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Winter Preparation: 4 Metal Roof Problems to Look for and Repair

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The 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.

metal roofing

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.

gutter of a house

Winter is Coming: How to Prepare Your Gutter System

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Your 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.

rain gutter of a house

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.

fixing roof gutters

Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters: Which is Better?

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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

big roof with 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.

dark colored gutter

Achieve Picture-Perfect Gutters: Painting Tips for Homeowners

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Many 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:

  • Most gutter systems are made of aluminum. Regular oil paint doesn’t stick as well to aluminum as it does to timber.
  • Gutter systems have lots of components like brackets and hangers. Gutters with protective coveringmust be painted separately, too, because leaving them bare will be unsightly (unless the roof is high enough that the tops are not visible).
  • Also, since gutters are made of several components, it may be necessary to hand-paint the bare spots that can’t be coated by a roller.
  • Gutters must be cleaned out first before painting, and this can be a massive job on its own.

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

dark colored gutter

Here is the ideal process for painting gutter systems:

  1. Inspect your gutters for damage that you shouldn’t cover up with a paint job.
  2. Take note of any necessary repairs and replacements. If you must install a new segment in your gutter, you can hold off the actual installation until after the painting.
  3. Clean and remove all debris from your gutters. Flush out the downspout with water to make sure you get everything out.
  4. If there’s old paint on your gutters, you may have to scrape them off first. Consider the type of paint you’ll use and whether painting over the old color will have the same outcome as painting on a clean surface.
  5. Remove the secondary brackets so that you can paint more smoothly over the entire length of the gutter, including the hard-to-reach parts under or behind the braces. You can reattach those brackets after the paint dries.
  6. Apply a coat of primer. If you have aluminum gutters, use an oil-based or acrylic bonding primer. Either of these can make the paint cling better on the aluminum sheet. DO NOT use a primer that contains ammonia because it can react with the aluminum and form gas bubbles that will mar your paint job.
  7. Let the primer set for two days, after which you can finally paint on your gutters with enamel paint. If you must add a second coat, let the first layer dry completely before doing so.

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.

installing gutter

Gutter Guard Installation: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Gutter 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

gutter cleaning

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.

Providing Seamless Gutters and Gutter protection systems in over 40 cities including:

Minnesota – MN, Minneapolis, St.Paul, MN or anywhere in the whole Twin Cities area - Saint Paul, MN Mpls, Anoka, Apple Valley, Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Burnsville, Champlin, Chanhassen, Edina, Golden Valley, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Oakdale, Plymouth, Prior Lake, Red Wing, Rochester , St. Louis Park, Savage, Shakopee, White Bear Lake, and Woodbury, MN - Minnesota.

Wisconsin – WI, Amery, Arcadia,  Baldwin, Bay City, Bayport, Brunswick, Chippewa Falls, Crescent, Durand, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hamilton, Holmen, Hudson, Ludington, Menomonie, Mondovi, New Richmond, North Bend, North Menomonie, Osceola, Osseo, River Falls, Sparta, Spring Valley, St. Croix Falls, Tomah, Whitehall, WI - Wisconsin