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 »

Expert Tips on How to Save Time When Cleaning Your Gutters

Of all the tasks homeowners perform each year to keep their home in tip-top condition, cleaning the gutters probably falls somewhere near the bottom of the favorites list. Despite this, it is a task that must be done to prevent everything from destroyed landscaping and roof leaks to problems as detrimental as foundation cracks. Below are some tips from the experts to help you save time when it comes to gutter cleaning.   Keep Branches Trimmed Back Most of the debris that makes its way into your gutter system falls from tree limbs and branches that extend over your roof. This means that one of the absolute best ways to reduce the frequency and extent of gutter cleaning is to… Continue reading »

Gutter Replacement and Curb Appeal: Which Material Should You Choose?

Your gutters serve one primary function – to move water off your roof and away from your home in order to protect your landscaping, foundation, and roof. However, just because they are functional, that does not mean they shouldn’t be aesthetically pleasing. Below, you’ll learn about the most popular gutter materials and how they can affect your home’s overall curb appeal.   Aluminum Aluminum is the most popular gutter material among homeowners in the United States, and for good reason. It’s durable, it’s lightweight, and it’s affordable – plenty for consumers to love. However, its economical price does come at another cost, and that’s the fact that aluminum is easily damaged by debris and even high wind. Over time, you… Continue reading »

A Few Simple Tips to Help Keep Your Gutters Looking Like New

Keeping your home clean around the clock is a time- and energy-consuming endeavor, but if you want your home to look nice both inside and out, it’s also necessary. Though many homeowners groan at the notion of cleaning their gutters, doing so helps them last longer – and it protects your home. The tips below will help you do just that, and they’ll make your gutters look like new for many years to come, too.   Choose the Right Material for Your Climate and Home Keeping your gutters looking like new starts with choosing the right gutter materials in the first place. Vinyl is versatile and comes in any color imaginable, including more contemporary options, but it isn’t the best… Continue reading »

The Rainy Season is Here! Check Your Gutters Now for Leaks!

Rainy days can be frustrating to say the least. If your gutters are leaking, the frustration grows even more. Leaky gutters can cause all kinds of problems, ranging from a slight annoyance, to a repair valued at tens of thousands of dollars. Here are some of the reasons why you should be checking your gutters for leaks sooner rather than later.   Leaks Lead to Roof and Fascia Damage When your gutters are leaking and failing to move water as they should, it can result in roof leaks. Most of the time, homeowners are not even aware that these leaks exist until the damage has already been done. By the time you see water spots on the inside of your… Continue reading »

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 »