Why You Should Leave Gutter Cleaning to the Professionals

Why You Should Leave Gutter Cleaning to the Professionals

The idea of climbing high on a ladder to inspect and clean gutters makes most homeowners nervous. This is a job better left to the professionals. Cleaning your gutters minimizes basement flooding and helps prevent mold, mildew, and other toxins from forming. Gutter Cleaning Mt Pleasant SC also prevents sagging gutters and downspouts and keeps ice dams from forming in the winter.

Gutter Cleaning

During rainstorms, gutters prevent water damage by funneling it away from the home. If gutters are clogged, this process is impeded, causing rainwater to collect on the roof and seep into the home’s structure. This can lead to mold and mildew and cause rot. If left unchecked, these issues can cause significant money in repairs and potentially even structural damage. Gutter cleaning can eliminate these problems by preventing water overflow and reducing the time that water sits on your roof.

It also prevents the buildup of ice that could damage the shingles and create cracks in the roof. This can add an extra layer of stress to the roof and shorten its lifespan. It is important to clean your gutters twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.

A clogged gutter can also overflow, which may damage your fascia boards. These boards are attached to the edge of your roof, and the water that spills over them can lead to rotting and eventually cause a leak in the ceiling. Gutter cleaning can keep this from happening by ensuring that your gutters are clear of debris so that water can drain as it should.

Gutter cleaning also improves the health and safety of your family. Pests like rodents and mosquitoes breed in standing water, which can contaminate your home’s interior. This contaminant can then trigger allergies and respiratory disorders. Additionally, the decomposed organic matter in clogged gutters can promote the growth of mildew and mold. This poses slip-and-fall risks for you and your family members.

Lastly, gutters that are clogged can become heavy from the accumulation of materials. This excess weight can damage the gutter system and cause it to pull away from your house. It can also cause the guttering to sag and fall off, which can be dangerous. Cleaning the gutters can eliminate these problems by removing debris, such as twigs and leaves. Using protective gloves during the gutter cleaning process will help to reduce the risk of injury. You can also use eye protection to protect your eyes from twigs, sticks and other sharp debris that might be sticking out of the gutter.

Gutters are installed to direct rainwater away from the foundation of a home, which is essential for keeping moisture out and protecting the integrity of the structure. When gutters become clogged, they cannot do this job and water can seep into the house, which can cause a lot of damage. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and repair, is the best way to prevent water damage from clogged gutters.

A home with unclean gutters is unsightly and can be a detriment to its curb appeal. It also can have a negative effect on the value of the property and can lead to structural problems. Clogged gutters can stain the siding of a house and deteriorate the look of the roofing shingles. In addition, rainwater that overflows the gutter can cause the walkways and driveways to become slippery, which is a safety hazard.

Gutter maintenance is an important part of keeping your home safe and looking its best. It can also save you money on costly repairs. If you notice that your gutters are clogged, call a professional roofer for cleaning services. Clogged gutters can be dangerous to try to clean on your own, as you may fall off of the ladder and injure yourself. Over 160,000 people go to the emergency room each year because of falls from ladders, so it is a good idea to let a professional handle your gutter maintenance.

When gutters are clogged, the ice that forms during winter can push water through the roof’s structure and into the interior of the building. This can cause significant wall and ceiling damage, which is very expensive to fix. In addition, a flooded basement can compromise the clay, dirt, or sand that is underneath the home’s foundation, which can result in costly repairs and structural damage.

Gutter maintenance is an affordable and effective way to protect your home’s foundation, basement, and walls from water damage. It is also an excellent way to improve your home’s curb appeal, prevent pest infestations, and keep the environment healthy. It is important to maintain your gutter system with routine cleaning and inspections, especially in late fall and early spring when leaves are falling.

If you live in an area with pest infestation problems, gutter cleaning is a great preventative measure. Gutter debris, especially clogged gutters full of leaves and other natural material, is a haven for animals and pests looking for a place to nest and breed. Pests such as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and feed on rotting leaves, twigs, and other material in the clogged gutters. These critters can carry and spread diseases such as West Nile Virus.

Birds, rodents, squirrels, chipmunks, and other animals are drawn to clogged gutters for shelter. If they find their way inside your home, they can destroy insulation and chew on wires, causing expensive damage and possibly creating fire hazards. Rodents and other insects can also gain access to your roof and attic through the gaps caused by clogged gutters, leading to costly repair work. Carpenter ants and termites are attracted to the rotting wood and other materials that build up in clogged gutters, as well. They quickly eat away at the wooden supports, and when they find their way into your house, they can cause extensive and expensive damage.

Gutter guards can help reduce these issues, but they can’t replace the need for regular gutter cleaning. If you don’t want to take the risk of pests invading your home, be sure to contact Chorbie today and set up a routine cleaning schedule for your gutters!

Gutter cleaning is a simple preventative step that many homeowners tend to ignore, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your home. By keeping your gutters clean, you’ll be preventing a variety of costly and dangerous issues for years to come.

Gutter cleaning prevents wood rot and other forms of decay around your house. Wood rot is a problem that affects every part of your home that is made of wood. If it goes untreated, it can cause serious damage to your home including structural problems. When water seeps into your walls and other painted surfaces, it can rot the wood underneath and spread fungi spores. Gutter Cleaning helps to prevent these issues by ensuring that rainwater is properly channeled away from your home and into the gutter system where it can drain.

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto the roof, drenching your fascia boards, eaves, and soffits. Over time, this moisture can lead to mold and mildew, rotting the wood, and eventually destroying your roof. By regularly cleaning your gutters and using gutter guards, you can prevent these issues from occurring.

A clogged gutter can also overflow, causing water to spill over your roof and down the sides of your house. This can damage the paint on your house and cause it to crack or chip. By maintaining your gutters and adding a high quality gutter system like ArmourGuard, you can ensure that they stay clean and clog-free and that the proper flow of water is maintained around your house.

To clean your gutters, use a hose with a spray attachment and start at the downspout. Work your way down the length of the gutter, making sure to remove any debris that has accumulated. If the gutters are very dirty, you can also use a brush to remove any dirt that has stuck. Once you have cleaned the gutters, make sure to flush them out with a hose so that any standing water is removed. It is recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year, in late spring and autumn. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, it may be necessary to clean your gutters more often.

The Importance of Gutter Cleaning

The Importance of Gutter Cleaning

A home’s gutter system protects the roof, siding, and foundation from water damage. But it can become clogged with dirt, animal feces, leaves, and sticks, which prevents rainwater from flowing smoothly. If left unchecked, a clogged gutter can lead to costly repairs and water damage to your home. Gutter Cleaning MT Pleasant SC can inspect your gutters from the ground and remove any debris preventing the downspout from funneling rainwater efficiently.

Gutter Cleaning

Clogged gutters can be a haven for pests. Mosquitoes, ants, termites, and other insects love the moist environment in gutters as well as a constant source of water. Moreover, debris like leaves and twigs can also create a nest that attracts bugs. These include hornets, bees and wasps. These pests can cause serious damage to your home, causing roof leaks and siding damage. They can also carry diseases and contaminate food. Rats can enter your home through a clogged downspout or through overhanging trees that are not properly maintained. They can eat your gutters, chewing through free brackets and bolts that secure them in place.

Clogged gutters are a major cause of water damage to your home. The blockage forces rainwater and snowmelt to spill over the sides of the gutter, down the siding and pool around your foundation. This water will then rot the wood fascia and other parts of your siding and wood framing, causing them to weaken and deteriorate. This is a big deal for homeowners since the rotting wood is irresistible to insects such as termites, which will eat it away and cause structural damage.

If this happens to your home, it’s best to contact a foundation repair expert to prevent future problems with the structure. In addition to rotting siding and wood framing, clogged gutters can lead to mold issues as well. This is because mould can thrive when it’s left to grow in wet conditions.

Gutters should be cleared of debris in order to prevent water damage. Clogged gutters increase the likelihood of roof leaks. A common cause of leaks is damaged flashing. Flashing is a thin layer of protective material that’s installed around joints, crevices, and vertical surfaces to prevent water from entering your home.

It’s also commonly used to seal vent boots that connect roof pipes to plumbing fixtures. If the flashing becomes cracked, rotted or broken, water can seep through and damage the base of the vent boot, causing a leak.

If you’re not sure where the leak is coming from, perform a water test. Ask a friend to spray water onto your roof and then look for where the water comes through.

This will help you pinpoint the location of the leak. It can take time, but it’s worth the effort. It’ll save you a lot of money in the long run by preventing further water damage.

Gutter cleaning is an important home maintenance task that should be completed at least twice a year. Clogged gutters allow rainwater to pool on the roof and in surrounding areas, which leads to serious water damage to your property.

A clogged gutter also allows water to seep under your roof and into your basement, fueling mold growth and mildew. This can cause severe structural damage to your home.

The best way to keep yourself safe during gutter cleaning is to follow safety measures.

Wearing gloves can help prevent painful cuts caused by dirty, rotting leaf debris that can contain bird, pigeon and squirrel feces that are covered with bacteria. Protective eye gear can also help ward off falls from falling leaves and other debris. Use a ladder with wide steps and shelves that can improve your balance while you clean your gutters. A sturdy ladder should be inspected for loose parts (notably screws and bolts) before use.

When is the best time to clean your gutters? It can range from two to three times a year, depending on how much rainfall falls near your home. Spring and fall are the best times to clean your gutters, since standing water is one of the biggest causes of clogged gutters. If left unchecked, standing water can damage your home, as well as cause leaks and algae growth. Luckily, you can hire a professional company to handle your gutter cleaning for you!

Roofing and Gutter Installation

roofing

Roofing is the process of covering a building with material or construction that provides protection against the elements. The roof is part of the building envelope, and all materials and constructions are considering part of roofing. Roofing materials are made to be durable, and a well-constructed roof can protect a building from the elements.

The most common roofing material is aluminum, which provides a good balance between price and quality. Copper is another popular choice, but it can be very expensive for commercial buildings. Other durable materials include galvanized steel and galvalume metal. These are often used in colder climates. If you want something more sustainable, you can also consider using sod or turf as a roof.

Another important element of roofing is drainage. A properly-designed roof will provide drainage and prevent water from damaging a house’s structure or flooding the foundation. Using gutters is important because they help direct rainwater away from a house and into a drain.

Depending on your needs, a new roof can cost anywhere from $5,610 to $11,820. According to the online home services marketplace HomeAdvisor, the average homeowner spends $8,667 on a new roof. Adding to this price is that the market for roofing materials is already overstretched, due to labor and supply chain problems. Moreover, higher oil prices are further hurting the market for roofing materials.

Another problem with shingles is ice damming. This problem occurs when heat from the house leaks into the attic and melts snow on the roof. This meltwater can then refreeze when it gets cold over the overhang. An ice dam can prevent water from melting the roof and can require a short-term or long-term repair.

There are several ways to protect your roof from ice and snow. Choosing the right roofing materials is essential. Make sure your choice meets the requirements set by the building codes and the ASTM. Besides choosing the best shingles and roof cement, make sure the installation method is safe for the environment. Once you’ve chosen the right roofing material, don’t forget to properly install flashing and underlayment. This way, you can avoid leakages and prevent water from damaging your home.

One of the biggest investments in your home is replacing the roof. According to recent research, a new roof will recoup over 80% of its original cost. In fact, 30% of real estate agents credit a new roof for their quick sales. Re-roofing is the most affordable and effective way to make your roof look as good as new.

While asphalt shingles are easy to replace and offer great affordability, metal roofs require more specialist services and cost more in materials. However, metal roofs offer energy savings and are more durable than asphalt shingles. They will last a long time and can be more durable and withstand wind and falling debris. These benefits should make your choice of roofing material easier.

A full roof overhaul is a great way to give yourself peace of mind. The process includes removing the old roof materials and inspecting it for signs of damage. The roofing contractor will then repair any damages or defects in the roof. This ensures your home will stay safe and dry, regardless of the weather. With this type of roofing, the risk of leaks is incredibly low.

Gutter Sizes – 7 Inch Gutter Systems

Gutter Sizes – 7 Inch Gutter Systems

Here at The Brothers that just do Gutters we offer an array of gutter sizes and styles. 5 inch, 6 inch, 7 inch and 8 inch gutters are used across both residential and commercial gutter projects (gutter sizes offered varies by location). As the industry standard shifts for what is considered to be standard and oversized gutters, we want to provide a breakdown on the different gutter sizes, and how to select the correct gutter size for your home’s needs.

Our Solutionist Talks 7 Inch Gutters

We interviewed our expert, Nathan Hiebert  of the Brothers Gutters NW-SATX. He services the Uvalde and surrounding Northwest side of San Antonio Texas areas and neighborhoods. We were able to discuss further on why he finds that 6 inch and 7 inch gutters are moving to the new standard sizing for residential gutters in his area. He found value in purchasing a 7 inch machine for his truck because he has seen the need for larger gutter systems on residential homes in SATX. We asked Nathan a few questions about why he offers 7 inch gutters, as well as, under what circumstances he recommends them to customers.

What Style Homes Most Commonly Get 7 Inch Gutters?

gutter sizes spanish tile roof with 7 inch copper gutters
7 Inch Gutter on Spanish Tile Roof

Nathan says that Spanish tile roofing is very common in San Antonio. Due to the style roof and how it overhangs the fascia, 7 inch gutters are often the best option. 7 inch gutters allow for a larger width to extend past the tiles, which better collects cascading water. This roof style is very common in this area. This area also gets heavy rains, making the 7 inch system the most efficient in collecting water for these specific style homes.

Concrete slate roofs are another style roof that largely benefits from a bigger gutter system. As well as, flat-roofed homes and buildings. While an inch may not seem like much, the difference between water capacity in a 5 inch, 6 inch and 7 inch gutter is huge.

gutter sizes and volume capacity chart
How Each Gutter Size Effects Capacity To Hold Rainwater?

Each inch added to the gutter system provides an increased volume load of rainwater that it can collect. For example, a 6 inch gutter holds 40 percent more water than a 5 inch system.

When Should You Consider Alternate Gutter Sizes like A 7 Inch Gutter?

With Complicated SystemsIf You Are Interested In Rainwater Collection SystemsIf You Are Looking For Better Protection From Water DamageWhen Your Home Has Any Of The Roof Types Mentioned AboveWhen An Upper Gutter Drains Into A Lower Gutter

Larger systems handle more rain water without causing overflow. For example, when upper gutters drain into lower gutters and other complicated layouts that cause an increased volume of water, a larger gutter handles this much more efficiently. They won’t cause interference with water dropping onto sections with decking below, or where landscaping beds tuck under the eave. Also, often times homeowners want fewer downspouts. With a 7 inch gutter, it provides enough capacity to handle the water to move down the gutter system into one catch area.

7 Inch Gutter With Concrete Slate Roof
7 Inch Gutter With Concrete Roof

A rainwater collection system, like a large barrel for the water to dump into, allows for the collection of the large amounts of rainwater these size systems collect. Allowing for more re-usability in other areas of the yard, like flower beds, gardens and the alike.

Nathan often shows his customers the varying gutter sizes with a demonstration. He does a 5 inch and 7 inch comparison by overlapping the two gutters together. He runs a hose through them to act as rain. This shows how the larger gutter handles a greater capacity of rainwater more efficiently and eliminates overflow.

If you think your home could benefit from a larger gutter and/or you have a style roof like one mentioned above, we can help! Fill out our Contact Us form for a free estimate. A Solutionist will be able to best assist you in making a recommendation for what size gutter system will meet your needs.

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What’s a Solutionist?

What’s a Solutionist?

Here at The Brothers that just do Gutters we do not have an estimator or salesman-we have a Solutionist. We do not come out to give a price on a job. We provide a solution that best fits the clients needs with a price. Our team understands that every home is unique and may require a different solution to solve a problem. Finding the absolute best solution is how we approach every job.

n Example of a Solutionist’s©, Solution
Solutionist iPad

We approach each job searching for the best solution to fit our clients needs. For example, we may use an oversized 6” gutter in one area that keeps overflowing while installing standard 5” gutters on the remaining portions. We also may only install a gutter guard on the upper gutters the client can’t get to, but leave the lower gutters open, because they don’t mind cleaning them themselves. The estimate process is the same across the entire franchise. We pride ourselves with our brand driven service.

Why we made-up the word Solutionist

A long time ago as a company we decided that the word “salesman” carries a bad connotation with a lot of people. And an estimator seems like unskilled help that measures houses. Everyone has “been sold” at one time or another. Whether it was buying a car, life insurance, a home improvement or beauty products, we have all purchased something big or small from a pushy “once in a lifetime offer” salesman, and have regretted it ever since.

Because we have all bought from a “salesman” our defenses are heightened whenever we are looking to purchase a product. We know we are different than many others in the same business and we care about the client and the best solution for their home. The word solution was being used in all of our sales calls, internal meetings and on the phone with clients. We cannot remember when it actually happened, but the word Solutionist© was born. Ken Parsons exchanged his President/Owner status for Senior Solutionist©, and Ryan Parsons parted ways with the extravagant VP of Sales and Operations title for Chief Solutionist©.

Request a Quote today and have a Solutionist visit your home to determine the best solution for you.

Learn more about the process by meeting a few of our Solutionists below.

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Storm Damage, Insurance & Gutters

Storm Damage, Insurance & Gutters

Homeowners need to be informed when buying a homeowners insurance policy. So, in the event that storm damage occurs to your home, you know what your policy covers. Hail, tree and wind damage are common during severe storm events. These damages most commonly effect your home’s roof and gutter system.

Luckily, most homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover wind damage and storm related damage. If a strong storm moves through with hail, wind-driven rain, or snow wrecking havoc on your home’s exterior, or gets inside a roof or wall, knowing your policy’s coverage can make a huge difference. Especially when moving forward with the repair work that is necessary. If you also have fallen trees that damage your home, tree removal service may be a part of the policy coverage too.

Wind and Hail Insurance
hail storm damage

Insurance companies get flooded with calls after storms. They hear how much does insurance pay for hail damage often. When storm damage reports are high, contractor availability is low. Often times insurance companies are referring out contractors to do the claim work that aren’t niche in their respected industry.

However, as a homeowner you should know you have options. You can hire your own contractors for jobs like roofing, gutter systems, siding, etc. You should be able to speak with and choose the contractor that is best for your needs for all damages. Rather than letting someone else subcontract the jobs out. Addressing storm damage with a professional team should take on the same approach as any other hiring experience would. Work with competent, skilled, insured contractors.

Hiring a General Contractor to Repair Storm Damage
storm damage brothers gutters

When you hire a general contractor, it is common practice that the GC will hire out sub-contractors to do additional projects for them. Typically, the cheapest subs are hired, and those with more experience aren’t often called because they can come with a higher price tag. And the same is common when you go through your insurance carrier to find contractors to outsource the repairs to.

But, when you take researching into your own hands, you can apply your best efforts in finding the best available contractor for your repairs. Here at the Brothers Gutters, we know the importance of professionalism, competency, and the value of a job well done. We also only do gutters, allowing us to perfect and focus on our craft in our niche market.

We service gutters and downspouts that have hail damage and have franchises throughout the US that are often in storms paths, like Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Texas and North Carolina. TX and NC regions are very prone to extreme weather. The effects of this extreme weather and your gutter system can be extensive. Tornandos is another extreme weather event that produces a large amount of storm damage.

Managing Storm Damage with Your HOA

If you are going through your homeowners insurance to repair storm damage, it may seem easier to hire a general contractor. But, doing this often takes away your right to choose who does the work. If your roof, gutters or other important exterior elements need storm repair, you’ll want to know who’s doing the repairs. You’ll want to go with a niche roofer, or niche gutter installer rather than a handy-man or sub contractor. Especially if you hired a specialized contractor the first time. You don’t want your repair to be of lesser quality.

Dealing with storm damage is overwhelming. But, you still want to make sure you are taking the time to hire right. Don’t let the urgent feeling lead to skipping the research phase. The Brothers that just do Gutters can help assist in repairing your storm damaged gutters. Our estimates are free and we are a niche company providing quality gutter services. Contact us when needed to schedule your free estimate!

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Gutter Companies Ideal for Your Vacation Homes

Gutter Companies Ideal for Your Vacation Homes

As an owner of a vacation property, it is even more important to find gutter companies that are reliable and can help you manage your vacation home while you are not in the area. When you are not nearby, it’s not as simple as doing a search for gutter companies near me, it requires more research and trust. When it comes to your home’s gutters, finding a specialist in the area that knows the best product to install for the climate demands is key. A competent gutter company can help you find a low maintenance solution for your gutter cleaning and repair needs. They can also ensure that your gutters are working properly year-round, even when you aren’t there to manage them.

What Is The Key To Finding Gutter Companies for Your Vacation Home (in an area you do not live in)?

Do you have a vacation home near Virginia Beach, North Carolina, Jacksonville FL, or The Jersey Shore? Good news for you – we have a Brothers Gutters Franchise in all of these locations. The best part of hiring a franchise, is that all of our locations follow the same system! Hiring a franchise team instills confidence because it’s a systematized model that runs the same in each location, it allows you to feel confident that if something goes wrong, you can depend on the same quality of expertise to quickly remedy any issue you may have. You can also feel confident in the fact that hiring such an established system means that our local gutter installers will be there when you need them and won’t disappear after initial call.

If there is no Brothers Gutters franchise near your vacation home (there may be soon!), here are some tips for finding a reputable contractor in the area:

Check out online reviews – specifically look for feedback on communication and schedulingAsk the gutter company for client referralsAsk for insurance and safety training certificatesTake note of how they do with keeping appointments and calling back

What Should You Consider When Choosing the Type of Gutters for Your Vacation Home?

Aluminum gutters are the standard but can be tricky on homes near the ocean. The salt water makes aluminum more vulnerable to corrosion and quickens the rusting process. A more durable alternative to aluminum is copper gutters.
gutter companies copper gutters
Copper gutters can withstand the elements and their lifespan surpasses that of the alternatives. Copper gutters near saltwater patina quicker – this is often good news, because people love the patina look (this helps to give off the antique look that many desire – it is especially sought after on historic homes).Is your vacation home in an area that experiences a lot of rain? Consider oversized gutters. A larger gutter will collect a higher volume of rainwater and reduce gutter overflow issues.

What Type Of Products Should You Consider For A Low Maintenance Gutter System & To Prevent The Need For Gutter Repair?
gutter companies copper guard

Consider guards to eliminate the need for interior gutter cleanings twice a year.Hire a gutter company who also does repair and maintenance work. This eliminates the need to research a company again when you need rain gutter repair. Hiring reputable gutter installers also means you can rely on them to do work without you being home.Underground drainage systems can help reroute rainwater if your home experiences a lot of major storms.Is your home located in area that has a cold season? Inquire about our heated gutter system to prevent ice damming.Snow guards are another option for homes in colder climates.

When it comes to gutter work on your vacation property, hiring from a list of reliable gutter companies that you can trust is key. It is most important to remember that for your gutters to work efficiently you must maintain them regularly (gutter cleanings, rain gutter repair, etc.) We are happy to be the reliable contractor for your vacation home in all the areas we service! We can also actively oversee your gutters while you are out of town. A certified Solutionist can evaluate a new project or any gutter repair you may need. Contact us today to set up your free estimate.

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Slab Foundation- Do You Still Need Gutters

Slab Foundation- Do You Still Need Gutters

Homes with a slab foundation are particularly popular in San Antonio, TX and Jacksonville, FL. A slab foundation is basically a home that is built on top of a concrete slab. Typically it is level to the ground. Whereas, a foundation with a basement or crawlspace has a separation from the ground, footings, and uses cinder blocks, concrete pillars or bricks for the foundation walls. A basement or crawlspace is the area between the ground and the home’s first floor.

San Antonio Texas gutter installer, installing gutters on a home with a slab foundation
Many homeowners with a concrete slab foundation think that this means they do not need gutters since there is no basement to keep dry. But, this simply is not accurate. While protecting your basement from flooding is one of the reasons why gutters are important, it is not the only one. In fact, basement flooding is a result of another problem caused by having no gutters or poorly installed gutters; a cracked foundation (which concrete slabs are still susceptible to).

Protecting Your Slab Foundation From Water Damage

A cracked slab foundation can result in compromised structural integrity of your home. There are many reasons why concrete cracks like;

Water Wears Concrete – Continued water exposure and pooling of water on concrete leads to wearing of the concrete. Constant moisture buildup within the soil around the slab that supports your home can also lead to a soft ground, further contributing to decreases in structural soundness.
San Antonio Texas gutter installer, installing gutters on a home with a slab foundation
Expansion & Contraction – Expansion and contraction is an effect of temperature fluctuations. When it is very hot, your concrete (like anything else) will expand. The lack of flex in concrete can result in cracks during expansion. The temperature and moisture level of the soil laying against your concrete slab foundation helps to determine the temperature of your concrete. By channeling water away from the slab, you can help the soil to maintain a more consistent temperature and moisture level, decreasing expansion and contraction.Heaving – Similar to expansion cracks, your slab can also see heaving damages. Heaving involves pushing up of the ground due to expansion. This is most commonly related to the freeze-thaw cycle in winter, which is not typically a problem for southern regions, but heaving can also be due to tree roots. Root heave is triggered by tree roots that do not have sufficient growing space underground, caused often by compacted soil that has been densified to provide stability for the overlying structure. After lifting during heaving, the ground will settle again.Cracks Due To Settling – The ground settles and moves over time. These movements can lead to uprooting and cracking of your slab.

San Antonio Texas gutter installer, installing gutters on a home with a slab foundation
Let’s Look At The Slab

Gutters are important to avoid potential cracks caused by water pooling at the foundation. However, they are also key in protecting your home when and if cracks do form. Concrete slab foundation can experience some cracking due to settling, tree roots, expansion, heaving, water pooling, etc. You do not want water landing at the foundation during rain. Even more so than usual, as this water can now enter through the cracks into your home. Water entering into your home’s concrete slab foundation can result in further wearing of the concrete and create a buildup of moisture within your homes architecture, further contributing to a compromised structure.

Preventing Landscape And Soil Erosion

Installing gutters on a home on with slab is so important. This is to prevent soil and landscape erosion. The gradual erosion of soil can lead to pollution of drinking water. This is due to sedimentation, as well as a harmful increase of algae growth in water. This is from compromising the structural integrity of buildings and roadways. Rain runoff from the roof of your home at your foundation can lead to harmful soil erosion at the foundation. This runoff can also damage your lawn and other expensive and important landscaping near your home’s foundation.

Jacksonville florida gutter installer, installing gutters on a home with a slab foundation

A gutter system is designed to channel water away from the base of your home. And designate it to an area through the use of downspouts. If you are interested in harvesting rainwater, you can even add a rain water harvesting system to your gutter system!

Regardless of the type of foundation your home sits on, water control is important. It goes a long way in protecting your home, and property. If you are in the south and are debating on whether to inquire about installing gutters on a home with a slab foundation, we recommend that you do. The Brothers that just do Gutters has several locations in the South with one specifically in San Antonio, TX and in Jacksonville, FL. Contact our local San Antonio gutter installer and local Jacksonville gutter installer today for your free estimate, and start protecting your home’s concrete slab foundation (and the surrounding property) from damage associated with water runoff!

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How to Clean Gutters? Best Tips from Vancouver Gutter Experts

How to Clean Gutters? Best Tips from Vancouver Gutter Experts

How to Clean Your Own Gutters

When it comes to cleaning gutters, we always recommend hiring professional gutter cleaning services in order to avoid injuries and to make sure you get the best quality of work.

If you are not used to working on a ladder, cleaning your own gutters can be a dangerous task. We do understand, however, that many homeowners like to do the home maintenance chores on their own. If you have the necessary tools and often climbs on ladders, DIY gutter cleaning could be an option for you.

To help you get the job done right, our gutter experts put together a quick guide so you can learn the basics of how and why you need to clean your gutters and downspouts.

Why is it important to keep your gutters cleaned?

Rain Gutter Cleaning

Most people don’t understand how gutters work and why they are necessary. The short explanation is that your rain gutters allow water to run off your roof, keeping your home protected from moisture buildup that can cause damage and rot.

Letting your gutter cleaning and maintenance unattainable can lead to costly repairs.

If debris builds up in your gutters, it could lead to sagging and leaky gutters or even worse; It can damage the interior and exterior of your home and its foundation.

A clogged gutter can also create the perfect environment for mold growth, and they can also make nice place for rodents and other pests. So cleaning your gutters properly should be a priority to ensure your gutter system is working efficiently.

Gutter cleaning tools

First thing you should do is to make sure you have all necessary gutter tools and accessories, which includes:

Waterproof Gloves: Under the layer of leaves there is a thick layer of wet stuff and sharp debrisSafety Glasses: Not only safety glasses but appropriate clothing to protect you from debrisLadder: The best way to clean your gutters is by using a ladder, so make sure you have a good and sturdy ladder and follow the best practices of ladder safetyGutter cleaning tool kit: these cleaning kits usually come with a scoop, a rake and other tools you will need when cleaning your own guttersPressure washer: A pressure washer will just help make the gutter cleaning job easier

Related article: Why a Pressure Washer is Essential to Clean your Gutters

5 important steps to follow when cleaning your gutters

Safety first! Use appropriate accessories which includes gloves, glasses and suitable clothing. We recommend placing the ladder on solid, stable and level ground and to use a ladder stabilizer to avoid any damage to your home.We also recommend placing a tarp under your working area to protect the landscape from the debris that fall out. Make sure you have 2 buckets attached to the ladder, one for your tools and a second one to dump the debris as you clean your gutter.To remove the first layer of debris from the gutters, use gloves and the gutter cleaning kit that comes with a rake and a scoop.After removing all the leaves and debris, use a pressure washer to remove residue, mold and grease from your rain gutters.After cleaning your gutters, use a garden hose to flush the gutters and downspouts and clear out any debris. This also helps identify any leaks. Make sure they are working properly and there is not sagging or leaky parts.

Gutter cleaning tips

Here are a few things you should also consider when cleaning your own gutters:

Check the weather forecast before you start cleaning. Allow a few dry days before cleaning your gutters, as removing dry debris makes the job much easier and less messy.Think about safety, most of the cleaning work is on a ladder. If you are not comfortable on ladders, consider hiring professional help.After cleaning your gutters, check the downspouts for any lodged debris.Check if water is flowing through your gutter. Look for any leaks or standing water in the gutter, this indicates that the gutter may need to be repaired.Let someone know you are going to clean your gutters, or even better ask someone to help youNever work in wet, icy or windy conditions.If your home is located near power lines, hire professional help instead

How often should you clean your gutters?

We recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year.

Ideally you will want to clean your gutters in the late fall to clear out leaves and to get them ready for the rainy season in metro Vancouver. And once again, at the beginning of spring so your gutters are ready to handle heavier spring rains.

If you have trees around your home, your gutters may need to be cleaned more than twice a year.

Why you should hire professional help to get your rain gutters cleaned

gutter cleaning professional help

If you consider the time, risk and quality of the job, hiring a professional gutter cleaning service in Vancouver is always worth the money.

If you don’t have much experience climbing and working on a ladder, cleaning your own gutter might be quite challenging. Gutter cleaning professionals are usually insured for any injures and they have the right safety equipment to get the job done.

A gutter expert will do the job thoroughly and they are also able to identify potential issues with gutter and downspouts and recommend gutter repairs or even a new gutter system

Gutter Cleaning Cost

The cost of gutter cleaning will depend on the size of your home and the condition of your gutters. Your gutter cleaning company will ask about the height of your house, size of the gutters and their overall condition.

If there is a significant amount of debris and dirt, the job will likely take longer, and the cleaning costs will reflect that.

Contact us today to get a free gutter cleaning estimate.

Let the professionals at Weatherguard Gutters take care of your gutters for you and avoid the dangers of trying to clean your gutters on your own.

 

The post How to Clean Gutters? Best Tips from Vancouver Gutter Experts appeared first on Weather Guard Gutters.

When Should Surrey Residents Install a New Gutter System?

When Should Surrey Residents Install a New Gutter System?

Whether your house in Surrey has an aging gutter system or none at all, you may be wondering if it’s time to have a new gutter system installed. There are several situations where rain gutter installation, rather than repair or just not having any, is the best course of action.

If You Don’t Have any Gutters

When you buy a house that isn’t brand new, you may find that it doesn’t have any gutters on it. In that case, you’re probably wondering if you should bother having some installed. The answer is yes. Gutters protect your foundation from being inundated with water, either during rains or as the snow melts in the spring. This helps your foundation last longer.

If you just moved to Surrey or other parts of Metro Vancouver you know the west coast gets a substantial amount of rain and as a homeowner checking that your house ability to deal with rain and wind storm is crucial to preventing costly damage.

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Check our previous post to learn how gutters work and why they are necessary.

If you add gutters to a formerly gutterless house, you’ll also enjoy the fact that this keeps roof water from forming a groove in the lawn at the roof line. You’ll be able to plant flowers or shrubs there, when before, plants would have been drowned out or beaten down.

If Your Current Gutters are Heavily Damaged

While some gutter damage can be repaired, it often isn’t worth it if there are a multitude of leaks and other problems. A single repair is inexpensive, but if you need several, the costs add up. It is also likely that even more damage will reveal itself soon. In these cases, it’s physically better, and usually no more expensive, to get an entire new system.

Mechanical damage to gutters often arises from storms, which can blow them down or blow trees into them. This bends the gutters, can split them at the seams, or even punch holes through the material. Since insurance will often pay for gutter replacement in these cases, there’s no need to attempt a patchwork of fixes.

If Your Existing Gutters are Corroded

corroded gutter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When corrosion first starts, you may find that the joints are leaking. These can often be fixed at first, but corrosion eventually spreads to the entire gutter system. Then, you can end up with leaks all along it. Even worse, the parts that aren’t leaking are still corroding, so they’re likely to start leaking soon. That’s when it’s a good idea to stop trying to keep your old system going. It’s time to retire it, and get new gutter installation Surrey.

If ignored long enough, corroded gutters will become very fragile and can even fall apart in your hand. This condition is most common in houses that haven’t been lived in for a long time, or whose owners have been unable to replace the gutters sooner for some reason. By that point, there is no possible repair, and it’s beyond time to get new ones.

What is the Most Common Reason Gutters Fail?

Due to their relatively protected location up at the roof line, most gutters do not suffer sudden damage. Instead, they fail due to age. As time goes on, plasticized parts get brittle and metal ones corrode. At first, this type of damage can be repaired. Seamless gutter repair can even stop a multitude of leaks, and make it harder for new ones to form. Even with this, however, the time will come that there just isn’t enough of the original substance left to fix it anymore.

Because of this, gutters are typically quite old when they need to be replaced. Many make it for several decades. However, the time will eventually come, and when it does, it’s important to get a new system in place so that your foundation continued to be protected. In some cases, new gutters will also protect your walls from discoloration.

Other Reasons to Get New Gutters

Extensive storm damage is another reason you might need new gutters. In many cases, you won’t have to replace them after a storm – just reattach the existing ones to the house. However, if a tree has come through a big portion of gutter, it may have made holes or completely mangled the material. Then, your best bet is to put new sections on the affected side(s) of the house.

You also may decide to get new rain gutter installation if your existing system has been problematic for years. In that case, it’s time to get off of the repair merry-go-round and take care of the problem for good. Replace your inferior system with one that will not only hold water, but will keep doing so for many years to come. In this case, the benefit is that you won’t have to fuss with your gutters every year until the end of time, and can then use your time and energy on better things.

Finally, some people get gutter replacement mainly for appearance’s sake. An old, dented, rusty gutter system will detract from the appeal and value of your house, even if it is perfectly functional from a practical perspective. If your gutters are in this condition, getting new ones is a great way to freshen up the looks of your home and increase its curb appeal.

Final thoughts about Gutter Installation and Maintenance

When it comes to caring for your house in Surrey, make sure you add gutters to your annual home maintenance checklist This will help you be pro-active and avoid gutter issues during the rainy season and winter months in British Columbia, when you most need them.

When it’s time to get new gutters for any reason, call us at Weatherguard Gutters. Our gutter experts operate with full fall protection safety, uses man lifts to safely reach high positions, and our gutter installers are even trained in first aid. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about accidents or liability when you bring in our crew to do the work.

We also don’t have problems with unique gutter architecture or calls for less-common materials. We can make continuous gutters, create systems from copper or zinc, or provide replacement parts for smaller areas of damage. We also provide soffits, leaf protection systems, downpipes, and even siding upon request.

If you’re in the area of Surrey or other parts of metro Vancouver, contact Weatherguard Gutters today. Soon, you’ll have gutters that look great and work perfectly. You’ll love not having to fuss with any more repairs!

 

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