A quality gutter system is critical to protect your home from water damage and basement flooding. However, not every homeowner pays attention to their gutter system. Some fail to maintain the troughs and downspouts or replace the system when it’s weathered and timeworn.
When it’s time to replace your gutter system, it’s important to know that regular, sectional gutters aren’t your only option. Many homeowners are switching to seamless gutters for their many benefits. An experienced seamless gutter contractor can ensure that your gutter system is durable and cost-effective, maximizing your investment.
So, how do seamless gutters differ from sectional gutters?
Sectional Gutters
Sectional or seamed gutters are sold in pieces, which you patch together to build your gutter system. The portions usually come in 10 to 20-foot pieces and are joined using an adhesive or a snap system.
Pros
Because this gutter system is sold in pieces, sectional gutters are the popular choice for DIY projects. They typically come in kits that contain the gutter pieces, connectors, and other components you’ll need. You can easily install the gutters yourself as long as you have screws, a power drill, and a hacksaw (in case you need to shorten the gutter pieces).
Seamed gutters are also cheaper compared to seamless ones. There are plenty of models and brands that sell affordable but high-quality gutter systems in the market, available in various materials.
Cons
Sectional gutters, however, are more prone to leakage due to the seams between the gutter pieces. They’re also more likely to rust compared to seamless gutters. Moisture can get trapped in the joints between steel sectional gutters, which can lead to rust. Rusted gutters become brittle, cracking when the trough becomes heavy with blockage or ice dams.
Plus, DIY gutter installation can be difficult, especially for first-timers. It may be wiser to have them installed by an expert, but this will cost you more in labor.
Seamless Gutters
The main difference between sectional and seamless gutters is that the latter is one continuous system. Built from a single piece of material, seamless gutters don’t need fasteners or joints. The only joints they have are in the corners and on the downspouts.
Pros
One of the obvious benefits of seamless gutters is they significantly reduce the likelihood of leakage. Since most gutter leaks happen at the joints, seamless gutters are leak-free, except for on the corners where there are seams.
Since there are no joints within the length of the gutter, seamless gutters are less likely to develop rust. They also have more rigidity and strength since they consist of one solid piece of material.
Since they’re less prone to leaks and rust, seamless gutters have a longer life expectancy. This makes up for the higher installation cost.
Cons
Seamless gutters are custom-fitted to your house, which means you need a professional to cut, measure, and install them for you. You can’t DIY the installation of seamless gutters. The labor can rack up the upfront costs, especially since the gutters themselves are already a bit pricey.
Ultimately, seamless gutters are more cost-effective in the long run. They perform better and last longer than sectional gutters, giving you your money’s worth. Make sure to hire a seamless gutter installation company that is known for its quality service.
Interested in Seamless Gutter Installation?
Upgrade your gutters today and invest in a superior, maintenance-free system. Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, LLC is among the leading seamless gutter contractors in Wisconsin. We offer rain gutter installation and gutter protection solutions that protect your property from water damage.
Call us at 877-594-7449 today to get a free quote and assessment.
Pest 101: The Critters that Get into Your Gutters
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCWhen it comes to your gutters, leaves aren’t the only problem. If left unchecked and neglected, the dead leaves, pine needles, dirt and other debris that collect in your gutters attract bigger pests, and with them come bigger problems. Get to know the different critters that could get into your home’s gutters.
Mosquitoes
Once your gutters are blocked by leaves, twigs and similar debris, these will hold water when the next rain comes. Even if the standing water doesn’t do significant damage, it offers a perfect mosquito breeding ground. These bugs may pose a minor annoyance, but these days, you should take mosquito infestations more seriously as they were found to carry the dreaded Zika virus in 2017.
While there aren’t any new Zika cases this year, there’s been an alarming rise of West Nile Virus cases from mosquito infestations.
Birds
Gutters that aren’t cleared of leaves and other debris attract birds. Piles of leaves and twigs are the preferred nesting material for birds, and they will do exactly that.
Birds don’t really pose a danger to you or your family, but their acidic droppings can slowly corrode metal gutters. When birds nest in your gutters, get them out ASAP. Should you allow them to take up residence, and they spawn any young, you can count on a new generation of birds to instinctively return to the safety of their gutter-home. We’ll also list another problem that comes with birds in a moment.
Bees
It’s possible that bees will take up residence in your gutters. Bees will always seek out any shelter that will protect them from the elements and conceal them from predators. If there aren’t any birds that have claimed your gutters, bees are one of the next likely candidates.
Bees can be dangerous, especially if you have family members who are allergic to bee stings. Should any bees inhabit your gutters, don’t attempt to remove them yourself as there are legalities you may not be aware of regarding this. Consult a pest control expert.
Squirrels
Pests that shack up in dirty gutters aren’t only of the feathered sort, but also the furry kind. Like birds, squirrels make nests in piles of leaves in your gutters. Their constant scurrying about can cause serious damage to your gutters and roof over time.
Rats
Another problematic pest that can take up residence in your gutters is rats. These rodents will take to your debris-clogged gutter as it can provide them with shelter and warmth. Rats also enjoy the bonus of being close to your home and will get inside eventually to look for food.
Snakes
What do the presence of birds, squirrels, rats and other gutter pests attract? Snakes. You know you’ve neglected your gutter debris problem for too long when more pests move in, and snakes enter the picture.
Keeping your gutters clear and free of fallen leaves, stray pine cones or any other debris is a task you should never put off for very long. It only takes a few leaves to clog your gutters and you’ll soon have a domino effect of pests.
Avoid the dangerous, difficult work of constantly cleaning out your gutters, and just go for the best solution: get our roof gutter protection from Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters. Trust us, with this gutter protection system, you’ll never have to worry about clogged gutters, and never have to spend hundreds of dollars for pest control, too.
Call us today at 877-594-7449, or you can set up an appointment with us.
Easy Ways to Weatherproof Your Home
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCThe United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reductions reports an alarming increase in climate-related disasters during the last 20 years. A total of 6,681 climate-related events occurred between 2000 and 2019 as opposed to just 3,656 between 1980 and 1999.
Although natural disasters are unavoidable, there are ways to reduce their effect on your home. Investing in quality sealants and roof gutter protection, for instance, can do wonders for your property. Weatherproofing your home will help you save thousands of dollars in repairs.
Follow these steps to keep your property safe against floods, high winds, and low temperature.
Seal windows and doors
Windows and doors are the main entry point of air, so ensure they are adequately sealed. Escaping air might be costing you money on your heating and cooling. Reinforcing your doors and windows will make your home more energy-efficient over time.
One way to spot leaky areas is to light a candle and hold it a few inches from around the door and window frames. If it flickers, it means a draft is coming in.
Use caulk or foam tape to solve cracks, leaks, or drafts. If you live in colder regions, consider installing storm windows or shutters for maximum protection. Ensure older windows are repaired or replaced if necessary.
Drapes and heavier shades help keep drafts and cold air out from around the window frame. Consider adding plastic covering on the inside of your windows for extra insulation.
Replace or fix leaky roofs
Your roof is your first defense against the elements. It endures a lot throughout the year which is why it must be given ample care and attention. Even minor roofing problems should not be ignored. It can take no time at all for a small leak to turn into a costly disaster.
Replace missing shingles instantly and keep an eye out for water damage on the ceiling. Peeling paint may also indicate moisture damage. Regular and proactive maintenance will extend the lifespan of your roof.
Unclog gutters and downspouts
Over time, leaves, pine needles, and other debris may clog your gutters and downspouts and trap rainwater. When the temperature drops, the trapped water freezes and expands, which may cause your gutter system to crack or burst. Snow and ice may also reach the edge of your gutters or into your shingles, resulting in a roof leak.
Schedule routine gutter inspections to remove debris and ensure rainwater can flow freely. Prevent future buildup by installing gutter guards which, when added, protect your gutters, and keep debris outside of the gutter structure.
Protect your home with seamless gutter systems
Severe weather can cause structural problems and make minor issues worse. Weatherproofing your home will help keep your utility costs low and your investment in tip-top shape for years to come.
At Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, we offer an extremely reliable gutter protection system to safeguard your home from clogs, leaks, and costly damage. Call us at (877) 594-7449 for durable, maintenance-free gutter protection solutions.
How to Keep Water from Entering and Damaging Your Home
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCWater damage is one of the most expensive and frustrating issues you can have in your home. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, billions are spent on addressing water damage around the country every year. Not only does it get worse over time, but once water seeps into certain parts of your house, it can be incredibly difficult to remove or even control. This is why prevention is the far better alternative for this issue.
This article will detail several tips on how you can prevent water damage in your home. When it comes to shielding your home’s gutters from water damage, our LeafLock gutter protection system is your top choice. Learn more below.
Protect Your Basement
There are three common causes of water seepage in the basement. This may lead to molds and further degradation of your home’s structure. In worse cases, it can also lead to flooding.
Protect Your Exterior
The exterior of most homes is made up of three integral components – the roof, the walls, and the gutters. Damaged exteriors is one of the most common causes of water entering the home.
Protect Your Pipes
When too much pressure builds up in your home’s water pipes, cracks and leaks may occur. To prevent this, make sure that everything connected to the water lines is regularly checked. This includes appliances, faucets, showers, tubs, and other fixtures.
If you’re stepping out of the house, don’t leave your washing machine running. If you’re going on a long trip, make sure to cut the water supply to this appliance completely.
Get familiar with your water system and remember where and how to turn the valve off.
If you have access to both your water and heating pipes, make sure that you check for cracks and other damages. These are the kinds of problems that will eventually get worse, more expensive, and potentially dangerous when left unattended.
Take Away
Water damage is a serious problem and one that is entirely avoidable. Follow these tips and prevent water from entering your home and causing expensive structural issues.
If you have problems with your gutter system or you’d just like to know more general house maintenance tips, feel free to call us at 877-594-744 or visit our Contact page.
Winter Preparation: 4 Metal Roof Problems to Look for and Repair
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCThe cold season has set in, so many homeowners are busy with their winter preparation chores. Take the time to make sure your house is in tip-top shape before the snowy months. This way, you can snuggle in and enjoy the winter without worrying if your home can take the cold.
One thing you should include in your winter home maintenance checklist is metal roof repair. Metal roofs are often lauded for their durability, but they can still get damaged. You need to attend to these issues before the snow sticks around. Otherwise, your roof might leak and cause serious structural damage to your house.
Follow this guide on how to repair metal roofs to ensure reliable protection for your home against the elements this winter.
1. Leaks
Leaks are among the most common metal roof problems. In most cases, metal roof leaks are caused by extreme weather, such as when ice freezes then thaws quickly on gutters.
Improper installation may also cause leakage. The seams of the metal panels might not be aligned, creating gaps where moisture can pass through. Problems with your roof’s flashing can also result in leaks.
Identify the source of the leak before doing anything else. However, this may be difficult for untrained eyes. Call a professional metal roof repair contractor to make sure the problem is resolved promptly.
2. Damaged Flashing
The flashing is crucial in preventing water damage on roofs. Check for scratches, holes, or corroded spots in the flashing. You can plug these with roofing cement or patch them using the same material as the flashing.
If the flashing is badly damaged, you’ll have to replace it. Scrape the old caulking compound around the dormers, then use a stiff brush to remove the flashing. Apply urethane roofing cement between the flashing and the siding. Make sure to seal the seams to prevent leaks.
3. Scratches and Punctures
Falling debris from nearby trees and large amounts of snowfall can scuff and puncture your metal roof. These problems impact your roof’s integrity; scratches can chip away at the protective coating and small holes can lead to leaks.
Minor scuffs can easily be buffed with a touch-up pen or the right kind of paint. But if the scratch runs all the way down to the substrate, you need to bring it up with a contractor.
You can patch small holes on your metal roof by using the same sheet or panel. Apply a urethane sealant of the same color on the area you are repairing. Press the small patch onto the hole until the sealant squeezes out from the sides. Smooth over the excess sealant to completely seal the sides of the patch.
4. Oil Canning
Metal roofs sometimes develop wrinkles or waves on the panels. This is called oil canning or stress wrinkling. Oil canning is common for metal roofs, usually occurring when the metal system can’t hold its flat form anymore. Improper installation can also lead to wrinkles on the metal panels.
Sadly, there’s not much you can do to correct oil canning in metal roofing. If the wrinkling is extreme, you can replace the damaged panels. Choose a light-colored material with a matte finish that doesn’t reflect light too much to make imperfections less noticeable.
Most importantly, work with a metal roofing company that is careful and diligent during the installation process. They know how much tension and space to give each panel so that the roofing system won’t get deformed due to stress.
If you are not sure how to resolve your metal roof problem, your best bet is to call a trained professional. It is always good to schedule a maintenance check before the winter to prevent these issues from sprouting up in the first place.
High-Quality Metal Roofing Guaranteed
At Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, we offer excellent metal roofing services for homeowners and commercial property owners. Our specialists make sure that roofing systems are installed correctly to maximize their function and durability.
We also offer speedy roof repair services. Our technicians will identify the root of the problem and apply the appropriate fix quickly so you can go back to your daily routine.
Call us at 877-594-7449 today to get a no-obligation quote.
Winter is Coming: How to Prepare Your Gutter System
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCYour gutter system is essential in preventing water from damaging your home. While your biggest concerns for most of the year are leaves and other plant debris types, you face a different set of challenges when winter comes.
Snow buildup in your gutters can cause a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely. It can then result in pooling along the edges of your roof, creating leaks and other types of water damage that affect the roof’s structural integrity. Discover how to prepare your gutter system for winter to protect your roof and your home.
How to Prevent Gutter Damage from Snow
Much like other parts of your home, your roof gutter protection system needs to be well-maintained to survive the colder months. In addition to regular maintenance, there are some things you should do before the first expected snowfall.
Clean Your Gutters of Debris
Inspect your gutters for debris regularly. Use a garden trowel or a gutter scoop to scrape off any debris littering the water’s path. Then, scrape off grime to prevent it from accumulating and becoming an obstruction. During winter, try to do this every week. Snow and sleet can clog up the gutter and become a problem once they thaw.
Inspect Your Gutters for Damage
Once you’ve cleaned out your gutters, take the time to inspect it for damage. This structure experiences severe wear throughout the year; repairing any damage before winter will improve its performance and extend its lifespan.
Inspect the Seams and Anchors
Check its seams and anchors for holes and leaks. Additionally, make sure the gutters are firmly attached to your roof. Gaps often indicate that a part of it has been detached from the roof, presenting a structural issue that can cause it to fall in the future.
Inspect Its Structural Integrity
Look at the areas surrounding the gutters, including the house’s siding and foundation. Examine them for signs of staining or rotting and make the necessary repairs if you find any. These types of damage are caused by unaddressed water damage.
Install Guards on Your Gutters
Installing the appropriate gutter protection system prevents debris from entering and accumulating in this structure. Although most homeowners have gutter screens installed, there are other better alternatives for snowfall and sleet.
LeafLock™ is a hanger and bracket system that provides protection all year long. Apart from leaves, mulch, and dirt, this tool prevents snow and water from accumulating in your gutters. It has a “nose-forward” design that has debris sliding off it. It’s enhanced with a heavy-duty finish that prevents corrosion.
Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, LLC: Your Partner in Protecting Your Gutters
With winter months arriving, you still have enough time to prepare your roof and gutter system. If you are unsure of what to look for during maintenance, you can hire a professional. It gives you insight into any potential issues and how to address them properly.
Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, LLC, provides maintenance, repair, and installation services. Let us help you prepare your home for the deep of winter with our gutter solutions. Get in touch with us for details.
Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters: Which is Better?
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCA quality gutter system is critical to protect your home from water damage and basement flooding. However, not every homeowner pays attention to their gutter system. Some fail to maintain the troughs and downspouts or replace the system when it’s weathered and timeworn.
When it’s time to replace your gutter system, it’s important to know that regular, sectional gutters aren’t your only option. Many homeowners are switching to seamless gutters for their many benefits. An experienced seamless gutter contractor can ensure that your gutter system is durable and cost-effective, maximizing your investment.
So, how do seamless gutters differ from sectional gutters?
Sectional Gutters
Sectional or seamed gutters are sold in pieces, which you patch together to build your gutter system. The portions usually come in 10 to 20-foot pieces and are joined using an adhesive or a snap system.
Pros
Because this gutter system is sold in pieces, sectional gutters are the popular choice for DIY projects. They typically come in kits that contain the gutter pieces, connectors, and other components you’ll need. You can easily install the gutters yourself as long as you have screws, a power drill, and a hacksaw (in case you need to shorten the gutter pieces).
Seamed gutters are also cheaper compared to seamless ones. There are plenty of models and brands that sell affordable but high-quality gutter systems in the market, available in various materials.
Cons
Sectional gutters, however, are more prone to leakage due to the seams between the gutter pieces. They’re also more likely to rust compared to seamless gutters. Moisture can get trapped in the joints between steel sectional gutters, which can lead to rust. Rusted gutters become brittle, cracking when the trough becomes heavy with blockage or ice dams.
Plus, DIY gutter installation can be difficult, especially for first-timers. It may be wiser to have them installed by an expert, but this will cost you more in labor.
Seamless Gutters
The main difference between sectional and seamless gutters is that the latter is one continuous system. Built from a single piece of material, seamless gutters don’t need fasteners or joints. The only joints they have are in the corners and on the downspouts.
Pros
One of the obvious benefits of seamless gutters is they significantly reduce the likelihood of leakage. Since most gutter leaks happen at the joints, seamless gutters are leak-free, except for on the corners where there are seams.
Since there are no joints within the length of the gutter, seamless gutters are less likely to develop rust. They also have more rigidity and strength since they consist of one solid piece of material.
Since they’re less prone to leaks and rust, seamless gutters have a longer life expectancy. This makes up for the higher installation cost.
Cons
Seamless gutters are custom-fitted to your house, which means you need a professional to cut, measure, and install them for you. You can’t DIY the installation of seamless gutters. The labor can rack up the upfront costs, especially since the gutters themselves are already a bit pricey.
Ultimately, seamless gutters are more cost-effective in the long run. They perform better and last longer than sectional gutters, giving you your money’s worth. Make sure to hire a seamless gutter installation company that is known for its quality service.
Interested in Seamless Gutter Installation?
Upgrade your gutters today and invest in a superior, maintenance-free system. Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, LLC is among the leading seamless gutter contractors in Wisconsin. We offer rain gutter installation and gutter protection solutions that protect your property from water damage.
Call us at 877-594-7449 today to get a free quote and assessment.