Preparing Your Gutters for Snowfall: 5 Things to Keep in Mind

If you live in a part of the country where snowfall is to be expected in mid to late fall, now is the time to start thinking about the impact of that snow on your gutters. Below are five important considerations that you need to be making right now to ensure that your gutters and your roof are prepared for the incoming snow.   #1 – Clean Your Gutters   It’s important that you take the time to clean your gutters thoroughly before the first snowfall arrives. This will ensure that as the snow melts and the resulting water flows into your gutter system, it will be able to flow unimpeded. Depending on the temperature, it is possible for this… Continue reading »

What are Box Gutters and When Should You Use Them?

Box gutters are found primarily on older homes and structures that were built in the late 1800s until the early 1900s. They are much different from the gutters you’ll find on more modern homes, but at the time, only box gutters and copper gutters were readily available. Though they aren’t used very often anymore, there are times when you might prefer them. Here is everything you need to know about box gutters and the right time to use them.   What Makes a Box Gutter Different?   Unlike today’s gutters, which are made entirely from metal, box gutters were made from a wood frame covered by a very thin sheet of metal – typically something like stainless steel, copper, or… Continue reading »

 How to Keep Nesting Critters Out of Your Gutters This Fall

When you think about things that can get into gutters and cause clogs or problems, you probably think about leaves, pine needles, acorns, pinecones – all the usual culprits. However, depending on where you live (and depending on your local environment), nesting animals can also be a concern. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping birds, squirrels, and other nesting critters out of your gutters throughout the fall months.   Provide Other Living Spaces   In some situations, if you’re struggling to keep squirrels and birds out of your gutters, your best option might be to simply provide them with other habitats rather than trying various repellants. Strategically-placed birdhouses all across your property can do wonders to keep them… Continue reading »

Can a Gutter Guard Really Save You That Much Time and Trouble?

If you have ever contemplated installing gutter guards but you aren’t sure if they are worth the money, you are certainly not alone. Many homeowners across the country wonder whether gutter guards, which come in a wide variety of styles and types, can really save them time and trouble. Below, you’ll learn exactly how they work and discover the reasons why choosing the right gutter guard from the experts at Gutter Supply really can make your life simpler.   What Does a Gutter Guard Do?   A gutter guard is a device designed to fit over or even inside your gutter to prevent clogs and ice dams. They consist of screens, fine mesh, or even foam that keeps everything but… Continue reading »

A Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Cleaning a Downspout

Almost every homeowner knows that gutter cleaning should be a routine part of home maintenance, and while many people climb ladders a few times a year to scoop out leaves and other debris, very few take the time to properly clean their downspouts. Omitting this important step can lead to serious issues, but the guide below can make this job simpler, faster, and far more effective.   Step 1 – Choose the Right Time to Clean Your Downspouts   If you want to make this process as simple as possible, you need to choose the right time to clean your downspouts. Ideally, you should only start this task when the debris inside the gutter system is likely to be dry…. Continue reading »

Compatibility and What Not to Do with Your Copper Gutter

Though many homeowners love the look of copper gutters, especially as they age and develop that gorgeous greenish patina, the truth is that they aren’t compatible with all homes and architectural styles. Below, you can learn more about what kinds of homes can benefit the most from copper gutters (and which ones won’t) as well as some of the things to avoid when it comes to your new copper gutters.   When are Copper Gutters the Best Fit? Copper gutters add an air of elegance to homes, but only in some cases. For the most part, these gutters were specifically designed to be used with high-end, luxurious landmark homes that truly stand out from the homes around them. Examples include… Continue reading »

The Tools of the Trade Needed for Installing Copper Gutters

The various tools required for installing copper gutters do not differ much from the tools you will use to install other types of gutter systems. It is important to keep in mind that copper is much heavier than more common materials like aluminum, so it is important to prepare for the extra weight and how you will accommodate it during installation. Otherwise, be sure that you have the following tools handy.   Quality Ladders Ladders are some of the most important tools a gutter installer can have in his or her arsenal. It is ideal to have several ladder sizes available to you, and it is also important to make sure you buy good quality ladders that will provide ample… Continue reading »

How Much Does It Cost to Install Copper Gutter Systems?

When homeowners want a timeless classic look, especially for a historic home, there’s nothing quite like copper gutters to satisfy that desire. Not only are copper gutters incredibly elegant, but they are also strong and durable, and they will often last a century or more. Below, you can learn more about the installation costs associated with copper gutter systems as well as a few tips to save some money.   How Much Gutter Does a Standard Home Need? Though individual homes will vary a great deal, the average amount of gutter required for an American home is anywhere from 125 to 200 feet, and this will ultimately determine the price for the materials needed to complete the job. However, it… Continue reading »

Gutter Cleaning: When to DIY vs. When to Call a Pro

Most homeowners have cleaned their gutters at one point at another, even though it is a task that just about everyone dreads. Although it may seem common to see homeowners cleaning their own gutters – whether they do so on the roof or with specialty tools – there are times when it may be best to call a pro. Learning more about this is important not only for your home, but also for your personal safety. Here’s what you should know.   What’s Involved in Gutter Cleaning? For the most part, cleaning your gutter is a matter of reaching inside the gutter system and pulling out debris like leaves, pine needles, acorns, twigs – anything that can fall out of… Continue reading »

Understanding the Different Materials Gutters Are Made From

Traditionally, gutters are made from a handful of materials designed to be lightweight and strong at the same time. Today, there are well over a dozen different gutter materials from which to choose. By taking the time to understand the basic pros and cons of the most popular gutter materials – aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, zinc, and vinyl – you can make better choices about your own purchases.   Aluminum Aluminum gutters are the most popular options among American homeowners. They are extremely lightweight so as not to cause damage to homes, and they come in a wide variety of colors. The biggest benefit of aluminum gutters is their rust resistance, and this makes them perfect for climates where rainfall… Continue reading »