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So often you hear about how important gutters are for your home and how cleaning and checking them matters. But why do gutters matter? Would our houses be just fine if we didn’t have gutters on them? Wouldn’t the rain just fall right off the roof onto the ground? Are gutters really even necessary and what exactly do they do? Here are 4 reasons why your gutters matter.

1. Gutters keep water from from seeping into your home 

When water falls on your roof it can begin to seep under the shingles and into your home if it is not drained properly. This water begins to cause mold and erosion that can affect not only your attic, but your home as a whole. When it snows and the snow sticks to your roof gutters also provide an avenue for the water to run off the roof of your home instead of seeping into the shingles and causing mold or erosion to your house.

2. Gutter protect the foundation of your home

Gutter help to protect the foundation of your home because gutters whole purpose is to funnel the water away from your home. When water runs off of the roof it will begin to puddle by the foundation of your house which is not only bad for your flower beds, but also a major risk to the foundation of your home. Water can begin to seep into the foundation or your basement and cause serious damage.

3. Gutters protect your roof and siding

Gutters protect your roof from rotting in many different ways. Gutters protect your shingles and fascia boards from rotting quickly and easily. Gutters help to drain the water from your roof quicker so that rotting, mold, and other damage to the shingles or siding do not occur. When gutters are not present to drain the water away from your home water runs down the siding of your house. This causes the siding to wear down after a while and also the paint starts to fade as well.

4. Gutters protect your landscape

All of your landscaping efforts can be ruined in just one heavy rainstorm if gutters are not directing the water away from the foundation of your home. Water that runs off your house and directly onto the ground creates a puddle around your home that seeps into whatever soil or anything else that is present. Gutters help to keep puddles of water from ruining your flower beds and other landscaping efforts.

Gutters work hard to ensure that rain water is not deteriorating or ruining your home. Gutters keep water away from from every part of your home from the top to the bottom ensuring that your roof and foundation are both protected. Gutters matter because they save you a lot of money in the long run. Water damage can range from minor to critical and all it takes is just one good rain storm. The Gutter Pros has trained and experienced professionals that can put new gutters on your home or make any necessary repairs to existing gutters.

Give The Gutter Pros a call today at 443-880-4813.

This post first appeared on http://www.thegutterpros.net

You may be looking into gutter covers and wondering which are the best rain gutter guards. While it’s common to think that all will do the job the same, that’s not the reality. If you look for top-rated gutter guards, you’ll consistently find Gutter Helmet® on the list. That’s because this product is designed differently. Let’s take a look at other kinds of gutter protection and why Gutter Helmet outperforms them all.

Brushes

There are many brands of “bottle brush”-style gutter guards. They are inexpensive and easy to install, so many homeowners looking for a DIY solution choose the brush style. When inserted inside the gutter, the bristles are supposed to prevent leaves and debris from accumulating. In reality, users find that leaves simply build up behind the projecting bristles or become stuck on the bristles themselves, defeating the purpose of installing gutter guards in the first place.

Foam

Foam gutter guards are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. You simply place the porous polyurethane directly into the gutter. While the foam allows water to flow slowly through the gutter, many users report it becomes brittle and begins to deteriorate after only two years of use. The foam also allows shingle granules to pass through and collect at the bottom of the gutter.

Perforated

Perforated metal guards are available from gutter guard installers and your local home improvement store. The installation is more involved than the brush or foam style as they install under shingles and cover the gutter. This type of cover is generally effective at keeping out leaves. However, a big downfall is that pine needles, pods and seeds often go right through the perforations. If leaves fall and accumulate on the perforation, you end up with the same effect as clogged gutters. You’ll ultimately have to clean your gutter covers, when the whole purpose behind your purchase was likely to not climb on a ladder or deal with overflowing gutters.

Mesh Screens

Super-fine mesh screens were created as a response to the problems with perforated metal covers. They managed to solve the problem of needles and small debris getting through, but failed to solved the problem of debris accumulating on top. Many homeowners also report that gutter screens do not handle water well, so that rainwater simply washes over the guards instead of flowing into the gutters, leading to damage to surrounding landscaping and concrete.

Reverse Curve

One of the best gutter guard designs is the reverse curve. Gutter Helmet has taken this solid design and improved upon it with a patented nose-forward design to improve performance and durability. Water flows around the edge of the nose and into the gutter. Because of surface tension, leaves and debris fall over the curved edge and to the ground. The opening in the Gutter Helmet system is only 3/8-inch wide, stopping birds, rodents and debris from entering the gutter system.

With the ability to handle 22 inches of rain per hour without overflowing, Gutter Helmet’s top-rated gutter guards stand apart from all other gutter guard systems – and our customers agree! Call (800) 824-3772 or learn more with a FREE, no-obligation Gutter Helmet quote.

The post 5 Types of Gutter Guards (& Which Is Best!) appeared first on Gutter Helmet.

Your home’s exterior requires constant upkeep and there are some features that need extra attention. That includes your gutters. Even with the recommended annual cleaning, traditional gutters are flimsy and accumulate damages due to the buildup of debris, harsh weather and standing water. Keep an eye out for the signs below that indicate your gutters need replacement or more frequent upkeep.

1. Sagging Gutters

It takes a big toll on your drainage system if you let gutters clog with leaves, twigs and other debris. A visible sag or bend in the gutter is your first indicator of a stressed system. It’s caused by too much weight pulling hangers away from the fascia of the house. If left hanging too long, your gutters will soon tear away from your home. 

2. Leaks and Holes

Another common problem is are leaks or holes. These problems aren’t as visible as a sag, so look for a stream of water pouring from the middle of your system next time it rains. Holes happen easily due to long-term exposure from outdoor elements that weak gutters can’t withstand.

3. Standing Water

Stagnant water on your property is not good, but particular attention should be given to the water in your roof’s gutters. In the winter, the water creates ice pockets that damage gutter walls and seams due to excess expansion and contraction. In the summer, these pools of water become the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. That means you will battle pests all summer long.

Prevent These Damages

If you see these problems, don’t replace your gutters with the same type of system that created them in the first place. The most convenient way to prevent them in the future is by installing the GutterShutter system. The award-winning GutterShutter leaf and debris protection system is a clog-free gutter system guaranteed to never pull away from the home for the lifetime of the structure!

Learn more about how the Guttershutter system extends the life of your gutters and makes maintenance easier by contacting a dealer near you.

The post Gutter Problems to Watch For appeared first on GutterShutter.

Some homeowners with concrete slab foundations think they don’t need gutters, since they don’t have a basement to keep dry. In fact, however, this isn’t true: homes with slab foundations still need gutters as much as any other home.

One of the main reasons why is that having no gutters (or poorly-installed gutters) can lead to cracks forming in the foundation. All types of foundations, including slabs, are susceptible to cracking when exposed to excess moisture. If left unchecked, a severely cracked foundation can ultimately compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Here’s how a lack of gutters can contribute to cracks and water damage in slab foundations:

• During rainstorms, water will pool on and around your concrete foundation. Continued exposure to water can wear down the concrete and lead to cracking. Moreover, moisture buildup around your slab foundation will cause the ground to become soft, reducing the structural soundness of the foundation.
• Without gutters, water will cause a concrete slab foundation to expand and contract more often, putting it at greater risk of cracks. The less water you have around your foundation, the more consistent the soil’s temperature and moisture levels will be. This consistency will reduce the likelihood and severity of foundation cracks.
• If the concrete does crack, additional water accumulating around your home’s foundation will enter into the cracks, further compromising its integrity.

What’s more, rain runoff accumulating near your slab foundation can damage your lawn and cause the soil to erode more quickly.

Regardless of what type of foundation your home has, moisture control is important. A modern, effective seamless gutter system will help protect your home by channeling rainwater safely away from your foundation. To learn more, feel free to give the team at Bell Seamless Gutters a call at our toll-free number or contact us online today!

The post Here’s Why Homes With Slab Foundations Still Need Gutters appeared first on Bell Seamless Gutters.

Leaking gutters are some of the most obvious signs that it’s time for a gutter repair, but just what causes them? While some of the reasons are obvious, at least one is fairly easy to miss. Here is what to look for if you have a dripping gutter:

Age of the Gutters

Like many parts of the house, gutters get weakened and worn out with age. Old gutters have been through many seasons, had exposure to corrosive elements, and may even have been banged into by tree limbs. These things add up to weaken the material the gutters are made from, and eventually, small holes or even tears develop. Leaks will occur through each new opening. Eventually, there can be so many of these unwanted openings that the gutter system is more like a roofline sprinkler than a gutter.

Loose Gutters

Storms, abuse, and the effects of time can all cause your gutters to get pulled slightly away from your house. When this happens, it often appears that you have leaks, but in reality, the water is escaping before it even gets into the gutter system. It’s coming through the gap between the roof and the gutters, so the fix for this is to reattach them so they are tight to the roofline once again.

Clogs

When your gutters get clogged, water backs up within them and then rises. Once the water line is above the top of the gutters, it spills over the side. As with loose gutters, the problem isn’t really that you have a leak. In this case, the capacity of the system is simply being exceeded by the volume of the water. Clearing your gutter clogs will fix the problem. Typically, you can spot where the clog is by looking for the place where the dripping stops, but if the downspout is what is blocked, it will drip over the entire length of the gutters overhead.

Gaps Between Sections

If your gutter system is made in sections, then each piece has to be securely attached to the next one(s) in order for everything to work properly. Through time or direct damage, these sections can come apart slightly, causing leaks. Proper reassembly of the gutters will take care of the problem, but it’s important to be sure to use methods that will resist the forces that made them come apart in the first place.

Improper Gutter Slope

This is one of the hardest issues for a homeowner to see, so if you find yourself wondering “why do my gutters drip,” there is a high chance that this is the reason. Sagging gutters, improper initial installation, and more can cause the “grade” of the gutters to go away from the downspout instead of toward it. Then, the gutters fill with water and overflow, much like if they were clogged. They will need to be put back on with the proper slope in order to fix this.

Determining What’s Causing your Gutter to Leak

Often, you can see what is causing a dripping gutter just by looking. This is especially true if there is corrosion, either at random places or at the joints between the gutter sections. If nothing like this is visible, wait for a rainy day and then go out and watch the leak pattern. You can usually see if the water is coming over the sides, down between the roof edge and the gutter, or through the bottom of the troughs.

While you’re out there, check the downspout – if nothing’s coming out and no water is coming through the trough of the gutter itself either, it’s probably clogged. If the system is old or there has been a big storm, it is also possible that there is more than one problem that needs to be attended to.

How to Fix Leaking Gutters

While the principle of how to fix leaking gutters isn’t that hard, this is a dangerous job. You not only have to get up on a tall ladder, but have to wrestle with long, unwieldy pieces of material that will want to awkwardly fall down as soon as they are released from their fasteners. Therefore, it’s best to hire professionals to do the work.

Once the cause of the problem has been determined, the right course of action can be decided on. If the gutters are just clogged, then it just takes cleaning to restore proper operation. However, if corrosion is present, other steps must be taken.

When only a small part of a gutter is corroded, such as the space between joints, a patch or caulk can usually be applied to stop the leak. Alternatively, a company may use a seamless gutter insert to restore a solid surface to a large area – sometimes, the entire system. These rely on the strength of the original gutters to hold them up, so the originals do have to have enough material left to serve that purpose.

If a section of the gutter system is too corroded to hold a liner or a patch, then it must be replaced. In many cases, part of the system will reach this state before the rest, so it can be worthwhile to do this instead of replacing the entire thing. However, the time does come when a system will finally be old enough for full replacement. Fortunately, this is not a sudden process, so it doesn’t have to make a surprise hit to the budget.

Correcting sagging gutters basically involves reinstalling them the right way. New hangers are typically used, since one of the causes of sagging is the failure of the old ones.

If you need leaking gutter repair in Metro Vancouver or the Lower Mainland, or you have a dripping gutter and can’t figure out why, contact us at Weatherguard Gutters today. We’ll be glad to come out, assess the situation, and give you a quote on gutter leak repair or replacement.

The post Why are My Gutters Leaking? appeared first on nfl.

Did you know that installing leaf guards onto your home’s gutters could eliminate the need for regular unclogging? Cleaning gutters can be a dangerous exercise and scaling ladders on a seasonal basis is not only unsafe but also an inefficient and outdated means of taking care of your property.

Shrewd homeowners know that the value of a home is only as good as its foundations, protected by a good gutter system with leaf guards. A gutter system that works optimally draws rainwater away from a property and its surrounding area, preventing debris, leakages and rot from causing extensive damage. If your home still has open-topped gutters, then you’ll need to ensure they are maintained and cleaned regularly, which, as we’ll explain below, isn’t the most convenient or effective solution.

How do leaf guards work?

Leaf guards are considered to be a crucial component of your gutter system, helping to prevent the entry of airborne debris and resulting blockages. They either come as separate guards designed to fit on top of existing gutters or as a custom set like the K-Guard Gutter Guard system – a complete 5-inch gutter solution with a helmet-type leaf guard secured on top.

There are two types of leaf guards: gutter covers and gutter screens.

Gutter screens are typically made of wire mesh, nylon or foam and present the cheaper alternative. Gutter covers, which are more expensive, can be made out of a variety of materials including copper, aluminum, plastic, wire mesh, nylon, and foam. As the hardier of the two, gutter covers tend to have a more pleasing appearance than gutter screens and also limit a lot more water flow and debris.

Installing leaf guards is one of the first steps to keeping your home’s exterior maintenance as hassle-free as possible while eliminating the need for risky cleaning practices.

Which gutter guards are best for my home?

If you’ve never given your gutters a second thought, let alone leaf guards, finding the right ones for your home could be very hit and miss. With so many options on the market, how do you know which one is best for you?

Installing regular leaf guards that fit onto your existing gutters may temporarily give your home some level of protection, that is if there aren’t already any underlying problems. For this reason, it’s probably best to start from scratch – with a completely engineered, fully integrated, leaf-free gutter system like K-Guard gutter guards.

The K-Guard system is a complete solution that replaces your gutters entirely and offers all the protection you would expect from a leaf guard, and more. Comprised of three components – a gutter, hood, and downspouts – K-Guard gutter guards feature a patented design to ensure your gutters work maintenance-free for a lifetime. That’s right, forever, without ever having to climb a ladder again.

Built from heavy-duty aluminum and patented, high-strength hangers that fully support the leaf guard (hood), the K-Guard gutter system cannot sag or corrode, which gives it a practically unlimited lifespan. Its effective technology keeps gutters clog-free and protects against even the most severe weather elements, including ice, wind and heavy rain.

K-Guard gutter guards also offer greater capacity at a full inch wider than other gutters (5 inches), draining far more water than smaller systems. Larger 3×4-inch downspouts flush water away from your property quickly and efficiently, along with any small pieces of debris that may have accidentally entered the system.

As if strength, durability, and capacity weren’t enough, K-Guard gutter guards are also available in a variety of colors to suit your home. Unlike the sharp corners and edges of other leaf guard systems, K-Guard gutters have a smooth, curved appearance and are custom-installed to perfectly complement your home.

How can I install leaf guards safely?

Unless you’re really into DIY, installing leaf guards yourself probably isn’t the best idea. Most reputable gutter guard companies will have installation included in the price, as specialized equipment may be needed to ensure the best fit for your home.

K-Guard contractors usually insist on professionally installing your gutter guards for you. With over 35 million feet of gutter systems installed since 1998, you can trust that K-Guard has both the experience and expertise to do right by your home. K-Guard gutter guards can also adapt to any type of roof, from slate to metal to traditional shingle roofing.

Do I need to have my gutter guards cleaned professionally?

If you go for regular leaf guards, you can either choose to seasonally check and clean them yourself, or hire a professional to do this for you. This, however, can be dangerous and prove to be an ongoing expense in the maintenance of your home.

K-Guard’s patented gutter guard system is designed in such a way that you’ll never need to clean them at all. Once installed, you can finally stay off your roof and wave goodbye to cleaning gutters forever!

Leaf guards keep you and your home safe

Whether you choose to add a leaf guard to your existing gutters or go for a complete overhaul with K-Guard gutter guards, protecting your gutter system is the first step to ensuring your home stays as problem-free as possible. Blockages caused by leaves and debris could prove devastating to your property’s foundation and roof if not taken care of in time. K-Guard gutter guard system takes away this worry for an entire lifetime and in our opinion, is worth the investment for this reason alone. Give us a call today at 614-568-7777.

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

As the days grow short, the air becomes crisp, and the neighborhood squirrels hide acorns in a winter-prep frenzy, you might think it’s too late to do anything about all those leaves filling your gutters.

It’s not!

Leaf protection can be installed even when the leaves are falling all around.  And once gutter guards are installed, you won’t have to worry about leaf buildup and all of the problems it brings.

Problem Leaves

Leaves are a huge problem in your gutters for one reason:  clogs.  Clogged gutters and downspouts may seem like a mere nuisance but leaves in your gutters can lead to some costly repairs to your home.  

Foundation Problems.  When clogged gutters can’t drain water properly, water overflows onto the ground below.  This leads to erosion which weakens foundation walls and causes cracks to form. In colder months, water gets into the cracks, freezing and expanding the cracks, and before you know it, you’ve got a flooded basement.  

Leaks.  As water overflows your clogged gutters and runs down the side of your house, water finds its way in through seams in your doors and windows.   It can cause wooden fascia boards and window and door frames to rot and need to be replaced. Anytime there are leaks in your home, the risk of mold is increased.  

Broken Gutters.  Even if your gutters are new, they may not be able to withstand the weight of the water that builds up in them because of a clog.  Fasteners can come loose, gutters can sag or break and will need to be replaced.  

Infestations.  Built-up leaves and debris make perfect breeding grounds for many insects such as bees, wasps, and ants, and if water is trapped, you’re likely to have a mosquito nursery move in.  Birds, mice, lizards, and even snakes have been known to hang out in your gutters amongst the leaves. Sometimes, seeds make their way in there and begin to grow, and before you know it, you’ve got yourself a gutter garden!  (not a good thing) Hiring an exterminator to remove pests can be costly.

Guard Against Clogs  

With the right leaf protection, these problems are virtually eliminated and along with them the need for seasonal cleanings.  You’ll still need cleanings but not nearly as often.  

There are several leaf protection options available.  There are inexpensive kinds that are simply cut to size and placed in your gutters and are bristle brush styles or foam tubes.  They’re not a great solution because leaves can stick to the bristles and foam tends to deteriorate rather quickly out in the elements but they’re better than nothing.

A better choice would be Solid Gutter Covers or Reverse Curve Gutter Guards.  These are sheets of metal that attach at the roof and hang over your gutters, allowing water to flow over the curve and into the gutters.  Leaves fall off over the edge instead of going in the gutter. These work best where pine needles aren’t a problem because they can stick to the surface of the water and clog the gutters.  

The option that works on both leaves and needles is Micro Mesh or Perforated Aluminum Guards.  They are attached on top of your gutters and have holes that allow water to flow in while keeping leaves out.  

Whatever form of leaf protection you choose, Gutter Pros can help.  GutterPros is a full-service gutter company that specializes in commercial gutters, copper gutters, and leaf protection.  Our technicians can clean and inspect your gutters and install the right leaf protection that will guard those gutters! Call Gutter Pros at (314)656-7195 and schedule an appointment today.

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

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

You probably have that one neighbor who has a lush, green lawn that is always cut to the perfect length and looks like a thick carpet. Then, of course, there’s the one with the perfectly squared-off hedges that line his property. And who could forget the one at the end of the block who always has a 500,000-light Christmas display that people come from far and wide to see?

You, too, can be the envy of your neighborhood by making a simple yet dramatic change to your home―copper gutters.

A home with copper gutters has instant curb appeal. Some people may want their gutters to not be noticed and have downspouts that are the same color as their home to camouflage them. Copper gutters and downspouts are not for these people. Copper gutters are no shrinking violet. They make a big statement, and that statement is, “Look how beautiful I am!” Copper gutters become a focal point that perfectly compliments the charm and character of your home. Whether you have an older house or a more modern home, copper gutters can give your house a look that’s old-fashioned yet surprisingly timeless.

When your copper gutters are first installed, they are bright copper like a new shiny penny. Over time, that penny color turns a lovely green patina that people love.

Your neighbors will wonder how you could afford the extravagance of copper gutters but here’s a secret: they’re not really more expensive. Initially, yes, they are. Copper gutters can cost anywhere from $8-$10 per linear foot, compared to $4-$8 per linear foot for aluminum and $3-$5 per linear foot for vinyl. But copper gutters have the most durability and strength of any material used in gutters today and if maintained, copper gutters can last a century! You may pay more upfront but your copper gutters will likely be the last gutters you’ll ever have to buy for your home.

Installation of copper gutters should be left to the professionals who are experienced with handling them. They require soldering and oils from the skin can cost the copper to discolor. A copper gutter expert will install your gutters with copper fasteners and fittings that will make your house a real showstopper. And if you’d like to keep the copper color, your gutters can be sealed regularly to keep the patina from developing.

With copper gutters adding beauty and interest to your home’s exterior, you’ll no longer have to live in the shadow of someone with a perfect lawn. Your house will be the talk of the neighborhood.
If you’d like to have copper gutters installed on your home, call the professionals at Gutter Pros. At Gutter Pros, we’re experts in all gutters and have the knowledge and experience to install your copper gutters the right way. We’re the leaders in commercial gutters, copper gutters, and leaf protection in the St. Louis area. Call GutterPros today at (314) 656-7195.

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

Fall has arrived in all its colorful glory. The vibrant leaves are beautiful as they dance through the air. In your gutters, they’re not so pretty.

Problems with Debris Build-Up
Leaves and debris can build up in your gutters and cause a host of problems such as infestations, foundation cracks, asphalt and concrete damage, and puddling in your landscaping. As the muck builds up in your gutters, they clog the water and become heavier and the added weight can cause the gutters to sag and break as well as put pressure on the fasteners. Leaks can cause electrical problems and lead to mold and unsanitary condition for workers. Whether it’s damage to your gutters or damage to your building, repairs or replacements can be a big expense that you weren’t prepared for.
Commercial gutters are particularly susceptible to clogs because the most common type of commercial gutters is box gutters designed to handle large volumes of water. Their open side is typically 6 inches or more, giving ample room for leaves to collect there.
If your commercial gutters are clogged, you have all of the same potentials for damage as residential gutters with the added risk of damage to the roof’s drainage system that is needed for flat-roofed facilities. If water backs up onto a flat roof, it can greatly increase the weight on your roof and can lead to a disaster. Commercial gutters are much heavier than their residential counterparts which means they’re much more expensive to repair or replace.

Importance of a Professional Inspection
After the leaves have fallen and before the freezing temperatures have hit, it’s important to have your commercial gutters cleaned and inspected for damage.
Inspecting commercial gutters is not merely looking them over. Experts know what to look for such as staining where water may have collected. They check all fasteners to make sure they’re secure and look for early signs of problems. Problems that are caught before they become a big problem are easier and less expensive to fix.

Importance of a Professional Cleaning
Cleaning commercial gutters is not only a disgusting job (think of all that decomposing muck) but it’s a dangerous one that should only be done by the professionals instead of maintenance personnel from your company. Even if your gutters can be accessed at the roof, there is a risk of falling which could injure your employee and your company would be completely liable.
Taking care of your gutters makes your business more professional-looking, welcoming, and shows potential customers that you put care and pride into your business.

Call Gutter Pros today at (314) 656-7195 and make an appointment to have your commercial gutters serviced by one of our experts. We’re the leaders in commercial gutters, copper gutters, and leaf protection in the St. Louis area and we can show you options in commercial leaf protection to help cut down on the frequency of your cleanings.

With an inspection and cleaning from Gutter Pros, your gutters will be ready when winter arrives!

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