of the busiest times for GutterShutter factory authorized dealers is the spring, when homeowners realize just how much debris has blown into their standard gutters. Winters are harsh on roofs and gutters, and for many homeowners, spring cleaning also means getting the leaves, branches, twigs and other debris out of their gutters.

That doesn’t happen with GutterShutter homeowners! If you have the GutterShutter leaf and debris protection system, you can eliminate gutter cleaning from your spring chore list – your gutters are going to perform great when the spring rains come along!

If you don’t have the GutterShutter system, now is the perfect time to contact a local dealer and get a new quality, dependable and award-winning gutter system for your house. The GutterShutter system is a complete replacement gutter system, that is guaranteed to never pull away from your home and simply does not clog! When April showers arrive, you won’t have to climb that dangerous ladder to clean out your gutters – you can enjoy the sounds of the rain, without worrying about the pain and hassle of keeping gutters clean!

In addition, the GutterShutter system protects your investment in your home, improves curb appeal with its great crown-molding look, and real estate agents tell us a quality gutter protection system is a real plus when selling your home.

Make this the year you say “no” to gutter cleaning and yes to the confidence and safety of the GutterShutter system. Contact your nearest dealer today for a FREE estimate.

 

The post Spring Cleaning is for Gutters, Too appeared first on GutterShutter.