Author: Elene Chamberlin

Vinyl vs Aluminum Gutters – Which Is Better?

Elene Chamberlin Gutter Improvement
Vinyl vs Aluminum Gutters – Which Is Better?

Many homeowners don’t think much about their gutters until they cause a problem. They actually play a very important part in your home’s safety. Rainwater and melting snow need to be diverted away from your roof, walls, and foundation to help prevent premature deterioration and internal water infiltration. Thankfully you have options when it comes to your gutter system. The vast majority of homes have gutters already installed but if you need to replace your gutters or install gutters where you don’t currently have them, the most popular choices are made of aluminum or vinyl. When choosing between vinyl vs aluminum gutters there are a few factors to consider.

Which Gutters Are Right For You?

K-style gutters are the most commonly found gutters in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. They come in different sizes depending on the size and pitch of your roof. Aluminum gutters are the most traditional form of water mitigation. Both types are made of lightweight material so they do not cause added stress to your home when they are filled with water. Choosing between vinyl vs aluminum gutters typically comes down to aesthetics but there are other attributes to help determine which is best for you and your property. Overall, the home improvement experts at PJ Fitzpatrick highly recommend aluminum gutters over vinyl.

Factors to Consider When Choosing New Gutters

As with any choice of building materials, several determining factors impact your decision. Your home’s location, roof style, design, and material cost are all important things to consider when researching vinyl vs aluminum gutters. Performance and ease of repair or replacement are also paramount. Consider the following factors so you can make an informed decision.

Gutter Durability

You will be hard-pressed to find a better material for gutters than aluminum. Aluminum gutters are very light, resistant to erosion, and should last 20 years or more. Vinyl gutters are also lightweight but the material is more susceptible to expanding/contracting and cracking. With the difference in temperatures and weather throughout the seasons, that added stress can cause the need for replacement in 10-15 years.

Gutter Performance

Vinyl gutters come in sections so there are areas where water can escape the channel and they have a greater reliance on connecting pieces. Aluminum gutters come in sections or seamless options. Even a sectional aluminum gutter system will typically have tighter seams than vinyl and hold together better for more efficient performance.

Gutter Installation

While most homeowners don’t try to tackle the installation of their gutter system, it’s important to understand how it works and that impact on the project cost. Vinyl gutters typically snap together but they have more seams that take more time to install. Gutter professionals prefer working with aluminum for ease of length customization and versatility.

Gutter Cost

The cost of vinyl vs aluminum gutters is a mix between material and installation costs. Vinyl gutters are usually cheaper from a materials standpoint, but they don’t last as long and take longer to install. Aluminum gutter materials cost is a little more, but they are easier to find, will last longer, and are more efficiently installed.

Install Aluminum Replacement Gutters
Aluminum Gutters Are a Great Choice

When weighing in the factors of vinyl and aluminum gutters it’s no surprise that aluminum is the most popular choice. From affordability and lasting performance to customization and replacement costs, aluminum gutters check all of the boxes for those trying to protect their property and look good doing it. Aluminum gutters are also infinitely recyclable so if you do need to replace yours, you can rest assured they can be repurposed.

Choose PJ Fitzpatrick for Aluminum Gutter Installation

PJ Fitzpatrick has been providing gutter replacement, gutter repair, and gutter protection throughout the Delaware Valley for over 40 years. If you’re ready to install new aluminum gutters on your home, give us a call or schedule an estimate today. Our skilled and courteous gutter professionals will inspect your home and go through all of the options with you so that your home can stay protected from water infiltration.

The post Vinyl vs Aluminum Gutters – Which Is Better? appeared first on PJ Fitzpatrick.

Don’t Let Sagging Gutters Ruin Your Curb Appeal

Elene Chamberlin Gutter Services
Don’t Let Sagging Gutters Ruin Your Curb Appeal

While things like damaged siding and missing roof shingles can plummet your home’s curb appeal, a sagging gutter system can do the same. If you’ve ever seen sagging gutters on a home, you know how sloppy and unappealing they can be, which is why our gutter experts recommend replacing or repairing them when they get to that point.

Sagging Is Inevitable

No matter how great your gutter system is, the truth is it will begin to sag. Eventually, gravity will take hold of the mounts that are installed on your home to keep your gutters in place and it will pull on them a little every day. Over time, they’ll begin to shift and if you have leaves and other debris built up in them, they’ll shift even more once water starts to collect.

Sagging gutters are not only unappealing, but they’re also not as effective as they should be. Every home needs a working gutter system to transport water away from the structure. If your gutters aren’t doing their job, you risk dealing with leaks, clogs, and even water damage to your home.

What to Do

While it’s entirely possible to correct your gutter system yourself, it can be dangerous. You’ll not only need new mounting brackets (and possibly new gutters if yours are in bad shape), but you’ll also need a ladder, balance, and careful hands. If all of that doesn’t sound like something you want to try to tackle, you could always call the gutter experts at P.J. Fitzpatrick. Our specialists can repair your existing gutter system so that it works perfectly. We can reinstall any type of hangers that are currently mounted to your system including spike and ferrule hangers or clip hangers. We can also realign your system so that it sits level and drains properly.

If your gutter system is old and beyond repair, talk to us about a new system. Our patented Gutter Protection System will permanently eliminate your need to clean your gutters. It will also protect your interior, exterior, basement, and foundation from water overflow and it comes with a lifetime transferable warranty.

Don’t risk ruining your home’s curb appeal – call us today to get your sagging gutters back into shape.

The post Don’t Let Sagging Gutters Ruin Your Curb Appeal appeared first on PJ Fitzpatrick.

2016 Fix-It List: Gutters

Elene Chamberlin Gutter Improvement
2016 Fix-It List: Gutters

If you’ve been putting off getting new gutters, this year is a great year to do it. You may think of gutters as only a small part of your home, but they do a lot to protect it, so it’s important to keep them in good shape.

Your gutters help prevent water damage to your home. They collect rain water and melting snow that flows down your roof and direct it away from both your roof and your foundation. Without gutters, water would constantly run underneath your roof, down your siding, and collect at the base of your home, causing problems.

Over time (and depending on your gutters), rain and snow can wear down your gutters and cause them to rust. Once the rust eats through the metal, it’ll likely cause your gutters to leak, and leaky gutters mean water is able to penetrate places it shouldn’t. If you think you need new gutters, talk to one of our gutter experts. We offer high-quality gutter installations that can help save you thousands of dollars in home damage.

You can also opt for our Royal Guard Gutter Cap System, which can prevent debris accumulation and guarantee consistent water flow to protect your interior, exterior, basement, foundation, and roof. It even comes with a lifetime transferable warranty!

Don’t let your gutters go another year with rust and wear. Call P.J. Fitzpatrick today. We’ll help you protect your home.

The post 2016 Fix-It List: Gutters appeared first on PJ Fitzpatrick.

Behind the Scenes: Shooting our New TV Spot

Elene Chamberlin Gutter Cleaning
Behind the Scenes: Shooting our New TV Spot

PJ Fitzpatrick Company President Rick Stover
Rick getting ready to deliver his lines

Recently we here at PJ Fitzpatrick have been re-gearing some of our advertising to showcase the actual personnel that work here.  You may have seen our ads in the News Journal featuring pictures of our repair specialists, and we’ve continued with that trend in our television commercials.  Our most recent ad features company President Rick Stover introducing the company to the viewer.  We have a couple behind the scenes videos from the commercial re-shoot we thought we would share with you here.

Behind the Scenes: Commercial Reshoot Pt 1
Behind the Scenes: Commercial Reshoot Pt 2

No really hilarious bloopers in there, but we have a few of the outtakes that weren’t used in the finished product.  You’ll find the finished television spot linked to below.  Besides the candy cane stripes behind him at one point (whose idea was that?) we think it turned out pretty good.  You’ll be seeing more commercials and ads with our staff featured coming very soon!

The Finished Television Spot

The post Behind the Scenes: Shooting our New TV Spot appeared first on PJ Fitzpatrick.

Always check our latest articles at…
https://continuousgutterpros.com//category/gutter-cleaning

All About Gutter Service

Elene Chamberlin Gutter Cleaning , , , ,
gutters

The importance of a gutter service cannot be stressed enough. This is because it can save your home’s roof from getting damaged and even leaking. While gutters may seem simple in concept, it is essential to have an experienced professional install and inspect them. Here are a few things to look for when you look to hire a gutter service:

gutters
 

The main thing to consider when hiring a gutter service is the reputation of the company. You must ask if they have been referred to other clients and find out their track record. You can Visit Website and find out if they have removed gutter system problems in the past, so you know what to expect from them. You want a team that has dealt with the same types of issues that you are likely to face to give you an idea of how much it will cost you.

Also, do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask the crew about their background and their training. They should be willing to show you all of this information before you sign anything. A good company will give you all of this information without pressuring you to commit to anything. However, if you do feel pressure from a company, then you might want to search elsewhere. Just know that the more experienced the crew, the better chance you have of having problems with your gutters.

Also, ask how long the crew has been in business. You need to hire a company that has been in business for at least a few years. The longer they have been around, the more likely you are to get high-quality work. It is always a good idea to check out more than one company to see which companies have the best reputation for installing gutters.

A gutters installation is not something that you take on yourself. Therefore, the crew that is doing the work for you should be trustworthy. You need to make sure that they are trained in installing gutters and know what they are doing. If you hire a company that does not have trustworthy workers or does not have an excellent reputation for its work, you should not use that company to install your gutters. Gutters installed correctly can last for many years, and make sure that you can keep your gutters working perfectly for a very long time.

A professional gutter service will offer an estimate for the job. This is a necessary part of any installation. A company that estimates before the building can tell you what the cost will be and help you decide whether or not the job is worth it. However, an unprofessional company will take your money and give you an estimate without actually performing the work. Be sure only to use a service that provides actual proof of prices before you commit to hiring them. These are just a few of the things you need to look out for when hiring a gutter service.

Another important thing that you need to consider is that gutter services are not responsible for cleaning your gutters. If you do not hire a professional company, they can clean your gutters. This can be dangerous because gutters can sometimes be very dirty and clogged from all of the debris that collects in them. When the job is done, however, you will not have to worry about cleaning them because your gutter service will take care of it.

The most important thing to consider is the type of gutter system that you have. Some of the newer and more expensive systems are made of vinyl and have gutter guards attached. These will be the most cost-effective type of gutter service, but they do require professional installation. You will also need to think about which part of your home you are installing the gutter system. Some of the older systems are attached to the eaves or the roof of the house. Make sure to get all of this information before you choose a company to help with your gutter installation.

Gutter Protection Tips

Elene Chamberlin Gutter Services
Gutter Protection Tips

Rain gutters are channels, typically made of concrete, that channel rainwater away from your house and direct it away to a designated landscape area or yard. Reducing water loss in the roof prevents mold build-up and water-borne diseases from reaching your family. Reducing water loss also minimizes the risk of structural damage, such as leaks, that can lead to costly repairs. Reducing the risk of leaks or damaged gutters also makes gutters more attractive and pleasing to the eye.

gutter

 

When it comes to gutter replacement, copper is an excellent choice for your home. Copper has a naturally reflective surface that will not reflect sunlight and reduce heat buildup. Aluminum gutters are very inexpensive, but they are prone to rust and corrosion. If you want to save even more money, consider purchasing galvanized copper gutters. Galvanized steel or aluminum gutters are similar to aluminum gutter replacement, but they do not rust.

 

The importance of rain gutter repair should never be underestimated. A gutter system will go through many years without needing to be replaced, so it is well worth spending a little extra money to get it repaired in the event of a problem. However, knowing the signs that your gutter needs to be replaced and making sure to spot them before the problem becomes worse is the best way to prevent costly gutter replacement later on. Here are a few common gutter problems that you can expect if you live in an area with a heavy amount of rainfall or winter rainfall:

 

Mildew: Mildew is often one of the most common gutter problems experienced by homeowners. Because it forms on the surface of the roof, it is easy to miss the small holes or tears that allow water to enter the gutters. It’s important to identify small or large areas of damage so that you can contact a professional company to repair the issue before it gets worse. Mildew can cause serious damage to the walls of a home, which could require extensive repairs.

 

Graffiti: While graffiti might look like just a small piece of trash, it represents a very unhealthy situation that can actually spread to other parts of a home’s exterior. Roof leaks, sagging gutters, and debris buildup are all signs that your roof needs to be repaired. While simple repairs such as patching can fix the immediate problem, larger infestations of graffiti can cause irreparable damage to your roof, walls, and foundation.

 

Mold: Mould is another very common problem experienced by homeowners. In fact, mold can spread quickly throughout a property if it is not detected and removed immediately. Mold can cause allergies and respiratory problems, so it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible. One way to check for signs of mold is to check for discoloration in your gutters. If you see brown spots, mold growth, or discoloration on your gutters, you should contact a local business for gutter repairs. There are some industrial mold removers available that can help to quickly eliminate any problems that you might not have even realized were a problem.

 

Leaking Roof: If your gutters are not functioning properly or have become clogged with debris, they may need to be replaced. If your gutters are clogged, this will prevent them from working properly, which can lead to water damage. In addition to causing water damage, mold can also create breathing difficulties for you or your family. You may need to purchase a mold assessment kit to determine what the problem is. If you do need to purchase a mold assessment kit, you may want to invest in two or three different ones, so that you can check your roofs for signs of damage from mold as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait until it is too late before you realize there is a problem with your roof.

 

Gutter guards are an affordable, effective way to reduce the risk of leaking and water damage. When purchasing a new gutter guard, be sure to ask the seller to show you a picture of it at different angles so that you can be sure the seamless fit will work correctly. Although seamless vinyl gutter guards cost more than other options, they will save you money on roof repair, because they will stop leaks from occurring before they start. Because of their low cost and high effectiveness, seamless gutter guards are a great investment for anyone who has a lot of exposure to the elements and wants to protect their home from damage caused by water and insects.