Month: January 2019

Home Improvement: Gutter Installation and Planning Tips

Posted on January 2, 2019 by - Know Your Roof

gutter installation

If you neglect your home’s gutters, you could end up having all sorts of problems on your hands over the next few months. Snow, ice, rain, and all sorts of debris can pile up and clog your gutters, causing structural damage, basement flooding, and all kinds of other expensive issues.

Although keeping your gutters clean and properly maintained is essential, so is having them properly installed. If your gutters aren’t properly installed, you’re going to experience many more gutter-related problems.

Here are some gutter installation planning tips to keep in mind in order to avoid costly and damaging issues down the line:

  • Inspect your roof — When you have to have new gutters installed on your home, you need to inspect every inch of your roof to ensure that there is nothing wrong. Take a look at the soffit and fascia for signs of rotted wood. If you do notice any rotted wood, you’ll have to have it replaced before new rain gutters are installed.
  • Locate all the downspouts — To increase the capacity of your new gutter system, you should add more downspouts. Take a look around your house and identify where all the downspouts could be placed. Drawing a sketch of your home or roof will allow you to identify where the best spot for unobstructed downspouts. You’ll need one downspout for about every 30 to 40 linear feet of gutter. Additionally, it’s recommended to place downspouts in inconspicuous locations.
  • Hire gutter cleaning technicians — Professional gutter cleaners aren’t just knowledgeable about gutter cleaning, but installation and maintenance tasks, as well. Since cutting, joining, and hanging gutter sections can be extremely difficult, it’s important to work with professionals who are experienced in gutter installation. Also, you likely won’t have all the required tools and materials necessary for installing a new gutter on your home. Though you most likely have a cordless drill and an extension ladder, you’ll still need a crimper, gutter flashing, gutter sealant, elbows, self-tapping hex head acres, rivets, gutter hanging strap, and other items — professional gutter services will have everything needed for this project.

If you’re looking for skilled local gutter installers and want to work with professional gutter installation services, give Gutter Maid a call today.

3 Tips For Limiting and Preventing Winter Damage to Your Gutters

Posted on January 2, 2019 by - Gutter Cleaning

professional gutter cleaners

You know how important it is to clean out your gutters after the fall since all those leaves are likely blocking water and leading to potential household problems. But it’s even more imperative to keep your gutters clean and working properly over the winter.

Even the slightest problem with your gutters can lead to major, costly, and damaging issues down the line. In fact, clogged gutters are actually the number one cause of basement water problems. In order to avoid basement flooding and mold growth, as well as other structural damage to your home, it’s important to take excellent care of your gutters over the winter.

Here are some great homeowner tips for limiting and preventing serious winter damage to your gutters:

  • Hire professional gutter cleaners — No matter how often you get on your roof and clean out your gutters, you’re never going to be 100% sure they are thoroughly clean and working correctly without the help of professional gutter cleaners. Luckily, you can work with a quality gutter cleaning company that can offer not just cleaning assistance, but gutter replacement and gutter installation services, as well.
  • Regularly inspect your gutters and roof — Even after you’ve had your gutters thoroughly cleaned or repaired, you should take a look at your roof and every inch of your gutters every few weeks to make sure there aren’t any breaks or blockages. Make sure there aren’t any gaps or leaks within your gutters or visual damages to your roof.
  • Upgrade your insulation — Insulation is key for a home over the winter in order to keep your family comfortable, heating costs down, and avoid other issues. But insulation can also ensure the best performance for your gutters. Quality insulation and ventilation can prevent ice dams from forming in your gutters and on your roof, subsequently stopping further damage from occurring.

If you are ready to ensure that your home’s gutters are ready for the new year and want to work with professional gutter cleaners, give Gutter Maid a call right away!