Contractors
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 »
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 »