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Heavy rain can do a number on your roof, which is understandable considering rainwater weighs almost five pounds per inch! This means that anytime a strong storm rolls into your area, your roof will be pounded by up to 2,000 pounds of water. For this reason, it’s essential that your gutters are as strong and sturdy as your roof. 

Signs That You Need New Gutters

While copper rain gutters can last for up to 50 years and aluminum and galvanized steel gutters will hold up for around 20 years, when buying a new house, it can be hard to tell exactly how old the gutters are. Thus, you need to be on the lookout for specific signs which will indicate that it’s time to replace the gutters.

With all the stress of buying and moving into a new house, it can be very tempting to put the condition of the gutters on the back burner. However, it’s important to know the warning signs to watch for which indicate that they need to be replaced. Timely gutter replacement is critical in preventing damage to your home. 

Below we’ve listed some of the signs that it may be time to replace your gutters. 

• There are holes, gaps or cracks present. If there are a number of holes, gaps, cracks or rusty spots on your gutters, and they’re bad enough that you can’t fix them yourself, it’s probably time to replace your gutters. 

• The gutters are sagging or separating. If your gutters are coming apart or pulling away from the house, this is a clear indication that your gutters need to be replaced. After all, they can only function effectively when each piece of guttering is fitted tightly to the next one, and each section is attached securely to the house. If the entire gutter system is separating from the house, it will probably be necessary to replace the fascia boards as well as the gutters. 

• The fasteners appear to be damaged. The metal fasteners holding your gutters in place against the roof also help keep them straight and level, so water flows smoothly in the right direction. If you replace the damaged or broken fasteners but continue to have problems with the gutters, you may need to replace them as well.

Regular Maintenance Equals Longer Life

If you want your gutters to reach their full potential, it’s important to clean and maintain them regularly to remove clogs. Better yet, install gutter caps like those from Gutter Helmet to keep your gutters clear and eliminate the need for gutter cleaning this fall. For greater peace of mind and to learn more about the gutter protection service we provide, give us a call today at (800) 824-3772 or submit our online contact form.

The post Common Signs Your Gutters Have Seen Better Days appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Gutters are a necessary part of our homes. Unfortunately, they are also prone to a few common problems. If caught early, these problems can be fixed easily without any further damage to your home. So, here are the four most common problems with your gutters you should keep an eye out for:

Sagging gutters

Have you noticed a slight dip in the line of your gutters? Then chances are they’re starting to sag. Sagging gutters can cause water to build up inside, preventing proper drainage and adding unneeded stress to your gutters. If left for too long, your gutters could collapse completely.

Leaking gutters

A particularly bad storm has a chance of harming your gutters. When any form of damage occurs, the risk of leakage increases. Sometimes, a leak isn’t obvious. But even a small leak can slowly erode the underlying support and foundation below. That’s why it’s always a good idea to routinely check your gutters for leaks.

Improper gutter slope

An improperly sloped gutter is sometimes hard to spot. Yet, the results can be disastrous if you let it go for too long. A gutter with a poor slope can lead to water pooling inside your gutters. As water collects inside, it could leak into your home or cause the total collapse of your gutter system. A good way to spot improper gutter slope is if you notice that your gutters are failing to drain.

Clogged gutters

Clogged or blocked gutters are perhaps the most common issue homeowners will have to deal with. Gutters full of leaves or debris can cause gutters to overflow, eroding the foundation below and potentially causing water damage. Thankfully, the fix is a simple one—clean your gutters regularly.

Bell Seamless Gutters can help you with all of the above gutter issues. Contact us today to learn more!

The post The 4 Most Common Gutter Problems appeared first on Bell Seamless Gutters.

Cleaning your gutters isn’t the most fun project out there. Trying to clean your gutters in the winter is a whole other ordeal. Scraping and trying to unblock the gutters when things start to freeze is not easy. But you certainly don’t want to damage your gutters by trying to force them. That’s why we offer some of the best tips and tricks to making sure your gutters stay clean during winter…

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

The post Why Are Your Clean Gutters Still Overflowing When It Rains? appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

One of the least favorite fall chores for many homeowners is cleaning out the gutters. This is understandable, as wet leaves can quickly become a slimy, soggy mess. That’s why many homeowners choose to install Gutter Helmet® gutter guards and save themselves from having to deal with this unsavory, time-consuming and sometimes dangerous task!

How They Work

Gutter Helmet offers the best gutter covers in the industry. They’re designed to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters, and they do such a great job that you’ll never have to clean the gutters again! In fact, Gutter Helmet is America’s #1 choice for gutter covers. Below, we outline a few of the most important things that you should know about the Gutter Helmet gutter protection system. 

• Gutter Helmet has a patented “nose-forward” design that moves debris away from the gutters. This means that the gutter is facing away from the roof, with its surface extending past the edge of the gutters. It then curves in, creating a downward slope off which leaves, twigs, seed pods and other tree debris easily slide.
• Its textured surface allows water to flow smoothly into the gutters. Water clings to the ribbed, textured surface of Gutter Helmet covers, following the slope down until it flows freely into the gutters. This feature adds strength to the structure and enables Gutter Helmet to handle even the toughest weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow. 
• The narrow ⅜-inch slit keeps small animals out of your gutters. The slit through which the water moves into the gutters is so small that no animals will be able to get into them. This will stop birds and small animals from building nests and prevent clutter from accumulating in the gutters and causing clogs. 

A Worthy Investment

Homeownership can be expensive, and not many people can afford to spend money on products that don’t work. When you install high-quality Gutter Helmet gutter guards, you can be assured that you are making a good investment. To learn more about this exceptional product, give us a call today at (800) 824-3772 or submit our online contact form.

The post How Gutter Helmet® Works: 3 Things You Need to Know appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

During the winter months, dropping temperatures and increasing precipitation can wreak havoc on roofs, siding and foundations. Because of the harsh conditions that exist during the winter months, gutter problems are far more common during this time of year. Even minor gutter problems can cause extensive damage to homes, so it’s important to minimize the risks of gutter damage as much as possible.

If you’re wondering how winter weather affects your gutters, keep reading to learn more.

Winter gutter problems to look out for

Gutters are essential when it comes to protecting homes from the elements, and gutter problems can cause serious issues for homeowners. When gutters aren’t working effectively, it can cause siding damage, roof damage and even foundation damage.

Here are some common winter gutter problems to look out for as the seasons change:

• Ice accumulation: One of the most common—and most serious—gutter problems that comes up during the winter months is ice accumulation. During the fall, leaves and other debris build up in gutters and block water flow. Once winter rolls around, these obstructions cause ice and snow to accumulate in gutters and weigh them down. The best way to avoid ice accumulation is to keep gutters free of leaves and debris with regular cleaning.
• Downspout clogs: Gutter systems are designed to divert water off of the roof and through downspouts which direct the water away from a home. When those downspouts become clogged, water overflows, and it can’t be directed effectively. As a result, water might roll down siding and seep into the ground around a home’s foundation, eventually causing erosion and even foundation cracks. To prevent downspout clogs—and all the issues that come with them—make sure to clean your gutters and remove debris and leaves before the winter months.
• Icicle development: Another problem that can be caused by damaged gutters is increased icicle development. When gutters aren’t working effectively, water and ice accumulate in gutters. When temperatures dip below freezing, the overflowing water coming from clogged gutters causes icicles to develop. Icicles add weight to gutters which causes undue strain on gutter systems and leads to gutter sagging and other types of damage.
• Roof leaks: Roof leaks can cause extensive water damage that is difficult to repair. Unfortunately, roof leaks can happen as a result of faulty gutters. When water can’t flow freely through gutters, it increases the likelihood that rook leaks will develop. Investing in gutter maintenance, repair and replacement can extend the lifespan of roofs and keep them in better condition for longer.

How winter weather affects your gutters

If you’re looking for help dealing with winter gutter problems or you’re thinking about replacing your gutters, look no further than L & S Seamless Guttering. We are a premier gutter contractor with decades of experience providing comprehensive gutter services, including gutter repairs and replacement.

Whether you are looking for help addressing some minor gutter problems or you’re interested in getting a quote for a new gutter system, reach out to our team today.

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

We don’t always prioritize gutter cleaning. Perhaps we’re not even thinking about it. We overlook the gutter system’s performance and what it accomplishes to keep water out of our homes. Isn’t it true that what’s out of sight is out of mind? That is until it starts causing problems in our homes.

Ten Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning

1. The gutters are overflowing with rainwater
2. The gutter is drooping or pulling away from your house
3. You have standing water at the foundation of your home
4. Your gutters are growing weeds, moss, or algae
5. Birds, small animals, or insects have taken up residence
6. Your roof is deteriorating
7. There is damage to your landscaping, or there is soil erosion
8. You’re noticing draining problems
9. There are water stains on your fascia boards or roofing
10. You can’t recall your last gutter cleaning

Three Reasons Why Gutter Cleaning Is Best Done in the Fall

1. In the winter, clogged gutters allow water to sit and eventually freeze. 
2. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees. A late-fall gutter cleaning keeps leaves out of gutters for the length of the winter season.
3. Fall gutter cleaning allows for problems to be discovered and fixed before the weather changes. A homeowner will not want to repair or clean gutters from a ladder in the winter. Additionally, it will not be safe for those living in colder regions battling snow and ice.

Keep Leaves Out of Places They Shouldn’t Be—Your Gutters

Gutters aren’t just set it and forget it. They, too, require attention, and the fall is the ideal time to do so. Gutter cleaning can extend the life of both your gutters and your roof. 

Superior Pressure Washing wishes you a wonderful fall season! Our main goal is to make gutter cleaning for homeowners as simple and safe as possible. We take care of the details, so you can enjoy the results. Please get in touch with us for a no-cost, no-obligation estimate.

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

If you’re building a home or an office, you may be wondering about the necessity of rain gutters. There are a number of things that contribute to this decision, but generally gutters are a good idea for any building. Are there exceptions to this? Of course! There are exceptions to most rules. If you’re weighing your decisions when it comes to gutters, keep reading. We provide all you need to know…

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

The main purpose of gutters is to protect your home by moving water away from the roof, walls and foundation to prevent moisture damage. By keeping your gutters in prime condition, you’ll be able to avoid having to spend money for costly repairs or even a possible gutter replacement project. 

The Most Common Causes of Gutter Problems

Sadly, many homeowners end up having to deal with the trouble and expense of maintaining gutters that clog, overflow and sag. These issues are most prevalent in the fall and winter and throughout the rainiest months of the year. To prevent these problems from occurring, you need to know what’s causing them. Below is a list of some of the most common culprits behind clogged, overflowing, sagging gutters. 

• Not having enough gutters and downspouts. Gutters should be installed all around the perimeter of your roof and connected to the appropriate number of downspouts. If you don’t have enough, the gutters that you do have will have to make up the difference. This will put a strain on the gutters and may cause them to overflow. In addition, when there’s not enough downspouts, water will drain from your roof at a much slower rate, which may also lead to an overflow.
• Leaves, seeds and other tree debris. While trees beautify your property and enhance your home’s curb appeal, they also dump a lot of leaves, seed pods, twigs and other debris. All of these can collect in the gutters if the trees are close enough to your house. If not cleaned out of the gutters, the debris can interrupt the flow of water and prevent it from reaching the downspouts. 

• Clogged downspouts. When downspouts get clogged, water has nowhere to go, which will cause it to back up and your gutters to overflow. Overflowing gutters can cause damage to your siding, fascia and other parts of your roof. To prevent this problem, you may want to think about installing oversized downspouts that will allow the water to drain faster. The larger size should also reduce the occurrence of clogs in your downspouts,
• Nests. Birds, squirrels and other rodents often choose to build their nests in gutters. When they do this, water backs up behind them, which will then cause the gutters to overflow. To avoid this problem, consider installing a gutter shield on your gutters. This will prevent leaves and debris from building up in your gutters and stop pests from nesting in them.

Give Us a Call to Learn More

For more information on the best gutter protection system around or to learn how to clean gutters with gutter guards, contact Gutter Helmet at (800) 824-3772 or via our online form. We can take care of all your gutter, roofing and siding needs, and much more.

The post 4 Common Culprits Behind Clogged, Overflowing Gutters appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Gutters perform the important role of safely dispersing water away from your property. They run horizontally along the rooflines of your home, collecting runoff from rain and snow melt, then direct this runoff to downspouts that work to take it away from your property. A well operating gutter system helps avoid the likes of water intrusion and foundation degradation, which are important to avoiding home water damage and mold growth. That’s why it’s so important to ensure water is able to travel freely throughout your gutters and downspouts – and that’s why routine maintenance becomes essential.

But gutters don’t last forever, and when it comes time for replacement, you may be surprised to learn that you have various material options to select from. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at three popular types of gutters: vinyl, steel and aluminum. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each style so that you can make the best decision on what type of new gutters to purchase when it comes time. Here’s a closer look:

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl, or PVC, gutters are among the most popular types of gutters today for a variety of reasons. But perhaps the No. 1 reason is their affordability, making them ideal for property owners looking to stay on budget with any home improvement project.

Pros

• Ease of installation: Vinyl is a lightweight material, so it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that vinyl gutters are also lightweight components. This makes them easy to install because they’re easier to handle. This can help you save on labor costs if you choose to have vinyl gutters professionally installed. The lightweight characteristics can also make installation a DIY project.
• Low maintenance: You won’t have to worry about rust, denting or corrosion when it comes to vinyl gutters.
• Range of color selection: The options are plentiful when it comes to selecting a color for vinyl gutters.
• Low cost: Just because it’s worth mentioning again, vinyl gutters are the most affordable type of gutter. The average price is $3 to $5 per 10-foot section.

Cons

• Not ideal for all climates: Vinyl gutters aren’t recommended for areas that see heavy winters, strong winds or heavy seasonal rainfall. They’re best intended for dry climates.
• They don’t last long: Though the lightweight nature of vinyl gutters makes them easier to install, they also don’t tend to last as long as other types of gutters. Furthermore, while they avoid some issues, they’re still likely to sag and crack over time. In the right climate, vinyl gutters are a viable option that can last at least 20 years. In the wrong climate, however, they may not even make it a decade.
• May be more likely to leak: Unlike with metal gutters, vinyl isn’t able to be soldered or properly sealed in areas with seams. This can lead to leakage issues.

Steel Gutters

Though steel is a more expensive choice than vinyl, it makes up for it in durability.

Pros

• Durability: The biggest benefit of steel gutters is their durability. Steel excels in inclement weather and can stand up to the likes of snow, hail, high winds and heat without damage. If you live in an area that is prone to inclement weather, steel is a great choice for your gutters.
• Leak proof: Another nice thing about steel gutters is that the seams are often soldered together, forming a seal that helps prevent leakage.
• Long lasting: Stainless steel gutters can last for several decades with proper care. Because they’re so durable, they won’t sag and they’re not easily dented or damaged.

Cons

• Steel can rust: Steel gutters typically come in two varieties: galvanized and stainless. Galvanized steel will rust – even if a protective coating is applied. Stainless steel, however, will not rust.
• Cost: Like we noted earlier, better quality also comes with a higher cost. Steel gutters average $9 to $20 per linear foot, with downspouts costing about $10 per linear foot. It’s a significant price jump from vinyl. Because steel is a heavier material than vinyl, it also costs more to have steel gutters professionally installed.
• Can be hard to find: A lot of companies don’t carry stainless steel gutters due to their high price, limited selection variety and difficulty to install.
• Must be painted: Unlike vinyl gutters, which come in just about any color you could want, color options are much more limited with steel. In fact, you may even need to paint stainless steel gutters yourself if you want an exact match.

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum is an ideal middle option when it comes to gutters. They’re more durable than vinyl, and easier to install and find compared to steel. They’re also the most popular choice for gutters today.

Pros

• Long lasting: Though they may not last for several decades like stainless steel gutters will, when cared for properly, aluminum gutters can last for at least 20 years.
• Easy to find: Aluminum gutters are easy to find and come in a range of color options and other styles. And if you can’t find the color that you want, they’re able to be painted.
• Easy to handle: Like we said in the intro, aluminum is a perfect middle point between vinyl and steel – and this includes weight too. Aluminum is lightweight, yet durable, and easy to handle and install.

Cons

• The material may corrode: Aluminum won’t rust, but if the gutters are routinely subjected to salt – as is the case in coastal areas – then they may corrode over time.
• More damage prone than steel: Aluminum is a material that tends to dent fairly easily. While minor knicks and dents aren’t a big deal from a functional standpoint, they may be from an aesthetic standpoint. Hence, you may have to invest in repairs to your aluminum gutters.
• Color can fade: Over time, it’s common for the color of the gutter to fade. This may require repainting to keep them looking great.

Have questions or need assistance installing your new gutters? Contact us today!

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