What to Look for in Your Home Contractor

September 24, 2019/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLC

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and proper research is needed to guarantee that it pays off. This includes planning, budgeting, designing, and even enlisting the right help. Hiring a contractor may be a considerable upfront expense, but the rewards and sheer convenience of having a professional guiding you through the process are well worth it.

But with so much hanging on the line, how do you find the right contractor to build you your dream home?

What are the characteristics of a successful contractor?

As in any industry, success in a company is the hallmark of good quality services. In this case, the first thing you want to look for in your contractor is the degree of success they enjoy.c

One can usually tell, even with a small customer base, if a company is able to satisfactorily fulfill the needs of their clients. To begin with, they never overcharge their customers.

Every service has its price, and a successful contractor has no need to jack up their prices because people are more than willing to pay premium when they know full well they will get premium in return. A successful contractor charges according to what they render, and you can expect to get every last cent’s worth with their work.

Second, you want your contractors to be responsible, but especially when it comes to site organization and the proper disposal of trash. Even the smallest disarray in a worksite can lead to costly mistakes, whether in property or even in life, and true professionals know how to avoid or address these.

Find trustworthy, reputable, and A-rated contractors

Choosing the right contractor for your project entails that you check their licenses, litigation history, and references and customer testimonials. A-rated contractors are reputable and trustworthy, and they have a long list of clients who can attest to the quality of their work.

In the age of Internet and social media, finding such testimonies is a matter of a few clicks and quick browsing; you can easily see what people are saying about a particular contractor simply by going to their page or looking up their name.

Most importantly, see how the company responds. Remember that you’ll be working with these people for a significant amount of time, and there are many nuances and minute details you will need to iron out in the process. If a contractor cannot even be bothered to take a few moments to respond to a legitimate concern aired to them on a public platform, you might want to give their services a second thought. If you want to go the extra mile to verify a contractor, reach out to their previous clients, or ask their subcontractors to make sure you are hiring someone actually fit for the job.

Make sure the company is experienced and locally based

A good general contractor is someone with experience in all aspects of home construction, from drafting the first blueprint, down to making maintenance work such as metal roof repairs over the years.

It is often a good idea to hire a local contractor, as they tend to have a better understanding of the area. They know the necessary permits, licenses, and regulations unique to your region, and they can also account for local situations such as weather conditions, topographical considerations, and other regionalized concerns. It is also easier to ask for references because a reputable local contractor will most likely be already well-known in your community, and the best ones tend to have been in the business long enough to have a well-founded legacy.

When it comes to home construction projects, there is no one-size-fits-all route. Even among the most similar-looking residences, each individual house has its quirks and requirements that a good contractor knows how to look out for. And as houses are an integral part of any person’s life, it is only expected that a contractor produces high-quality work worthy of the investment.

How We Can Help You

At Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, we’re proud to offer the best gutter guard system on the market to help your home become a lasting investment that stays with you over the years. We have earned our stellar reputation in the community by providing excellent customer care and top-quality projects. If you need metal roof repairs or gutters servicing, contact us today at +1 877 594 7449 and get a free assessment!

5 Low Maintenance Gutter Materials You Can Use For Your Home

August 5, 2019/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLC

Homeowners 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

July 28, 2019/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLC

Every 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

May 29, 2019/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLC

Several 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

May 23, 2019/in Updates /by Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters LLC

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.