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Gutter protection systems such as gutter screens and gutter guards provide efficient filtration and safeguard against water damage. If you choose the wrong system to install over your gutters, it could invite all sorts of problems. Here are some of them.

Debris Buildup

Fallen leaves, pine needles, and other small debris can enter through the gutter cover and build a mat of mulch as time goes by. This debris buildup can be difficult to remove, allowing seeds to take hold. Some covers that install below the roof edge can also provide a surface where debris can collect and hold moisture that can rot the fascia.

Overshoot

During heavy rainfall, fast-moving runoff can run past the gutter cover and rot window sills, erode foundations, or wash away foliage. Your gutter protection system should be able to effectively handle the volume of water your roof receives during harsh weather conditions with no overshoot.

Substandard Quality

Sheet metal covers can be easily damaged by a ladder or a falling tree branch, while expanded screens can collapse under excessive debris load. Gutter Helmet® gutter guards are made of durable but lightweight aluminum. Their tensile strength and ribbed surfaces can withstand powerful winds and heavy snow loads.

Pest Infestation

Open and recurved gutter protection systems can invite insects, birds, rodents, and other pests that can enter your attic and wreak havoc on your home. When you work with a reputable gutter guard contractor, you can expect the installation to seal the gutter and fascia entirely so that even the smallest insect will not infiltrate your gutters.

Gutter Helmet installs industry-leading gutter protection systems. Our commitment to product innovation has made us the leading name among American gutter guard companies. Contact us today at (800) 824-3772 or fill out this contact form to request a free quote.

To see fallen leaves around your home property is a big sign that the colder months have already begun. Of course, this also means it’s time to clear them off your yard before winter starts. It can be a tiring chore even if you’re using the right equipment, but it’s still necessary to do so to keep your property clean and well-maintained. Be sure not to forget your roof when you get rid of those leaves because they can lead to several issues that may affect its performance. 

Investing in a reliable gutter protection system is a great way to keep fallen leaves off your gutters, but that doesn’t mean you can allow them to accumulate on the rest of your roof. 

Why Fallen Leaves on Your Roof Isn’t Ideal

Fallen leaves are usually dry by the time they sit on the roof’s surface. However, they can still collect moisture as the temperatures get lower during the season. When this happens, they can get soggy and form clusters in each corner of your roof. They can also get damp when it rains, which affects your roof’s asphalt shingles. The moisture collected from the leaves can also seep through the surface, causing internal mold growth and rot damage to the inner wooden components. This ruins the roof’s structural integrity as it leaks into your attic and ceiling.

Wet leaves can also become as heavy as snowfall, and the added weight can cause roof sagging. This can compromise the inner roofing structure if left unaddressed. The leaves and other debris can also clog your gutters, causing water to pool and back up in some areas. You’ll end up with a costly roof and gutter repair if they’re not cleaned properly.

Preventing Roof Damage

One of the most effective ways to prevent roof damage from fallen leaves is to clear them out before they start to accumulate. You may have to clean your gutters regularly to prevent fallen leaves from forming into clogs. Consider a few preventive measures as well such as trimming some of the branches hanging near or above your roof to prevent leaves from falling and getting blown over to your roof’s surface.

You should also invest in a gutter protection system that keeps the leaves off your gutters and makes cleaning less tedious. Just make sure they’re installed by a top professional among gutter guard companies! Call Gutter Helmet® Systems of Alabama today at (866) 598-7525 to get a free estimate. You can also fill out our online contact form to get started. We serve residents in Alabama, including Chelsea and the surrounding areas.

Can fallen leaves damage your roof? We get asked these questions all the time. Here, we discuss this topic. 

How Fallen Leaves Cause Roof Damage

While your roof system is built for durability and long-lasting performance, it will still be subject to the occasional issue. The reason for some of these problems seems improbable, but they do occur. Fallen leaves that have piled up on the roof surface are one good example. When overlooked, they can actually leave your roof badly damaged. That’s because leaves absorb and retain moisture, which encourages algae and rot in the asphalt shingles. And when the shingles become compromised, the moisture from these wet leaves will seep below the roof surface, leaving the system’s components susceptible to mold. This can be easily avoided by:

• Scheduling regular roof cleaning to keep the system clear of any leaf and debris buildup.

• Cutting back the branches of nearby trees. If you see them hanging over the roof and gutters, have them trimmed promptly.

• Keeping the gutters clean to prevent blockages. It’s likely that some of the leaves on your roof will end up inside the gutters, causing water to back up and infiltrate the roof via the fascia board. The simplest way to keep the gutters clean and clog-free is to invest in a quality gutter protection system from Gutter Helmet® of Northern Minnesota.

What Is Gutter Helmet®, and How Much Is It?

Gutter Helmet is the most effective gutter protection system available today. It comes with a patented nose-forward design and a textured surface that allows rainwater to flow smoothly and efficiently into the gutter system while filtering out leaves and other loose debris. Unrivaled draining performance is guaranteed when you invest in our superior product, but how much does Gutter Helmet cost, exactly? That will depend on several factors, such as the size of your gutters and your roof. Whatever the overall costs, you’ll soon find that Gutter Helmet’s exemplary features will more than makeup for them.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Gutter Helmet of Northern Minnesota is your go-to company for the highest quality gutter maintenance and gutter protection solutions Our communication lines are always open! Call us at (866) 937-3508, or fill out this contact form to set up a consultation. We proudly serve Duluth, MN, and other areas in St. Louis County.

Ever noticed black streaks on gutters? These are more than just grime and dirt. Gutter Helmet, the trusted provider of the best gutter guards on the market, explains what these unsightly marks are and how you can get rid of them effectively.

How Black Streaks Appear on Your Gutters

The ugly black stains on gutters often referred to as “tiger stripes” or “zebra stripes,” are vertical stripes of dark gray or black matter forming on the front of aluminum gutters. These are the consequence of a chemical interaction between the pollutants and the gutter material.

There are two potential reasons why these streaks appear:

1. Raindrops often come with airborne pollutants. Once they hit the front of the gutter and roll down, the pollutants are left behind on the aluminum gutters. Electrostatic bonding occurs, causing the fine particulate matter to embed on the surfaces. That’s a primary reason why simple power washing just won’t cut it.

2. Water runoff overflowing to the side of the gutters carries asphalt from the roof shingles. These, too, bond with the aluminum gutters chemically, resulting in those tiger or zebra stripes.

The chances of black streaks appearing on your gutters will depend on several factors, including the quality of the outdoor air and the presence of pollutants from sources such as motor vehicle exhaust and nearby construction activity.

How to Get Rid of Black Streaks From Gutters

Conventional cleaning agents can help remove standard dirt, algae, and grime off gutters, but not black streaks. These would require specialized cleaning solutions, which may contain harsh chemicals. Wearing protective gear to protect your eyes and skin is important before starting the task. Cleaning tools like a rag, sponge, or cloth can be used but if you intend to use a brush, make sure its bristles aren’t hard or made of metal because they could damage the gutter surfaces.

To ensure your safety, however, you’re better off leaving this cleaning job to the professionals. Alternatively, if you want to minimize the need to clean your gutters, you can always turn to Gutter Helmet for exceptional gutter protection solutions. Give us a call at (800) 824-3772, or fill out this contact form to learn more about what we can do for you.

Seamless gutters are less prone to leaks than their sectional counterparts. However, they, too, can develop issues with time. Avoiding this problem starts with knowing the common reasons behind it. Gutter Helmet discusses them here.

Poor Installation

Subpar workmanship can cause gutters, regardless of whether they are the sectional or seamless type, to suffer leaks. Insufficient use of materials to hold everything together at the corners and around the downspouts leads to runoff slipping through the joints and exposing your home’s exteriors to moisture damage.

Extreme Temperatures

Some gutter materials aren’t as durable as metal, especially in withstanding extreme temperatures. Vinyl, for instance, may warp not just at the corners but also in other parts of the gutter system, creating openings like cracks or holes where water runoff may seep through.

Clogs

Clogging remains the most common problem that causes leaks in seamless gutters. Excess leaves, twigs, and other debris end up on your roof and into your gutters over time. When these obstructions form, water runoff may back up and overflow. This problem can be easily prevented with regular maintenance and by inspecting your gutters after every storm.

Preventing Seamless Gutter Leaks

The best way to prevent serious leaks is to check your seamless gutters regularly for minor problems. These include:

• Examining the points of connection between the gutters and downspouts.

• Keep an eye out for algae, mold, discoloration, and peeling on your home’s siding.

• Tightening the screws used to keep the gutter system in place and make them more durable around the joints (which is best left to the pros).

Ensuring a leak-free seamless gutter system starts with regular cleaning and maintenance. To further enhance its performance, consider installing a reliable gutter protection system like Gutter Helmet. Learn more about this exceptional product by giving us a call at (800) 824-3772 or filling out this contact form. We will send one of our representatives to your place pronto.