Safety Tips When Handling or Using a Ladder

Ladders are important pieces of equipment that come in handy for numerous repairs. In fact, it’s difficult to thoroughly clean or inspect your gutters without one. Below, you will learn more about ladder safety to prevent injuries any time you use or handle a ladder.   Basic Safety Rules The American Ladder Institute points out that: many of the rules associated with ladder use are simply common-sense safety rules, that apply to any task. Of these, here are some of the most important: Do not climb a ladder if you are dizzy, tired, or prone to losing your balance.   Do not use a ladder in high winds or during a storm.   Always wear slip-resistant shoes.   Never attempt to… Continue reading »

A Comprehensive Guide to Downspout Drainage Options

A Downspout is the vertical section attached to a gutter, typically found on the corner of a home or building. A downspout moves water away from a home, preventing leaks, flooding, and costly damage. Before you buy your new downspouts from GutterSupply.com, take the time to check out the following guide to learn more about your many options.   Are Downspouts Enough for Your Needs? Downspouts come in various sizes in order to move large amounts of water away from your roof. Though, there are some cases when rainfall in an area is so heavy, that downspouts simply cannot move water away from your home quickly enough. In these instances, downspouts alone will not provide enough protection, so you will… Continue reading »

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Copper Gutters

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Copper Gutters Though aluminum is by far the most popular gutter material on the market today, due in part to its amazing blend of durability and affordability, copper is making a comeback – especially in historic renovations. Here, you can learn the ins and outs of copper gutters so you can make the best decision for your needs and budget. If you choose to purchase copper gutters and accessories, be sure to look at the huge selection at GutterSupply.com.   Picture Perfect Elegance If you’re interested in making your home look as stylish and chic as possible, copper gutters are an excellent choice, even if it isn’t the first choice among most homeowners…. Continue reading »

What Are Rain Chains and How Do They Work?

Have you ever looked at the exterior of your home and thought about different ways to make it look more original and unique? If so, you are certainly not alone. Many homeowners are making the transition from traditional downspouts to rain chains, an ancient Japanese alternative that offers as much beauty as functionality. If you choose to go this route after learning more about them, you can browse the huge selection of rain chains at GutterSupply.com.   Rain Chains Explained Your gutter system is comprised of tubes or half-tubes that capture rainwater from your roof, move it to the corners of your home, and then allow it to fall to the ground and away from your home via vertical attachments… Continue reading »

Thinking About Exterior Renovation? Here’s What You Should Know About Painting Gutters

Exterior renovation is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal, make it more desirable to prospective buyers, or perhaps just refresh the look of your home. For many homeowners, painting is one of the biggest undertakings in an exterior renovation project, and there are plenty of questions surrounding gutters. Here, you’ll learn the basics of painting your gutters and how to get the best possible results.   Yes, You Can Paint Metal Gutters It’s a common misconception that metal gutters cannot be painted, and many homeowners either replace their gutters altogether or simply deal with a color they do not like because of it. The truth is that painting gutters is not only possible, but it’s also relatively… Continue reading »

Now Is a Good Time to Visually Inspect Your Gutters

Full-fledged gutter inspections are usually best put off until the warmer months when it’s safer to climb a ladder and get a closer look. However, even the winter can be a great time for simple visual inspections from the ground – and you might just spot something that could prevent a disaster from occurring, too. Here’s what you should look for during your wintertime visual inspection.   Things to Check During Your Basic Inspection   If there’s snow on the ground, you’ll likely want to conduct your inspection from the ground. The good news is that you can spot most of the serious issues that can cause problems in this way. When walking around your home, be sure to check… Continue reading »

Why Now Might be a Good Time to Remove the Snow from Your Gutters

Though there are plenty of tools and accessories available today that are designed to prevent the formation of ice dams and the build-up of snow in your gutters, in some cases, it’s a good idea to manually remove that snow yourself. Here, you will learn more about the reasons why built-up snow can be dangerous as well as a few tips for its safe removal.   The Dangers of Snow in Your Gutters   Though it may seem that the snow will simply melt and flow through your gutters as intended, this is not always the case. When it is very cold outside, the sun reflecting from your roof and even heating your gutters may begin to melt some of… Continue reading »

Why Metal Gutters are (Sometimes) Better than Vinyl

Depending on where you live, you may want to think twice when deciding between vinyl and metal gutters. Although vinyl gutters are quite popular in many parts of the country, due to their ease of installation, affordability, and various colors and textures, they come with a unique set of downfalls that make metal gutters superior in many different ways. Take a look at what sets vinyl and metal gutters apart:   Why People Choose Vinyl Gutters   With all the various materials available for gutters, including steel, aluminum, and copper, people still choose vinyl relatively often. Vinyl has some advantages that are difficult to deny. It comes in more colors and textures than metal, and it’s incredibly affordable at the… Continue reading »

Is That Rust on Your Gutter? Use These Tips to Keep it from Spreading

Over the life of your gutters, there’s a very good chance you will need to clean them (more than once) and perhaps even perform a few repairs. Of all the things that could possibly go wrong, rust is one of the most common — and unfortunately, it is also one of the worst things to go wrong. When left unchecked, rust can take over and render your gutters virtually useless. The tips below will help you keep rust in check and prevent unnecessary replacement.   What Causes Rust in the First Place?   Rust is the result of a chemical reaction between iron and oxygen when it meets water or moisture in the air. This combination results in the reddish-colored… Continue reading »

How Often Should You Clean and Inspect Your Gutters?

If you are like most homeowners, cleaning and inspecting your gutters is one of the dreaded tasks you put on your spring-cleaning list each year. Though it’s a good idea to do it during the spring, depending on your unique situation, it may not be enough. Below, you will learn more about how often you should be cleaning and inspecting your gutters based on your unique needs — and how to make it simpler and easier, too.   Not All Homes are the Same   Before falling into the same routine as your friends and family when it comes to gutter cleaning and inspection, there’s one very important thing to keep in mind — not all home landscapes are the… Continue reading »