Category: Uncategorized

5 Ways to Save Water in Your Yard and Garden

When you save water in your yard and garden, it doesn’t only reduce your water bills. It also helps preserve the water supply of your community. Today, we offer a few suggestions on how to do just that. 

  1. Install a rain barrel. One of the easiest ways to harvest rain is to use a rain barrel. And because rainwater is free of many of the chemicals that are present in groundwater, it is good for the foliage in your garden. In fact, many municipalities offer incentives to homeowners who integrate this water-saving device into their irrigation system.

  1. Clean the gutters. It is essential to clean your gutters at least twice a year. Without routine cleaning, leaves, branches and other debris will collect in your gutters and create clogs that will block the flow of rainfall from the roof and into the drainage system. Clogged gutters may also contaminate your rain barrels, leaving you with more cleaning to do.

  1. Water the soil. When it is time to water your plants, make sure that you keep the water at root level. Keeping water off the leaves of plants also helps in minimizing fungal diseases and preventing sunscald.

  1. Mow high. For most grass species, the ideal height limit for proper maintenance is about two inches. This helps shade the soil from direct sunlight and hinder excessive evaporation.

  1. Do not overwater. In many residences, the amount of water wasted through overwatering is at an all-time high. Too much water in your garden soil stresses root systems, contributes to root rot and results in a waste of resources.

Gutter Helmet® Systems of Alabama specializes in installing gutter systems and gutter caps. Give our professional team a call at (866) 598-7525, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment or request a free estimate. We serve clients in and around Chelsea, AL.

The post 5 Ways to Save Water in Your Yard and Garden appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Common Gutter Problems

A home’s gutter system is very important as it serves as a way to direct water away from the foundation of the home. Keeping a home’s foundation in good shape is top priority in order to maintain or increase the value and prevent any long-term complications. Gutters need to be kept in good condition in order to keep water from pooling around the foundation of a home. Regular maintenance can help…

Source

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

What Happens During a Seamless Gutter Installation

Gutters are responsible for diverting water away from your roofing system and your home’s foundation. Seamless gutters are a type of gutter system that is highly recommended because they have fewer joints, making them less prone to leaks.

Seamless Gutter Installation

 

Proper installation ensures that the seamless gutters are working efficiently. In this post, Gutter Helmet discusses what you can expect during seamless gutter installation.

 

Removing the Old Gutters

 

To begin the process, gutter installers need to inspect and remove the old gutter system. This process involves tearing off the old materials and making sure the fascia board, where the new seamless gutter system will be attached, doesn’t have any issues that might affect their performance and stability. 

 

Taking Measurements

 

Gutter installers must get the correct measurement of the roofline to ensure the seamless gutters will fit properly. They will take note of the dimensions of the eaves to determine the length of the seamless gutters. It is also during this step when they must identify the appropriate locations for the downspouts.

 

Fabrication & Installation

 

Once the measurements are taken and the downspout placement is determined, the installers will start the fabrication of the seamless gutters. These gutters are made on-site and are customized to fit your roof. A machine molds and cuts the gutters to the desired dimensions. Then, the gutters are installed using hangers. Afterward, the downspouts are fabricated and fitted to the system. Your contractor will then clean up and dispose of the old gutter materials.

Protect your new seamless gutters by adding gutter protection to your system. Gutter Helmet is a trusted brand that provides high-quality and effective gutter protection. Learn more about our products and services by filling out our contact form or calling us at (800) 824-3772.

The post What Happens During a Seamless Gutter Installation appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Gutter Vacuums: What Are Their Pros and Cons?

Regular cleaning helps ensure your gutters stay clog-free and efficient. With a high-quality gutter protection system, your gutters will be easier to maintain. That said, you want to invest in a product with the best gutter guard reviews. However, it will only reduce the number of times you need to do the task. When it’s time to clean your gutters, you have the option to use a specialized vacuum. 

Gutter Vacuums

Here are the pros and cons of using a gutter vacuum. 

Pros

It Doesn’t Require Ladders

You don’t need to climb a ladder if you choose to clean your gutters with a vacuum. Aside from added safety, it’s also more cost-effective because it won’t require you to purchase high-access equipment.

It Is Easy and Effective

With a gutter vacuum’s excellent flexibility, you can easily clean every nook and cranny of your gutters. This powerful tool can take heavy debris while cleaning surfaces precisely. It’s significantly more effective and convenient than cleaning by hand.

It Doesn’t Create Mess

Mess is the least of your concerns when cleaning gutters with a vacuum. With other cleaning methods, leftover leaves are sometimes unavoidable. A gutter vacuum can eliminate dried leaves, seeds and other debris from your gutters easily. 

Cons

It Might Not Remove Wet Built-Up Debris 

Gutter vacuums can only pick up dried debris. It means a wet, clumped mess will likely be left inside. When you don’t remove this sticky residue, it will build up and clog your gutters. As a result, water will back up to your roof and overflow into your siding. 

You’ll Need to Use It Constantly 

Another downside of a gutter vacuum is that you need to use it constantly to be effective. Constant cleaning is necessary to prevent debris from getting wet and clumping up in the bottom. It’s an option ideal for people who don’t mind frequent work. 

The easiest way to keep your gutters clean for longer is by installing a high-quality gutter protection system. If you are looking for a product with the best gutter guard reviews, you can count on Gutter Helmet® of Minnesota. Call us at (866) 984-6166, or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.

The post Gutter Vacuums: What Are Their Pros and Cons? appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

The Most Common Risks of Clogged Gutter Systems

Clogged GuttersIf the gutters on your home are clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris, rainwater may not be able to flow through them properly and discharge through your downspouts. This can potentially cause a number of moisture-related issues with your home. Check out a few common risks associated with clogged gutters below!

Foundation Issues

When water can’t flow through your gutters, it will eventually spill over their sides instead. This, in turn, can cause water to pool around your foundation. Over time, moisture buildup around the foundation can cause the concrete to crumble and crack. A clean gutter system will ensure that rainwater flows away from your home, thereby protecting your foundation from water damage.

Mold growth

A clogged gutter system can also cause rainwater to drain down your siding, leaving unsightly mold and mildew stains on your home. If you find that you’re constantly struggling to combat mold growth on your home’s exterior, it could be because your gutters aren’t functioning correctly!

Damaged gutters

When your gutters are filled with heavy debris and water, the added weight can cause them to split and break free from your home. This can not only have a negative effect on your home’s curb appeal, but also allow water from the broken gutter sections to collect around the foundation.

To keep your gutters working properly, be sure to clean them at least a couple times every year, preferably in the spring and fall. You may also want to consider having gutter guards installed. These can prevent debris from falling into the gutters and reduce the need for regular cleanings. To learn more, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!

The post The Most Common Risks of Clogged Gutter Systems appeared first on Bell Seamless Gutters.

What Are Gutter Guards, and Do They Work?

Gutter GuardsThere has been a lot of debate among home maintenance experts regarding the use of gutter guards. Gutter guards are designed to protect your home from getting damaged by rainfall. When rainwater falls uninhibited on your walls and the floor surrounding your house, it can cause significant damage to your building. Such damage can include rotting wood, peeling paint and weakened foundation. Gutter guards help to prevent this.

What Are Gutter Guards?

To fully understand what gutter guards are and their functions, you need to understand what gutters are.

Gutters are plastic or metal structures that are attached to the roof of a building to redirect rainwater and prevent it from running along the walls or falling on the floor around that building. An efficient gutter system helps prevent soil erosion and stops rainwater from ruining the walls of your home.

Because they are open to receive water, gutters can get clogged by debris, including leaves, dirt and snow. Once debris clogs your gutter system, water begins to spill over the edges of the gutter. The weight of these clogged materials can also cause the gutters to collapse.

You can use gutter guards to protect your gutters from getting clogged with debris. Gutter guards keep your gutter systems from sagging by ensuring rainwater is not trapped due to blockage from leaves and dirt.

Depending on your preference and functionality, there are several types of gutter guards, including:

  • Plastic gutter guard
  • Aluminum gutter guard
  • Micro-mesh gutter guard
  • Steel screen gutter guard
  • Foam inserts gutter guard
  • Vinyl screen gutter guard
  • Brush gutter guard

Do Gutter Guards Work?

As a homeowner, it can be challenging to maintain your gutters and keep them clear of debris. From getting a ladder for reaching your roof to manually clearing the waste, some convenience would help. With gutter guards, you can keep your gutters clear without any hassle.

Benefits of Using Gutter Guards

No one wants to spend their weekends clearing out gutters, but it can be a necessity unless you take the appropriate measures to keep your gutters clean. The best option by far is to invest in gutter guards. Here are a few of the many benefits of using gutter guards to keep your gutters clear.

Keep Debris Out

When keeping litter out of your gutters, gutter guards do the job efficiently.

Gutter guards are designed to have tiny pores or inlets. Most forms of debris are larger than what the inlets of the gutter guards can accommodate. The contrast in size prevents debris from getting into the gutters.

Reduce How Often You Clean Your Gutters

It would help if you cleaned your regular gutters at least once every month. Due to the amount of debris that can get into your gutter system, leaving it unattended can cause the water to flow over the sides and stain the walls of your house.

Cleaning gutters can be pretty tedious, not to mention quite expensive. Installing gutter guards helps to reduce the need for and frequency of this exercise. By keeping leaves and other large particles out, the gutter guards keep the gutters relatively free of debris and not in regular need of cleaning.

Prevent Pest Infestation

The crevices of a gutter provide the ideal nesting area for rodents. When leaves and soil settle inside your gutter system, they become a breeding ground for insect pests such as mosquitoes, ants and cockroaches.

You can solve this pest infestation problem by installing gutter guards. Because of the small size of the gutter guard’s inlet, rodents are unable to gain access to the gutter.

Act as an Effective Filtration System

Some homeowners construct their gutters in such a way that they can channel the rainwater they collect into tanks and wells. The water gathered can then be used for various purposes.

Gutters that have gutter guards can supply cleaner and safer water. Gutter guards act like filters by blocking large particles from entering the water containers through your gutter system.

Have High Durability

The problem of clogged gutters is not a seasonal issue. Every season, your gutters are at the risk of getting blocked. Should this happen, and your gutters cannot channel rainwater, your walls, basement and foundation are at the risk of getting ruined by the water.

Gutter guards solve this problem, not for a while, but for an extended period. They are waterproof and can withstand wear and tear without frequent maintenance. This resilience makes them a long-lasting solution to the issue of clogged gutters.

What To Consider While Using Gutter Guards

We would all love an ‘easy button’ when it comes to home and yard maintenance. While gutter guards provide significant benefits, they aren’t infallible. Keep these tips and situations in mind when making your decision to purchase.

Gutters With Gutter Guards Can Still Get Clogged

Gutter guards are not foolproof. Though they significantly reduce debris entering and clogging gutters, they cannot prevent all materials from entering the water channels.

Particles such as pine needles and seeds can pass through gutter guards because they are smaller than the gutter guards’ inlets. If such materials pass through frequently, they can accumulate and eventually block the gutters.

You Still Need To Maintain Your Gutters

Installing gutter guards doesn’t preclude the need for cleaning and general maintenance.

The leaves and other materials your gutter guard prevents from getting into the gutter can gather around its inlet. Without getting into your gutter system, the debris gathering around your gutter guard can stop the free flow of water. You can clean your gutters less frequently than if you did not use a gutter guard.

Gutter Guards Cannot Prevent Moss and Algal Growth

Though gutter guards can block a wide range of biological and non-biological materials from getting into the gutters, they cannot prevent microorganisms and tiny plant matter from getting in.

These matter, usually moss and algae, are thus able to increase within the gutter and, when they get large enough, can clog the gutters.

Not Sure How To Safeguard Your Gutter? Contact K-Guard Today!

When installing and maintaining your gutter, no one does it better than the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System team. Our friendly and knowledgeable professionals are dedicated to ensuring you have a problem-free experience with your gutters. Contact us today to get a free quote and learn more about our services.

Sources

https://www.kguard.com/blog/

https://cleanbreakhomeservices.com/blog/why-gutter-guards-are-bad#:~:text=Gutter%20guards%E2%80%94or%20its%20other,money%20in%20the%20long%2Dterm.

https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/materials/gutter-guards.htm

https://laborpanes.com/blog/do-gutter-guards-work-yes-and-heres-why-you-need-them/

https://homeinspectioninsider.com/gutter-guards/

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

Safely Keeping Raccoons Off Your Downspouts: Tips and Tricks

If you regularly care for and maintain your gutters and downspouts, you can be sure that they’ll perform their function of channeling rainwater away from your home. However, they can still get damaged by raccoons and other small animals that like to climb over them to look for shelter and food on your roof. If this is happening frequently to your roof, it can gradually damage your gutter system, which can lead to costly repairs.

Keeping Raccoons Off Your Downspouts:

If you want to stop raccoons from climbing your downspouts and prevent them from invading your property, here are a few effective tips to consider:

Refrain From Leaving Pet Food Outside

If you tend to leave food and water outdoors for your pets, make sure to bring them back indoors by nightfall. Leaving them out during the day should be fine, but because raccoons are nocturnal creatures, they may get attracted to the pet food left outside your home. Any fallen fruit within your property can also fall into your gutters, which can attract them and lead them to climb your gutters. To avoid this, make sure to trim overhanging branches and pick up any fallen fruit that you see in your yard. 

Consider Metal Coverings and Screens

By closing off access to your gutters and roof with a metal grid screen or some kind of covering, the raccoons are unable to climb over even if they try. Having this type of protection can effectively deter them from making their way up and down your downspouts. Of course, they should be firmly attached to the gutters and downspouts so that animals can’t easily pull them apart. You can also check out our gutter protection systems that help prevent debris from accumulating o=in your gutters, which may otherwise attract raccoons and other small animals!

Apply Grease on Your Downspouts

When raccoons climb onto your roof, they have to hug the downspouts firmly to prevent them from falling. By applying grease on the downspouts, they’ll slide downwards and won’t be able to climb properly. Automotive grease or non-food grease is usually recommended. Apply it on all four sides of your downspout. It should also be applied to a high point on your downspouts to maximize its effectiveness while also preventing yourself from having contact with it accidentally. 

When it comes to quality gutter guards, Gutter Helmet® of Northern Minnesota is your best choice for the job! Call us at (866) 937-3508, or fill out our online contact form. We serve our customers in Minnesota, including Duluth and the surrounding areas.

The post Safely Keeping Raccoons Off Your Downspouts: Tips and Tricks appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

4 Contractors You Should Have in Your Contacts

Being a homeowner is a great undertaking and likely one of the biggest investments you will make in your life. In order to protect that investment, it is important to actively care for your home. This means knowing when to call a professional in time of need. 

Here are the four types of contractors you should have in your contact list.

  1. Roofer: Because your roof is your home’s main defense against inclement weather, you need to make sure that it is properly taken care of all year round. A roofer can repair cracked shingles, torn flashing, damage around vents and more to prevent leaks and water damage from occurring.

  1. Gutter cleaner: When it comes to home maintenance, clogged gutters are a big no-no. If your gutters are filled with leaves, twigs, animal droppings and other debris, rainwater or snowmelt will not drain properly away from your home, potentially causing a host of problems, including mildew growth, soil erosion and basement flooding. With a trusted roofer and gutter cleaner on call, you will not have to worry about these things anymore.

  1. Electrician: In cases of electrical malfunctions, an electrician can fix the problem safely. Even minor electrical repairs present risks that only a trained professional should handle. So, unless you are one, do not attempt to fix these electrical problems to avoid creating significant damage and, in extreme situations, a fire hazard.

  1. Plumber: Patching up leaks and unclogging drains are something you learn to do on your own over time, but you may still need the help of a certified plumber for bigger complications, such as water heater or sump pump failure.

For top-notch gutter solutions, such as providing the best gutter guards on the market, turn to Gutter Helmet® Systems of Alabama. Our team is dedicated to making the lives of the residents in and around Chelsea, AL, a lot more comfortable. Call (866) 598-7525, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.

The post 4 Contractors You Should Have in Your Contacts appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Things to Keep in Mind When Doing Summer Yard Work

Although the heat can be frustrating to deal with, several tasks need to be done in the yard, regardless of how uncomfortable the weather can be. In fact, some chores are best done during summer and before fall arrives.

 

Mind When Doing Summer Yard Work

In this post, Gutter Helmet — a trusted provider of the best gutter system protection — shares a few tips that will help you perform your chores more easily and safely.

 

Constant Hydration

 

Doing yard work in the sun and heat will naturally make you sweat. Sweating is your body’s natural way of cooling you down, preventing you from overheating. When you sweat, you need to hydrate so that you can replenish the fluids in your body. Without enough fluids, you will run into issues while doing physical labor. Drink at least a cup of water every fifteen minutes to avoid heat exhaustion and other issues.

 

Remember to Take a Break

 

After doing physically demanding tasks, you should take a break and allow your body to recover. Doing everything in one go is OK if you have a few tasks. If you have a lot on your to-do list, it’s best to take breaks in-between and establish a pace.

 

Dress Light & Wear Protective Gear

 

Wear light-colored clothes and protective gear, such as a hat and long sleeves, to protect yourself from heat and sun. Lighter colors absorb less heat from the sun, keeping you cooler. Sunglasses are also recommended as protection for your eyes against UV rays. 

Gutter Helmet is a trusted provider of leading gutter guard systems. We install high-quality gutter protection that means our customers never have to clean their gutters again! If you need help with clogged gutters, our team offers professional service that will meet your expectations. Request a quote by calling us at (800) 824-3772 or filling out our contact form.

The post Things to Keep in Mind When Doing Summer Yard Work appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Common Mosquito Control Mistakes to Avoid This Summer

Mosquitoes are a common sight during the warmer months. Aside from itchy bites, these creatures can carry diseases and viruses, such as dengue fever, malaria, Zika and West Nile. Do you have pets at home? It may help to know that mosquitoes can also transmit several diseases and parasites that can harm dogs and horses. 

Common Mosquito Mistakes

Here are some mosquito control mistakes to avoid this summer. 

Failing to Get Rid of Standing Water

If there is one thing mosquitoes need to multiply, it’s water. Female mosquitoes only need around one inch of water to lay eggs. They can lay a substantial number of eggs at once, meaning it wouldn’t take long for an infestation to happen. To avoid swarms of mosquitoes on your property, get rid of standing water in tires, buckets, birdbaths and toys. If you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, make sure it stays covered, and clean it regularly. 

Neglecting Your Gutters

Keeping your gutters clean and in good shape can help eliminate mosquitoes in your home. Over time, leaves, branches and other debris can clog gutters. When this happens, water will not drain properly from them, encouraging mosquitoes to use them as breeding grounds. 

At Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville, we are here to help make your gutters easier to maintain. We install superior gutter protection systems to help prevent clogs and reduce the number of times you need to clean your gutters. 

Forgetting to Close Trash Cans

Covering trash cans will do wonders in keeping pests out of your property. When open, they can attract bugs, mosquitoes and even rodents. You’ll know the lid is secured once you hear a clicking sound. As long as closed properly, it should remain concealed during storms, preventing water that could draw mosquitoes from entering.  

Investing in quality gutter guard systems can help keep homes protected from water damage and ward off mosquitoes. Turn to Gutter Helmet of Cookeville for your gutter protection needs. Call us at (866) 985-9982, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Cookeville, TN.

The post Common Mosquito Control Mistakes to Avoid This Summer appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

This website nor its owners are an actual service provider, this website is a referral service. When you place a phone call from this website, it will route you to a licensed, professional service provider that serves your area. For more information refer to our terms of service.

© GutterServiceNearMe.com

(877) 959-3534