Month: May 2020

Warning Signs You Need New Gutters

Warning Signs You Need New Gutters

Homes aren’t perfect—especially their exteriors, which face the most wear and tear from outside elements such as weather, dirt, and debris. One particularly sensitive part of your home’s exterior is your gutters. Look out for any of these warning signs that you need new gutters to avoid serious structural, financial, and health-related issues.

Cracks

Cracks are the most obvious signs you need to replace your gutters. Even small cracks can seriously affect your gutter systems, causing water leakage and roof damage. They can also break off under too much stress. Your fascia, shingles, and even home foundation can sustain damage, potentially leading to a greater burden. Not to mention, continual water leakage can lead to mold growth in your home and risk health issues.

Pools of Water

Pools of water can damage your roof, too. When water collects, it can weaken the wood in your attic, causing holes or other issues in severe weather. Your gutters also serve to dispel rainwater from collecting on the roof, preventing clogged, misaligned, or broken gutters or downspouts.

Sagging Gutters

Sagging is another similar warning sign that you need new gutters. If the gutters sag or begin to pull away from the house, there are clear issues at play. It’s evident that the gutters have collected water and that the weight is causing them to sag. If left untreated, your gutters can completely break off. Along with the obvious financial strain, rainwater and snow will collect on your roof and siding rather than moving down the gutters, possibly causing further structural issues.

Mildew and Mold

Finally, you cannot ignore mildew and mold. They often have pungent odors and odd colors, so you’ll be able to see it on your siding or under your gutters. Mold and mildew pose health risks; they can cause throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, coughing, wheezing, and skin and eye irritation. Some people are even allergic to these substances, which can have further consequences.

If you experience these issues at any time, call us at Gutter Maid. As one of the best gutter installation companies in Frederick, Maryland, we know how to safely and responsibly install, repair, and clean your gutters. You’ll avoid even the worse gutter-related issues with our services. Give us a call for a consultation, or fill out our online questionnaire.

Tips for Maintaining Your Gutters This Summer

Tips for Maintaining Your Gutters This Summer

Warm weather, sunshine, and children playing outside are all signs of the summer season. Many people enjoy the comfort and leisure of outdoor activities too. However, summer is also a time for leaves, animals, bugs, pollens, and other natural debris that can trigger allergies. Even more, this debris can collect in your gutters and clog them. Fortunately, these tips for maintaining your gutters this summer will help you avoid any issues with your rainwater drainage system.

Make Regular Inspections

While the warm air and sunny climate welcome you to summer’s beauty, it’s important not to forget your gutters. As one of the most exposed parts of your home, it’s important to keep regular maintenance on them throughout these months. The best way to do this is through weekly inspections. This way, you can detect any wear, uneven areas, loose brackets, or leaks. Assess these issues and fix the ones you can. Any serious issues may require a professional.

Use Gutter Guards

One simple way to protect your gutters from debris is to install gutter guards. Gutter guards are pieces you can attach to the gutter that block outside material. There are many gutter guards to choose from, like mesh, reverse curve, and screen. Mesh guards have small slots that allow water to run through and stop block twigs or other debris. Reverse curve guards use a unique design in which water does not pass through but rather flows over the top and around a downward curve. Debris slide off the edge and fall to the ground. Lastly, screen guards are like mesh guards but come at a cheaper price point.

Be Careful

Anyone who decides to repair their own gutters must be careful. You should always wear gloves whenever cleaning out your gutters, since you don’t know what type of debris collects there. You must also make sure your ladder is secure. People often sustain injuries from home improvement projects. While it might not seem like the most dangerous chore, gutter cleaning or repair can cause serious injury if you’re not careful. Not to mention, there’s a risk that you can damage your gutter systems if don’t know about proper maintenance techniques.

Hire a Professional

Another tip to maintain your gutters in the summer is to hire a professional gutter cleaning service. They understand how to properly inspect, clean, repair, and install your gutters through fail-safe skills. Your professional gutter service can recommend and install the right gutter guard for you. With their knowledge and expertise, professional gutter services address your gutters and downspouts in a way that guarantees little-to-no further issues.

Any homeowner who needs their gutters cleaned, repaired, or installed should call us at Gutter Maid. As a gutter installation contractor, we understand the importance of a properly maintained home drainage system. We have the experience to fix any apartment, condo, or home. Contact us today to get started.