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Summer is the time to partner with your contractor to make your dream home a reality! Investing in home improvement projects requires knowledge and planning, however. Many improvements won’t add value to your home, and can even reduce the amount you’re able to ask for when you decide to sell (think swimming pools and sunrooms). 

On the other hand, projects such as the following can add significant value to your home:

1. Garage door replacement. A garage door replacement is the most lucrative home upgrade you can undertake. Remodeling magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report indicates a mid-range garage door replacement averages a high return nationally at 93.8%. This seems to indicate that replacements that generate curb appeal, such as installing a garage door and adding manufactured stone veneer on the exterior, are important to buyers.
2. Kitchen remodel. Keep your existing cabinet bases in place while replacing the cabinet and drawer fronts with shaker-style wood panels and new hardware. Replace old appliances with new models, which are much more energy-efficient. With a mid-priced sink and faucet, as well as updated countertops and flooring and a bright new coat of paint, a mid-range kitchen remodel can be a great investment.
3. Bathroom mini-remodel. A modern faucet, showerhead and other bathroom fixtures can change the look and feel of an entire room. A fresh coat of paint, a mirror to reflect and amplify natural light and tile or marble flooring can make a small bathroom appear more spacious and luxurious. Add a low-flow toilet that uses only 1.6 gallons of water per flush and you’ll also enjoy savings on your water bill.
4. Gutter protection. An important step in protecting your landscaping and home from overflowing gutters is a quality gutter protection system. Not to mention, many homebuyers are very attracted by the thought of never having to clean gutters again!

Find a Certified Gutter Helmet® Installer Near You

For more information on the cost of Gutter Helmet® products and to connect with a certified installer of the best gutter protection systems in your area, call (800) 824-3772 or submit our online form today!

The post 4 Small Home Improvements With Big Payoffs appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

If you are a homeowner, then protecting your house should always be a top priority. Part of protecting your house includes installing gutters to cease foundation damage, mold, and other potential problems. Once you have your gutters installed, you might be wondering how often you should clean them to preserve their lifespan. It is a good idea to clean your gutters six times throughout the year…

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

Many homeowners experience the pain of clogged and broken gutters that need replacement. Eventually, all gutter systems will break, and before you risk your life climbing onto the roof to DIY, you should consider hiring a gutter installation expert. 

When exploring gutter installation companies, there are seven key questions you can ask to get the best service results. These questions include everything from the type of gutter system and maintenance schedule, to project budget and appointment timing. 

1. Gutter Systems 

Keep in mind that the core function of gutters is to prevent water damage to your home. When this core function becomes compromised beyond repair, it is time to look into replacements, because gutters that don’t operate at 100% can cause damage quickly. Without a proper drainage system, houses can become waterlogged which can cause thousands of dollars to fix. Before you hire a gutter installation expert, it’s important to ask if they can install the gutter system that works best for your home.

2. Materials 

Sometimes gutter companies allow homeowners to choose the type of materials for their gutter system. This is usually because some materials are more affordable than others. Some gutter systems are more durable and protect better against weather elements than others. For example, aluminum gutters work better than vinyl in colder temperatures, so if you live  in a cold-weather climate, this information should drive your decision. 

Homeowners should always prioritize the durability of a gutter before its aesthetic, though it’s often possible to get the best of both worlds. Always ask the gutter installation company what materials they plan to use for your new gutters.  

3. Time

As mentioned previously, installing gutters can be a laborious and arduous task, not to mention dangerous. Furthermore, gutter installation needs to be done properly so that the core function of gutters is not compromised by an incorrect setup. 

A gutter installation expert can help mitigate errors in the new gutter system which can help gutters function correctly over a longer period of time. The faster gutters are installed properly, the faster they are able to protect a home. Ask the gutter company how long they think the job will last, and if they might need to come back for multiple service appointments. 

4. Transparency

You should be sure to let a gutter installation expert know upfront of any issues the house may be experiencing that could negatively affect the project. Transparency is needed from homeowners because it helps the gutter service professional properly estimate the cost and timeframe for repair work while considering any specifics for the project. 

You’re hiring a gutter installation expert for a reason, so equipping the expert with all knowledge on hand will let them facilitate a solution and project scope faster. Otherwise, if a gutter installation expert discovers the problem by surprise,  it will add unnecessary time and cost to the project. Communicating the issue upfront will allow the gutter installation expert to quote and scope the project properly. Be sure to ask if there are any common issues with gutters that you should be aware of that  could be identified before the job starts. 

5. Budget

Before hiring a gutter expert you should do research on costs associated with the size of your home, and identify a budgetary range you feel comfortable with. Remember that color, material, and timeframe can all impact a budget, so knowing the “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves”  can help a gutter installation expert deliver a quote that meets your budget. Ned Stevens professionals can help you with a free gutter installation estimate online or over the phone. 

6. Reputation

When you’re finally ready to hire a gutter installation company, narrow down your search to the top three companies. Use resources like the Better Business Bureau to see business ratings and check out reviews on Google. Pay attention to how past customers commented on any given company’s customer service, professionalism, and quality of work. This due diligence will help ensure that the gutter installation expert is legitimate and well-reputed. You should also ask the company about customer support and reviews. A company with good reviews and customer service will be happy to answer the question and point you to good reviews to help with your research. 

7. Warranty or Service Guarantee

Don’t forget to check on a warranty or service guarantee. If you can’t find a gutter service policy or guarantee, that’s a sign that you should look for another gutter installation expert. If a company is unable or unwilling to guarantee their work, it means that you could eat the cost of poor work, like improperly installed gutters failing during a thunderstorm.

These seven questions can help you choose the right gutter installation service. Obtaining specific answers around the type of work that needs to be done on your house, and communicating that accordingly with a gutter installation expert can get your project off on the right foot. A reputable gutter installation company will provide great service, which as a homeowner, has an unmatched value. If you’re in one of Ned Stevens’ many service areas throughout the U.S., our team would be happy to schedule your next gutter installation. Call us or get a free online quote to learn more. 

The post 7 Questions For Your Gutter Installation Company | Ned Stevens first appeared on Gutter Talk.

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

Did you know that money falls from the sky every time it rains? It’s true! And as you may have guessed, this money is in the form of water. Harvesting rainwater is a simple way to save on the cost of expensive, chemically treated municipal water while helping the environment at the same time. Though this is an old practice, there have been many innovations in rainwater collection in recent years. Here, we discuss the three most important elements of the modern rainwater harvesting system:

• Collection surface. This is the area from which falling rain is collected, most commonly a roof. To help you estimate how much water your roof can collect, remember this rule of thumb: with one inch of rainfall, the average 1,000-square-foot roof sheds about 600 gallons of water. Therefore, if you have two downspouts, each will divert approximately 300 gallons of water to the collection system.
• Transport system. Gutters and downspouts at the edge of the roofline serve as the transportation system for your harvester. If you want to begin harvesting rainwater, you need to ensure that your gutter system is in good repair, with no leaks, sagging or damage that could interfere with the flow of water. Also be sure to install leaf guards to keep leaves and other debris from clogging the gutters and downspouts. In areas where mosquitoes are a problem, cover the opening to the barrel with a fine mesh screen to prevent an infestation.
• Storage. Rain barrels are readily available in most communities at hardware and home improvement stores and on various websites. Place the barrel under a downspout that’s near your lawn or garden. Each barrel should rest on a base of cinder blocks with gravel underneath (or follow the manufacturer’s instructions if they have other recommendations). Keep in mind that translucent plastic containers shouldn’t be used for rainwater storage, as sunlight will encourage the growth of algae inside the barrel. 

For more information about rainwater harvesting systems, visit the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service website.

The Best Gutter Protection System You Can Buy

To learn more about installing the best gutter guard around – Gutter Helmet® gutter covers – as part of your rainwater collection system, call (800) 824-3772 or contact us online to find the Gutter Helmet dealer nearest you. You can also go online to check out our excellent gutter cover reviews.

The post Money from the Sky: What You Need to Harvest Rainwater appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Are you ready to get sparkling clean windows for your home? There’s nothing quite like gorgeous, spotless windows in order to make your house truly feel like home. If you’re in the Salem, NH or Lowell, MA area (including Billerica, Tewksbury, Nashua, and surrounding areas), it’s time to enlist Superior Pressure Washing to deliver those sparkling clean windows.

So, why choose Superior Pressure Washing for your home windows?

Sparkling Clean Windows!

With Superior Pressure Washing, one of our technicians cleans the inside glass and sill; tracks will get brushed or vacuumed (if necessary), and another technician cleans the outside of the glass, sill, and tracks. We will use either our water-fed pole system or the traditional cleaning methods.

With Superior Pressure Washing, you get gorgeously clean windows that let the light in – making your home feel bigger and cleaner. Along with that, you’ll be able to enjoy the splendor of the outdoors as you stay nice and warm (or cool) inside. What’s better than looking out your clean windows, enjoying either the morning sun coming through your home or a beautiful, relaxing sunset at the end of the day? That’s what smudge-free windows can do for your home!

The Superior Pressure Washing Difference

Having your windows professionally cleaned is one of the most cost-effective, easiest ways to give your home an instant curb appeal. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about cleanliness with our technicians; all of our technicians use new pairs of protective “booties” inside the home!

Why Choose Superior Pressure Washing?

One more thing to know: we are extremely mindful about keeping the inside of your home clean and undisturbed. Anyone can clean windows, but giving our customers a great experience while cleaning your windows is our top priority!

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

Do you know it’s time to replace the beat-up rain gutters on your home? Do they look like they should have been on their way out yesterday? Maybe you’re experiencing problems like leaks and looking for something that will be more durable and reliable in the future. It can be overwhelming to try to research your best options when you’re not well-versed in the type of product you’re looking at and…

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

There are so many things to worry about when it comes to homeownership that you may find yourself forgetting about a vital part of your home: the gutters. However, the fact is that if your gutters aren’t operating like they should, you could be putting your foundation and landscaping at risk of damage. Repairing gutters and keeping on top of regular maintenance will help preserve your property for years to come.

Let’s take a look at the importance of gutter repair.

Preventing flooding and water damage

The number one reason you should keep your gutters functioning is because they protect your home’s foundation. The gutters are responsible for channeling water away from your home via drain spouts out into the yard. Redirecting water away from the foundation means your house has a reduced risk of flooding and water damage.

Leaky gutters will lead to water collecting around the home. This can easily lead to foundation damage, flooded basements and other headaches. But all this is preventable if you have a trained technician check and clean out your gutters on a regular basis.

Common roof gutter issues

It’s difficult to tell from the ground exactly what the issues with your gutters might be. Having a pro go up on the roof to inspect will illuminate what’s going wrong and what can be done to address it. The following are all common:

• Leaks: Over the years, gutters will take a beating from Mother Nature. Wind, rain, snow and ice will eventually cause leaks to form. Deal with the small leaks now before they become expensive problems.
• Clogged gutters: This is a very common issue that falls under the category of maintenance. When downspouts and gutters aren’t maintained, they will get clogged with twigs, branches, leaves, dirt and other debris. This becomes a problem if water can’t flow properly through the gutters. Regular gutter cleaning is a must to prevent the buildup of debris.
• Sagging gutters: This is an issue with older gutters or when the fasteners have worn out. It results in the gutters sagging down from the roof, which will cause water to build up in the gutters.

Keeping your home looking great

Gutters are a functional part of your home, but they can also be decorative, as they complete the appearance of your home’s exterior design. Run-down or worn-out gutters will ding your home’s aesthetic value. When it comes time to sell, you don’t want the home’s curb appeal to take a hit because of the gutters.

A repair technician can restore your gutters and get them looking good again. This can include everything from replacing sections of the gutters to doing a touch-up paint job.

When you need help with repairing gutters, L & S Seamless Guttering is here for you. For over 32 years, we have been a premier gutter contractor offering a list of commercial or residential gutter services that includes the fabrication of gutters, patio covers, carports, surface drains and more. Contact us to get started on your free estimate.

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

If you have friends or neighbors with micro-mesh rain gutter guards, chances are they’re not happy with the performance of the product. This is because debris frequently builds up on these guards or water deflects off the fine mesh, causing more problems than before it was installed. It doesn’t matter what a manufacturer claims: the fact is, micro-mesh gutter guards will still need to be serviced once or twice per year. Here’s why:

‘What Do You Mean I Have to Clean the Gutter Guards?’

There are two primary kinds of micro-mesh guards: one that sits flat and another that slips under the shingle at a slight angle. The first design tends to collect debris because wind can’t blow it off easily, while the angled guard has a tendency to cause water to overshoot the gutter. Another issue is that eventually the filter itself will become clogged in certain areas. The only way to solve this problem is to remove the debris by hand and power-wash the screen to clean the dirt out of the tiny mesh openings – or to replace the micro-mesh guard entirely.

The Solution: A Solid Gutter Cover

You don’t need to write off gutter guards if you know people who have had bad results; instead, do your research and choose your gutter guard system wisely. As a result of surface tension, water will cling to the front of the solid cover of Gutter Helmet® and move into the gutter, while the nose-forward design will cause debris to drop off of it. There’s no way for leaves, twigs and other gutter-clogging material to get into the gutters, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning gutters or gutter guards.

Learn More About Gutter Helmet®

Gutter Helmet® has been America’s #1 choice in gutter protection for over 30 years. This patented system is one of the best gutter cover systems offered to consumers because it saves time and money. Learn this for yourself by calling (800) 824-3772 to schedule a free, in-home consultation with your nearest Gutter Helmet dealer.

The post The Trouble With Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

With all the responsibilities that come with our houses, first-time homeowners may be overwhelmed at the prospect of keeping track of everything that has landed on what can feel like an ever-expanding to-do list. While rain gutters may not always be the first thing people think of when it comes to owning and maintaining a home, they are an integral and often overlooked part of the place we live.

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

Many people enjoy watching birds and their interesting behaviors. Unfortunately, some of these behaviors can be irritating and even destructive to your property. 

When it comes time to build nests and raise young, many bird species find the open, narrow design of rain gutters and eaves ideal for settling down. The problem is, when birds nest in gutters, leaves and other debris will back up around the nest, clogging the gutter system and causing the gutters to overflow when it rains. This can lead to other, more damaging problems in the home.

How to Discourage Birds From Nesting in Gutters

To keep birds from nesting in and around the gutters, you do have a few options: scare the birds away, encourage them to relocate or put up barriers and guards to deter them. It’s important to note that federal and state laws protect nearly every kind of wild bird, so killing, trapping and tampering with nests are strictly prohibited. Contact your nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office or county Cooperative Extension agent for advice on dealing with local bird species, or try these proven strategies for outsmarting them.

• Barriers. Netting, mesh and low-voltage electrical barriers are among the most effective bird control methods.
• Habitat modification. Habitat modification involves identifying and eliminating sources of food, water, nesting areas and other factors that make your home inviting to birds. For example, you could cover gutters that are used as nesting sites.
• Scare tactics. Motion usually frightens birds away, so try attaching flags to rails or tying ribbons to posts. A variety of motion-activated or noise-producing products are available commercially, such as sprinklers, sound blasters that simulate gunshots or predator noises, and ultrasonic devices.
• Alternative nesting sites. Discourage the bird before the nest is built by offering an alternative birdhouse nearby, away from your house. Birdhouses can be fun to build, fun to watch and educational for the whole family.

To keep birds out of gutters and downspouts permanently, the best approach is to install metal gutter guards. As an added bonus, you’ll also enjoy freedom from gutter cleaning because gutter guards also keep out leaves and other debris. 

Keep Birds Away With Gutter Guards

Gutter Helmet® has been America’s #1 choice in gutter protection systems for the past three decades. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn about gutter guard cleaning, call (800) 824-3772 or find a Gutter Helmet® dealer near you.

The post How to Keep Gutters Free of Nesting Birds appeared first on Gutter Helmet.