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.
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.
Achieve Picture-Perfect Gutters: Painting Tips for Homeowners
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCMany people don’t give much thought to their gutters when they’re repainting the exterior of their home. The slim, metal structure that runs along the edges of the roof seems inconsequential compared to the vast expanse of a house’s facade. What many don’t realize is that neglected gutters stick out like a sore thumb. Far from being inconsequential, unpainted gutter systems can bring down your home’s curb appeal.
The Frame to Your Home’s Facade
Gutters are positioned perfectly to “frame” the facade and structure of your home. You can maximize this potential by giving it extra attention when you repaint your home.
Some of you might be wondering, why is painting gutters even an issue? Isn’t it automatic to include the gutters when repainting a house? You would think this is the case, but many people who repaint their homes get discouraged when they realize that painting gutters is more complicated than they thought.
Here are some of the things that make it challenging:
Instead of viewing the above as problems that prevent you from painting gutters, add them to the prepping steps that must be followed before you start painting.
Recommended Steps for Painting Gutters
Here is the ideal process for painting gutter systems:
As a homeowner, it’s only natural to want to go for an extra push and make your home look as beautiful and inviting as you can. Of course, functionality should still be the priority for gutters.
Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters provides your home with superior rain gutters and LeafLockTM protection systems. We also offer metal roofing for residential and commercial use.
Contact us today to learn more about our products and installation services. Make sure to ask for a FREE QUOTE.
Gutter Guard Installation: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLCGutter covers offer several benefits for your drainage system. They prevent gutters from clogging, rust and corrosion, water damage and ice dams. They also keep away pests and critters, which can damage the foundation of your home. Apart from these benefits, gutter guards also prolong the lifespan of your gutter system.
Some advanced metal gutter protection systems have additional features. These include a permanent water-tight seal and superior durability designed for heavy snow and ice loads.
Now that you know that gutter covers are worthwhile investments, you’re probably already planning on installing them yourself. Before you start your DIY project, take note of the following common installation mistakes to avoid.
1. Nailing onto the roof
Nailing the gutter cover onto the roof means poking a hole in your roof, which is never a good idea. Water, small insects, and debris can get into these holes and into your home and can compromise the integrity of the roof.
Most gutter guard kits come with clear instructions on how to attach them properly. Some covers snap onto the troughs and others are attached using special fasteners. Either of these two methods is enough to keep your gutter guards firmly attached, so you don’t have to nail them onto the roof.
2. Lifting the shingles
Don’t move or lift the shingles when installing your cover guards. Shingles also help prevent water damage, but they only work if they’re solid, intact and impenetrable. Lifting the shingles can allow water to seep onto your roof surface, making it prone to damage and rot.
3. Getting the wrong size
Many homeowners make the mistake of getting gutter guards a size too big, thinking that these will provide more cover against the rain and fallen leaves. However, the overlap will reduce the effectiveness of your water drainage. You can cut the excess part off and stuff it in the troughs, but your gutter covers still won’t fit snugly on the drainpipes.
Measure the length and width of your gutters before heading to the hardware store.
4. Forgetting the downspouts
Some people only cover the horizontal gutters surrounding their roof and leave the downspouts unguarded. They think heavy rain can cleanse out the pipe from time to time. But your downspout can easily get clogged with debris and dirt.
Downspouts lead rainwater away from the house, so they also need protection. Gutter guards prevent your downspouts from clogging, keeping your drainage system efficient.
5. Damaging the gutters
The gutters can be damaged through various ways during gutter cover installation. The fasteners might be a wrong size, allowing wood rot and corrosion. You might accidentally change the slope of the gutters by leaning too much on them, decreasing the efficiency of the drainage system.
If you damage your gutters and render them ineffective in routing rainwater, the gutter covers won’t be as useful as you want them.
Gutters and gutter guards may seem simple to install, but they require expert knowledge and technique. The best way to install them is to have a professional do it for you. Let the professionals climb the ladders and maneuver the pieces. This way, you can be sure of their efficacy, giving you your money’s worth.
Efficient Residential Roofing and Drainage Systems
Invest in superior gutter protection to upgrade your roofing system. Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters offers the durable, low-maintenance LeafLock ™ gutter system, providing long-term protection for your home.
Call us at 877-594-7449 today to get a free quote and assessment.