Category: dispatch

Your gutters manage water flow around your property and secure your home against costly damage. It can be a challenge to choose the right kinds of gutters. The most important features to look for are weather resistance, durability, and appearance. Here is a guide for deciding which gutter materials are best for your home.

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum gutters are a lightweight and cost-effective option that leave your home’s exterior shining. Aluminum will not rust and is exceptionally weather resistant. In fact, these gutters even hold paint well, allowing you to tailor the appearance to your preferences. The only drawback is that the aluminum gutters are less strong than other types and may need more frequent replacing.

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are another cost-efficient and corrosion-free option. Though they are easy to install and are relatively lightweight, these factors work against them in places with extreme temperatures and large amounts of sunshine. Overexposure to the elements will result in cracking and breakdown, leading to continuous replacement.

Copper Gutters

Copper gutters are a unique and attractive option with a beautiful color that will never rust or warp. Highly weather-resistant, these strong gutters are the best choice for anyone who wants a long-term solution.

Stainless Steel Gutters

All steel gutters are durable, heavy, and strong. These gutters come in two main types: galvanized and stainless. Galvanized steel is rust-resistant, but oxidation will set in over time. However, stainless steel will never rust, and its shiny sheen is long-lasting.

Zinc Gutters

You may think of zinc as a random element on the periodic table, but it’s actually one of the top gutter materials. Highly durable and resistant to warping, this gutter type will weather every storm that comes its way.

When deciding which gutter materials are best for your home, it is best to consult with an expert. If you need professional gutter installation in Columbia, MD, reach out to our team at Gutter Maid today.

You need a warm and safe home, especially in the winter. Yet, snow and ice can accumulate and cause dangerous problems. The way you handle the buildup on your roof directly impacts your home security. Here is how to safely get rid of ice dams in gutters.

Rake the Snow

Though it’s the solution that requires the most prolonged, arduous work for you, the simplest option for ice dams involves raking the snow off your roof. You’ll need a rake that specifically works to remove snow from roofs. Take special care not to damage your shingles in the process; otherwise, it could turn into a costly affair.

Install Heated Coils

Chances are that you already have snow accumulation on your roof. But when you remove the current buildup or before more snow comes, you can install heated coils directly onto your roof. Professionals install these coils in a pattern that discourages snow accumulation. When you notice unnecessary snow collection, you can heat the coils and melt the snow off your roof.

Apply Calcium Chloride

One way to remove ice and snow is with a melting compound. Raking snow requires your physical labor, but you could sprinkle calcium chloride on your roof and let the chemicals do the work for you. Just like salting your driveway to melt snow, you can apply calcium chloride to your roof to melt the accumulation. However, there could be gaps in the melting pattern, so you should apply a new coat every few hours until the show has completely melted.

Contact a Professional

Ascending one or two stories into the air with icicles above and ice below is not a welcoming picture for many. Instead of tackling these projects yourself, contact a professional service to address the ice melting into your gutters. Our team at Gutter Maid is one of the best around and can help remove the ice dam and prevent further problems.

You need to know how to safely get rid of ice dams in gutters, or you could be looking at further home damage. If you need someone to help clean your gutters and remove excess ice, reach out to our team at Gutter Maid for professional gutter repair and installation.