Fast Fact #14 – Ladder Safety

Ladder Safety & Gutter Cleaning

Ladder safety is extremely important while cleaning your gutters. Avoid standing on the top three rungs and don’t reach past the side rails. Never farther than your belt buckle. Clean your gutters while standing firmly on a ladder. Ladder safety is very important to keeping yourself protected. For more tips on gutter cleaning, please visit our other posts on the subject. If you are not comfortable cleaning your gutters yourself. Please feel free to call us for a free estimate and get your gutter cleaning process started today.

For a free estimate on gutter cleaning, repairs or adding gutter guards, call us today! Gutters & Guards experienced team will take the guess-work out of the process, and ensure that your home is protected.

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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, injury prevention, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, spring, Spring cleaning, Virginia

Do I Need To Clean My Gutters? 5 Reasons You Need To Clean Your Gutters This Spring

Spring is on its way which means it’s time for your bi-yearly gutter cleaning.

Before you ask yourself ” Do I Need To Clean My Gutters?” Know this: The best time to do the spring gutter cleaning is early spring for those April showers hit (it can be hard to pinpoint a day to do this because winter can be sporadic when it decides to stop), so watch the weather and when it seems like a few days of nice warm weather bust out your ladder and cleaning supplies or give a local professional a call to set up a date for them to do it for you.

If you’re thinking that your gutter do not need to be cleaned twice a year, we have a few facts that might change your mind.

1. Leaves that were slow at falling off the trees and found their way into your gutters in the late winter are in your gutters now waiting for a big rain so they can clog up your gutters and cause for a million more problems.

2. Roof Debris from winter storms and winds are waiting to be washed into your gutters yet again clogging them up to annoying amounts.

3. Clogged gutters can lead to mold and mildew problems. If an excessive amount of water pools by the foundation of your home it can seep under your home and become a big problem.

4. If left unchecked, clogged gutters can cause wood rot on your home’s fascia boards, soffits and eaves. When this occurs, gutters must be removed from your home so the damaged wood can be replaced. Clogged gutters are also a popular breeding ground for mosquitoes!

5. Also speaking of pests such as mosquitoes, birds are coming back to build nests for their young and gutter debris are high quality building materials for birds, rodents, etc.

Things To Remember When Cleaning Your Gutters

Ladder Safety. One of the biggest at home injuries include falls from ladders. Make sure to have a gutter cleaning partner that can hold the ladder and also hand you tools if needed.
Remove large debris first then use water hose to wash other debris out of your gutters. (Using a pressure washer is a bigger risk because it can rip your gutters from your home if hit at the right angle.)
Never put yourself in an uncomfortable situation. If you do not feel comfortable on a ladder, please call a professional.

Another thing to think about is investing in a gutter guard for your gutters. It not only helps preventing clogs in your gutters. It could help for all the rain that will come in April and May. There are quite a few different options to choose from when looking at gutter guards. You can see a comparison of the different types of gutter guards on another blog post that we did a few months back.

For a free estimate on gutter cleaning, repairs or adding gutter guards, call us today! Our experienced team will take the guess-work out of the process, and ensure that your home is protected.

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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, Debris, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, injury prevention, Lynchburg Virginia, Rain, Rain gutter, Spring cleaning, Virginia, Weather

Problems With Gutter Guards – Most Common Complaints About Gutter Guards

Problems with gutter guards is something that as a consumer you might not want to hear.

Gutters guards are something that some people might be skeptical about, since they are made for avoiding clogs in gutters.

Installed Incorrectly.

You get what you pay for most of the time. If the system, is really cheap then it might not last as long or even do an effective job. We’re not saying go buy the most expensive gutter guard on the market. That would end up being a waste of money as well. Do research on the types of gutter guards and see what would fit your home the best. Also if you live in a place where they amount of leaves and debris going into your gutters is minimal then you might not need to bother with them at all. If you chose not to deal with them then make sure that you are getting your gutters cleaned at least twice a year.

We Still Have To Clean Them.

One of the biggest misconceptions about gutter guards is that it means that you never have to clean them. It’s unfortunately untrue with any of the current gutter guards out on the market today (no matter what they say). They can prevent clogs from happening, which is the biggest problems with gutters, but you do have to maintain them to keep them working correctly. It helps in you live in a place where a lot of trees are getting leaves into your gutters which causes you to clean them out more frequently. With gutters guards it’s something that can be cut down to the recommended two or even once a year.

They Don’t Work.

Gutter guards are (like we’ve stated before) meant to keep you from constantly having to clean your gutters. It is possibly that during a heavy downpour it could cause water to run over gutters. This can happen with gutters without guards as well. If they are running over your gutters in a light to medium rain, something is wrong. Whether it’s the pitch or they were just installed improperly is where to look. Call in a professional before you start taking off the gutter guards or trying to mess with your gutters because it can void your warranty.

Bees And Pests Are Still Building Nests.

It can be quite annoying when a bee or bird builds a nest in your gutters. Bees are more likely to build nests in curved gutter guards than mesh. So it’s good to be aware of that possibility, and might be more beneficial to invest in a mesh gutter guard instead.

So when deciding if a gutter guards is right for you take all options into consideration.

For a free estimate on gutter cleaning, repairs or adding gutter guards, call us today! Our experienced team will take the guess-work out of the process, and ensure that your home is protected.

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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, Debris, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, Rain, Rain gutter, Virginia

Fast Fact #13 – Fall Safety

Fall safety & Gutter Cleaning.

Fall safety is very important when cleaning your gutters. Do not go up on the roof unless the weather forecast is good and dry. Early morning dew and weather weather can be hazardous and cause you to slip. In an rainfall never climb a ladder because the rungs can be very slippery and you can fall easily.

For a free estimate on gutter cleaning, repairs or adding gutter guards, call us today! Our experienced team will take the guess-work out of the process, and ensure that your home is protected.

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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, injury prevention, Lynchburg Virginia, Rain gutter, Virginia, Weather

Spring Gutter Tips – 4 Tips For Getting Gutters Ready For Spring Snowmelt

Spring Gutter Tips For Snowmelt.

While the amount of snowmelt you experience will differ from year to year. Melting snow nevertheless always poses hazards to you and your home. From falling ice that can damage your car to black ice that can form on the ground below your roof’s drip line. This can potentially cause serious injuries. Snowmelt poses many dangers – even some that you may not even think about. We have some spring gutter tips.

Gutters play an integral role in protecting you and your property from the hazards of snowmelt. Considering that a foot of snow on a 1,000-square-foot-roof will produce roughly 2,500 gallons of water. Since this water will likely be running off your roof over a period of several days, your gutters could be overwhelmed by a steady torrent of water that won’t relent until the warm springtime sun melts the last vestiges of winter off your roof.

How to Prepare Your Roof Gutter System for Snowmelt

Use roof gutters, leaders, and downspouts that will direct snowmelt and rain runoff. At least 10 feet away from the foundation of your home. Doing so will help prevent costly water damage in your basement and around your home’s walls.
Use plastic or concrete dry wells to catch water running out of the end of your downspouts. This will help keep prevent copious amounts of water from pooling in your yard. Also it can help prevent landscape erosion caused by water gushing out of your downspouts.
If your roof doesn’t have gutters and you’re not in a financial position to have them installed before spring rolls around, consider installing an inexpensive water runoff collection system at the drip line under the eaves of your roof; a drip line runoff system can be built by laying perforated piping in a trench lined with plastic. Surround the pipe with stones or gravel and then cover the trench with landscaping.
Install a gutter heat cable inside your roof gutters. These deicing cables plug into your home’s main electrical system and will prevent ice from forming along your gutters and drip line. While snow melting cables won’t stop snow from accumulating on your roof, it will help prevent the heavy accumulation of snowflakes and formation of gutter ice and icicles that can potentially damage your gutters.

Before Old Man Winter Comes to Call…

It is always a wise idea to check your roof gutters each winter before snow begins to melt so you can fix any issues that may prevent your gutter system from working properly when accumulations of snow on your roof begins yielding to balmier springtime temperatures. Also, be sure to clear your roof gutters of leaves, seed pods, twigs, and any other debris that may have built up, ensuring that your gutter system can handle the deluge of water that will soon be trickling from your snow-capped rooftop.

For a free estimate on gutter cleaning, repairs or adding gutter guards, call us today! Our experienced team will take the guess-work out of the process, and ensure that your home is protected.

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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, ice, injury prevention, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, Virginia, Weather, winter

Fast Fact #12 – Algae On Gutters

Algae on gutters.

Algae on gutters. Leaves, twigs and other debris that sit in a gutter for a long time can lead to the development of moss or algae. Moss and algae left on your roof could cause it to prematurely age. This could lead to having to replace it sooner than you want/need to.

Moss and algae can damage your gutters as well causing water to back up.

Clogs and mosquitoes can also be more frequent. Avoid this issues from arising clean your gutters at least twice a year. Service as needed. If you notice moss and algae call a house cleaning professional or clean your gutter yourself. For algae remove please refer to this post on the subject. Gutter cleaning is a very important pat of home-ownership. Gutters protect your home for a lot and can cause lots of expensive damage to your home.

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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, damage, Debris, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, Rain gutter, Virginia, Water damage

New Homeowners Guide To Gutters – New Gutters

Congratulations! You bought a new home (whether it’s brand new or new to you).

There a about a million different things to worry about but there is one aspect that is one of the most important parts of the exterior of your home. That is the new gutters or old gutters. It’s often the most forgotten about or neglected of the home. Surprisingly there are some without gutters. You might be thinking why do I need to worry about a small aspect.

There are just a few reasons that could make you think twice about neglecting your gutters.

1. Gutters keep moisture away from your foundation.

Without gutters, water that runs off of your roof lands at the base of your eaves, usually near your foundation. This can cause a number of problems. It can form unattractive trenches and ruts in your landscaping; it can cause water to seep behind your siding, causing the wood behind the siding to rot. Rot can cause water to enter your basement, causing mold and mildew to be circulated throughout your living spaces. These are all unnecessary bills that could be avoided with something as simple as installing or making sure your gutters are in working order.

2. Gutters keep water away from your attic

Gutters don’t just keep water out of your basement. They can help at the top of your house, also. Without gutters, some of the water than travels over your eaves is likely to seep behind the boards that protect your attic, allowing moisture to accumulate at the top of your house.

3. Gutters help to prevent insect infestations

Moisture around a home’s foundation creates an ideal breeding place for insects, such as termites and ants. Gutters and downspouts channel that water away from the foundation, making your home less attractive to bugs. There are also larger rodents such as mice, rats, squirrels, etc. No one wants to deal with that when you move into a new home.

4. Gutters keep water from pouring down on you and your guests

Lastly, without gutters, rain water and melting snow comes down off of the roof right where it falls. That can mean rivers of water cascading down on your head as you’re entering or exiting your home. Gutters divert this water to downspouts at the corners of your house, so you’ll stay dry when you’re opening your front door.

Investing in gutters is a decision that needs to be carefully considered. You don’t want to save a few hundred dollars today, only to spend thousands to repair water damage later. You’ll save money if you do it right the first time. If not it will cost you a lot more.

For more information about our products or for a free estimate on gutter cleaning, repairs or adding gutter guards, call us today! Gutters & Guards experienced team will take the guess-work out of the process, and ensure that your home is protected.

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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, damage, Downspout, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, Mother Nature, Rain gutter, Virginia, Water damage, Weather

Fast Fact #11 – Ice Dam

Ice Dam & Your Gutters

Snow can wreck havoc on your home. Ice dam can back up melted snow water and it can seep underneath your shingles. If snow sits on your gutters, it can become too heavy and they can fall off, due to weight. To keep snow off your roof from melting and freezing at fast rates.A well insulted roof can prevent melting. This means warm air is not escaping it cause the snow to melt and refreeze.

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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, ice, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, Virginia, Water damage, Weather, winter

Protecting Gutters From Ice & Winter

Protecting your gutters from ice & water during the winter months can be important to prevent major damages from occurring those cold winter months.

So you forgot to clean out your gutter while it was warmer. Before we had any large amounts of snow. All hope is not lost but it’s not going to be easy to make sure no damage happens to your home. Or your gutters are not ripped from your home. We’re here to help you do a little late winter gutter cleaning.

Removing Debris & Ice is the first step.

It’s not going to be easy but it is going to help save your gutters from further damage. Prevent it from damaging your home. Using ice melters or hot water or salt to melt the ice so you can get to the debris that originally clogged up your gutters. Clean it all out. Put the debris in a trash bag or trash can so you can properly dispose of it.

To make sure your downspout are not clogged, run water through your gutters and watch how they drain. If they don’t drain or seem like there might be a little bit of debris stuck in the downspout. To get debris out of your gutter using a pressure setting on the water hose will usually do the trick. Do not use a pressure washer because that might cause damage to your gutters.

All of the snow and ice during the winter melts and re-freezes and melts again.

Springtime is usually too late to avoid damage from improperly functioning gutters and downspout. If you live on a heavily wooded lot be sure tree branches do not overhang your roof. Heavy snow can cause branches to break and damage your roof. Consider the installation of a leaf protection system for your gutters. Avoid clogged gutters that can contribute to water penetration at the foundation or at the roof.

If you don’t have the time, or simply do not want to be outside in this weather, give us as call and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment to clean out your gutters.

Or if you have a leak or your gutters have been detached from your home, it’s best to let the professional handle it because not only will we do it right, it’s less for you to worry about.

For more information about our products or for a free estimate on gutter cleaning, repairs or adding gutter guards, call us today! Our experienced team will take the guess-work out of the process, and ensure that your home is protected.

Connect with us for daily inspiration, updates and information:
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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, damage, Debris, Downspout, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, ice, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, Rain, Rain gutter, Virginia, Weather, winter

5 Ways To Dress Up Your Gutters – Gutter Accessories

Gutter Accessories and Your Gutters.

Gutters are a small but important part of your home and sometimes it seems like they are the most boring part as well. There are ways to spruce up your gutters and downspouts to help them go with the style of your home.

5. Rain Chains

We’ve dedicated a whole blog to rain chains before and how cool and relaxing they can make your home. It is NOT for a home that sees lots of rain, but if your home gets and average or small amount of rain fall every year it could be a nice addition.

4. Conductor Heads

This gives the downspouts a little extra time to drain in a downpour or consolidate runoff from multiple gutters. There are types for both half-round and K-Style downspouts. Most are quite lovely.

3. Downspout Bracket

These pieces of downspouts to the home securing the downspouts against wind, and theft. There are a lot of different varieties to choose from so no matter what the style of your home is, you can find something appealing.

2. Decorative Boot

Fitted to the bottom of a downspouts, boots provide a classy or fun exit point for water. There are so many variations to this, from cute to classy to funny. The possibilities are endless.

1. Fascia Bracket.

There’s no stronger way of supporting a gutter, or more graceful ornamentation that a solid bracket. The best gutters to use this on are the half-round gutters because there is more bracket showing. Plus the curve is easier to decorate with.

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Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, curb appeal, Downspout, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, Rain gutter, Virginia

Ladder Safety & Gutter Cleaning

Spring is on its way which means it’s time for your bi-yearly gutter cleaning.

If you’re thinking that your gutter do not need to be cleaned twice a year, we have a few facts that might change your mind.

Things To Remember When Cleaning Your Gutters

Problems with gutter guards is something that as a consumer you might not want to hear.

Installed Incorrectly.

We Still Have To Clean Them.

They Don’t Work.

Bees And Pests Are Still Building Nests.

Fall safety & Gutter Cleaning.

Spring Gutter Tips For Snowmelt.

How to Prepare Your Roof Gutter System for Snowmelt

Before Old Man Winter Comes to Call…

Algae on gutters.

Moss and algae can damage your gutters as well causing water to back up.

Congratulations! You bought a new home (whether it’s brand new or new to you).

There are just a few reasons that could make you think twice about neglecting your gutters.

1. Gutters keep moisture away from your foundation.

2. Gutters keep water away from your attic

3. Gutters help to prevent insect infestations

4. Gutters keep water from pouring down on you and your guests

Ice Dam & Your Gutters

Protecting your gutters from ice & water during the winter months can be important to prevent major damages from occurring those cold winter months.

Removing Debris & Ice is the first step.

All of the snow and ice during the winter melts and re-freezes and melts again.

If you don’t have the time, or simply do not want to be outside in this weather, give us as call and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment to clean out your gutters.

Gutter Accessories and Your Gutters.

5. Rain Chains

4. Conductor Heads

3. Downspout Bracket

2. Decorative Boot

1. Fascia Bracket.

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