One of the easiest ways to tell if your gutter is clogged is if water is running over the edge. This will create a loud noise when it's raining and send water flooding into your yard near the foundation of your home.
In determining whether your gutters are in need of repair or replacement, the primary thing you need to look for is any sign of water leakage. Remember, the main purpose of gutters is to direct water away from the exterior and foundation of your home.
If there are several trees in your yard, it's probably a good idea to clean out your gutters - or hire a service to handle the job - once a month. It doesn't take long for leaves to build in your gutters and create pools of standing water that slowly eat through the gutter.
What should I expect if I choose copper rain gutters? Experts say copper ages uniquely and changes color over time. No two copper gutter systems age exactly the same. They will turn brown, purple, dark brown and often end up a greenish color. Many homeowners appreciate both the durability and strength of copper along with the aesthetics.
Were you aware that roof leaks caused by standing water can often be attributed to the accumulation of dead leaves and other debris in gutters and downspouts? One way to help protect your roof is to keep your gutters in good condition.
Homes that have basements or crawlspaces have a specific need for gutters along the roof life: they work to keep these areas dry by restricting water penetration from roof runoff. Gutters also keep slab foundations dry.
Can you imagine having gutters made of wood? Back in the Colonial times and early days of the US, hollowed-out logs were commonly used for water projects, including water pipes and gutters, especially on houses for the lower and middle classes.
In order to clean your gutters, you’ll need to access them via a ladder. But ladders are no joke. In fact, over 164,000 ER visits caused by falls from ladders occur annually in the US.
While insurance generally does not cover the cost of repairs or replacements of rain gutters, there is an exception. If the gutters must be replaced because of damage from a wind or hailstorm, a homeowner's policy will provide coverage.
Did you know that steel gutters typically perform better than aluminum or vinyl ones do? Aluminum gutters tend to expand and contract in hot and cold weather, which can cause the nails and screws to loosen.
When dealing with your gutters and roof, you've probably run across the term "fascia board." It refers to a protecting horizontal member covering the juncture between the top of a wall and its projecting eaves.
One way to clean out gutters is to use a leaf blower and blast away any leaves or obstructions from your gutters. Be careful working from a ladder or on top of the roof, and keep in mind that it is easy to damage the shingles or tiles while walking on the roof.
Excessive gutter debris causes a buildup that traps water. This water encourages corrosion, which eats away at the gutter, leading to breakage. Regular cleaning prevents this and helps to prolong the life of the gutters.
A downspout is a completely round pipe-like apparatus that's attached to the ends of your gutter. This gives the water that collects in your gutters a place to go while directing that water away from your home.
Wondering how a gutter installer can make seamless gutters so quickly? The answer is roll forming. Your gutters start as a large roll of aluminum. The aluminum is passed through roll formers that make it into gutters right at your home.
Not sure what type of gutter material to choose? Elements to consider here include the durability of the material, the curb appeal (and how the gutters will complement your home), weather resistance, and the extent of your budget.
Care to guess the "creepy" statuary the ancient Greeks used to divert water off the roofs of their buildings? If you answered gargoyles, you're right. Roof gargoyles may have also served a secondary function -- to scare away evil spirits.
Did you know that gutters come in several sizes and shapes that are called profiles? The most common type of gutter used today in residential applications is the open gutter. These gutter systems come in 2 sizes: 5 inches and 6 inches.
Gutters may look fragile, but they take a lot of punishment. Here's an example: One inch of rain running off a 1,500 square foot roof produces over 1,000 gallons of water in a short period of time. That water is routed through the gutter system.
Open gutters need to be regularly cleaned of leaves and debris in order to function properly. In the course of collecting water, these gutter systems also collect leaves, acorns, pine needles, and other debris, which can lead to clogs and eventual destruction of the gutter itself.
Q: Is it fairly easy to clean gutters, or do people usually hire a professional to do the job? A: Many people choose to do this themselves. Just make sure you have a good ladder and that you place the gunk on a tarp to protect your lawn.
Have you ever noticed that even a light shower can create sheets of water that pour off your roof? If this is happening over your entry doors, you may be tracking in more water and mud than is necessary. Installing gutters can make a big improvement.
