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Gutters are barely noticeable, but they play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. Generally, the best gutter system is one that can efficiently drain water runoff away from your house. 

Clogging prevents gutters from doing their job. It’s not only a huge inconvenience, but it can also cause damage to your property. It can cause water to back up onto your roof and your gutters to sag. Once your gutters are compromised, water could pool in your yard, in your basement, or near your home’s foundation.

Fortunately, there are various methods to keep your gutters clog-free — from deterring small animals to installing gutter guard systems. Continue reading to learn more about the different ways to maintain clog-free gutters, from the hardest to the easiest.

Removing Small Animals

Removing small animals from your gutters is challenging because you’ll need decoys or other devices to scare them away. It becomes extra difficult once the creatures have built their nests in your gutters. In this case, it’s best to hire a professional to take care of the problem.

Trimming Trees

Trimming trees near your property must be done regularly so leaves and overgrowth won’t easily find their way into your gutter system. This task involves the use of a ladder and advanced equipment to remove thick tree branches. Moreover, it requires expertise to know the correct way to prune trees.

Hiring a Professional Gutter Cleaner

Roof maintenance programs often include gutter cleaning, but some professionals specialize in gutter cleaning and maintenance.  If you want to avoid the hassle of gutter cleaning and ensure the job is done right, the easiest way to do this is to enlist a professional gutter cleaning service.

Installing Gutter Guards

Installing a gutter cover will keep twigs, leaves, and debris out of your gutter system. It can also prevent birds and small animals from accessing your gutters. 

You don’t need to look far to find a trustworthy provider of gutter protection systems. Gutter Helmet® is an established company known for high-quality gutter guards. To request a quote, call (800) 824-3772 or fill out this contact form.

Stormwater runoff needs to be properly dealt with. If it accumulates or is diverted to the wrong areas, it can cause significant damage to your home. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage this runoff.

Keep reading as Gutter Helmet shares three ways to effectively manage stormwater runoff and prevent moisture-related problems.

1. A Rain Barrel or Cistern

Rain barrels are one of the most common ways to store runoff for future usage. A typical rain barrel can hold about 50 gallons of water and is placed directly under the downspout. The barrel collects all the runoff, and the water can be used for other purposes, like gardening. One rain barrel is usually enough, but some homeowners who live in areas that experience more rainfall connect their downspouts to multiple barrels to better accommodate the volume of water.

2. A Rain Garden

A rain garden is an environmentally friendly solution because it makes use of runoff to keep plants healthy while preventing excess water from getting into your home. The garden is designed to have a shallow depression so that water naturally pools into it, where plants and the soil can absorb and filter the runoff. The key to a rain garden lies in the permeability of the soil that is used for it, and the layering. To get good results, landscapers recommend a mix of 30% sand, 30-40% topsoil and 30% organic material, such as compost.

3. A Dry Well

A dry well is a runoff collection area that is intended to slowly release water into the surrounding soil. The well is made with a drain pipe that is surrounded by gravel, which is held in place by landscape fabric and then covered with topsoil. It is installed in the lowest point of the area so that gravity can naturally direct the runoff into it. The water is then contained in the gravel and drained into the deeper permeable soil or an underdrain.

Gutter Helmet’s patented gutter protection system keeps out the debris that can cause gutter blockages and many types of water damage. Thanks to its ability to handle a high volume of runoff, water can be properly directed away from your home. Request a consultation to learn more by filling out our contact form or calling us at (800) 824-3772.

Summer is all about having fun under the sun, on the beach, in the pool or even in your yard. However, it could be hard to enjoy this season if there are mosquitoes everywhere in your home. These creatures are pesky and multiply fast. They can carry viruses and bacteria that can cause diseases to your loved ones and pets. 

Often, homeowners underestimate the importance of installing rain gutter covers when controlling mosquitoes. Here are more mistakes to avoid when getting rid of these creatures.

Failing to Check Tire Swings

It’s never a good idea to leave spare tires in your yard. Often, tire swings are left unchecked. Water can collect in these things and attract pests, including mosquitoes. If you have them at home, inspect them regularly for standing water.

Not Emptying Pet Water Bowls

Mosquitoes could be breeding somewhere you least expect it. Do you leave your fur baby’s water bowl outside? If so, make sure to give them just enough water to drink. Leftover water in their bowls can call the attention of mosquitoes. 

Neglecting Your Gutters

Keep your gutters clean to ensure they effectively divert water away from your home. Clogged, neglected ones will contribute to the development of extensive water damage. When water doesn’t drain properly and stays in your gutters, it will make the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

It simply means that cleaning gutters regularly can prevent these insects from getting attracted to your home. Invest in a high-quality gutter protection system to keep your gutters clean for longer. Gutter guards will keep debris from entering. As a result, your gutters stay spotless, and water flow improves. 

At Gutter Helmet® of Minnesota, we only install superior rain gutter covers. We add them to your existing gutters to keep both debris and unwanted creatures out. Call us at (866) 984-6166, or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.

There are different gutter materials available on the market, and vinyl gutters are one of the cheapest options available. But there are reasons why most gutter experts don’t recommend installing them on your home.

Continue reading as Gutter Helmet shares the top reasons you should avoid vinyl gutters.

They Deteriorate Faster

Vinyl gutters are inexpensive but they deteriorate faster than other gutter materials. Unlike aluminum or copper, vinyl gutters become brittle after consistent, long-term exposure to fluctuating temperatures. They also tend to sag as they get older. If you’re looking for a balance between performance and price, galvanized gutters can give you more bang for your buck. They also work in most climates and environments.

They’re Not Environmentally Friendly

Vinyl gutters are typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Plastic is known to decompose very slowly and it can be hard to recycle — significantly impacting the environment when not disposed of properly. Although they are cheap, vinyl gutters easily break down and when sent to landfills, they will remain for a long time, slowly releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. More environmentally friendly gutter materials are available, so consult a reputable contractor before making a choice.

They Have Limited Color Selection

Vinyl gutters are available in limited color choices, mostly white and brown. This can make it difficult for you to find a shade that complements your exterior color scheme. If you want more color options, take a look at aluminum gutters instead.

Keep your home free of water damage by keeping your gutters in optimal condition. Gutter Helmet® gutter guards offer excellent protection from debris and prevent the clogs that often lead to overflowing gutters and water-related damage. Consult our gutter experts by calling (800) 824-3772 or filling out our contact form.