We replaced compromised fascia board, fabricated and installed a new fascia cover, and re-installed loose soffit panels before installing a new seamless gutter for our customer in Silver Spring, MD.
Fascia Repair & Gutter Installation
Category: From Installation Site
Do Gutters With Gutter Guards Still Need To Be Cleaned?
Gutter guards prevent foliage and critters from harming your water drainage system. While gutter guards do a fantastic job, they can’t keep everything out. So, do gutters with gutter guards still need to be cleaned?
Gutter Materials | Deciding Which Is Best for Your Home
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.
Icicles on Gutters and Why They Can Signal a Problem
Winter brings a whole host of weather conditions. Snow can be fun, but it can also accumulate, melt, and drip into icicles. These icicles pose threats to passersby and property alike, so you should address them before they become too large and heavy. Here’s more about icicles on gutters and why they can signal a problem.
Why Icicles Form
Icicles are beautiful, icy stalactites that form on roofs under certain wintry conditions. When snow accumulates through the winter months, the slow cycle of snowfall, slight melting, and icy dripping turns fluffy snow into rock-hard icicles. The snow on your roof melts over time when heat escapes your home and unsettles the bottom layers. This semi-frozen water then drips into your gutters, which are already laden with snow or debris that keeps the liquid from flowing through the downspouts. This buildup eventually overflows and drips out the side, forming icicles underneath.
Common Root Problems
Icicles are naturally occurring, but certain practices and problems with your house could affect their pervasiveness and severity. Poor insulation is often at fault for the formation of large icicles and ice dams in your gutters. Heat naturally rises, so much of your home’s heat goes to your roof. If the home cannot keep this heat in, the snow on your roof will melt, creating icicles.
Poor ventilation is also a culprit for recurring icicles. Many people who have hot roofs use fans to blow this hot air out the top or back through the house—anything to get the heat away from the roof. Without ventilation, the heat buildup will allow the bottommost snow to thaw and refreeze in dangerous patterns.
How To Address the Issue
You can head off icicles and ice dams in several ways. First, make sure your roof insulation is working well, and consider adding a few more inches to keep hot air far away from the snow. You can also install better fans and openings for ventilation. Another one of the best ways to fix the issue of icicles is to address your gutters. Find a gutter maintenance service to deice and clean your gutters so that any freezing water, snow, or ice will flow freely through your system. With any of these solutions, you can make it through the winter unharmed by falling icicles.
Once you know about icicles on gutters and why they can signal a problem, you can take steps to head off these issues proactively. If you have icicles and need help removing them or repairing your gutters, reach out to us at Gutter Maid—one of the best gutter installation companies around.
How To Safely Get Rid of Ice Dams in Gutters
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.
Common Gutter Myths | Separating Fact From Fiction
You have all kinds of accoutrements and pieces in your home that don’t immediately make sense. Yet, everything from nonfunctional shutters to roof gutters serves a purpose. To address any misconceptions, here are common gutter myths: separating fact from fiction.
No Trees Means No Debris
Your gutters are an essential part of your home’s water drainage system. Yet, undue amounts of debris render them less effective. If you lack trees in your yard, you may think that no debris gets into your gutters. Though foliage is the main culprit of clogged gutters, it isn’t the only thing that can stop your water flow. Check your gutters regularly for debris and have a cleaning service wash out any chunks of dirt or ice in your gutters.
Gutters Don’t Work in Severe Storms
Many people think that gutters don’t work during severe storms. This is simply not true. Yes, gutters only operate at a maximum capacity and can become overrun with water. But this doesn’t mean they aren’t performing their essential duties. Gutters chiefly work to funnel water away from vulnerable places, such as your home’s foundation. When the sky rains heavily, water still flows through the usual channels even if a bit ends up spilling over the top. Your gutters still reduce the amount of water that pools in harmful spots.
You Don’t Need Maintenance if You Have Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are quite useful and reduce the number of problems with your gutters year-round. However, that doesn’t mean smaller items like small twigs, dirt, and other debris don’t make it past your protectors. You will need maintenance on your gutters, so check your system’s state from time to time. Without oversight and preparedness, you could have gutter issues even with guards in place.
These common gutter myths that separate fact from fiction can help you better assess your home’s exterior. If you need the help of a gutter installation service to address and fix any problems, contact our team at Gutter Maid today.
6″ Seamless Half Round Gutters | Gaithersburg, Maryland
Check out this recent project based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. We installed brand new 6” half round seamless gutters that not only look aesthetically appealing, but now protect the building from structural damage caused by rain water and debris.
What You Should Know About Sagging Gutters
Home maintenance can be a drag, especially if you don’t know what to do about your problems. When your home exterior begins to fall apart, you should figure out what’s causing the issues. Here is what you should know about sagging gutters.
Common Catalysts for Sagging
Gutters don’t just start sagging and fall off your roof for no reason. There are a few common culprits behind this frustrating situation. Gutters often loosen up over time after a consistent barrage of rain, wind, leaves, and other debris. Heavy rainfall or immense leaf buildup will weigh down your gutters, placing undue strain on joints and fixtures that would otherwise be fine. Sagging can also happen due to warped materials. Every gutter only lasts so long before rust or other decay eats away at it.
Why Sagging Is a Problem
You may wonder why it’s such a big deal if your gutters sag a bit. Well, your gutters only work if they’re close to the roof to catch the water. If there’s a gap, water will likely miss your gutters. This extra water can then pool and flood your home, foundation, or yard. Sagging is also the first stage of gutters falling completely off the roof. In a shower of metal and small nails, unsecured gutters can fall on unsuspecting people. Keep everyone safe by addressing the problem at its source.
What To Do About Sagging Gutters
Before you do anything else, you should take photos of the gutter sagging for your records in case something was to happen involving falling gutters. See how bad the damage is and determine if you can make a quick fix yourself. Otherwise, call a gutter professional who can scale a ladder and examine the problem. A trained worker will have the tools and skill to either affix your gutters back to the roof or put up a new piece altogether.
What you should know about sagging gutters is they’re a hazard to you, your family, and your guests. You can keep your roof from falling by finding a quality gutter installation service like what we provide at Gutter Maid. Give us a call and solve your gutter issues today!
Reasons To Choose Copper Gutters for Your Home
Though your gutters are an essential part of your home’s water drainage system, they do not have to detract from your home’s exterior charm. There are plenty of options, such as copper, that go beyond the simple white gutters you see on most homes. These are the top reasons to choose copper gutters for your home.
Superior Look
You put a lot of effort, time, and money into your home to make it clean and beautiful. However, you may have a difficult time accessorizing the exterior. Sure, you can work on the landscaping, but these alterations do not change the cosmetic appearance of the building itself. So, turn to items like your gutters. Though these pieces perform essential functions for your home’s protection, they need not be eyesores. Copper gutters make your home look stylish, polished, and attractive. Their gleam and hue will surely draw people’s eyes and bring your décor together.
Sustainable Material
Copper does not just look pretty; it also stays that way. One of copper’s metallic properties is its resistance to corrosion. Unlike other gutter materials that rust over time, copper stays shiny and bright all year long. No matter what debris or weather is common for your town, copper will remain rust-free. Thus, it is one of the most sustainable gutter options. This means there will be less to clean over time, reducing the cost of any repairs or replacements from rust. If you do need to replace your copper gutters, though, the material is recyclable, making it a better choice for the environment.
Flexible Frame
Copper is quite flexible compared to typical aluminum gutters. This is a critical property because it will not easily crack or break during weather extremes. High heat and freezing ice cause water and debris in your gutters to expand and contract. Copper’s flexibility allows your gutters to adapt to the seasons and reduce the need for repair and replacement down the road.
These are just a few reasons to choose copper gutters for your home. With the right research and application, you can find beautiful copper gutters for your house in no time. If you are looking for a gutter installation contractor to furnish your home with copper gutters, reach out to our professionals here at Gutter Maid today!
How To Keep Your Gutters From Freezing
The cold fall and winter months are fast approaching, and it is time to anticipate your home’s exterior needs. When it comes to your water drainage system, you will need to figure out how to prevent wintry weather from damaging your setup. Here are some tips for how to keep your gutters from freezing.
Clear Out Debris
Debris is one of the top culprits for frozen gutters. If there are blockages along the route, water will not flow freely through your gutters and out your downspouts. These blockages allow water to pool, and if it is cold enough, form ice. So, before the first snow or frozen rain, clear out your gutters from fall foliage and other debris.
Shovel Your Roof
Keeping your gutters from freezing is no simple task and this preventative method is not for the faint of heart, but it is essential for those living in frigid and snow-laden regions. If you have a large amount of snow simply laying on your rooftop, try climbing up there and shoveling excess snow off. This will prevent any roof damage from the heavy snow and keep your gutters clear from overwhelming amounts of melting snow.
Check Your Gutter Slope
Though icicles are a beautiful part of the winter wonderland, they are a danger to anything underneath. With the right gust of wind, they will chip clean off and smash on the ground, hurting anyone or anything below. That is why you must check your gutter slope. Any excess water that does not flow down the gutters and downspouts will build and flow over the gutter sides, forming icicles. Before it becomes a problem, check your gutter slope to ensure proper exiting water flow. If you notice stagnant or slow-moving areas, make necessary repairs before winter weather sets in.
Consider Salting
When it snows or ices, you may salt your driveway and sidewalk, but you should consider salting your gutters as well. The additional sodium chloride will ensure any ice or snow that accumulates in your water drainage system will melt and properly evacuate. Salting is a simple and passive way to prevent ice dams and icicles—once you lay down the salt, you just wait for it to do its job.
Knowing how to keep your gutters from freezing keeps your drainage system safe and properly flowing all winter long. If you are looking for gutter repair or gutter installation in Silver Spring, MD, reach out to our professionals here at Gutter Maid today.