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Removing Icicles From Gutters

By rempferconstruction
Jan-20-2017
Damage Prevention, Gutter Guards, Gutters
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Removing Icicles From Gutters. Icicles overhanging your roof may look like a scene from movie, but they can cause a lot of trouble. If left alone, the icicles may melt and refreeze into ice dams or may fall and cause injury to you, your family or guests. When a long-term warm-up is not in the forecast take steps to remove icicles yourself. We do not suggest you climb a ladder and bang them off your gutters with a hammer but rather take some preventative measures to ensure no heavy ice hang down. We have a few tips on preventing icicles and hopefully keeping your home from forming ice dams. Proper Exhaust – Many appliances and rooms in your home produce heat. The kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms all produce excess heat, and if the exhaust from these areas aren’t properly insulated and caulked, heat can escape into the attic. Maintaining the ducts from these areas is crucial in the fight to stop ice dams and icicles. Roof Raking – One simple solution is to remove the snow from the roof yourself. Many hardware stores carry snow rakes, a telescoping tool to manually remove the snow from the roof before ice dams form. Keep in mind that these rakes should never be used while on a ladder, but are effective at freeing your roof of snow. Using a rake to remove snow right after a storm will stop ice dams before they every have a chance to form and keep you from trying to rake heavy, crusty snow which makes the job much harder to do. (Source) Check Out Part 2 of removing icicles from gutters on January 27th! 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: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tags: Construction and Maintenance, damage, gutter cleaning, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, ice, Lynchburg Virginia, winter

Snow & Your Gutters

By rempferconstruction
Jan-17-2017
Damage Prevention, Gutters, Roofing
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Snow & Your Gutters. Winter brings lots of snow and ice storms. One of the most important and troubling problems with all the snow on your home is the damage it can do to your gutters. One way that harsh winter weather can damage gutters is ice buildup. Ice buildup in your gutters prevents the flow of melted snow to your down spouts for proper drainage. The stacked up ice and snow causes the run off to flow over the lip of your gutters and create long icicles. Another equally troubling problem are ice dams. Ice dams start when snow builds up on your roof. Over time, the snow will begin to melt, even if the temperature stays below freezing. The heat from within your home warms your roof and melts the snow from beneath. The run off then enters your gutters, which remain colder than your roof, and re-freezes, creating an ice dam that prevents proper drainage of the snow melt. With ice dams formed, overexposure to moisture is prolonged. As the ice slowly melts over time, water seeps beneath shingles, under the tar paper, and eventually into the plywood beneath. Causing damage to your roof, fascia and soffit. One way to prevent ice dams is to clean out your gutters prior to winter. After all the leaves have fallen from surrounding trees. Clogged gutters will only accelerate the process of ice damming. Overflow will happen when the gutters fill up with ice and snow. To keep the snow on your roof from melting, make sure your roof is well insulated, and that warm air is not escaping. Another way gutters are damaged from snow and ice is from bearing the excessive weight of a big snow fall. Even gutters that are adequately installed. Using the proper material and size for your region, can succumb to the weight of snow and ice. And Break away from their hangers and fall to the ground. 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: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tags: Construction and Maintenance, gutter cleaning, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, Lynchburg Virginia

Solutions For Gutter Debris

By rempferconstruction
Aug-22-2016
Damage Prevention, Gutter Guards, Gutters
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What kind of gutter debris are you dealing with? This questions sounds still but solutions for gutter debris can be used for different types of debris. When you’re cleaning your gutters, these solutions may help you clean a little faster. Fine Debris such as pine needles and small leaves, can slip in your gutter unnoticed and build up over time. Pine needles can accumulate and become heavy fast. If they sit in your gutters for a long time it can cause your gutters to sag or for water to build up over time. Fine screen mesh gutter guards are the best solution to keep the needles at bay. Products like Mastershield and screen mesh are best for this. Your standard drop in gutter guard has openings that are too large and will not be able to keep out needles. Both Mastershield and screen mesh have fine smooth surfaces for debris to easily flow over the gutter and not clog your gutters. Dirt and shingle grit are another common debris that can be found in your gutters. Mastershield prevents shingle grit from getting in your gutters but screen mesh not so much. Hooded gutter systems could protect your gutters from the majority grit but not all. If an absurd amount of shingle grit is getting into your gutters, it may be time for a new roof. In the springtime, pollen and other blossoms can find their way into your gutters. They make the inside of your gutters slightly sticky because it’s almost a powder like substance and this can get debris to stick to your gutter. Running the water hose over your gutter and/or gutter cover can help dissolve the pollen. You should already be cleaning your gutters after the long winter season and doing any necessary repairs. 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: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, Construction and Maintenance, fall gutter cleaning, fall weather, gutter cleaning, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, Materials and Supplies, Virginia

Gutter Guard Maintenance

By rempferconstruction
Aug-16-2016
Damage Prevention, Gutter Guards, Gutters, MasterShield
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Gutter guards are a great way to help keep debris out of your gutters, but a little gutter guard maintenance is needed. Depending on the type of gutter guards you have, debris can get stuck on them. Mesh guards can get sappy and debris and harden onto of the screen. Plants & Other Things Growing From Your Gutters If you really allow your gutter guards to take care of debris and do not check them at least once a year, you may find that seeds, or debris can make it into your gutter and even start to grow! We suggest that you check your gutter (even with guards/covers) at least once a year for any signs of failure. Problems such as gutters pulling away from your home, or damage to your covers, can cause larger issues in the future. Large branches that land on your roof can cause debris back up and damage your gutters too. Sticky Gutter Guards Tree sap and other natural gooey substances can make your gutter covers sticky. Mastershield Gutter Guards guarantee a no clog and that they can clean off any sticky substance (Learn more). Other gutter guards and covers do not have that guarantee and sap can accumulate on your gutter guards. To clean off the sap or other sticky substances: Dampen a rag with mineral spirits and rub the affected area until the sap is removed. Wash the item with soap and water after the sap is removed to get rid of any remnants of the mineral spirits. Soak a cotton ball with nail polish remover and gently rub the hardened sap until it is removed. Wash the metal surface with soap and water. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently rub the sap-splattered area until all of the sap is dissolved. Wash the metal object with soap and water. (source) Dried Debris In the summer, rain will move debris off the trees and on your roof. Lighter storms won’t move larger debris as fast such as leaves and twigs. Then with the fast drying from the heat and sun, it can bake leaves on your gutters. An easy clean for this is to take a soft bristle brush and water hose and rake the debris off. For a free estimate on gutter guard maintenance, 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: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tags: clogged gutters, Construction and Maintenance, damage, Debris, gutter cleaning, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, summer, Virginia

Spring Gutter Clogs

By rempferconstruction
Apr-4-2016
Damage Prevention, Gutters
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Spring Gutter Clogs Spring Gutter Clogs happen. No matter where you home is nature will infiltrate your gutters and cause issues. Neglected gutters fill with debris, such as dead leaves, dirt, pollen and shingle grit. So in the April showers you will have water overflowing causing: Water Leaks Foundation Damages Soil Erosion Mold & Mildew Growth Standing Water These problems can do some serious damage if left unattended. So this Spring after all the pollen has fallen, clean your gutters. If your gutters are 2 or more stories up, please hire a professional. It will be faster and safer for you. 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: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tags: clogged gutters, Construction and Maintenance, Debris, gutter cleaning, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, Lynchburg Virginia, spring, Spring cleaning, Virginia

Prevent Slick Spots

By rempferconstruction
Dec-28-2015
Damage Prevention, Gutters
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Prevent Slick Spots Prevent Slick Spots. This winter can be a very dangerous time when ice and snow come into play. Slick spots can form on walkways due to dripping gutters. Some dripping will happen, it cannot be avoided but you can prevent the majority of it and take precautions to keep your walkways free of ice. Our first suggestion is making sure your gutters and downspouts are free of all debris and clogs. Debris and clogs in your gutters can cause water to overflow and run over your gutters. This can be avoided very easily by cleaning your gutters out at the very end of fall/ beginning of winter. This will allow water/melted snow to run easily out of your gutters. Another tip is to rake snow off of your roof. When snow begins to build up on the edge of your roof, rake it off. Leaving the snow there can cause ice dams to form, creating a large leaking water supply to find itself on your walkways. It can also cause ice icicle to form. Although ice icicles can happen no matter what you do to prevent it ( besides install heated gutter guards), you can give them less to form on and have less to worry about. Our third tip is to salt your walkways after you have cleared them. This will help melt the snow and give your a dry surface to walk on.

Tags: Construction and Maintenance, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, holiday, Home repair, ice, injury prevention, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, Virginia

Gutter Maintenance Tip #41 – Reattach Downspout Elbow

By rempferconstruction
Dec-2-2015
Damage Prevention, Gutters
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Reattach Downspout Elbow Reattach Downspout Elbow. Gutter can take a lot. From massive amounts of rain passing through them yearly, they certainly get a good workout. This also means besides water some other debris can find their way in and through your gutters and downspouts including sticks and twigs. Some may fall through your downspout hitting the boot at the bottom with quite a force. If you find that the elbow of your downspout has fallen off, fear not because it can be reattached, as long as it was not completely damaged. It should be a pretty easy fix by just fitting the two piece back together. The most important thing to do is to make sure it is attached. You can attach the two pieces together with small screws or pop rivets. If the elbow that has been broken apart is the top elblow, please call a professional because it can be a bit more difficult to DIY. 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: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tags: Construction and Maintenance, damage, Downspout, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, Lynchburg Virginia, Virginia

Gutter Maintenance Tip #40 – Inspect Seams And Anchors

By rempferconstruction
Nov-24-2015
Damage Prevention, Gutters
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Inspect Seams And Anchors Inspect Seams And Anchors on your gutters to ensure that your gutters are free of leaks, and not pulling away from your home. They could be pulling away from your home because of heavy gutter debris sitting in your gutters or from rotten fascia board on your home. If you notice water dripping from your gutters it could be from your seams needing a fresh coat of caulking. This is a simple fix by buying some waterproof caulking from a hardware store and re-sealing the seams. If you are not comfortable with DIY, please call a professional to do the work for you. It will not only save you lots of time but it will be a lot safer as well. 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. Connect with us for daily inspiration, updates and information: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tags: clogged gutters, Construction and Maintenance, Debris, gutter cleaning, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, Rain gutter, Virginia

Winterizing The Outside Of Your Home

By rempferconstruction
Nov-16-2015
Gutter Guards, Gutters, Roofing
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Winterizing The Outside Of Your Home Winter is fast approaching. Time to make sure our homes are ready to handle the cold weather. There are a few steps you can take to winterize the outside of your home. Clean The Gutters We always like to stress the importance of cleaning your gutters at least twice a year, one of the most important times being in the fall. Once all the leaves have fallen ( which should be around this time) that is the perfect time to clean out your gutters. It ensure that they won’t be clogged during those winter months when wet snow is sitting and melting from the roof. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards to help keep your gutters debris free. Call a professional or DIY, just get it done. Finish Up All Yard Work And Store Equipment Most of the grass has stopped growing so that means it’s time to pack up the lawn mower, weedeater and other lawn work equipment. You may also want to consider storing your patio furniture as well. This will help prevent premature aging of your lawn furniture as well. Store And Close Your Outside Faucets Making sure that you properly store and winterize your outdoor faucets can be important to ensure that not damage happens to them during those cold winter months. Check And Repair Your Sidewalks And Driveway Survey your walkways and driveway for any cracks or inconsistency that could be hazardous or troublesome to your family or guests. 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: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tags: Charlottesville Virginia, clogged gutters, Construction and Maintenance, damage, Debris, Downspout, gutter cleaning, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, holiday, Home repair, Materials and Supplies, Virginia, winter

Gutter Maintenance Tip #38 – Trapped Water In Gutter

By rempferconstruction
Nov-11-2015
Damage Prevention, Gutter Guards, Gutters
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Trapped Water In Gutter Trapped Water In Gutter. Have you noticed that a gutter has been trapping water? The cause could be a couple different issues. We going to explain what to look for and how to fix it. If you’re gutter is trapping water, there are a couple different issues that could be causing it. The first is a clogged gutter. We suggest that you clean out your gutters two times a year and more if you live in an area where there are a lot of trees. Leaves can cover the opening to the downspout and trap water in your gutter. So make sure to keep your gutters free to debris and if it becomes too much of a job hire a professional and install gutter guards. The second issue is your gutters being improperly pitched. We suggest that you give this one to the professionals. It may seem easy but this one is best left to the professionals. Gutters do not sit straight at a 90 degree angle. A professional can get the right angle and you won’t have to climb a ladder and balance at the same time. 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: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tags: Construction and Maintenance, damage, Debris, fall gutter cleaning, fall weather, gutter cleaning, Gutter Guard, Gutter Guards, Gutters, Gutters and Guards, Home repair, Lynchburg Virginia, Materials and Supplies, Rain gutter, Virginia, winter

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