Gutter Guards VS. Gutter Cleaning

Choking of rain gutters can have the rooftop water wash over the walls, windows, and doors, defeating the very purpose they were first installed for. Debris and rotting leaves peeping out of the rooftop gutter is not a very beautiful sight to behold. Hence, cleaning the gutters regularly is necessary. In most parts of the country gutters need to be cleaned at least three times in a year. However, their position and height above the ground make it no ordinary job for a layman. In addition, as time passes by overhanging ledges and rooftops become slippery due to moss and cracking of concrete and wood. It requires workmen and equipment to safely clean all the gutters and spouts on all the floors. Alternatively, installing a gutter guard or gutter cover is an option available to greatly minimize the yearly maintenance required.

Statistics have shown that the number of injuries at home are reported more during the “gutter cleaning” time of the year. These injuries can vary from being minor to fatal. However, with the advent of gutter covers there has been a drastic reduction in such mishaps. Manual cleaning is not restricted to a fixed time of the year. You may have to climb on to such precarious positions even during a thunderstorm because of the leaves, which flew in and blocked your gutters which were squeaky clean earlier in the day.

A gutter guard is always the better option. A gutter guard in general is an accessory for the gutters to prevent falling leaves, accumulation of dust, and other flying debris from entering the gutter system. Some are made of a sheet of metal or PVC with slits at regular intervals. While water flows along the edge into the gutter, the debris jumps over the edge directly to the ground below. Since all the debris fall off the roof, this eliminates the need for regular cleaning. The smooth surface prevents growth of moss and weeds and saves the effort required in plucking them off the concrete or wooden base. Wire strainers may also, be used to prevent large objects like leaves and pine needles from falling into the gutter. Others consist of a screen of small pores, which can be easily installed and removed for maintenance.

Some gutter guards may have clips, which hold on to the gutter edges and can be opened like a hinged door to enable cleaning at a suitable time. Hybrid gutter guards are completely covered by gutter shingles, and have a fine mesh covering to keep out smaller particles of debris. These guards keep out most of the debris, including buds and seeds, leading to almost no need for yearly cleaning. Besides gutter guards maintain the aesthetics of the home compared to an open and rather discoloured gutter system.

The choice of gutter guards depends on the slope of the roof, presence of trees nearby, type of debris that may fall on the roof top and average rainfall and snow experienced all through the year. Cleaning of such gutters can be done at a safe time of the year and without having to put one’s life and limb in danger. A gutter guard will definitely save you the trouble of climbing the rooftop at odd hours and face the worst of the elements.

Gutter Patrol ? Masters Touch Announces Gutter Cleaning & Ice Dam Removal Services

Gutter Patrol –

Masters Touch Announces Gutter Cleaning & Ice Dam Removal Services

DATELINE: MEDFIELD, MA…It wasn’t long after the last leaves of autumn fell before this region was engulfed in snow. Because of this, many homeowners were unable to clear their gutters in preparation for the winter. Cluttered gutters can cause ice dams, which means that the water in your gutters does not flow down the drainpipe, but turns to slush, backs up, and then leaks into your home.

“There is not much worse in the middle of winter than a major back up with ice dams and a big mess inside your home. This type of home maintenance just can’t be put off,” noted Doug Masters, founder of Masters Touch.

He continued, “If you do get ice dams, repairing the damage can be costly and may range from repainting from one to several rooms in your home; plastering and repainting the ceiling; repairing any damage to wood floors; and in extreme cases, replacing the gutters.”

To make an appointment to have your gutters cleaned out and/or any ice dam damage to your home repaired, contact Masters Touch at (508) 359-5900.

The Masters Touch

With a design, construction and installation team of more than 50, Masters Touch can handle all of a client’s home improvement projects and provide expert guidance to DIY folks.

Masters Touch was founded by Doug Masters in 1997. From high-end design and build projects; kitchen and bath renovations; exterior painting, roofing and siding projects to flooring, interior painting and decorating projects, Masters Touch caters to homeowners throughout the Metrowest area.

Masters Touch is a Showcase Priority Dealer for Hunter Douglas and offers professional design and installation service. The one-stop interior design and home improvement shop also offers Marvin and Harvey windows; six lines of custom and semi-custom cabinetry; over 150 types of granite and Corian countertops; paint; carpet; hardwood and tile flooring; home theater design and installation and much more.

The company offers written warrantees on all their work. Masters Touch is located on Route 109 in Medfield, MA. For more information contact 508-359-5900, e-mail info@masterstouchweb.com or visit www.masterstouchweb.com.

How sceptical one gets while researching new roof cost, fixing gutter downpipe or looking for roof repairs in Sydney? It is always difficult to find the right supplier with good product range and excellent service delivery. Options for roof repairs Sydney are a many. But to find a supplier who gives an affordable new roof cost becomes a little testy. One looks for a supplier who can not only provide a decent new roof cost and offer roof repairs Sydney, but also help in fixing gutter downpipe and other small errands of construction.

Gutter downpipe need to be attached and connected for the most convenient supply of water and drainage.  It is observed that while roof repairs Sydney, the installers attach and place the gutter downpipe in such a way that they don’t spoil the aesthetics of the building. While assessing the new roof cost on the basis of design of the building, the installation of gutter downpipe should be thoroughly discussed and approved. Gutter downpipe should be installed in such a way that there is proper channelization of the drainage system without leakages or erosion.

The same applies while getting roof repairs in Sydney. Gutter downpipe should be concealed as a part of design to maintain the aesthetic beauty of the structure. It should be ensured that the customer and the service provider are clear about design and other requirements while deciding a new roof cost. New roof cost should be strategically taken from the vendors and for that an estimated budget line and work order should be prepared. Roof repairs Sydney become a very typical task as a new roof cost has to be taken and the new rood should settle well with the existing structure. Roof repairs Sydney need to be made in accordance with the existing construction. It has been observed at times that gutter downpipe get damaged at one point during restoration and leads to major clogging or erosion of building. Also, one should be a smart customer and take a market survey before taking a new roof cost or cost of replacing gutter downpipe. Roof repairs Sydney is not such a tedious task as it looks. The next time you get thinking about replacing your gutter downpipe or decide to take a new roof cost to begin work, do not hesitate. Just become the smart customer and get cracking.

Homeowners use gutter guards to prevent debris such as leaves and other particles from clogging the gutter. There are different types of products that people can choose from when purchasing from online stores. A homeowner can purchase them on online stores that sell home appliances or online superstores that retail home and other appliances.

These products should be in good condition, especially during the rainy season, to prevent rainwater from flowing down the walls of a home. One can hire specialized cleaners to do it for them if they do not know how to do it. Most companies that sell home appliances also offer cleaning services for a fee.

Copper Gutter Guards

These are the best for long term use because they do not rust and nor do they rot. Aluminum gutter guards, which are cheaper than most others, are strong. However, they rust when kept in poor conditions. During the winter season, most people experience problems with their gutters, as ice blocks the opening at the top. If a person does not get rid of them the moment they start to build up, then the water may flow over it or against the walls of a home. The freezing temperatures may cause the formation of massive ice dams, thus causing the entire system to over flood. Homeowners can avoid this by having companies install heater cables. This is a costly procedure. However, it is worth the effort and it saves a person the trouble of having to keep unclogging their gutters.

Besides the installation of heater cables, many people purchase gutter guards to prevent ice from forming at the top and falling into the system and blocking it. A homeowner needs to maintain copper gutter guards by purchasing and applying sealants on them regularly to prevent them from turning green. The green color is also called a patina. Some people like it and allow the metal to gradually turn green. Others prefer to maintain the original color and apply the sealant regularly.

Aluminum Gutter Guards

These products also have special sealants that a person may use to prevent them from rusting quite fast. Unlike the green patina, rust will materially impair the effectiveness of the aluminum. Protection and maintenance is important because it enables one to avoid incurring extra costs, which include repair costs or replacements costs. When selecting a suitable solution, one should mull over a number of things such as the circumference of the gutter, the design as well as their functional advantages.

Aluminum, by nature, can be have a natural useful life of about 10 – 15 years. This useful life will vary dramatically depending on several factors including the external environment, the galvanization used and the maintenance employed by the owner. For example, using aluminum products in a house next to the ocean that are not galvanized with some sort of corrosion-resistance coating and poorly maintained is going to have a much shortly lifespan than a zinc galvanized product located in a dry (desert) community with an owner who performs annual maintenance.

From a design perspective, not every product is suitable for every home. Homeowners should try to match gutter guards with the existing system and the type of home. For instance, homes made out of stucco match well with copper, while grey houses blend well with aluminum.

Plastic Gutter Guards

Plastic is another material used in the fabrication process. They come in various colors. Therefore, one can select one that matches their roof. Homeowners can also blend the roof with a gutter guard of a different color though the two should compliment each other. The shape of the product may make a home visually attractive or not attractive at all. This requires a person to compare their shape and that of the product in order to select a suitable piece.

In summary, there are three major types of materials that you can use for your solution, copper, aluminum and plastic. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Covered Gutter Protection System vs. Other Gutter Systems

Considering the extended number of gutter protection systems available, it is no surprise that choosing the right one for your home can prove to be a cumbersome and lengthy task. In order to help busy home owners make the right decision, we have set out to compare the various systems that can help protect your home from weather related damages.

In order to establish a standard by which we can measure the various gutter protection systems up against, we have compared the various systems relative to the system that is considered the best on the market.

Fully covered gutter systems provide superior protection from debris, and allow maximum water slow into the system, which helps avoid overflows that can lead to improper drainage around your home.

Many companies offer covered gutter systems, but be aware- not all covered gutters are created equal! A few important items to look for with covered gutters are:

Is the cover nailed to the roof’s shingles, or is it tucked under the drip edge to the roof? If it is nailed to the roof’s shingles, it can actually void the manufacturer’s warranty on your roof, and can cause roof leaks down the line.

Is the gutter cover perforated or solid? Perforations allow a slight slow-down in water flow, giving the water and the gutter cover an opportunity to “bond”, thus directing the full flow of water into the gutter trough.

And if aesthetics are important to you, do the gutters allow for a separate top and bottom color? If not, the gutters will be highly visible on your roof. If the system allows you to choose a separate gutter top color, you can match the top to your roof, and the trough to your trim or siding, providing a seamless look.

Below are some other systems on the market to compare. As with any major purchase for your home, take the time to learn about each system and then decide what’s right for you.

Mesh or Screen Gutter Covers

These metal coverings fit inside against the back of the gutter and across the top acting like a strainer and filter. This design is easy to install and less expensive than the solid types. However, while they reduce the frequency and difficulty of ongoing gutter cleaning, they do not eliminate it. Unsightly debris together with snow and ice can collect on top of the screen and cause it to collapse. Over time, there is also a chance for the screens to rust and stain face of gutter.

Gutter Filters

Sponge-like foam “space fillers” that let water drain through but keep leaves from building up in the bottom of the trough. These fillers do not have the capacity to handle heavy rain and water flow, and may cause overflow during heavy rain. Snow and ice can also settle into the foam, harboring the potential for ice damming, sagging and overflowing.

Solid Gutter Covers

Made of vinyl or aluminum, these solid gutter covers snap onto the top front of the gutter and slip under your shingles, altering roofline and appearance. They are nailed to your roof which pierces shingles, roof felt and decking, possibly voiding roof warranty or causing leaks. Gutter covers may also blow off in high wind conditions and due to the lack of support, they are very vulnerable to damage from weight of debris, snow, or ice.

Solid Gutter Covers with Slots

Most of the solid cover gutter guards rely on the principle of “water adhesion”. The water enters the gutter through slots or small holes located underneath a lip or on the vertical side. These gutters do not keep out all small twigs, dirt, asphalt roofing granules, and pine needles. They perform less well in very heavy rain falls or on steep roofs and may not be considered visually appealing.

Gutter Brushes

Most, but not all, leaves and large debris will pass over gutter brushes. Small items that get caught near the top of the gutter brush either blow away or decompose over time. However, over time, the dirt, small twigs and pine needles that do not pass through the gutter brush may create a layer of ‘gunk’ in the bottom of the gutter which may cause staining and require periodic gutter cleaning.

Builders rush to finish the homes they build. One of the key milestones is in getting the building covered with a roof. As soon as the builders finish the roof, they quickly realize that a roof is not complete unless the rain gutters are installed on it.

Gutters not only serve a functional purpose. They also provide a decorative element to the home. A Gutter system protect walls as well as the foundation, which may not be as water resistant is the roof. The reason being is that the materials used to make them are different which – brick, wood, concrete, cement and siding, to name a few examples. When the walls and foundation of a residence become water logged, they lose their heat protection quality. They can also suffer from liquid infiltration. As a result, owners can be subject to a wet basement and underground. The reason is because water goes directly from the roof into the ground immediately near the residence. This is brought on by lack of a sufficient gutter and downspout solution. The addition result of an inadequate solution is the reduction in the life of the foundation and the overall property. There is also the strong possibility of a health hazard as mold loves to grow in cold, damp and dark places with the basement being an ideal breeding ground. Getting rid of mold can be a difficult proposition, once it is established.

During the winter time, gutters go through extreme temperatures changes including extra weight strain from ice buildup. These combined stresses test the durability of them. The fall of large masses of snow from the roof onto gutters may also stress the brackets used to keep the solution attached. Under such circumstances, they can easily be broken. What is worse, when the snow melts, water flows into the gutter solution and produces layer upon layer of ice, also known as an ice dam. Pressure and weight is distributed unevenly in this situation. When one part of the system fails, the entire system loses its ability to adequately protect the home.

One of the ways to prevent ice dams from forming is the use of de-icing cables. These gutter de-icing systems, which can start at $100 and up, melt the snow into liquid before it touches the gutter system. The melted water stays in liquid form long enough to allow it to successfully drain through the downspout and away from the property. One of the drawbacks of using this system is its reliance on electricity to operate. Some solutions come with a timer, precluding it from being on all the time. This can cut down on the costs of operation. Otherwise, they will need to be on throughout the winter. For areas of the country that get cold weather but infrequent snowfall, the better alternative is to go out and manually break up the ice yourself. If you get snow more than once a week, or do not want to spend the time regularly maintaining your gutters, the de-icing system is the way to go.