Often overlooked and underappreciated, gutters play an important role in protecting your home and property from water damage. When functioning properly, gutters direct rainwater away from your house efficiently, safeguarding your foundation, roof, and landscaping. However, all gutters have a lifespan, as well as the potential for damage under certain conditions. Neglecting a necessary gutter repair can lead to costly consequences. Below are several reasons why homeowners should have regular professional gutter inspections and not postpone an essential gutter repair.
Prevent Damage
One of the most compelling reasons not to delay gutter repairs is to prevent damage to your home. When gutters become damaged or clogged, rainwater cannot flow as intended. Instead, it may overflow, leading to water seepage into your home’s foundation, walls, and possibly even lower parts of your roof. This can result in expensive structural damage, including foundation cracks, rotting wood, and water stains. By addressing gutter issues promptly, you can mitigate the risk of these costly repairs and ensure that your home remains structurally sound.
One of the best ways to prevent future damage is to regularly clean your gutters. If you have your gutters cleaned professionally, your gutter specialist can do regular on-site inspections and identify any potential problems early, before they become a big issue.
Protect Your Roof
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home’s structure, and gutters are your first line of defense against water damage. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to pool on your roof, leading to leaks, shingle damage, and even structural problems. Timely gutter repairs help to safeguard your roof, extend its lifespan, and prevent the need for costly roof repairs or replacements.
Preserve Landscaping
Well-maintained gutters protect your landscaping by directing rainwater away from your flowerbeds, shrubs, mulched gardens, and grass. Neglected gutter issues can lead to water pouring directly onto your landscaping, causing soil erosion, root damage, and even the loss of plants, shrubs, and other greenery. A well-functioning gutter system can help preserve your home’s curb appeal and the value of your property.
Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth
Excess moisture in and around your home can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. When gutters are not functioning correctly, water can seep into your walls and foundation, creating a damp environment that can promote the growth of these harmful substances. Mold and mildew not only compromise indoor air quality but can also require costly remediation efforts. By addressing gutter issues promptly, homeowners can reduce the risk of mold and mildew infestations.
Reduce Pest Infestations
Clogged gutters can also become a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and insects. Allowing water to pool in gutters (called standing water) can provide an ideal environment for unwanted guests to thrive. By postponing a necessary gutter repair, you are essentially creating the potential for pests to eventually find their way into your home. Timely maintenance and repairs ensure that your gutters remain pest-free and allow for a healthier living environment all around.
Prevent Ice Dams
Here in the Northeast, ice dams can be a significant problem. Ice dams happen when a snow or ice storm occurs and snow and ice accumulate on your roof. The risk of ice dam formation increases when gutters are clogged or damaged, preventing proper drainage. These ice dams can lead to water infiltration and damage to your home’s interior. Timely gutter repairs are essential to prevent ice dams and the subsequent damage they can cause. For more information on ice dams, see our article here.
Preserve the Value of Your Home
Maintaining your gutters is an integral part of home maintenance. When gutter maintenance is deferred, your home’s value can depreciate. Potential buyers and appraisers often consider the condition of gutters as a reflection of the overall care and maintenance of the property. Keeping your gutters in excellent condition helps to preserve the value of your home, making it more appealing to future buyers.
Avoid Emergency Repairs
Postponing a gutter repair can lead to a potential emergency situation that is more extensive and disruptive to your daily life. A leaky roof, water infiltration, or structural damage due to neglected gutters can necessitate immediate and costly repairs. Avoid the stress and financial strain of emergency repairs by addressing a gutter issue as soon as you become aware of it.
One of the best ways to avoid damage is to have your gutters cleaned regularly. A good gutter specialist will also inspect your gutters to identify and address any potential problems. Homeowners should also not underestimate the importance of timely gutter repairs. Neglected gutter maintenance can lead to a host of problems, from structural damage and roof issues to mold infestations and landscape degradation.
By keeping your gutters clean and addressing gutter problems promptly, you can protect your home, prevent further damage, and maintain your property’s value. Take proactive and routine care of your gutters to ensure a safe, dry, and structurally sound home and property.
Maintaining a property involves a multitude of tasks, and one often overlooked but crucial aspect is gutter maintenance. Gutters play a vital role in safeguarding your home from water damage, sitting quietly on your roofline and going mostly unnoticed. But gutters can become a serious source of trouble if not properly maintained.
Homeowners who find regular gutter maintenance hard to remember and keep up with should consider installing gutter guards to protect the long-term life of their gutters and property. Below are the numerous benefits gutter guards offer and why they are a smart long-term investment for homeowners.
Gutter Guards Offer Low Maintenance
One of the most significant advantages of gutter guards is the automatic protection they offer against clogs. Gutters are designed to divert rainwater away from your home but can become clogged with leaves, debris, and other obstructions. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which can eventually damage your home’s foundation, roof, and siding over time. This is why regular gutter cleaning is so important.
Gutter guards essentially eliminate the need for regular cleaning. Depending on the type of gutter guard product your gutter installer chooses and the skill level of the gutter installer, the right gutter guards can virtually leave your gutters maintenance-free for years to come.
Good quality gutter guards act as a barrier, preventing leaves and debris from entering gutters, which ensures that water can flow freely through gutter pipes. This eliminates the need to hire a gutter cleaning company. If you do your own gutter cleaning, this gives you back the time you normally invest in regularly cleaning out the gutters yourself. Gutter guards not only protect your home but also save the time and effort expended on regular gutter cleaning.
Gutter Guards Extend Gutter Lifespan
Gutters are continuously exposed to the elements, making them vulnerable to rust and corrosion over time. Gutter guards act as a shield, preventing debris from collecting in the gutters and contributing to moisture buildup. By reducing exposure to the elements and the damaging effects of standing water, this kind of protection extends the lifespan of your gutters.
An investment in gutter guards saves homeowners the headache and costs of gutter replacements, as well as the time and effort required for maintenance and repairs. With proper care, your gutters can quietly serve your home for many years to come without homeowner involvement. This can be welcome news to busy homeowners.
Gutter Guards Increase Home Safety
Climbing ladders to clean gutters can be a dangerous task, especially for homeowners who are not experienced or comfortable with heights. When cleaning gutters, it is necessary to not only climb a ladder but also bring a bucket, gloves, scoop, gutter brush, and other gutter-cleaning tools up to the roof. It is also necessary to have the ability to use those tools while standing on the ladder. This kind of work requires balance, strength, and coordination.
Depending on the gutter guard product installed, gutter guards can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for regular gutter cleaning and its associated safety risks. This added layer of protection reduces the potential for accidents and injuries.
Gutter Guards Help to Preserve Landscaping
Clogged gutters can lead to overflowing rainwater. This can eventually damage landscaping and erode the soil around your home’s foundation. Gutter guards prevent water from overflowing the channels and ensure that rainwater is directed away from your landscaping and foundation. This helps to protect your yard by preventing soil erosion. Preserving landscaping not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also helps to protect the long-term value of your home.
Gutter Guards Reduce Mosquito and Pest Infestations
Stagnant water in clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. Gutter guards play a pivotal role in reducing the accumulation of standing water, which, in turn, minimizes the risk of attracting unwanted pests. Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris means you can enjoy a pest-free living environment.
Gutter Guards Prevent Ice Dams
Here in New England, ice dams can be an issue during winter months. When snow and ice accumulate on a roof, it can melt and flow into gutters. If the gutters are clogged, melted water can freeze again, creating ice dams that can damage your roof and gutters. Gutter guards help to prevent ice dams by ensuring that water flows freely through the gutters. For more on ice dam prevention and removal, read our helpful article here.
Gutter guards involve an initial investment but the long-term benefits they offer far outweigh the costs. Your gutter guard installer should offer a substantial warranty period on your investment. At The Gutter Specialist, we guarantee all of our work with a 10-year warranty.
By installing gutter guards, homeowners can protect their properties against clogs, extend the lifespan of their gutters, enhance home safety, preserve landscaping, reduce pest infestations, and prevent ice dams so homeowners can enjoy a more comfortable and low-maintenance living environment. In the long run, gutter guards make the investment worthwhile through the savings homeowners enjoy on maintenance and repair over time, as well as the peace of mind they bring.
You suspect your gutters are failing. You may have an older home, or you may have just purchased a fixer and a home inspector has determined that your home needs a gutter replacement. But how do you start the process? This handy guide will help you tackle the many complexities of a gutter replacement project.
Step One: Determine whether you will tackle the project yourself or hire a gutter installer.
For some homeowners, this will be easy to determine. You may already know that you lack the proper experience to take on a gutter replacement. If this is you, skip to Step Two.
If you are handy and are considering tackling a gutter replacement yourself, The following pointers will help you make an informed decision.
Perceived Value
Perceived value is a person’s perception of the merit of a product or service. Consider “perceived value” when deciding whether to take on a large home repair project such as a gutter replacement. If you are considering doing your own gutter replacement, you likely believe that you will save money by doing so.
When factoring in gutter replacement costs, it is important to consider many factors. Be sure to total all your expenses before making your decision.
When factoring all your costs, Include lost time at work and the cost of tools and supplies necessary for a gutter replacement project. Consider that you will need to arrange delivery of all the gutter installation materials needed for the project. Gutter material deliveries can be expensive.
Be sure to include all the time needed to plan for a DIY gutter replacement. This includes time spent preparing for the project, product research, installation research, purchase of materials, travel time, gas, and material prep time. Then calculate the time needed to do the actual gutter replacement project. As a novice, it will likely take more time than it would for the pros to tackle it.
After the project is finished, be sure to calculate time and costs for clean-up, waste disposal, and other incidental items. Also factor in margin of error possibilities from lack of experience, which can lead to costly mistakes. Injuries can occur from working on a ladder for long periods of time without previous experience.
Tools and Supplies
You will need many tools for a gutter replacement job. It is recommended that you add up the cost of all materials and supplies before you decide to tackle this project yourself.
Some of the tools needed for new gutters include these four types of saws: skill saw, jigsaw, chop saw, and table saw. You will also need a cordless drill and bit set, tool belt, router, and hammer. There may be other tools needed as well, depending on the type of gutters you decide to purchase.
When all of the above has been calculated, you may opt to hire a professional for your gutter replacement. If this is the case, read below.
Step Two: Hire a gutter installer.
Hiring a professional gutter installation company is usually the best way to go when starting a gutter replacement project. Here are several reasons why:
Experience
Nothing compares to the years of experience seasoned gutter installation experts have. They have likely “seen it all” through their years in the gutter industry. They have wide experience with all kinds of gutter products and installations, and they already know how to safely remove gutters from your house and properly dispose of them. Gutter installers are also already conditioned to work safely on tall ladders for hours at a time. They know how to work expeditiously and get your gutter installation project done fast.
Professionalism
A good professional gutter installer will have the knowledge, experience, custom skills, and proper tools for a successful and seamless gutter replacement. This combined skill set ensures a smooth, seamless project from start to finish.
Licensing and Insurance
A good gutter replacement company will have the necessary licensing and insurance in place, ensuring that your gutter installation will be protected from liability and costly mistakes throughout the entire process.
Other qualities to look for in a gutter installer include work ethic, excellence, discipline, commitment, and integrity. Make some calls and talk to several professional gutter installers before you choose one. These qualities should be evident when you call about your gutter replacement project.
After you have done all your necessary due diligence, you can have confidence in making an informed decision about whom to entrust your gutter replacement project to, for a result you will be happy with for many years to come.
To talk to The Gutter Specialist about your gutter replacement project, call (860) 876-2227.
The gutter cleaning service you choose will be working on your most important asset – your home. Therefore, due diligence is important when choosing a gutter cleaning service. Part of this important research is knowing the right questions to ask each candidate. We recommend the following steps to help you find the best gutter cleaning service for the job.
Start with an online search for companies in your area. Visit each candidate’s website and spend time reading the information available on the site. Look for professionalism and qualifications such as the number of years they have been in business. Also read their published reviews.
Once you have narrowed your online search down to two or three gutter cleaning services, we recommend that you call each candidate and spend a few minutes asking questions. The following questions will help guide you toward choosing the right gutter cleaning service.
How does your gutter cleaning process work?
Your gutter cleaning service should be transparent about the materials and tools they use for the job, all safety precautions, and the process they use to clean your gutters. They should also indicate whether they haul away the debris collected in your gutters or leave the debris for you to handle.
A good gutter cleaning service will show work ethic, enthusiasm, and willingness to talk with homeowners about their specific gutter needs.
Do You Inspect Gutters for Damage or Potential Problems?
The gutter cleaning service you hire should check for potential problems in your gutter system. Leaks, wear, rusted or missing hardware, misaligned pipes, and gaps in your gutters are just a few of the many problems that can occur. A good gutter cleaning service will inspect your gutters for issues while cleaning them.
Do You Offer a Service Guarantee?
Check that your candidate has a service guarantee to back up their work. A well-experienced gutter cleaning service will almost never run into a problem but having a guarantee in place brings peace of mind. This ensures the job’s success even if something were to go awry after rendered services.
Are You Insured?
Mistakes are rare when dealing with a good, experienced gutter company, but you should still check that your potential hire is fully insured before you allow work to be done on your property. Your gutter cleaning service should carry liability insurance for customers and workers’ compensation coverage for employees. Knowing your gutter cleaning service is insured will give you peace of mind when they arrive to clean your gutters.
How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
Find out how many years each gutter cleaning service has been in business, how many gutter cleaning jobs they handle each week, and how many areas they serve. Also ask if the gutter cleaning service handles other types of gutter jobs, such as installations, replacements, and repairs. If all they do is gutter cleaning, they may not be competent enough to properly inspect your gutters.
Also check for service awards, such as Angi, and/or accreditation with the Better Business Bureau. These indicators help to determine if a gutter cleaning service consistently performs well for a large number of customers. Lastly, search for reviews on Google and read them thoroughly.
Feel free to ask additional questions of your candidate. The more thorough your research is, the more comfortable you will feel about the gutter cleaning service you choose.
Your home is your most precious asset. Ensure that any contractors that do work on your property are knowledgeable, well-equipped, and experienced enough to competently handle the task. If you follow the suggestions above, you should be well on your way to working with a good, reputable gutter cleaning service that will ensure your gutters remain working well for years to come.
Sometimes customers have a hard time deciding whether to do gutter cleaning themselves or hire a professional to do it. Below, we answer many commonly asked questions about gutter cleaning to help give customers the information they need to decide whether to clean their gutters professionally or personally.
We hope you find this FAQ on gutter cleaning helpful. If you do not see your question answered in this article, please email us at office@gutters-ct.com, and we will get back to you shortly with an answer.
Why do gutters need to be cleaned?
Over time, wind and rain cause yard debris (sticks, mud, leaves, insects, etc.) to inevitably build up in gutters. That debris can block rainwater drainage and, if left untreated, eventually cause damage to your property. Most property damage due to clogged gutters is preventable by performing gutter cleaning every six months to a year.
What is the most efficient way to clean gutters?
Gutter cleaning is a messy job. It is best to use rubber gloves for the job. DIYers need a tall ladder (one that can reach all the gutters on the home), a scoop to clean out debris, and a bucket or tarp to hold debris.
For the most efficient gutter cleaning, start at one end of the house and work your way to the other end. We recommend a ladder with a stabilizer built in. The ladder should always rest on solid, flat ground on the bottom end and a solid surface on the top end.
Climb up with your scoop and bucket, scoop the debris out of gutters, and add it to the bucket. Re-situate the ladder every few feet as you clean your gutters.
If you are using a tarp for gutter cleaning, scoop out debris and toss it down onto the tarp. (It is best to avoid this method on a windy day.) You will need to move the tarp as you move the ladder. The distance the tarp and ladder will need to move depends on the length of your arm and your reach.
If you are using a bucket, choose one that is not too large or cumbersome to cause an imbalance. You will need to empty your bucket periodically as you move along your gutters and fill it with debris. Once the major debris has been removed, you can insert a garden hose to gently flush out the small remaining debris and check for any possible leaks in your gutters.
What do professionals use to clean gutters?
Gutter cleaning professionals use a variety of professional tools to clean gutters. These can include industrial-quality extension ladders, power washers, industrial-strength vacuums, and a variety of hand tools. Some companies haul away debris and some also offer exterior gutter cleaning.
Does gutter cleaning include downspouts?
The final step for professional gutter cleaning is to flush out both gutters and downspouts to ensure smooth water flow and clear pipes.
Can I lean a ladder on my gutters?
No. It is never safe to lean a ladder directly on gutters. Your ladder should always rest on a strong, hard surface that is sturdy enough to support it.
What is the best way to clean gutters safely?
Ladder work is the most dangerous part of gutter cleaning. Use caution as you move the ladder each time and climb it. Your ladder should rest on a flat surface and never lean directly on gutters (see above). Ensure that your ladder is stabilized before climbing.
Should I pay someone to clean my gutters?
Whether you should hire a professional for gutter cleaning or do it yourself relies on several factors. First, you need to have a level of comfort working on ladders in order to do your own gutter cleaning.
Second, if your rooflines are especially steep, high, or difficult to access, professional cleaning is always recommended.
Lastly, if you are short on time, find it hard to work gutter cleaning into your busy schedule, or keep deferring this important maintenance, it might be time to call in the pros.
If you have seen half-round gutters, you know why they are known for their elegance. The rounded shape of this gutter style, along with the sophisticated look of the brackets that hold them, make half-round gutters an attractive upgrade to any home. But aside from their aesthetic, half-round gutters offer several other benefits.
The look of half-round gutters is timeless without compromising performance. Half-round gutters were commonly installed before the 1950s, and their classic beauty complemented the architectural style of the homes of that era.
Half-round gutters resemble a tube that has been cut in half. The simplicity of the design is not only brilliant but practical. Half-round gutters are strong enough to withstand the weight of heavy snow and ice sliding off a New England roof. This gutter type is one of the most efficient on the market today.
Comparing Half-Round Gutters to Traditional K-Style Gutters
The price point of half-round gutters is slightly higher due to the materials and methods used to manufacture them. But because of their many benefits, many homeowners find the investment well worth it. As the shape of half-round gutters is half-round, they not only function better but are easier to clean than the K-style gutter. The round design also means increased gutter durability over time as the smooth, seamless surface does not allow for water to collect in crevices.
Over many years of use, water collection in the crevices of K-style gutters can lead to eventual gutter failure. Half-round gutters also are highly efficient when cleaning debris out of gutters. As seamless gutter installation and maintenance experts, we know firsthand that half-round gutters are easier to clean than the K-style gutter.
Benefits of Half-Round Gutters
There are many benefits to investing in half-round gutters. Here are a few of them:
Less Corrosion
Less water build-up means longer life for your gutters.
Easier to Clean
Half-round gutters are easier to clean than K-style gutters.
Aesthetically Pleasing
The unique half-round shape of half-round gutters is very pleasing to the eye.
Timeless Design
Half-round gutters add timeless beauty to any home.
Long-Lasting and Durable
If durability and long life span are a priority for you, half-round gutters are a great investment.
Half-Round Gutters are Increasing in Popularity
At The Gutter Specialist, we get many requests for half-round gutters. As the interest in restoring vintage homes increases, so does the request for this type of gutter. When restoring older homes, homeowners often look to revive the original look and design while incorporating modern features to protect the home and surrounding landscape. The Gutter Specialist offers 21 different colors to choose from in the half-round gutter line, allowing for wide design options and a custom look and feel to your historic home.
Because of the manufacturing methods used to fabricate half-round gutters, the price is slightly higher than conventional K-style gutters, and the overall price will vary depending on the material chosen. However, the investment will more than pay for itself due to the longer life span of this gutter style. Half-round gutters give a home a timeless look and overall better performance, making them a superb investment for homeowners.
When it comes to gutters, there are only two ways to avoid water damage to a home. The first way is to clean gutters routinely. The second way is to install a material over your gutters to prevent seasonal debris from entering gutter pipes. This is where gutter guards come in.
Gutter guards cover your existing gutter pipes to prevent leaves and other debris from collecting inside gutters. This allows water to flow freely from the roof to the drainpipe to the ground, without obstruction.
Clogged gutters can create many problems for a home. When water cannot freely flow through gutter pipes, serious issues can occur, such as roof and foundation damage, structural issues, fascia and soffit rot, mold, basement flooding, and decorative trim damage. We cover this kind of water damage in other articles on our blog.
Gutter Guards Add Value to Your Home
Gutter guards are screens that fit over the top of gutters to keep yard debris from entering gutter pipes. When professionally installed with the right materials, gutter guards can actually increase a home’s overall value. To ensure the best performance and appearance, choose a high-quality product and have your gutter guards installed professionally.
Gutter Guard Materials
When choosing gutter guards, there are several materials to choose from. There are two types of gutter guard materials that The Gutter Specialist carries:
Aluminum Gutter Guards
Aluminum is a cost-effective material that works for most household budgets. Aluminum gutter guards are very durable, with a life span of up to 20 years when installed and cared for properly.
Copper Gutter Guards
If you already have copper gutters installed, copper gutter guards are a great choice for keeping your copper gutters free of debris for years to come. Copper gutter guards are extremely durable and long-lasting. They look great on gutters when professionally installed and will certainly add value to your home.
The Advantages of Installing Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are a worthwhile investment for all the reasons below.
Gutter Guards Save Time
Installing gutter guards means you won’t have to deal with semi-annual gutter cleaning, and you’ll have more time for other projects around your property.
Gutter Guards Save Money
Cleaning gutters can be difficult and dangerous By having gutter guards installed, you won’t have the cost of regularly calling in professionals to clean and unblock gutters for you. That cost adds up over time.
Gutter Guards Prevent Water from Entering Your Home
Water leaks can cause serious damage to a home and are expensive to repair. Many homeowners are unaware that they have a blocked gutter until they see water damage in their home. An overflowing gutter can also cause unsightly stains on the outside of your home, such as siding and window trim.
Gutter Guards Prevent Freezing in the Winter
Trapped water in gutters can freeze during cold weather. These accumulations of ice can result in serious blockages and damaged gutters. Gutter guards significantly reduce the debris that can cause stagnant water to pool and freeze.
Gutter Guards Prevent Pest Infestations
Gutter guards significantly reduce the amount of stagnant water in gutters, which makes gutters unhospitable for mosquitoes, rodents, and other pests.
Gutter Guards Prolong the Life of Your Gutters
Gutters that remain clogged for long periods trap moisture, and that can cause metal pipes to rust prematurely. By ensuring debris is blocked from entering gutter pipes, you will be extending the working life of your gutters.
The Gutter Specialist team has extensive experience in gutter guard installation. Call us today at (860) 876-2227 to schedule a no-cost estimate.
Most standard gutter systems have sufficient functionality, but for a longer term investment that will keep your home looking beautiful for many years to come, there is no better choice than copper gutters.
Copper gutters have an eye-catching finish that adds flair and overall beauty to the exterior of a home. And if maintained properly, copper gutters can last up to 80 years without needing to be replaced or repaired. Copper gutters are an excellent choice for many reasons. Here are the best attributes:
Copper Gutters are Extremely Durable
Copper is resistant to corrosion in most types of weather, and it can also endure extreme temperature changes. Copper gutters typically last from 50 to 80 years. The use of copper can be traced back to Roman times BC, when it was used as a roofing material on the Pantheon.
Copper is an extremely long-lasting metal. A copper gutter system will likely last for the life of your home and might be the last gutter system you will ever need to install. Most other materials rust or corrode much more quickly.
Copper Gutters are Low-Maintenance
Cleaning gutters of collected debris is always necessary. However, copper has naturally-occurring algaecide and fungicide properties, making it resistant to moss, fungus, and other growth. In addition to being visually pleasing, the patina finish that naturally occurs over time on copper acts as a protectant. Copper gutters may collect loose debris like leaves and sticks brought in by wind, but they will not be subject to mold, fungus, or plant growth.
Also, unlike other gutter materials, copper is not susceptible to underside corrosion. It is easily the most trouble-free material to use for gutters and downspouts. This also makes copper a desirable choice.
With copper, you can install and enjoy low maintenance for many years to come. You will still need to do some basic maintenance to ensure drainpipes do not clog, but copper gutters do not need the kind of maintenance that many other gutter systems require.
Copper Gutters are Beautiful
Gutters are mostly utilitarian. Copper gutters, however, add classic beauty to a home. Copper gutters weather to an attractive patina over time, but they do not rust, crack or wear nearly as fast as other gutter materials do.
Weathering gives copper an interesting patina look over time, lending rustic charm to vintage and upscale homes. However, if you prefer the look of copper, you can opt to protect your copper gutters with a sealant that will prevent a patina from developing. Either way, copper adds sophistication and elegance to a home, as well as increasing its curb appeal.
Copper Gutters are Sustainable
Copper is produced naturally, making it one of the few fully sustainable metals. You can safely use copper without detriment to the environment. It is also not a depleting precious resource. To date, it is estimated that only a little more than 10 percent of the world’s copper reserves have been mined.
Copper is a recyclable material that can be recycled repeatedly, which is another advantage to the use of copper. Other metal materials break down and weaken over time. Compared to other metals, the recycling value of copper is much higher These days, many copper gutters are made from copper that has been partially recycled, making the material eco-friendly and safe to use in almost any climate.
Copper Gutters are Long-Lasting
Copper gutters have a life expectancy of over 80 years and can be fitted using continuous straight runs, without the need for expansion joints. The thermal expansion of copper does not cause buckling or cracking issues that can occur with aluminum gutters. This means that the life span of copper gutters is much higher and the maintenance they will require is greatly reduced. This makes copper a very cost-effective choice after the initial investment.
Copper Gutters Can Increase Your Home’s Value
The gutter system you choose for your home has a significant impact on its value and appearance. Because copper gutters last from 80 to 100 years, they will likely be servicing your home’s structure long after you have moved from the home. The new homeowner will likely not have to deal with gutter replacement, making copper gutters a very desirable feature at resale.
Copper gutters cost more to install, but the benefits outlined above, along with the fact that they likely will never need to be replaced again as long as you live in the home (they can last up to 80 years) make them well worth the investment.
If you are considering copper gutters, please call The Gutter Specialist at (860) 876-2227. We have extensive experience in copper gutter installations.
Every house has fascia boards. So what are they? Fascia boards are long wooden boards attached to the rafters on a roof, and they run along the base of the attic. As part of a roof system, gutters mount onto fascia boards, securing them in place. Fascia boards block water from penetrating a roof deck, but they also serve to increase curb appeal.
What Material is Used to Make Fascia Boards?
In residential homes, fascia boards are largely made out of wood. They can be made out of steel or aluminum in some commercial applications. Composite fascia boards are also produced but not commonly used.
What Can Cause Fascia Boards to Fail?
Because residential fascia boards are mostly made out of wood, they are susceptible to deterioration when poor gutter and/or roof conditions allow moisture to persist. This can happen when a roof has not been installed properly. Over time, fascia boards can begin to fail, causing rot. Aging roofs, poorly-designed homes or damaged shingles can also allow unwanted water conditions, causing damage to fascia boards.
What Gutter Problems Can Lead to Fascia Board Failure?
Improperly Installed Gutters
Properly-installed gutters are designed to slope slightly toward their outside edges. In this case, if water overflow occurs it can release away from fascia boards. Improperly-mounted gutter systems, however, can cause water damage to fascia boards by allowing water to flow over the gutters’ inside edges toward fascia boards.
Clogged Gutters or Downspouts
If gutters remain blocked for too long, water can back up and begin to overflow. Downspouts clogged with leaves, sticks and other debris can also cause gutters to back up, resulting in water damage to fascia boards.
Do Compromised Fascia Boards Need to Be Replaced?
Once moisture has penetrated fascia boards, they must be replaced. Fascia board replacement is especially important to prevent further water damage to the walls and foundation of your home.
The Good News About Replacing Fascia Boards
Fascia boards are somewhat easy to replace since they are one of the last materials to be installed on the exterior of a house. To get to fascia boards, the only materials that need to be removed first are gutters.
Prevent Your Fascia Boards From Failing
A solid gutter system combined with proper roof installation will help to prevent fascia boards from eroding. Using the proper nails and fasteners when installing gutters is equally important to prevent gutters from pulling away from fascia boards. When this happens, water can run off behind gutters and bounce onto fascia boards. The following two actions will help to prevent fascia board failure.
Use a Sealant
Protect your fascia boards with a sealer or good quality exterior paint. Fascia boards will unavoidably get wet when precipitation occurs but sealing fascia boards will act as ongoing protective barriers. Bear in mind that as the products wear, you will need to paint or seal your fascia boards again.
Inspect Fascia Boards and Gutters Regularly
Your gutters should be inspected routinely to ensure they are functioning properly. We recommend having them inspected by a licensed professional such as The Gutter Specialist at least twice each year. At that time, your gutter professional will also inspect your fascia boards to determine if they have been subjected to prolonged moisture problems or deterioration. Taking these steps will go a long way toward preventing damage to fascia boards.
Rain gutters are very important to protect your home from damage, and properly maintaining them is critical. Yet most homeowners don’t think about their rain gutters, or feel they need much attention. Unfortunately, that can result in clogged or damaged gutters, which can often lead to bigger repairs.
When it rains, every square foot of your roof can see gallons of precipitation. Without gutters, that water cascades off the roof and lands on the ground near your home’s foundation. This can cause erosion, limiting the ground’s ability to properly support your foundation. Over time, serious damage can occur, such as cracks or shifting in the foundation, mold issues, cracks in basement walls and window casings, and damage to siding above the foundation.
Foundation damage is one of the most expensive home repairs. Fixing it typically requires jacking up the house, addressing the necessary repairs, then carefully lowering the house back down. Lifting a house is not without risk. If there are unknown pre-existing structural problems, they can worsen during the process. Therefore, foundation repairs should always be addressed in a timely manner.
How do Rain Gutters Work?
Gutters are installed at the roof lines. They collect rainwater that falls on the roof and funnel it to downspouts, which take it safely away from the home’s foundation.
The Importance of Maintaining Rain Gutters
Maintaining rain gutters prevents a wide range of problems. Splattering from cracked or rusted gutter material can leave unsightly stains on siding. If fasteners fail, rain gutters can fall, a potentially damaging and dangerous situation.
Clogged gutters cause even more problems. When rainwater cannot drain properly, gutters fill up and overflow. This adds weight that fasteners may not be able to bear. Rotting leaves can also clog gutters, putting more strain on fasteners.
When to Replace Rain Gutters
Like any man-made device that is constantly exposed to the elements, gutters eventually come to the end of their useful lives. Telltale signs that it may be time to replace your gutters include frequent leaks, signs of wear, such as rust and corrosion on gutters and fasteners, drooping gutter lines, and similar problems.
If your rain gutters are in overall poor condition due to problems such as these, it may be time to replace your system. Contact a professional all-in-one company such as The Gutter Specialist for an assessment of your current system. The Gutter Specialist cleans, repairs, and installs all types of rain gutter systems.
Gutter cleaning is one of the most dreaded fall maintenance tasks. Although it’s a tedious job, homeowners would be ill-advised to neglect it.
Most people know their gutters should be cleaned and inspected regularly, but many don’t know how often that should be — or how to do it. Here are three ways to keep your gutters in top shape and free from problems.
Inspect Gutters at Least Once a Year
Gutters should be periodically inspected to catch problems early, and thoroughly inspected each time they’re cleaned. Look for cracks, holes, rust, signs of wear, and possible future problems. Gutters should run in straight lines and slope slightly down toward downspouts, which should be clear of debris.
Consider hiring professionals to inspect your gutters. They’ll know what problems to look for in a gutter system—and early detection can make a big difference with repair costs.
Clean Gutters at Least Twice a Year
Home maintenance experts recommend you clean your gutters two or three times per year. If you live in the Northeast, be sure to schedule a gutter cleaning prior to the first freeze. That’s because if accumulated debris is left inside gutters, it can go through freeze and thaw cycles over the winter, resulting in poor drainage or complete blockages.
Use the Right Equipment to Clean Gutters
To do a good job cleaning gutters requires the right tools. You’ll need a ladder that reaches the gutters at every height on the structure. You’ll need a bucket for debris that can hang on the ladder, so you can use both hands for working. You should also wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp branches and gutter edges.
In all kinds of weather, gutters handle the critical job of draining water away from your home, protecting your siding, windows, doors, and foundation. Regular gutter cleaning will ensure years of good services.
When it comes time to think about gutter replacement, the choice of the gutter material is important. Here are the most popular gutter materials available.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters have become popular as an upscale option for high-end homes in the Northeast. They are more expensive, but worth the investment. Not only do copper gutters have a premium look and add value to a home, they do not rust. Copper that is exposed to the elements goes through chemical reactions that give the bright metal a pale green outer layer called a patina. This patina protects the copper below the surface from further corrosion. Copper gutters never need painting, and the green patina they eventually develop creates a distinct, sought-after look. One of the best reasons to choose copper gutters is their longevity–an average lifespan of more than 60 years.
Half-Round Aluminum Gutters
If your home is historic or if you seek a special, upscale look, consider half-round aluminum gutters. This classic design works well with both modern and vintage homes. Half-round aluminum gutters offer classic design and great functionality. They hold up to the elements beautifully and enable water to flow more efficiently due to their generous width. Half-round gutters generally cost a little more, in part because they require specially-designed threaded rods and hanger brackets, but these make them very sturdy.
Galvalume® Gutters
Galvalume gutters are made of steel coated in aluminum and zinc. They combine the strength of steel with the anti-corrosive protection of aluminum and zinc. In addition to its corrosion-resistance, the Galvalume gutter material is strong, standing up well to ladders and fallen branches.
Galvanized Gutters
Galvanized gutters are made of steel with a protective zinc coating. Galvanized steel gutter material is extremely durable and will hold up well to extreme temperature swings. Galvanized steel gutters are popular in areas with snow and ice, such as the Northeast, where they hold up well over time, with an average lifespan of 20 years.
Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are known for their strength and light weight. Many homes use aluminum with .027-gauge thickness. They are relatively easy to install, budget-friendly, and work well in areas with mild to moderate weather and little snow. However, for colder climates such as the Northeast, heavy-gauge aluminum with .032-gauge thickness is the gutter material you need.
Circumstances vary around gutter systems, so every situation is different. In certain cases, delaying gutter replacement could compromise roofing or the foundation, causing further damage to the property and creating other problems.
If you can wait, though, the summer and fall seasons are a great time to tackle gutter replacement. It rains less in summer and fall than in the spring. Even when it does rain in the summer, warmer temperatures dry off rainwater more quickly. This means shorter delays for your project.
The spring season is a great time for assessing the current condition of your gutters. Since showers are frequent during this time of the year, it is likely that your gutter system will take on large quantities of water. This offers a great opportunity for you to test out your gutters to see if they are still capable of draining water efficiently. You can also use this season to plan for gutter installation. Although the job is usually a straightforward process, there should still be sufficient planning before starting the project.
Several factors determine the best time for gutter replacement. Depending on the reason or how urgent the situation, sometimes gutters need to be replaced sooner. The timing depends on your purpose. Below are some factors that will help you decide when you should install new gutters.
New Roof Installation
A great time to install new gutters is when a roof is also being replaced. If your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, you might want to check your gutters as well. It might be time to replace those, too. Having brand new gutters will ensure that they are in the best shape to protect your new roof from water damage.
Selling Your Home
Gutters may not be the most significant factor in curb appeal, but they can certainly make a big difference to the appearance of your home’s exterior. And, sometimes, these minor details can make all the difference to potential homebuyers. So, if you are planning on selling your home soon, you should check your gutters for any noticeable damage like hail marks, cracks or discoloration. Make sure that the sections aren’t pulling away. It’s also important to fix any gutter issues before putting your home on the market.
Mold Problems
The presence of mold in any part of your home can be sign of gutter deterioration. If you have any mold conditions in your home, have your gutter system inspected by a licensed professional. You may have unknown leaks that are allowing water to enter your home. They can assess the condition of your gutters and recommend the best approach.
Rusty Gutters
If your gutter material is metal, you should look for signs of corrosion. Metal gutters typically get rusty as they age, and this can create small pinhole leaks and large holes over time. Depending on the extent of damage, you may only need to replace one section or your entire gutter system.
Preparing for the Wet Season
Your gutter system is critical to keeping rainwater away from your roof. If your gutters have already been showing signs of damage or deterioration, you should have them replaced before the wet season arrives.
Who Should Perform Gutter Installation?
Some homeowners are confident in tackling a DIY gutter installation, but it is usually recommended to leave the job to experienced professionals. This will ensure the best outcome. Remember that your gutters are crucial to protecting your home from water damage. Any mistake during the installation process could compromise its quality and performance. To ensure that your gutter system can really withstand the elements, hire a professional.
Seamless gutters not only reduce the possibility of leaks, but they provide protection against common problems associated with sectional gutters and provide superior protection against future leaks. Here are some of the most common types of damage that can occur due to leaking gutters:
Foundation Issues
Water runoff in unwanted locations, such as the aging seam of a sectional gutter, can cause damage to your foundation over time. In compromised areas, water will wash away soil and expose your foundation, allowing pests, moisture and possibly mold into your home. Once landscaping erodes, the resulting moisture will cause expansion and contraction cycles of the soil around your home. After a period of this repeating cycle, support to the foundation can become compromised, leading to cracked foundations and masonry walls.
Stains on Your Masonry and Siding
Sectional gutters do sometimes fail at the seams over time and with age. If a slow leak develops at the seam of a failing gutter, stains can appear that are difficult to remove.
Another cause of concern is splash back. Rainwater cascading off a roof will impact the ground with enough force to cause splashing, which can contain dirt, grass and minerals that end up on the exterior of your home. Over a short period of time, an unsightly stain may appear.
Damage to Your Landscaping
Plants, flowers, mulch and soil located under the seams of sectional gutters may be impacted negatively from water runoff from rain, sleet and snow. This unwanted collection of water could encourage harmful fungus to develop or attract insects to nest. A properly designed and installed gutter system will keep the soil near your structure at a consistent moisture level by directing roof runoff safely away from the house at designated areas.
More Reasons to Choose Seamless
Maintenance
Seamless gutters are generally known to be largely hassle-free and are lower in maintenance than sectional gutters.
Aesthetic Value
Seamless gutters eliminate unsightly seams. This not only looks great but adds value to your home. Most seamless gutters cost a bit more than sectional gutters, but they lend an upscale, polished look to your home and are worth the investment.
During winter, precipitation combined with freezing and thawing cycles can create ice conditions in and around gutters. Some homeowners use rock salt to break up these ice dams. But homeowners should take caution before doing this as salt can cause damage to the exterior of your home.
Why Ice Dams Occur
After a heavy snowfall and several days of sub-freezing temperatures, warm air inside a building or home can warm the underside of a roof, causing snow and ice on the roof to melt. The melted water can drain along the roof, under the snow, until it reaches the cold eve overhang. The eve overhang usually remains the same temperature as the outdoors, and the melted water will refreeze and form an ice dam.
Depending on the design of your home, ice dams may not be an issue, and allowing the ice to melt may be sufficient if you are not experiencing damage that warrants immediate action. Conversely, if water is leaking down the side of your house, then the decision process of what to do must be carefully evaluated.
There are five commonly used types of ice melt (also known as rock salt):
sodium chloride
magnesium chloride
calcium chloride
potassium chloride
acetates
Rock salt in all forms is corrosive. It can cause many kinds of damage including gutters, metal flashings and downspouts. It can also damage roofing and siding, and it can change the color of your shingles.
In addition, runoff from rock salt dissolved in rainwater can weaken or kill foundation plants, grasses, shrubs and the roots of perennial flowering plants. These harmful effects can be magnified if the salt product you use has a combination of chemicals in it, as is often the case.
Many ice melt products rely on sodium chloride. This is the type that can leave stains on a driveway and sidewalk, rust the underside of cars and destroy grass. It is also known to be dangerous to pets. Magnesium chloride is the type of salt that is generally thought to be less corrosive.
If you do decide to add rock salt to your gutters, choosing your ice melt product carefully and using it sparingly is advised. However, calling a professional is a best practice that can save many headaches from unintended home damage.
Gutters and downspouts work tirelessly year-after-year to channel storm water away from homes. And although yours may have contributed decades of faithful, mostly trouble-free service, every installation has an expiration date.
Here are some common signs that your gutters may be approaching the end of their useful life.
Cracking
Cracked gutters can result in water leakage in unwanted places. While larger cracks can be plainly visible, smaller ones may only become apparent during rainfall. Regardless of the size, cracks defeat the purpose of a drainage system and need to be taken seriously. Individual cracks may be repaired, but extensive cracking is a reason to consider replacement.
Seam Stress
Average gutters are vulnerable at the seams where two sections meet. Both leaks and separations are common, with each type of failure leading to any number of undesirable outcomes, whether outside or inside the home.
Peeling Paint
Malfunctioning gutters can ruin a perfectly good paint job. Check your exterior siding for any paint that has bubbled up or peeled away due to excess moisture. If you find an area of compromised paint, be sure to check the condition of the nearest gutter. You may have a leak.
Rot
When failing gutters allow rain to cascade over the siding of a home, exterior wood trim elements like window sills and door jambs become moisture soaked as well. When this happens, drywall can also damage the inside of your home.
Mold
Mold can be a serious condition that affects the health of the inhabitants of a home. Water accumulating near a foundation can leak into the basement and cause unhealthy mold growth. If you discover mold in a formerly dry area, damaged gutters are the likely cause.
Gutters perform important work to protect structures, but when they show any signs of the above conditions, it may be time to look at a new installation.
It can be easy to overlook just how much gutters do to protect your building. Channeling water away might seem like a simple and routine function, but your gutter system provides proper drainage for rain and snow and protects your roof, walls and foundation from water damage.
When gutters are working properly, we hardly notice them at all, but when they become rusted, leaky, or blocked, they can be a major headache. This is why it is important to perform routine cleaning and maintenance of your gutters and downspouts, and even restore them if necessary.
You may not realize it, but cleaning your gutters is important to the overall health of your home. If left neglected, serious water-related issues can occur, such as:
Foundation damage
Structural issues
Fascia and soffit rot
Mold and mildew
Basement flooding
Decorative trim damage
Roof damage
Seasonal Threats to Gutters
Your gutters face a variety of hazards all year round. Here are some seasonal pitfalls to guard against.
Spring
Heavy, wet spring snows can weaken joints and seams, and fluctuating temperatures can cause freeze-thaw cycles that widen seams and gaps. Accumulated dirt and debris from fall and winter can cause blockages.
Summer
Persistent or heavy rainfall can leak through compromised seams. Water exposure can lead to rust.
Fall
Leaves and other debris can clog gutters and result in blockages, which can lead to rust and water accumulation on the roof.
Winter
Freezing temperatures can lead to ice accumulation, which can compromise seams. Freeze-thaw cycles can exacerbate damage from built-up ice. Persistent freezing temperatures can lead to ice dams, causing blockage.
Maintaining Your Gutters
Here are some ways to head off gutter damage.
Clean Regularly
The most important thing you can do to protect your gutters and downspouts is to clean them regularly to avoid blockage and moisture accumulation. For most drainage systems, this is as simple as removing gutter debris using your hands or a trowel, and flushing downspout blockages. Other systems may require more thorough cleaning methods.
Self-Clean or Hire A Pro?
When it comes time to clean gutters, many people elect to do it themselves, while others pay to have it done professionally.
While most people can adequately clean their own gutters, a professional service will use specialized equipment that cleans more effectively and typically go through a routine checklist of tasks for a meticulous clean.
Safety is another concern. Professional gutter cleaning crews have developed the dexterity required to perform this kind of work at a height and they climb ladders daily.
Hiring a professional will be quicker and more thorough. Additionally, for buildings that are especially large or tall, a professional service may be the safest way to go.
Our gutters work hard to maintain healthy drainage around our property, but they’re constantly exposed to small hazards that can wear them down over time. It’s crucial to keep drainage systems in good condition with regular maintenance and cleaning, and by addressing small damages before they become huge problems.
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