In almost every quintessential Christmas movie, there’s always an exterior
shot of a house with icicles forming a beautiful and shining awning on your
roof.
But, beautiful as these ice formations might be, they’re highly damaging to
your roof and, if not addressed immediately, to the interiors of your home.
This is especially a problem now that spring is here and the snow on your roof
is melting.
Ice Dams and How They Form
Ice dams form when the snow closest to the roof melts from the heated temperature inside your home. The melted snow then finds its way to your roof’s gutters where it can be obstructed either by leaves and debris in the gutter or by the snow that refreezes because of colder temperatures outside, thus forming ice dams.
The former situation can be easily avoidable if you clean your gutters regularly and have adequate leaf gutter protection. The latter scenario is more complicated.
At the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the snow that has
accumulated on the eaves of your roof begins to thaw, then freezes, then thaws
again. Your roofing materials, including the shingles and tar paper, can get
damaged and become more susceptible to leaks as the thawing/freezing cycle
continues.
While on the surface, it may appear that the eaves of your roof are
snow-laden, what you don’t see is the melted water that continues to accumulate
with nowhere to go to. Eventually, the water will find cracks in your roofing
and seep through your ceiling and interior walls.
Damage Caused by Ice Dams
Once the water from the melted snow seeps through your roof, you must act
immediately. Otherwise, it may severely damage your attic, ceiling, and walls.
Once the melted water has seeped into your home, it will slowly flow into
different rooms through cracks in the walls.
The melted water can soak your insulation materials, making them
ineffective. What’s more, once these materials, as well as your walls or
ceiling, become waterlogged and rotten, they transform into a breeding ground
for mold and fungus. These things will not only make your interiors unsightly,
but they also bring potential health and safety risks.
Preventing the Formation of
Ice Dams
The prevention of ice dam formation and the damage it may cause starts
before winter – and it doesn’t end until the snow has completely melted off
your roof.
First, you must properly winterize your roof. This includes cleaning your gutter, inspecting roofing materials like shingles, and replacing your sealants.
After that, you can prevent the formation of ice dams using proper
ventilation. As mentioned earlier, the heat loss from your attic warms the roof
and melts the snow that forms into a dam. By keeping the heat out of your attic
and making sure the roof deck is properly ventilated, you help prevent the
formation of ice dams.
Additionally, you should also not let overly large quantities of snow
accumulate on your roof during winter. This means clearing off the ice and snow
every now and then over the course of the winter. Roofs are built to withstand certain
weights, but they can collapse under too much snow – another factor you need to
watch out for.
The Roof and Gutter Services
You Need
Don’t wait until your interiors, gutters, and roofing materials are damaged by ice dams. Call Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters for the roofing and gutter services you need. With over two decades of experience protecting Minnesota and Wisconsin homes and establishments through our services, you’ll have a roofing system that can and will withstand those pesky ice dams.
Contact us today at 877-594-7449 for more information about our services.
5 Low Maintenance Gutter Materials You Can Use For Your Home
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCHomeowners tend to overlook the importance of gutters in the overall maintenance of their homes. Gutters protect the roof and divert water away from the house. The water that will accumulate around your home during the rainy season seeps into the soil and can cause extensive water damage issues to your home’s foundation.
Gutters should ideally be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that they are in perfect working condition. However, builders are aware that gutters tend to be forgotten because it is just a small part of a house’s exterior. This is why builders invest in using durable materials in making gutters so that they will require little to no maintenance for long periods of time.
Various types of gutters are available in the market, some with features like leaf guards for protection. Below is a list of the most efficient gutter materials out there.
Copper gutters
Copper becomes more durable over time. It develops a layer that protects it from dust and other harmful elements if it is exposed to outside conditions. It also prevents algae and fungi growth.
Copper is not the easiest material to install, but once you do it properly, you will barely need to readjust it again. Slight changes in its size do not affect its stability and functionality. Copper gutters fit in perfectly with any type of natural material used for your house, including wood, stone and clay.
Vinyl gutters
Vinyl gutters are very economical. They are lightweight and are easy to install. They are available in pre-cut sections that easily snap together at the joints, without the need for any sealant. What is more, vinyl gutters are made of PVC plastic, making them very durable. It will never rust or corrode and is very resistant to dents and scratches.
Aluminum gutters
Much like vinyl, aluminum gutters are lightweight and easy to install. They are rustproof and are resistant to corrosion and thinning. On the plus side, they are able to withstand cold conditions, including snow and hail.
Aluminum gutters can be painted to match your house’s design. They have the capacity to hold water, which is important especially during the rainy days.
Zinc gutters
Zinc is more expensive than aluminum but lasts twice longer. Although not necessarily lightweight, zinc is durable, easy to install and is highly sustainable.
Similar to copper, zinc is normally used unpainted because it will develop a layer that protects it from weathering and corrosion. In fact, many homeowners choose not to paint over this material because its natural tone can be visually quite appealing.
Stainless steel gutters
Stainless steel is the sturdiest gutter material but is also comparatively expensive. Stainless steel is very durable. It can handle both hot and cold climates and can withstand harsh conditions.
The shine of stainless steel is retained, keeping your gutters looking new for a considerable amount of time. Stainless steel adds luster and improves the aesthetic appeal of your homes.
Protect your gutter from the elements
It’s true that gutters are made in a way that they will not require regular maintenance but sometimes, even highly durable materials need to be protected.
Experts at Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters are trained to install Leaflock Gutter Protection System, one of the most advanced gutter protection systems on the market. We also offer hassle-free and maintenance-free gutter drainage systems. Ask us how we can help you keep your gutter protected from the elements. Contact us today.
How to Make Your Property Durable While Improving Its Curb Appeal
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCEvery property owner wants their property to last, whether it’s a commercial building or residential real estate. The best way to go about that is to make sure your home or building is made from durable and long-lasting material.
One might think that the right choice of material is a trade-off between functionality and aesthetics, but it doesn’t have to be. Many materials now come in a variety of styles and colors, so you won’t have to sacrifice beauty for practicality.
How can you ensure that your property will withstand the elements while boosting curb appeal? Here are a few ways:
Improve Your Roof
Commercial roofing and residential roofing, alike, serve the greater purpose of protection from the sun, rain, snow, and other weather conditions. Roofing, however, also contributes to the attractiveness of your property, since it accounts for about 40% of your home’s exteriors. The right roof color can pull your house or building together.
A roof is a vital part of your property, which is why it should be made of durable material, like steel. Steel roofs are often coated with aluminum, which acts as a protective layer. They come in a variety of colors and styles so you can pick a roof that will fit the aesthetic of your property and boost your curb appeal.
Upgrade Your Front Door
Your front door can be seen from the street, which makes it an essential component of your property’s curb appeal. When you get a new front door, it instantly enhances the appearance of your property. According to a 2015 study by Therma-Tru, a door manufacturer, upgrading your front door can increase your home’s perceived value by an average of 4.2%.
Most entry doors are already made of long-lasting material, such as vinyl, fiberglass, steel, aluminum, and wood. These materials can withstand a door’s daily duties, so you just have to choose which one best suits your property’s overall aesthetic and style.
Replace Your Siding
Choosing the right siding for your property is important. Since it makes up most of your property’s exteriors, it should be both functional and beautiful. With new siding, you not only refresh your home’s exterior style but also increase the property’s value.
There are numerous siding options available, from vinyl and seamless steel to cedar shingle and cement fiber, as well as brick and brick veneer, wood clapboard, and synthetic stucco.
Clean Your Gutters
Curb appeal is more than the style and appearance of your property’s façade; it is about how well-looked-after your property is, in general. Old, dirty, or clogged gutters are not only an eyesore but also take a toll on your property’s exteriors – this condition can lead to stained sidings, peeling paint, rust spots, and even foundation damage, if worse comes to worst.
A clean and functioning gutter system is important for enhancing your property’s curb appeal and overall condition. Always make sure that your gutters are free from debris and that they are draining well. If you have an old gutter system, replace it with a newer, better functioning system from Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters. We have been offering hassle-free, maintenance-free, and worry-free gutter drainage systems since 1999. Get in touch with us today for more details.
Home Repair: When Your Seamless Gutter Needs Fixing
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCSeveral factors contribute to a roof leak, so you may not always be dealing with just one specific problem. Water usually enters through worn or missing shingles, through damaged or poorly sealed flashing and where gutter nails have loosened, making it difficult to find where the leak originated. Therefore, any signs of a potential leak should not be ignored. Take immediate action to avoid expensive repair costs.
Locate the source
Tracking down the source is the hard part, but whether it’s raining or not, you can find telltale signs of a leak. If you have an attic, look for water drips, stains, mold or discolorations on your ceiling, spots on your exterior walls or protruding patches on your interior walls. Take note of where you found the leak, then inspect the corresponding spot on the exterior of your home. If you do not find anything, check the upper area of your roof, if it is slanted. You can also inspect for curled, cracked or missing shingles to further evaluate the overall condition of your roof. Finally, see if the flashing under your shingles has cracked or bent, because damage to it allows moisture to run inside the roof seams.
Sometimes, visual inspection doesn’t always help you find the source. If you cannot find the cause of the leak, wait for dry weather, then do a water test with a friend. To do this, go to the roof with a garden hose while your friend stays in the attic with a bucket. Flood the roof with your hose, starting at the eaves and working your way up until the leak is found in the attic. Mark the location of the leak so you can begin repairing.
Make repairs
Repairing the leak will depend on the source as well as the material and construction of your roof. One common fix is straightening or reattaching curled shingles. Smooth the curls out and apply a dab of sealant under the corners using a caulking gun. Use a trowel to press down the raised shingles, then cover the edges with roof cement. If your shingle is completely damaged, replace it by removing the nail that holds it in place and scraping up the roofing cement. Lay down fresh cement and take a new shingle to place over the exposed area.
If your vent boots are the problem, obtain another rubber seal at any hardware store. Apply a liberal amount of sealer to your old boot and clean up the excess. If your existing boot is still in good shape, you may only need to have the screws replaced with rubber-washed ones to keep water from seeping in.
Sometimes, homeowners neglect their seamless rain gutters because these experience fewer clogs and are less likely to leak. However, they will need repair at some point. For small holes, spread a generous amount of silicone caulk or roofing cement over. For larger holes, repeat the same step, then settle a piece of flashing into the caulk or cement.
Call a professional
Your roof is subject to lots of wear and tear, and, while you can try the DIY route to repair, sometimes your best – and safest – bet is to enlist the services of a professional. The Best Gutters knows how to get the job done. We provide expert roofing services, as well as seamless gutter installation and protection in Wisconsin. Learn more about our products and services by contacting us. We’d love to hear from you.
Dam It! Preventing Ice Dams and the Damage They Bring
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCIn almost every quintessential Christmas movie, there’s always an exterior shot of a house with icicles forming a beautiful and shining awning on your roof.
But, beautiful as these ice formations might be, they’re highly damaging to your roof and, if not addressed immediately, to the interiors of your home. This is especially a problem now that spring is here and the snow on your roof is melting.
Ice Dams and How They Form
Ice dams form when the snow closest to the roof melts from the heated temperature inside your home. The melted snow then finds its way to your roof’s gutters where it can be obstructed either by leaves and debris in the gutter or by the snow that refreezes because of colder temperatures outside, thus forming ice dams.
The former situation can be easily avoidable if you clean your gutters regularly and have adequate leaf gutter protection. The latter scenario is more complicated.
At the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the snow that has accumulated on the eaves of your roof begins to thaw, then freezes, then thaws again. Your roofing materials, including the shingles and tar paper, can get damaged and become more susceptible to leaks as the thawing/freezing cycle continues.
While on the surface, it may appear that the eaves of your roof are snow-laden, what you don’t see is the melted water that continues to accumulate with nowhere to go to. Eventually, the water will find cracks in your roofing and seep through your ceiling and interior walls.
Damage Caused by Ice Dams
Once the water from the melted snow seeps through your roof, you must act immediately. Otherwise, it may severely damage your attic, ceiling, and walls. Once the melted water has seeped into your home, it will slowly flow into different rooms through cracks in the walls.
The melted water can soak your insulation materials, making them ineffective. What’s more, once these materials, as well as your walls or ceiling, become waterlogged and rotten, they transform into a breeding ground for mold and fungus. These things will not only make your interiors unsightly, but they also bring potential health and safety risks.
Preventing the Formation of Ice Dams
The prevention of ice dam formation and the damage it may cause starts before winter – and it doesn’t end until the snow has completely melted off your roof.
First, you must properly winterize your roof. This includes cleaning your gutter, inspecting roofing materials like shingles, and replacing your sealants.
After that, you can prevent the formation of ice dams using proper ventilation. As mentioned earlier, the heat loss from your attic warms the roof and melts the snow that forms into a dam. By keeping the heat out of your attic and making sure the roof deck is properly ventilated, you help prevent the formation of ice dams.
Additionally, you should also not let overly large quantities of snow accumulate on your roof during winter. This means clearing off the ice and snow every now and then over the course of the winter. Roofs are built to withstand certain weights, but they can collapse under too much snow – another factor you need to watch out for.
The Roof and Gutter Services You Need
Don’t wait until your interiors, gutters, and roofing materials are damaged by ice dams. Call Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters for the roofing and gutter services you need. With over two decades of experience protecting Minnesota and Wisconsin homes and establishments through our services, you’ll have a roofing system that can and will withstand those pesky ice dams.
Contact us today at 877-594-7449 for more information about our services.
What Ice Dams are and How You Can Keep them from Damaging Your Home
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCCleaning your gutters is probably one of the household chores that you dread doing, especially during the autumn and winter seasons. It is important to keep your gutters clean, because if you don’t, you might end compromising the structural integrity of your home and face expensive repair costs. While there are some gutter maintenance and repair tasks that you can do on your own, you should consider hiring the services of a gutter repair company to make sure that your gutters are in good hands.
Not cleaning your gutters regularly can lead to different sorts of problems. Pests and animals such as mosquitoes, squirrels, and mice may build nests on your gutters. Clogged gutters may cause cracks or holes, creating an entrance for such pests to find their way inside your home. Water leaks caused by damaged gutters may result in moisture formation in cracks, creating the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria-causing allergies and illnesses. Another problem that you might face if you ignore cleaning your gutters, especially during winter months is the formation of ice dams.
What are Ice Dams?
Ice dams are the ridges or mounds of ice that form along the edge of your roofline, usually after heavy snowfall. An ice dam forms when some of the snow on your roof melts into water, but instead of draining from the gutter, the water freezes into ice. The water refreezes when it settles on the part of the roof that isn’t warmed by your attic or ceiling. The ice dam traps meltwater, causing it to seep into the shingles and make its way inside your home.
How Can You Prevent Ice Dams?
You can keep ice dams from damaging your home by winterizing it. You can:
What Can You Do If Your Roof Has Ice Dams?
You can tell that your roof has ice dams if you see icicles hanging from the gutters. Ice dams can be removed by using a rake roof or by applying calcium chloride or an ice melt product to the ice. However, if the ice dam build up is too thick and heavy, you should immediately call a professional contractor to get rid of the ice dam.
Facing Gutter Damage Due to Ice Dams?
Cracked ceilings and walls, peeling paint, stained carpets, and warped floor boards are just some of the damage that ice dams cause. Other less visible effects of ice dam damage include drenched insulation and mold problems. When they become too heavy, ice dams can also rip off your gutters and damage your roof. If you encounter any of these problems, you can turn to our team of professionals at Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, LLC to provide you with gutter repair and replacement services.
Fill out our form here or contact us today at 877-594-7449 for a hassle-free quote.