Category: Gutter & Spouting

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Gutter & Spouting

Signs You Need Gutter Maintenance From Professionals

Regular gutter maintenance is essential for protecting your home from water damage. By keeping gutters clean and free of debris, you ensure proper water flow and prevent issues like roof leaks, foundation erosion, and mold growth. Routine inspections and cleaning can extend the life of your gutters and safeguard your property.

It is easy to forget about your gutters, but they are one of the most important parts of your roofing system. Without properly working gutters, your roof is at risk of developing leaks and water damage, shortening the lifespan of the roof and creating more problems inside your home.

As such, properly maintaining your gutters is vital. Here is how to check whether your gutters need maintenance and how to ensure they are in proper working condition.

Your Gutters Are Overflowing

One of the surest signs that your gutters need maintenance is when water starts to overflow over the top of them. If you are seeing water overflow over the top of your gutters, that means that there is a blockage somewhere in the guttering system. 

You will need to visually inspect your gutters, and see where the blockage is. If you can easily see it, you should be able to remove the blockage, allowing water to again flow freely through them.

You Are Seeing Leaks Or Damp In Your Home

If you are seeing any kind of water damage within your home, often something with your roofing system as a whole will be at fault. When gutters need maintenance, they will not be able to redirect water safely. Instead, the overflow will allow the water to get in through the roof or seep in through your internal walls.

So, if you are seeing leaks, check your guttering. Look to see if there is a blockage or if the guttering itself has taken on damage and can no longer redirect water properly. 

Weeds Are Growing In The Gutters

When you look at your roof, do you see any weeds growing up there? Seeds are easily blown into gutters by the wind, and they are a very hospitable place for weeds to grow. With daylight and water easily available, those weeds will grow quicker than you would imagine.

If left unchecked, those weeds will start to cause blockages in your gutters, and start causing issues with redirecting rainwater. If you are seeing them, that is the time to start cleaning the gutters out and ensure they are still empty.

There Is Paint Damage On Your Home’s Exterior

Another key sign that to look for when checking your gutters is the siding on your home.  If you are seeing any paint peeling, bubbling, or chipping, that shows that water is making its way down the exterior of your home rather than the gutters. If left alone, again that is going to cause more water damage to your home over time.

This could either be a sign of a gutter blockage, or damage to the guttering itself. Take a look at the gutters above where the paint damage is happening, to see whether you need to call a professional in to help you.

Gutters Are Sagging

When you are inspecting your roof, are you seeing any of the guttering sagging?  This can either be happening because there is debris in the gutter weighing it down, or simply the weight of water in the gutter is making it sag. Either way, you need to correct the issue sooner rather than later, as water cannot easily make its way through that guttering system.

Check to see if there is debris there, and if there is clean it out so water can flow properly. If it is simply the weight of the water, then you will want to call a professional to correct the issue. They will be able to properly support the weight of the, or replace the guttering so it can handle water flowing through it.

Cracks In The Gutters

Again when inspecting your gutters, make sure you are keeping an eye out for any cracks in them. Even if there are small cracks in the guttering pipes, these can get bigger over time and will cause more damage to your home.

If you do see cracking, you will want to call out the professionals to take a look and repair or replace as a needed.

Rusting In Your Gutters

On a similar note, if you are seeing rust build-up on your gutters, that is an indication that that section of guttering will need to be replaced. Rust indicates that that section of gutter has become weakened, and if it is left alone, water will begin to leak through them either through into your home, or into your foundations.

You will often see people painting or ceiling a small patches of rust, in order to repair it. If you see that rust start to spread though, it is much better to replace it.

Loose Or Broken Seams

Your gutters are made up of several different sections of pipe, which are sealed together to create one unbroken pipe to redirect water.  Over time, those seams can sometimes become loose or separated. If you do see this happen, then water can easily start to leak through these broken seams.

At this point, it is usually a good idea to have the gutters replaced to ensure that your guttering system is fully capable of redirecting water safely.  

When Should You Call A Professional?

Now you know what you need to be looking for when it comes to gutter maintenance. If you do see any of the above issues, when should you be calling a professional to help you?

Typically, it is always a good idea to have a professional come if you are ever unsure of what the issue is, or you don’t feel confident in doing the repairs yourself. A good professional will always be able to carry out repairs safely and expertly, to ensure you do not experience the same issues again. Make sure you call them as soon as you do spot the problem, to prevent any further damage to your home.

Regularly inspecting your gutters is always a good idea, to make sure you can prevent water damage to your roof and home. Call a professional if there are ever issues commerce to get them repairs ask quickly as possible.

If you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Fairfax, Winchester, or Leesburg, Piedmont Roofing will be happy to help you with your roofing needs.

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Gutter & Spouting

The Different Types of Gutters, and How to Choose the One For Your Home

There are lots of different parts to your roof that enable it to protect your home from the elements and keep it safe. One of the most important parts of your roof is the guttering, but yet it’s so easy to overlook this essential part.

Here are the types of gutters you can have installed on your roof and how you can choose the one that is right for you and your home.

Why Is Guttering Important?

Most homeowners will know their guttering is important, but they may not understand just how essential it is to keep your home safe from potential damage. Guttering on your roof is designed to collect water that is shed off the roof itself and then redirect it to drains safely.

Without gutters, that shed water will start causing damage to the fascias of your building, water damage to the foundation of your home, and more. Guttering is essential to protect these elements of your home from rainwater.

This is why it is essential to both have proper guttering installed, and to keep up maintenance on it. A broken or blocked gutter must be corrected as soon as possible, as if it is left, the damage will worsen over time.

The Different Types Of Gutters

If you are having new gutters installed, it is also important to understand the different types of gutters that are available to you. There are three main types of gutters that you can have installed on your home. 

K Style Gutters

Right now, these gutters are the most common guttering style that you will see on most modern homes. When you look at these gutters, they have a very similar look to crown molding that would be used in the inside of your home. These are a popular choice as they then blend in with the look of the home overall, especially because they are able to be made in different colors and materials as required.

As well as being a popular choice for style, they are also highly functional. While the front of the gutter is styled to match the home, the back is flat so they can be easily installed to fascia boards around your roof. Because of their shape, they also are highly durable. Because of this, they can withstand a lot more damage from bad weather or the elements in general.

If you have these installed, you do need to be aware that they are susceptible to clogging. This easily happens when leaves are blown into gutters or debris makes its way off the roof into the guttering itself.  This can be counted by doing regular checks of your gutters, and unclogging them when needed. Also, these gutters can be prone to corrosion, so checking for this regularly will also help mitigate this damage.

Half Round Gutters

These are another common guttering type that you will see on some homes. As the name implies, they are made from a half of a circular pipe, with the top of it left open to collect water.

These gutters are typically used on older homes, as they were more common in the past. You will often see them used as well to give a home a more rustic look. Many also like to install them because they are easier to keep clean, thanks to the shape of them more easily flushing out debris. Of course, you will still need to check them every now and again to ensure you find any remaining debris.

Another benefit of these gutters is that they are less likely to corrode over time. This is because there is no where for water to pool or stand in the gutters, so water cannot damage it over time.

If you do want these gutters, you need to know that they are more expensive, thanks to higher labour costs with a more involved installation procedure. They are also heavier than the guttering styles, so a common issue is them pulling loose from their brackets. This is something you will have to look out for when you are doing inspections of your roof.

Box Gutters

When it comes to commercial buildings, you will typically see box style gutters. These are designed to handle a large amount of water when a larger roof is being used. That makes these gutters an oversized option.

They are installed under the shingles on a roof rather than around the edge of the roof like traditional gutters. This ensures that no water can get along the roof edge and get into the building.

If installing these gutters on an older building, you may see that you have to have the roof reinstalled with new shingles. Your roofer should be able to advise you on whether that would be the case for your building.

Which Gutters Are Right For You?

These are just three of the most popular types of gutters available right now. Which one should you be choosing for your home? The answer very much depends on you, your home, and your own needs.

For example, budget is always a huge factor in these things. This is why so many people go with the K style gutters, because they are more affordable than the half round options. K style gutters are also great for more modern homes, as they blend in so seamlessly. 

Materials will also be a factor. There are several different materials you can have gutters made from. Vinyl has become a popular choice because it does not corrode and never dent. However they do not last as long as metal gutters. Aluminum is a popular choice because it is affordable, but can be damaged by temperature fluctuations. Copper is often used for half round gutters, as they help add to the look of them. However, these are the most expensive option.

There are plenty of options for you when it comes to gutters for your home. If you’re still not sure which one you should pick, contact a professional roofing company for advisement.

If you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Fairfax, Winchester, or Leesburg, Piedmont Roofing will be happy to help you with your roofing needs.

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Gutter & Spouting

Gutter Installation: What’s Involved And Should You Hire Experts?

Your gutters are an essential part of your roof, but they’re one that’s easy to overlook. They are made to redirect rain water away from your roof, and allow it to run down into drains safely. If your gutters need replacing, it’s something you want to get handled swiftly. Here’s what you need to know about gutter installation.

The Importance Of Your Gutters

Firstly, why is it so important that you have gutters? Without gutters, rainwater would drip down your house siding and cause damage over time. That includes leaks and cosmetic damage. If the water isn’t making its way into drains, then the water will seep into the ground around your home, and possibly into your basement. 

It’s important to keep your existing gutters in good condition too, as broken or blocked gutters lead to more problems. If it’s broken or has leaking issues, then again water will make its way into the siding and the ground, rather than the drains. If they’re blocked, that will allow water to back up onto the roof. That’s going to lead to eventual roof leaks, as well as potential ice dams in the winter. 

As such, you can see just why your gutters are so important. Without them, you risk leaks and damage over time. 

When Should You Replace Your Gutters?

Next, you need to know when it’s time for gutter installation. Typically, the best time to replace them is when you start seeing signs of damage. Add your gutters to your checklist when you’re inspecting your roof, and if you see any damage look into having them replaced. 

That damage can look like cracks or fractures in the gutter, gutters that are sagging, mold or rust on the gutters, or unexplained nails screws making their way to the ground around your house. Also, your gutters are likely the culprit if you have a leaking basement, or you’re dealing with issues with your foundation. 

At this point, make sure you’re examining your gutters. If you find issues with them you’ll want to look at replacing them, so you can prevent further issues. 

How Gutter Installation Works

So, how is new guttering installed? The process happens over several steps, like so: 

Marking the gutter layout: Firstly, you’ll need to mark out where your new gutter will go. That includes marking where the highest part of the guttering will be, which should be 1 ¼ inches below the metal drip edge of the roof. You’ll also need to mark the slope of the gutter to ensure water can run towards the downspout. The gutter should slope ½ inch for every to feet you install. 

Also at this point, you’ll need to check the fascia board for rot. If there is evidence of damage, it will need to be replaced too before you can start installing the gutters. 

Attaching fascia brackets: Next you’ll attach the fascia brackets that your new guttering will sit on. To do this, you need to look for the rafter tails behind the fascia. This isn’t too difficult, as they’re around 16 inches apart and there will be nail heads showing you where they are. To attach fascia brackets, add a chalk mark on every other rafter tail, and add the brackets with a ¼ inch stainless steel lag screw. 

Cutting gutters to size: At this point you’re ready to start adding gutters. The first step is to cut the guttering to the right length for your roof line. The best way to do this is with a hacksaw, or a 12 inch power miter saw. 

If the gutter will go around a corner, then you’ll need to cut it at a 45 degree angle so the gutter will fit against the section on the other side. If you’re going to need more than one length of gutter, overlap the two by 8 inches and stainless steel screws or pop rivets to connect them. When doing this, add the screws or rivets in the sides of the gutter, never the bottom of it. 

Adding end caps: While the guttering is still on the ground, you need to add the end caps. These are attached with aluminum pop rivets. Adding siliconized caulk will ensure that the gutter is watertight. 

Cutting downspout holes: Again, while you still have the gutters on the ground the downspout holes need to be drilled in. Mark where the holes need to go on the gutter, and then use a 4 inch diameter hole saw on a drill to create it. You can also do this with a hammer and a cold chisel. 

Installing the gutters: Now the gutters are ready to go on your house. Law them onto the brackets, and rotate it until the back edge slips onto the hooks at the back of the brackets. Then, you can secure the gutters using screws. 

If there are joints in the gutters, then these need to be covered with a strip miter. These are strips of aluminum, that help keep the gutter watertight. You can also add more caulk to these strips to ensure against leakages. 

Finally, you’ll need to connect the downspouts to the new gutter. This is done with pop rivets or screws to hold them in place. 

Should You Hire An Expert?

Installing new guttering is a job that you can do if you’re confident in DIY, but often its best to have an expert do it for you. First and foremost, they have to experience to install them safely, which is difficult for a DIYer to handle. 

Plus, an expert will have all the right equipment to cut and install your guttering for you. That ensures that they’ll get it right first time, so you should have perfectly functioning gutters as soon as they’re installed. As such, it’s always worth calling an expert to help you with your gutters.

Conclusion

Now you know why your gutters are important, and how you can install new ones when yours need replacing. Make sure you keep an eye on your gutters so you can replace them when needed. 

And if you live in Virginia areas such as Middleburg, Winchester, Leesburg, or Warrenton, we’ll be happy to help you with your gutter and roofing needs.

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Gutter & Spouting

11 Components of a Successful Spouting System

Your gutters are an essential part of your roof, designed to let water drain away without letting it sit and cause damage to the structure. When your gutters work as they should, you probably never give them a second thought. However, it’s worth knowing what makes up your spouting system, as there’s more to it than you’d think. Here are the most important components of your spouting system and what they do.

1. Gutters

You’ll think of this when you think of your guttering system. These long, rounded pipes collect rainwater as it runs off your roof. When they’re clear and not being blocked by debris or ice dams, they’re able to collect the water and let it run away from the roof.

Guttering is either available in regular 10-foot lengths or as seamless gutters that are cut to fit. Both have advantages, so when fitting new gutters, you’ll need to compare the different types and see what would work for you.

2. Downspouts

Once the rainwater has been collected in the gutters, it needs to be directed down into the drains at ground level. The downspouts in your guttering system will direct the water down safely without allowing it to come into contact with the building itself.

These will typically come in 10-foot lengths and be connected, so they’re long enough to reach the ground. The pipes will be spaced out every few feet along the gutter, so water can flow freely.

3. Miters

A miter is an angled part designed to allow guttering to be connected around corners. There are inner and outer miters, which do slightly different jobs. The inner miter sits inside the gutter pipe and is designed for when valleys drain into a gutter. An outer miter will sit on the outside of the pipe and will hold it together where the gutter goes around a corner.

4. Gutter Guards

A gutter guard isn’t something you’ll see on all guttering systems, but it’s something that you’ll want to strongly consider. These are connected to the gutters and can resemble a mesh on top of the pipe or a brush in it. These guards are there to catch any debris that may fall into the gutter and block it.

They’re especially helpful if there’s a tree close by the roof, as it’s so easy for the wind to catch leaves and blow them into the gutter. The guards will stop the majority of debris from getting into the gutters, keeping them clear and free-flowing without you having to clean them out.

5. Fasteners

Fasteners are what are going to hold your guttering system to your building itself. It’s essential that you pick the right fasteners for the job, as they need to hold the gutters up even if they’re full of water, snow, or debris.

Fasteners like gutter screws should be placed through fascia boards and be strong enough to hold the spouting system up. The miters should be fastened on with aluminum rivets as they won’t corrode. Stainless steel zip screws are used to secure downspouts for similar reasons.

6. Splash Guards

A splash guard is designed to stop water from splashing out of your gutter and down the side of your house. That’s especially useful when you have heavy rain in your area. A splash guard is made of prepainted aluminum and is usually placed anywhere a valley drains into your gutter. These guards will typically be painted to match the gutters themselves.

7. Outlet Tubes

An outlet tube is a section that will connect your gutter pipe to the downspout below it. There are different shapes available, and you’ll want to pick one that will fit your downspout. For example, a rectangular downspout will need a rectangular outlet tube.

8. Downspout Straps

You’ll need to consider keeping your spouting system in place during any storms in your area, and downspout straps can be a part of that system. Every ten feet of the downspout on your home should have downspout straps, attaching it securely to the building.

These can either be bought pre-fabricated, or they can be made on-site. Either way, you can get straps that match the color of your guttering. The metal used to create the straps should be thicker than the metal used in the guttering.

9. End Caps

Like splash guards, these will be made in colors that match the guttering so they blend in. They’re installed at each end of the guttering tube to force water to flow down the downspouts rather than out the side.

An end cap is useful on guttering systems, as these are what help stop water draining out of the side of the gutter itself. To attach an end cap, they should be installed with aluminum rivets and then sealed to prevent leaks.

1. Elbows

An elbow is a guttering piece that’s designed to help guide guttering over obstacles on your roof. For example, an elbow can be used to redirect a downspout back towards the wall of the building when it’s had to be built out over the roof eaves. It’s a vital piece of equipment as it will help you keep water flowing, even over less-than-optimal angles.

11. Sealant

Finally, you’ll need a sealant to prevent leaks in your guttering system. This is especially important for aluminum guttering, as this material isn’t able to be soldered. In this case, an elastomeric sealant will be the right option for you. They’re more resistant to UV light and will not degrade as quickly.

Final Spouting System Takeaways

There are a lot of parts that make up your spouting system, and it’s important to know how they all work. Now that you know the important parts, you can know when a part needs to be repaired or replaced to protect your roof. Contact your local roofing contractor today if you’re interested in installing slate roofing.

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Gutter & Spouting

Why Invest in Roof Drainage Systems?

There are lots of parts that make up your roof. One part that you must not neglect is the drainage system. If there’s rain or snow, you need that water to be able to drain away from the roof as quickly as possible. A well-cared-for system will allow for this and stop any issues in their tracks. Here’s why you should take good care of your roof drainage system.

1. Improper Roof Drainage Systems Can Lead to Foundation Problems

When your roof drainage system is correctly set up, you’ll see that the water is directed away from the roof, through the guttering, and into the drains on your property. When that happens, the water will never come near your foundations. If there are problems with the system, though, that’s when foundation problems can occur.

Excessive water can start to seep in, leading to shifting, cracks in the foundation, and other issues. This can quickly happen, too, if there’s a leak in a gutter or a pipe isn’t positioned correctly. When left unchecked, this will be a very costly fix. Instead, you want to ensure the drainage system is in good condition to avoid further problems.

2. Ice Dams Can Form and Lead to Damage

Blocked gutters are a pervasive problem but one that’s so easily avoided. If the gutters are allowed to get blocked up with leaves and other debris, that can lead to ice dams in the winter. These form when the snow melts off a roof and then refreezes at the roof’s edge. That leads to water freezing and causing a ‘dam’ in the gutter.

No more water will be able to drain off the roof, so eventually, it’ll get backed up and seep under roofing tiles. That will lead to water leaks and all kinds of other problems. If the roof drainage isn’t checked for blockages, the damage can be more severe than you’d think.

3. Water Damage Can Start to Happen With Bad Drainage

On a similar note, you’ll see that water can start to overflow back onto a roof when the gutters are blocked. That again allows the water to get into the roof over time and cause damage. That’s not just water leaks, but mold and wood rot too.

Mold is an issue you want to avoid, as it can cause serious health issues when left alone for long enough. If these leaks go on long enough without intervention, you’ll see that the whole roof may need repair or replacement.

4. Improper Installation Can Lead to Issues

All the above issues assume that the gutters were installed correctly but have experienced problems over time. You can start seeing problems a lot sooner, though, if the gutters aren’t installed correctly in the first place.

They should be secured well to the walls and be at the correct angle to allow water to drain out. If this doesn’t happen, you will see these problems occur sooner rather than later. As such, you’ll want to ensure you get an expert to install them for you to stop these problems in their tracks.

How to Take Care of Your Roof Drainage System

As you can see, some fundamental problems can arise if you don’t take good care of your roof’s drainage system. If you don’t, that can cost you a lot in repairs. However, you can easily avoid this by taking a few simple measures.

Hire a Roof Drainage Expert

When new guttering is installed, it’s always an excellent idea to have an expert come and handle the job for you. It’s an extra cost upfront, but it will save you a lot of money later on as you’re less likely to experience problems. Talk to friends and family, and look for recommendations online to find a roofer that can help you get this job done to the highest standard.

Check Gutters and Downspouts Regularly

You should be doing a complete check of your roof twice a year, looking for any issues such as missing shingles or leaks. While you’re doing this check, make sure you have a good look at the drainage system. Ensure that everything is in place and that there are no sagging or holes in the drains.

You can use the garden hose to spray water into them and see if there are any leaks. If you do see any problems, you’ll want to have them addressed as quickly as possible. The quicker they’re fixed, the less chance there are any issues with your roof.

Clear the Gutters

As you check your gutters, you’ll want to ensure they’re clean and clear. Even a small amount of debris can stop water from getting through them, so you’ll want to do this regularly. Get up on a ladder and take a look in the gutters.

If there’s anything in them, such as leaves or roofing granules, wear some gloves and scoop them out into a trash bag. Once you’ve cleared the gutters, you may want to consider installing a gutter guard. This help reduces the amount of debris in the gutters, so you can ensure fewer issues arise.

Trim the Trees

If there are trees that are growing close to your roofline, you’ll want to consider trimming them back or even removing them entirely. The leaves will fall into the gutters and block them, and you want to avoid that. Cutting those trees back will reduce the chance of debris finding its way onto the roof and causing blockages.

Your roof drainage system is more important than you’d think. When well taken care of, it will stop a lot of potentially expensive repair jobs in their tracks. Take good care of your gutters by adequately installing, inspecting, and cleaning them, and they’ll be able to take care of your home.

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Gutter & Spouting

9 Signs You Need Fairfax County Roof Repair

Thinking your home or business roofing may need some work? Here are 9 signs you need Fairfax County roof repair. Read more below…

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It keeps the weather from getting inside and causing all kinds of havoc. As such, you want to make sure that you’re taking good care of your roof and spotting any issues before they come up. How do you know if your roof needs repair? Here are some signs that you should be looking out for.

1. You’re Seeing Roofing Granules In The Gutters

If you’re taking good care of your home, you’ll be cleaning out the gutters on a regular basis. When you’re doing so, are you seeing a lot of grit in there? That grit is actually the granules that sit on top of your roofing shingles, and if they’re in the gutters, that’s a sign that you need roofing repairs. 

The granules help protect your roofing materials from the elements, especially UV rays. These will wear out shingles faster than normal, leading to you needing new roofing much sooner. Once the shingles start wearing out, though, the granules will start to shed off. That may mean you need some new shingles to replace the old ones. 

2. Peeling Or Blistering Paint On The House Exterior

Issues with your roof may not show up on the roof itself, but you’ll still need to watch out for them. That’s especially true of peeling or blistering paint. If you’re seeing this near the roofline on the exterior of your home, that indicates a problem with your roof. 

Your attic needs to be well ventilated to allow a constant flow of air. If there isn’t good ventilation or not enough vents, then humid air starts to build up in the attic. That’s what leads to the paint starting to peel. It’s best to call on a roofer to take a look at your attic and advise on how to solve the issue. 

3. Leaking Roof After Rain

After you’ve had rainy weather, are you seeing leaks in your home? That’s most likely an issue with your roof. There could be a few different issues that are causing this. Perhaps some flashing is coming away, or a group of shingles has broken. These are quite easily fixed, so there’s not much to worry about here. 

You will want to address this issue quickly, though, as the longer you leave it, the worse it will get. If you leave3 it for long enough, you may need to replace the roof entirely. You don’t want to do that before the roof reaches its natural lifespan, so get help as soon as you see the leak. 

4. The Roof Deck Is Sagging

The roof deck is the structure of your roof, that the roofing materials sit on. If you’re in your attic and can see the decking bowing inwards, that’s a sign you shouldn’t ignore. If you’re seeing the deck or rafters doing this, that’s a sign that there’s leaking moisture somewhere in the roof.

Again, this is when you should call on an expert to take a look at it for you. If you call them quick enough, you will be able to avoid a full roof replacement. 

5. Higher Energy Bills

This is another sign that you won’t instantly link with your roof, but you want to keep an eye out for it. Are you seeing a sudden dramatic spike in your energy bills? If you’re having to pay a lot more for your heating or cooling, then you’ll need to look at your roof. 

It could be another issue brought on by poor ventilation, as your heated or cooled air will be leaking out of your roof. If you suspect this to be the cause, then you’ll want to call a roofer to inspect and diagnose the issue for you. 

6. Loose Or Missing Shingles

There could be several reasons why your shingles have been broken or have gone missing. If you’ve had a storm recently, it could have smashed the shingles with hailstones, or high winds have swept the shingles away. If this is the case, then replacing the shingles should solve the problem. 

However, if you’re seeing that lots of shingles of missing, and it’s not in one concentrated spot, then the shingles may be coming to the end of their lifespan. In this case, you’re going to want to think about having the roof replaced. 

7. Wear And Tear Around Roof Objects

There are several objects that join onto your roofs, such as your chimney or roof vents. You’ll often see wear and tear at the joints where they join the roof, as it’s a weak point. That’s why they should normally have flashing attached to them.

If you’re seeing damage at these points, the fix may be as simple as installing new flashing over them to protect the joints from the elements. This is something that a good roofer should be able to advise on.

8. Moss Growing On The Roof

Some feel that moss growing on the roof is aesthetically pleasing. It can look nice, but it’s actually a sign of underlying problems in your roof. Moss thrives in damp environments, and if your roof is damp, that’s obviously a problem. 

Moss can start growing in between the shingles, leading to more problems down the line. You’d think that simply pulling the moss off will fix the problem, but you need to find out why the roof is damp in the first place. That’s where a roofer can help you diagnose the issue. 

9. Cracked Roof Cement

In some cases, roofers may use roof cement rather than proper flashing to complete a roofing job. It’s less than ideal as it can start to crack, and when that happens, it’ll let water in. 

You’ll want to call on a roofer to remove that old cement and install flashing to properly protect your roof. 

In Conclusion 

Keep an eye out for all these issues when you inspect your roof. The sooner you spot them and call in a roofer to help you, the better. We hope you enjoyed reading these useful tips!

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Gutter & Spouting

5 Reasons For Leaky Gutters

While many homeowners see leaky gutters as a minor issue, it’s one that you don’t want to ignore. The problems can mount up fast and get costly to fix. That’s why you’ll want to find the reason for that leaky gutter quickly and get it solved. Here are some of the most common reasons for gutter leaks and what to do about them.

Solve Leaky Gutters Quickly

Why is it so important that you fix a leaky gutter quickly? While a leak may not do much damage at first, it will cause more problems the longer it’s left.

The longer the water is allowed to drip, it’ll cause more damage to your home’s siding, soffit, and fascia. If left long enough, it can even cause flooding and damage to your foundation. Of course, none of these problems are going to be cheap to fix, and they’ll cause a good amount of disruption to your home.

As a homeowner, of course, you don’t want any of these things to happen. As such, it’s better to inspect your gutters, along with the rest of your roof, regularly. If you do spot any problems, you can correct them quickly with a much smaller repair bill.

The Causes Of Leaky Gutters

So, why might you have leaky gutters? There are several different reasons, so the way you fix them will be different. Here’s what you need to be looking out for.

1. Clogged And Blocked Gutters

When it comes to leaky gutters, this is the most common reason for them. It’s very easy for debris to get blown into your gutters, such as leaves from nearby trees. This is especially true when there’s been a recent storm. If enough debris makes it into the gutters, then it will block them and start causing problems.

The water that should flow down the gutters will get backed up, overflowing back onto the roof. That will lead to the roof leaking and causing rot or mold issues in it. The water can also overflow off the side, so keep an eye out for that. In the winter, they can also lead to ice dams which lead to more water damage.

The lucky thing here is that cleaning your gutters is fairly simple. The only tools you’ll need are a ladder, some gloves, and a trash bag. Simply get up to your gutters, and scoop out any debris in there into the bag. If the downspout is clogged, it’s a little more difficult as you’ll need to disconnect it from the house in order to clean it out.

Once you’ve cleaned it out, there are some ways you can prevent them from getting clogged again. Many choose to install gutter guards, which stop most debris from getting in them. If there are trees near your home, you may choose to trim them back or even cut them down to prevent future damage from occurring.

2. Improperly Sealed Joints

There are several joints in your gutters, and when they’re properly sealed, water will not escape through them. If you see water coming from a joint, though, that’s a sign that the joint hasn’t been sealed properly or has started to come apart.

Usually, you can quite easily solve the problem by removing the old sealant and applying a new one. Once you’ve done this, test the seal by pouring in some water. If this doesn’t work, then you may need to replace the joint itself.

3. Cracking And Holes

Another reason you have leaky gutters could be due to weathering over time. Even the best made gutters will eventually wear out, and so you’ll need to check and see if there are any cracks or holes that are causing them to leak. Sometimes these will be very obvious, while other times, you’ll need to pour some water in them to see where the leaks are happening.

Once you’ve found them, you’ll be able to start repairs. If it’s a small leak or crack, then you can simply apply some waterproof caulk over it to seal it back up. If the cracks are more severe, though, you may want to look into replacing these sections of the gutter entirely.

4. Loose Fasteners

The fasteners that attach your gutters to the fascia boards of your home are highly important. When used properly, they’ll hold the gutters steady and allow them to do their job. When they come loose, though, it can lead to all sorts of problems. For example, the water in the gutters can leak directly onto the facia boards, causing them to rot.

If this is left to happen for long enough, you’ll need to have the whole fascia board replaced, as well as having the gutters rehung. It’s a time-consuming job and one that can be avoided if you spot it fast enough. If the fasteners have just come a little loose, you can re-tighten them and add some caulking around them to make them watertight. If that doesn’t work, replacing the fasteners will often do the job.

5. Improper Gutter Slope

Another issue with loose fasteners is that they can allow the gutters to sag. This affects the slope of your gutters. When installed, they should have a slight downward slope that allows the water to flow freely. Once they start to sag, though, that will affect the water flow. The gutters will also sag due to the weight of water over time.

This isn’t the easiest fix on this list, as it will require some work. To fix gutter sagging, you’ll need to rehang either sagging sections or the entire gutter itself. It’s important you do so, though, as it will cause more damage over time if you leave it.

Conclusion

Now you know just why your gutters may be leaking. In most cases, it’s very easy to put right; you just need to make sure you’re doing it as soon as possible. Once you do, you’ll have perfectly working gutters again, without the risk of leaks and water damage.

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Gutter & Spouting

Why Now Is The Best Time For Gutter Cleaning And Repair

The seasons are changing, which means it is time to view your home’s exterior and consider if you need gutter cleaning and repair. Read further for details.

Your gutters on your roof work harder than you know. They redirect all rain water and snow run off away from the roof, protecting it and keeping it as dry as possible. Even so, many peoples’ gutters are neglected. If you haven’t checked yours out yet this year, now is the perfect time to do so.

Why Gutter Cleaning and Repair Now?

What is it about this time of year that makes it perfect for gutter cleaning and repair? In the autumn and winter, you’ll see leaves start to fall and land on your roof. It’s so easy for them to fall onto the roof and into the gutter. Once they make their way in, they will start to clock it. If enough debris is in there, water can’t get through the guttering. Instead, it will overflow onto the roof and lead to leaks, mold, and all kinds of expensive issues.

As winter approaches, you also need to be wary of ice dams. These aren’t as common, but you can fall victim to them. These happen when snow falls onto a roof that isn’t properly insulated, and so starts to melt. However, once it runs into the guttering it will meet freezing temperatures again, leading to it freezing in there. Once it’s frozen, it creates a dam. More snow will melt and run onto the ice, backing up and again causing water related issues.

You’ll also need to consider the age and condition of your gutters right now. Most guttering is not designed to hold much weight. Right now, they are full of leaves and other debris which are weighing it down. That leads to damage and sagging gutters, which can cause other problems. Now is the time to check the gutters and see what they’re looking like.

As you can see, there’s all kinds of reasons why you need to give your gutters some TLC right now. Take a good look at them, and see what you need to do.

Cleaning Out Your Gutters

It’s likely that you need to give your gutters a good clean, to ensure that nothing is stuck in them. Once heavy rain and snow comes, you’ll be ready for them.

Get up on a ladder while taking the correct safety precautions, and take a look at your gutters. If you see anything in them, you’ll need to clean them out. This is very easy to do. If you take a garbage bag up with you, you’ll be able to scoop out any leaves and clean the gutters out. Make sure you check every gutter on your home, to get all the leaves cleaned up.

With this, you should be safe during the winter. If you want to take more precautions, you can buy a gutter guard to install in your gutters. These are usually brushes or meshes that fit into the gutter. They will easily allow water to run through, while still stopping debris.

Right now, it’s a very good idea to check the trees near your home too. If the branches are too close, you want to cut them back so leaves can’t fall into the gutters. It’s also a good idea, as branches can fall and damage your roof during a storm. If the trees are very close, you’ll need to consider removing the tree itself.

Finally, let’s consider preventing ice dams. The biggest cause of these is lack of insulation in your roof. If you have the heat on, it will escape through the roof and melt snow. Have your roof insulated now, to stop this from happening. A great side effect of this is that you’ll conserve energy, making your home eco friendly and much easier to heat.

Repairing Your Gutters

If there’s any damage to your gutters, now will be the time to repair them. This is something you can do yourself, although many like to hire experts to do it for them. After all, that ensures they are installed properly and ready for the winter weather.

To do this, you’ll need to identify any areas of your guttering that are broken and in need of repair. Examine your gutters, looking for any signs of sagging or leaks. These are going to be the sections you’ll need to replace.

If the gutters are just leaking, you may be able to repair them without replacing them entirely. Brush out any leaking gutters and ensure they’re dry. Use a silicone or special gutter caulking to it, to ensure that the leaks are patched up. If there are any small holes, you can patch them up using roofing cement. It’s best to do this on a warm day, but if you can’t, warm the cement to room temperature before you apply it. If there are larger holes, you can buy sheet repair kits which you apply to the gutter, ensuring that it’s sealed back up.

If the gutters are sagging, you may just need to add more hangers underneath, so the gutter is fully supported. If there are extensive signs of damage though, you’ll need to replace the guttering entirely. Take care when removing old guttering, especially if it’s cast iron as this can cause injury. Once all the old guttering and attachments have been removed, you can replace it with the new gutters.

When installing the gutters, remember that they need to have a half an inch slope every 20 feet, to enable water to run to the down spout easily. Once you have it all installed, the guttering should be ready for whatever the weather can throw at it.

Conclusion

It’s amazing how much damage the winter season can do to your gutters. Ice dams, leaves, and leaks will all wreak havoc on your home, and of course you want to avoid it. When you don’t pay any attention to them, they can lead to all kinds of expensive repairs.

Do your checks now to ensure that everything is in order, and keep your home safe during the colder months.

Read More:

What To Do If You Have Storm Damage To Your Roof
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Gutter & Spouting

How Are Clogged Gutters Ruining Your Home?

Your roof keeps your home dry and protected as it sheds water and snow. Your gutters are a key component of the drainage system that keeps the water and moisture moving away from your structure. When you have clogged gutters, it puts your home at risk.

No matter what type of gutter your home has, they work in the same way, and all will collect debris that will block the flow of water.

To ensure that your gutters are doing their best job, it’s essential that they are kept clean and not allowed to clog, which can lead to larger problems you’ve never thought about.

Let’s look at some of the worst-case scenarios of clogged gutters, and then at what the solutions are.

What happens when your gutters are clogged?

Clogged gutters can cause damage to many parts of your home.

Some of the most common damages to your home include:

  1. Standing water damage
  2. Wood damage
  3. Stone and brick damage
  4. Foundation damage
  5. Yard damage
  6. Pest influx
  7. Broken gutters from ice

Below, we discuss the different types of damage caused by clogged gutters in detail (and how to fix these issues).

1. Standing water is the enemy

Your gutters are designed to keep water away from your walls and foundation, allowing it to drain to your yard.

When a clog occurs, water can pool and contribute to all kinds of problems that result in costly repairs.

Clogged gutters lead to poor drainage that can affect your home from top to bottom.

2. Wood damage is common

It is likely that the fascia boards that hold the gutters on your home are made of wood.

When water overflows the sides of your gutter, the area it covers will begin to deteriorate and rot. This accelerates the decay of the wood – and the end result is costly replacements.

If your home has wood siding, the water pushed off by gutter clogs can cascade down the exterior walls of your home, creating paint damage, mildew, and rapid aging.

3. Stone and brick damage is also possible

Your stone or brick home is not immune to water damage, either.

When clogged gutters force water onto the sides of your home, the damage still adds up.

The prolonged exposure to moisture can cause cracking, mortar deterioration, and mold.

What starts as a simple clog can result in a great deal of scrubbing, treatment, and repairs to your exterior walls.

4. Foundation damage is seldom considered

This largely hidden part of your home can be affected in serious ways by improper drainage.

When gutters clog and malfunction, water is allowed to pool in one area around your foundation. This will create cracks and possibly displace your foundation.

Crawl spaces will also be affected, and costly repairs can result.

If your home has a basement, the same standing water can lead to interior wall damage, mold, decay and other problems.

5. Your yard will suffer

Nothing will take out a flower bed or other planted area like standing or streaming water.

When gutters don’t work properly due to clogs, the downpour can create muddy areas where nothing will grow, wash out the valuable soil around roots, and kill plants.

In addition, all that mulch you’ve spent time installing on your beds? A misplaced downpour from gutter overflow can float it away.

6. Yes, pests too

Standing water is also an invitation to a variety of insect problems.

It’s not only biting mosquitoes, which can lay and hatch eggs in just over a week – standing water also attracts wood destroying pests such as termites and carpenter ants.

In addition to any puddles formed by the overflow from clogged gutters, the water still in the gutter is more than enough to create cycle after cycle of mosquitoes.

This is a nearly invisible source of bites and distress, all above your head.

7. Ice damage is water damage, too

Although you might think about your gutters the most during the rainy season, they are also important when the temperature drops in the fall and winter. Some of the worst damage caused by clogged gutters can happen during this time of year.

In the winter, clogged gutters will contribute to ice dams. These form when ice build-up along the edge of the roof prevents melting water from draining – creating a “dam”.

With nowhere to go, the water can back up and begin to seep between the shingles, creeping into the attic and possible further down.

Ice dams can occur any time a snow is followed by a thaw and then a temperature drop into the freezing range. In other words – often, in our area.

Ice puddles and icicles will form when gutters are clogged and not draining properly. In a shady spot or side of the house, a puddle can create a black ice hazard, causing dangerous slips or falls.

Closer to the roof, large icicles can be formed as water melts and collects at a clog. Although a fun part of the winter landscape, too many large icicles can actually get heavy enough to break or bend a gutter – causing even more problems.

 

What to do about your clogged gutters

1. Be a detective

The next time it rains, take a walk around your house. Check for spots that are overflowing the gutter rim, visible signs of debris above the edge of the gutter, and downspouts that don’t seem to be releasing much water.

In the winter – keep an eye out for the icicles mentioned above, as well as ice accumulation in strange areas.

2. Clean them yourself

If you don’t mind heights, have a good ladder, a long hose, and something to shovel with, you can clean your gutters yourself. This is not recommended if your house is more than one story tall.

There are also a variety of tools that you can purchase and use – from shop vacuum attachments to extension grabbers. These are all dependent on your love of gadgets and your patience.

Either way, the recommendation for cleaning your gutters is twice a year – more often if you have a lot of trees in your yard.

Spring and Fall are the most effective times for this task – that’s when leaves and blooms drop.

3. Hire a gutter cleaning service

When your home is more than two stories tall, you don’t have a good ladder, time, or you’ve been reading some of the latest statistics on ladder falls, you’ll want to consider hiring someone to clean your gutters.

A competent company can clean your clogged gutters for you while you stay calm and clean – and on the ground.

4. Install gutter guards or covers

Another option is adding covers to your existing gutters that will filter the debris without obstructing the flow of water. Several styles are available to choose from.

These can be added to match your home, reduce maintenance, and are easily installed by your contractor.

Conclusion

Gutters are designed to move water away from your home, prevent standing water, and protect your structure.

When they do this job well, they prevent a variety of problems that can prevent costly repair. Clogs from leaves and other debris are the primary cause of gutters not performing their job.

A regular gutter cleaning schedule and the addition of gutter covers can help prevent everything from foundation repairs to mosquito bites to mold to leaks.

Be sure to add regular gutter cleanings to your annual “To-Do” list; you’ll be so glad you did.

Categories
Gutter & Spouting

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts This Spring

The maintenance of gutters and downspouts can get overlooked, especially during winter. But now that it’s spring, it’s the best time to do a thorough cleaning and inspection! Read more for some tips.

You don’t really notice your gutters and downspouts until they stop working properly. Neglecting to clean your gutters results in a higher chance that they will get clogged or damaged, especially during rainy seasons. If your gutters are clogged and not properly maintained, they can cause water damage to the foundation of your home which could add major expenses.

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is important and will save you money on repairs. The cleaning process is so simple that it should take no longer than an hour, which is why there is no reason not to do it!

Below is a guide to help you get started.

Check Your Entire Roof

Gutters help protect against roof rotting, so it’s a good idea to first check the entire roof for any damage or necessary maintenance, in case the gutters haven’t been cleaned in a long time.

It is very rare that we spend time up on our roofs. Because we rarely inspect our roofs, it can be difficult for us to know something is wrong until it’s too late. The last thing we want is for a rainstorm to come along and ruin our home because we weren’t aware of the problems in our roof.

The following are signs that tell you that there is something wrong with your roof or gutter system, and needs to be fixed:

  1. Water spots on your ceiling
  2. Water spots appear on exterior walls
  3. Your gutters are filled with granules and wash out the downspouts
  4. Cracking shingles
  5. Shingles are cupping
  6. The roof is missing shingles
  7. The roof leaks when the temperature fluctuates between warm and freezing
  8. There are black stains on the roof

It is important for a gutter to be installed correctly in order for water to efficiently transfer from your roof to the drainage system.

Caring for Your Gutters

When beginning to clean, you want to make sure that you have a stabilizer bar for your ladder to keep you and your gutters safe. You also want to make sure to wear gloves when cleaning tight areas. In addition, you want to have a bucket to put all the debris in so that it won’t dirty your yard, or worse cause slippery surfaces.

Gutters are made from different materials and can be different shapes. If you do need to replace your gutters or if you happen to be building a new house, the following information can help you decide what type of gutter to get.

Materials

  • Aluminum – Lightweight
  • Plastic – Lightweight, minimal maintenance
  • Copper – Durable, easy to install
  • Cast Iron – Very heavy, needs to be painted

Shapes

  • Half Round
  • Box
  • Square Line
  • K Line

Some gutters last longer than others. The life span of a gutter depends on the material it is made out of, as well as how well it is installed. You can install the gutters for your home, but it might be a good idea to call a professional to ensure the full lifespan of your gutters.

Because they deal with roofs on a daily basis, it is likely that they may catch problems before you do. With their experience, they may know to look for missing gravel, splitting or blistering of the roof, or even how to evaluate water staining or damage on the ceiling of your home.

Maintenance is Important

You should be cleaning your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, spring and fall, to make sure that there are no clogs so the water is able to drain. If your gutters are filled with leaves and debris, in addition to possible water damage on the home, it can cause damage to your gutters and even roof because of the additional weight caused by the leaves absorption of the water.

If you are a new homeowner and have been wondering what type of maintenance is recommended for the roof and gutters of your home, here are some tips:

1. You should inspect your roof at regular intervals. Because your roof is exposed to all of the elements, regular inspection is a must. By doing this, you will be able to tell if any damage may have occurred, or if any small repairs need to be completed before the next season’s weather hits, resulting in possible emergency roof repair.

2. Loose shingles are not such a big deal until they blow away in the wind. At this point, they become a major expense. Matching older shingles can be a lengthy and costly process, often resulting in a customer deciding to purchase a whole new roof because they cannot find shingles that adequately match.

3. Loose gutters and blocked downspouts can cause future roof problems that would be more easily fixed now.

CONCLUSION

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts seems like a chore that nobody wants to handle. If you’d rather prevent leaves from getting stuck in the gutters in the first place, you might want to consider having leaf-proof gutters installed.

Nonetheless, it is extremely important to have a strong gutter system on your home to avoid future problems and costs.

Read More:

How Are Clogged Gutters Ruining Your Home?
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