Although you'll save a little money by performing your own gutter cleaning and maintenance, it may not always be safe. It usually requires climbing up onto a ladder that may be on uneven ground to get to the gutters.
Q: Which are typically more expensive, copper or aluminum gutters? A: Copper will generally cost you more than aluminum gutters, though the price will depend on the contractor you’re using.
There are several benefits of installing a seamless, or continuous, gutter system. Not only does this type of gutter design have a much lower potential for leaks, but these gutters are also more durable overall and more attractive than sectional gutters.
Did you know that ancient Greeks and Romans used gargoyles on their buildings to direct rain away from important parts of the buildings? Some believe that the gargoyles were also used to ward off evil spirits.
Depending on the slope of your roof, you may find that there are certain places where rain waterfalls down onto your yard. Since this can lead to significant erosion issues, installing gutters could help to keep your lawn intact.
When it comes to steel gutters, protective coatings become important. Galvanized steel is a good option, as are galvalume coatings, which are formulated from a mixture of aluminum and zinc.
Copper gutters can be both a practical and aesthetic addition to your home or building, especially if you have a copper, tile, or cedar shingle roof. Their profiles can be shaped to match the building’s architectural design, and they will gradually adopt copper’s distinctive green patina.
Flat roofs must are more likely to need repairs than pitched roofs, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. Standing water on roofs indicates a drainage problem and can eventually break down the protective roof coating.
Since water is one of the most destructive elements in nature, it’s critical that homeowners take precautions to keep its erosive powers away from their foundations. Let’s talk about how installing gutters could help with this important goal.
As with most industries, the gutter trade has its own vocabulary. Care to guess the definition of the word "soaker?" It's a small section of gutter running along the high side of a chimney.
Rotted wood is a common and serious symptom of clogged gutters. This occurs when the debris has piled above the shingle line or flashing, holding moisture in. This rotted wood could lead to structural damage to your home.
If you want to avoid sludge build up and leaf damns in your rain gutters, what accessory item can help eliminate these maintenance hassles? If you guessed leaf screens or gutter covers, you're right.
We understand that no one likes the idea of finding a lake of water hiding in their basement. While waterproofing techniques are always a good idea for basements, installing gutters can help direct water away from potential entry points to the basement.
Do you have standing water around your property after a heavy rainfall? Sometimes this is just the lay of your property, but if it’s too close to your house, then it might mean your gutters are damaged. Get them inspected to make sure that they’re directing water away from your house.
Guard guards are basically a form of leaf protection. These units cover the top of your gutter, allowing water to flow freely through the gutter bottom while preventing debris from falling into the gutter and interrupting the flow.
A popular gutter material, particularly in northern climes with snow and ice conditions, is galvanized steel. It's strong, inexpensive, and not as likely to expand and contract with the cold, but it does require regular maintenance to prevent rust.
Properly installed and maintained gutters should last as long as your home. Starting with quality components and getting professional help with maintenance makes a big difference. Gutters in climates with extreme temperatures and regular ice blockage don't last as long.
It’s important to remember that gutters don’t have to be the unsightly eyesores they were in decades past. Modern gutters come in a variety of colors and styles, making it possible to better match them with the color scheme of your house. In some cases, you’ll have to tell people you have gutters for them to see them.
If you live in an area with lots of mature trees that are taller than your house, cleaning your gutters twice a year may not be enough. In this case, consider cleaning them once a season.
Cracks in your gutters can mean more than just damage to your gutters. Cracks let water out where it’s not supposed to go. That water can very quickly damage the fascia behind the gutters or the shingles above them. When you see them, it’s a good time to replace your gutters.
Gutters direct rain onto the ground and away from your home. Without gutters water would splash onto your home, perhaps staining stucco or siding. If there is dirt from a garden near the house, rain can damage these gardens and leave mud streaks on the home.
Were you aware that standing water and the presence of debris in your roof gutter system can do more than cause water leaks? It can also attract vermin like squirrels, mice and rats, as well as a variety of insects, including mosquitoes some types of termites.
