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A well-designed and properly installed roof is able to withstand severe weather elements like scorching heat and fast-hitting winds. However, it is also important to keep your roof regularly maintained in order to prolong its serviceable life. Otherwise, it will not be long before you have to spend thousands of dollars on a replacement.

Today, we talk about three mistakes that can shorten the lifespan of your roof.

1. Poor Installation
   Ultimately, a roof that is not expertly installed will not last as long as intended. It is crucial that you hire a reputable contractor to install your roof according to the manufacturer’s specifications. With the correct placement of nails and fasteners, for example, your roofing system will become more resilient against the elements.

2. Inadequate Insulation and Ventilation
   Insulation in the attic is vital because it keeps heat outside. Sufficient ventilation, on the other hand, makes sure that there is free, uninterrupted flow of air within the attic space, reducing the risk of moisture buildup and other problems it entails, such as mold growth and rot.

3. Clogged Gutters
   When your gutters are clogged, rainwater or snowmelt from the roof is not able to drain away from the foundation of your home. Instead, water will likely spill over the side of your gutters, potentially causing several issues, such as basement flooding and soil erosion. This is why it is essential to clean your gutters at least twice a year: once in spring and once in fall. Investing in gutter guards is also a smart way to reduce the amount of leaves, twigs and other debris that collect in your gutters over time.

Gutter Helmet® of Minnesota is a top-rated installer of gutters and gutter protection systems in and around Monticello, MN. Check our gutter guard reviews to learn more about our products and services. Give us a call at (866) 984-6166, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment or get a no-obligation estimate.

A well-built gutter system should safely redirect water runoff toward the drains. But to ensure that it stays effective, it needs to be regularly inspected and maintained. Without proper gutter protection, small debris like fallen fruit, leaves and twigs can accumulate and cause clogs in your system. Even if you don’t have any overhanging branches or nearby trees, you can still have problems if you have asphalt shingles installed. 

How Shingles Are Made

As one of the most popular roofing materials in the market, asphalt shingles provide excellent protection for your home at an affordable price. And compared to more expensive materials such as tile and slate, they’re easy to install because they’re practically lightweight while providing durability. This is thanks to what they’re made of, which is an organic or fiberglass core coated with a few layers of asphalt. The top layer is then embedded with mineral granules, which help protect your home against the harsh elements.

How Shingle Granules Affect Your Gutters

Asphalt shingles tend to shed off excess granules while they’re being manufactured, shipped and installed. If you’ve recently replaced your roof with new shingles, it’s normal to find a few granules on the gutters on a windy or rainy day. This can also happen occasionally over time as a sign of natural wear and tear.

However, if you find sediment and granules on your gutters with a thickness of 0.5 to two inches, it can impact its ability to redirect water runoff. Even if this isn’t a sign of premature roof deterioration, it can still indicate that the gutters are either misaligned, or they’re not being cleaned regularly. This can easily cause sludge and clogs especially when mixed with other small debris, so if it isn’t maintained, it may cause damage to your gutters and the rest of your roof!

Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville provides superior gutter protection products and installation services to ensure you won’t have to worry about any shingle sediment clogging your gutters! Give us a call today at (866) 985-9982, or fill out our online contact form. We serve our customers in Tennessee, including Cookeville and surrounding areas.

Gutters play a significant role in your home’s protection against water damage. They divert water safely away from your property, helping avoid early roof deterioration, landscaping erosion, foundation issues and basement flooding. An efficient gutter system can also help maintain your property’s curb appeal.  

Here are some reasons to add downspout extensions to your gutter system. 

Prevent Basement Flooding

If your water tends to pool around your home’s foundation, you will benefit from adding downspout extensions to your gutters. It’s the same for people living on sloping properties and bottoms of hills. Downspout extensions will give your home better protection against basement flooding. They will bring water at a safe distance from your home, especially during heavy rains. 

Keep Water From Building Up Around Your Home

When your gutters fail to bring water away from your home, water will accumulate around it and place hydrostatic pressure against the foundation. Hydrostatic pressure refers to the force of water attempting to shift through the foundation. Over time, it will cause cracks in the foundation, allowing water to reach your basement. It can also saturate the soil, softening the ground and causing the foundation to settle. 

Avoid Moisture-Related Issues

Excessive moisture can lead to issues like rot and poor indoor air quality. It can also encourage mold growth, putting your family’s health at risk. Mold releases spores that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. It can also create dark, unsightly stains on surfaces around your home. Fortunately, you can protect your house from structural damage and your loved ones by investing in high-quality downspout extensions. 

Maintain Your Home’s Appeal

Your curb appeal can suffer if your landscaping has areas with puddles and standing water. With downspout extensions, rainwater will no longer reach places where it shouldn’t be. They can also keep rain from destroying your plants and flowerbeds, so your garden continues to flourish. 

At Gutter Helmet® Systems of Alabama, we’re here to assist with your gutter protection system installations and home improvement projects. We are one of the area’s most trusted gutter guard companies. Call us at (866) 598-7525, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote. We work with clients in Chelsea, AL, and nearby communities.

Many homeowners vouch for the effectiveness and efficiency of gutter vacuums. They’re even available in retail stores. However, like other cleaning equipment, gutter vacuums have their pros and cons. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages in this post.

Gutter vacuums work by sucking up debris from the gutters. The vacuum is fitted with a hose that is connected to the gutter on one end and the vacuum on the other end. When the vacuum is turned on, it sucks out debris from the gutters and leaves them clean. A gas or electric motor usually powers these vacuums.

Pros of Gutter Vacuums

• No Climbing Necessary 

A ladder isn’t necessary to use a gutter vacuum. This makes the equipment a safe choice for homeowners who want to DIY gutter cleaning.

• Precise & Effective

Most retail-grade gutter vacuums can effectively remove dirt from gutters. Their arched neck enables maximum cleaning, especially when the machine comes with good horsepower.

• Quick &  Easy

High-quality gutter vacuums are good for quick cleaning and are user-friendly. 

Cons of Gutter Vacuums

• Can’t Clean Excessive Dirt

A retail-grade gutter vacuum may not be able to clean stubborn dirt buildup or leaf and twig deposits. It’s best to have gutter covers installed to prevent excessive dirt and debris in your gutter system.

• May Underperform 

Gutter cleaning specialists use industrial-grade gutter vacuums to clear out gutters efficiently. Retail-grade vacuums aren’t as powerful as the equipment used by professionals, so they may underperform and suffer damage from excessive amounts of twigs and other debris.

• Can’t Clean What Is Not Seen

Gutter vacuums make your system easy to clean without using a ladder. However, you can’t clean what you can’t see. That’s why you may still be tempted to use a ladder to ensure you got all the dirt and debris.

Gutter guards can reduce the amount of debris that gets inside your gutter system, minimizing the hassle of gutter cleaning and the risk of clogging. Get high-quality gutter guards from Gutter Helmet today. Call (800) 824-3772 or fill out our contact form for inquiries.

Foam gutter guards are affordable and easily purchased at your local hardware store. While these gutter guards may perform well during the first few months, you won’t see the same level of performance as time passes. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of gutter sponges deteriorates after two years, on average.

If you’re thinking of getting foam gutter guards this year, we urge you to reconsider due to the following reasons. 

Pollen Buildup

Traditional PVC or stainless steel gutters are often filled with pollen during springtime. Foam guards exacerbate this problem because pollen tends to clog the foam’s pores and impede water flow, trapping water in the gutter and making it spill over siding and walls.

Dirt & Seed Trapping

Foam gutter guards can trap debris and seeds, accelerating the formation of clogs. In addition, foam guards are challenging to clean because they naturally expand and contract. Using brushes to attempt to remove dirt and debris can damage the foam gutter material.

Short Lifespan

Foam gutter guards are lightweight and need no additional structural support, making their installation easy. However, this type of gutter protection can only last for two to three years. If regularly maintained and cleaned, foam gutter guards can last for five years.

Rot

Foam materials eventually break down or suffer damage. Additionally, mold can infiltrate poorly manufactured foam gutter guards, causing them to rot from the inside and clog the gutter system with loose particulates.

Mold Growth

The moisture-trapping nature of gutter sponges encourages mold growth. Fungi and molds grow on the sponges. Later on, they will release spores and potentially spread in your indoor spaces too.

Don’t settle for poor gutter guard performance. Get advanced, long-lasting and effective gutter protection from Gutter Helmet®. Call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our team.

Unpredictable weather can cause damage to your roof and home if you don’t maintain your property on a regular basis. For instance, heavy rains can weigh down weakly attached gutter systems and spill water over your siding, landscaping and foundation, causing more extensive damage. The harsh conditions during a strong windstorm or tropical storm can also have a significant impact on your home if it doesn’t have the necessary layers of protection.

To ensure your home is adequately protected against extreme weather, here are a few simple things you should do regularly.

Make Sure Your Gutters Are Working

Your gutter system is designed to divert water away from your home, keeping your basement, siding, roofing and other components safe from moisture-related damage. If your gutters are clogged or leaking, rainwater or snowmelt can run over your exterior and end up pooling on your lawn or flooding the basement. Make sure your gutters are regularly cleaned to prevent debris buildup and clogging. 

Remove Standing Rainwater 

If you have low-slope roofing, rainwater might not drain easily, causing pooling on your roof. Regularly clean and inspect your roof so that debris won’t accumulate on the surface and block the flow of water. Additionally, make sure your gutters are properly functioning so that water runoff from your roof will flow through the gutters and drain at an appropriate distance from your home.

Properly Maintain Your Siding

Your siding offers crucial protection against moisture and wind, so you have to keep it in good condition. If you notice holes, cracks or rot, call a trusted contractor immediately. Have them inspect your siding so that the cause of the damage can be identified and addressed. Consider installing gutter covers to protect your gutter system from dirt and debris. Gutter guards will prevent debris buildup in your gutter system, helping you avoid gutter clogging and leaks, which could damage your siding.

Protect your gutter system with superior-quality gutter covers from Gutter Helmet. Call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out this contact form to get a free quote and learn more about our products.