1. Why some roofers say “no” to gutters
2. Gutter clogs
3. Frozen gutters
4. Ice dams

Why Some Roofers Say “No” to Gutters

Some roofers may advise you against installing a gutter. If this is the case, make sure to have the roofer specify exactly why you’d be better off without installing gutters. Some roofers claim that the facial boards of your roof (the boards that support your roof’s overhang) can be damaged because of gutters. While some improperly installed gutters can indeed splash facial boards during a rainstorm, causing them to rot, most facial boards are inexpensive to replace. If your gutters are properly installed, you won’t have this issue at all.

Some roofers may also advise you against installing gutters for the simple reason that it takes a lot of labor to install gutters. Good roofers will walk you through the pros and cons of installing gutters. In some cases, a roofer may suggest extending the roof instead of adding a gutter.

There are two common excuses from homeowners when they believe they want to remove their gutters. However, both of these problems are solvable!

Gutter Clogs

Most people love autumn unless they’re responsible for dead leaves in yards and in gutters. Leaf litter poses a serious threat whenever it accumulates in gutters. Storm drains and gutters are designed so that water can flow quickly after a rainfall. But if drains or gutters become blocked or clogged, you might have a serious flooding issue on your hands. What’s worse? Cleaning leaves out of your gutters, or your home and yard flooding?

Leaf litter decomposes quickly in gutters, and this may release more nutrients into surface water after rain. You want to prevent this because algae might grow if not. That being said, a certain amount of nutrients from decomposing leaves will actually help your plants grow in your garden and lawn, but not too much.

If you live on a property with several trees, of course there will be buildup and debris in your gutters. This problem can be fixed by adding gutter covers, which are relatively inexpensive and not too difficult to install. Gutter covers will prevent larger debris like leaves, and they will also prevent birds from nesting in your gutter.

Frozen Gutters

Why Do Gutters Freeze?

There are a few different reasons why gutters may freeze, depending on your specific location and climate. One of the most common reasons for gutter freezing is a blockage that causes water to build up and turn into ice. This is usually the case in areas where trees drop leaves, limbs, and berries into gutters, causing buildup over the years. This buildup will not allow water to flow adequately through the gutter, and when coupled with freezing temperatures, this rain freezes.

Another reason a gutter may freeze is due to snow or sleet build up in the gutter. If snow starts to build up in the gutter and freezes before it can melt and flow through properly, you can have problems. This is usually the case in areas that see more snow throughout the winter. The good news is that both of these issues are preventable.

Ways To Prevent Ice From Forming

As we mentioned before, frozen gutters are preventable—and preventing them from freezing over is the best way to maintain your home over the winter. These solutions might require a bit of an investment of time and/or money, however, they will pay off in the long-run as they are sure to add significant value to your home.

Have a Heating Panel Installed: A popular way to treat gutters that frequently freeze over is having a heating panel installed. A heating panel can safely and effectively melt the ice without damage to your home or gutters. This usually requires a professional to install and will most likely be the costliest of solutions. If you have the budget for this type of device to be installed, it will be one of the easiest ways to defrost frozen gutters.

Keep Gutters Clean: For a more preventable approach, you are going to want to keep your gutters as clean as possible to prevent any build-up that can cause water retention. While this may not be as effective in areas that see frozen gutters from an abundance of snow, it can be very effective for those who deal with cluttered gutters. Cleaning your gutters yearly by hand or spraying them out with a water hose can drastically improve the function and life of your gutters, no matter what they are made of. This will also help to prevent overflow from backups of just rain, not just ice.

Have High-Quality Gutter Guards Installed: Homeowners that have high-quality, stainless steel mesh gutter guard systems in place can expect to slash their maintenance efforts enormously—while enjoying a clog-free gutter system on a year-round basis. Stainless steel mesh gutter guards block fine debris from entering the system which helps to prevent ice from forming over the winter season.

Ice Dams

When snow hits, keep in mind that it can damage your gutters. But remember that many types of snow, cold, and ice can wreak havoc on your gutters – not just snow. Ideally, snow and ice would thaw and run into your gutters. In real life, constant subfreezing temperatures tend to hinder that process. As a result, ice and snowpack can build up inside the gutters, which produce additional weight on the gutter sections and the fasteners that hold them. Over time, this added stress can cause gutters to buckle, bend, separate, or pull away from the roofline of a home.

So how can you reduce snow and ice damage to your gutters?

Keep your gutters clean during the winter if you want to avoid replacing them altogether. If leaves, twigs, and other debris are allowed to build up inside gutters, it facilitates the formation of ice and snow blockages which stop water from running off into drains. When this water has nowhere to go, it does one of two things: either drips onto the ground below, causing landscape erosion and icy patches on pavement; or it freezes inside the gutters, creating even more stress on the entire guttering system.

Call a Professional

When it comes to all your gutter needs, we recommend relying on the help of a professional. At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we’re here to help however we can. We provide quality insulation installation and gutter installation and repair services across the Triad area. If your home or business is located in Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, or surrounding areas in North Carolina, let our professionals help you with all your insulation and gutter needs today.

The post Common Gutter Issues appeared first on Alamance Insulation.

1. What are gutter guards?
2. The three most popular gutter guards
3. Other types of gutter guards
4. Pros of gutter guards
5. Cons of gutter guards

What Are Gutter Guards?

A gutter guard is a gutter protection system that goes over your gutters to keep debris out. Some gutter manufacturers market gutter guards as a maintenance-free solution to gutter cleaning and upkeep. There are pros and cons to having gutter guards. They can be expensive to install, and companies fail to tell you that your gutters still need routine maintenance, even with gutter guards. If you’re thinking about installing gutter guards, keep reading to find out more!

The Three Most Popular Gutter Guards

The three most popular types of gutter guards are screen, surface tension, and fine mesh. Each of these gutter guards are pretty different, so stick with us to find out which type of gutter guard may be best for your needs.

Screen

Screen gutter guards are the most commonly used type of gutter guard, and they come in various shapes and materials. Therefore, they can be installed in many different ways. If leaves are your main problem, screens work well to prevent the buildup of leaves in your gutters. That being said, the openings in screens are big enough to let in other natural things, like seeds and pine needles. This means that when you clean your gutters, you may have to also remove the screens. Also, sometimes the screens themselves can get debris stuck in them, and sometimes cleaning screens can be tricky. Don’t expect screens to get rid of all your gutter maintenance, but they are the easiest type of gutter guard to install.

Surface Tension

Surface tension gutter guards also work well to prevent the buildup of leaves and other large types of debris. Small debris does sometimes get in this type of gutter guard, but usually it washes out of the downspouts without many problems. With this type of gutter cover, water clings to the nose of the guard and flows into the gutter. So bigger debris falls right over the edge. This type of gutter guard is also easy to install, but they only work if they’re installed at the appropriate angle. These are also more visible than other styles of gutter guards.

Fine Mesh

Finally, fine mesh guards act like screens do, but they block even more debris. The mesh won’t clog with seeds or needles. These still need to be cleaned on occasion, but these are easier to blow or brush clean than screens are. This type of gutter guard is also easy to install. Strong fine mesh guards are made with stainless steel.

Other Types of Gutter Guards

There are many other types of gutter guards, and it is important to research and decide which type will work best for your home. Your decision should be based off of the number of trees and type of trees surrounding your home. Here’s a list of other types of gutter guards:

• Plastic PVC: cheap in quality but not cheap in cost. They are inexpensive and easy to install, but they are also cheaply made, which means they are easily manipulated by the weather. This type of gutter guard is good for leaves and needles. You can expect this type of guard to last between 3 and 6 years, depending on climate.
• Perforated aluminum: affordable but a bit harder to install on your home (though it is possible to do it yourself). Because this type is made of aluminum, this gutter guard won’t rust. Though this guard offers great value, it is more difficult to clean this type because of the fasteners used to install it. You can expect between 10 and 20 years of use.
• Foam: prevent debris from getting into the gutter, but water can still filter through. This type is easy to install and is effective in keeping out debris, but because water can filter through, this type of gutter guard can create quite a mess. Expect foam gutter guards to last about 10 years in mild climates, but much less in either very sunny or very wet climates.
• Brush: easy to install and effective in keeping large, dry debris out of your gutters. However, this type of guard doesn’t cover the whole gutter, so seeds and pine needles collect in the bristles. Cleaning this type of gutter is more difficult than others. You can expect 10 to 20 years of use.
• Solid metal: cover the entire gutter and feature an edge that curves downward to move water into the gutter so it can drain. This type of gutter guard covers the gutter effectively, but installing them yourself takes longer than any other type. Solid metal gutter guards can last up to 20 years, but they are more expensive to install if you’re relying on the help of professionals (which is recommended).

Pros of Gutter Guards

There are many different types of gutter systems out there, and there are advantages and disadvantages to all types of gutters. In general, some find that gutter guards can create more trouble than they’re worth, but there are some positive qualities when it comes to protecting your gutters.

The goal of installing gutter guards on the roof of your home or business is to prevent the gutters from being clogged with debris, which causes overflow during heavy rains. If your gutter guards are doing their job and keeping out debris and clogging, that is absolutely a pro of installing guards. Gutter guards may keep out larger debris too, such as sticks, tennis balls, and toys.

In addition, with gutter guards, you’ll have to clean your gutters much less than usual – typically one-half to one-third as often as you would normally have to clean your gutters. Though we recommend having professionals install your gutter guards, it is possible to do it yourself. Also, if you’re selling your home, many homebuyers will be attracted to the gutter guards already installed on your roof, as this will save the future owners time and money.

Cons of Gutter Guards

Along with the advantages of gutter guards come the negative factors. If your gutter guards are doing a poor job of keeping out debris, this can cause damage to your home. For example, if wet leaves build up on your gutter covers, this will prevent water from entering your gutters, therefore making the water run across the gutter guard and fall to the ground during a heavy rain. This could lead to leaking in your home’s foundation or potentially damage the siding of your home.

When covered with fixed guards, gutters are more difficult to clean. To clean your gutters, you’ll have to remove and clean the gutter guards first, which adds several extra steps to this already tedious maintenance process. Gutter guards can also rust or warp, which can detract from the appearance of your home. Finally, if your attic is poorly insulated and snow piles up on your roof, the snow will melt because of the heat escaping from your home. The water will then run into the gutter where it freezes, and the ice will damage gutter guards and the gutters themselves.

At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we want your home to be protected from factors that can cost you money, including the debris that can end up in your gutters. Located in Burlington, NC, Alamance Insulation has been proudly serving the Triad area for over 20 years. We provide quality gutters and insulation for our clients across central North Carolina. Whether you need installation or repairs done, we offer a variety of gutter, insulation, and moisture barrier services that will ensure the safety of your home.

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1. What are seamless gutters?
2. Materials of seamless gutters
3. Seamless vs. sectional gutters
4. Pros of seamless gutters
5. Cons of seamless gutters
6. Are seamless gutters worth it?

What Are Seamless Gutters?

Are you tired of looking at your old, worn-out gutters? It might be time to consider switching to seamless gutters. Seamless gutters are different from a traditional gutter system, as they do not have any cuts or visible seams. Seamless gutters are easier to clean than traditional gutter systems because it is more difficult for leaves and other materials to build up in a seamless gutter system. This lessens the chance of obstructed water flow, which means you can expect less leaking.

Seamless gutters are custom-fit, made from coiled metal. Typically, seamless gutters are made from either aluminum, or galvanized steel. The majority of seamless gutters installed are made of aluminum because of their weight, flexibility, resistance to corrosion, and overall great value. There are many colors available for aluminum and steel coatings.

Materials of Seamless Gutters

Aluminum

The reason why over 80% of all seamless gutters are made of aluminum is because aluminum resists corrosion, is lightweight, durable, and available in many finish colors. It can also be easily painted. Aluminum gutters typically last 20+ years in harsh, snowy climates, and 30 years in most other places. The downside is that aluminum can dent and ding more easily than steel.

Steel

The two things steel has going for it is that it costs less than aluminum, and it doesn’t dent as easily. Negatives of choosing steel for gutters include being heavier than aluminum, so there’s greater risk of gutters pulling off the house, especially when filled with wet leaves or ice. When the coating is scratched and steel is exposed, will begin to rust quickly. Coated steel gutters are a 12 to 20-year solution.

Seamless vs. Sectional Gutters

Should you choose seamless or sectional gutters? The long-term performance and the durability of seamless gutters is an investment worthwhile. You’ll pay more for seamless gutters, but they’ll last you longer. If you are on a tight budget, however, sectional gutters will work just fine. If you are able to install sectional gutters on your own, and you’re willing to do regular maintenance, sectional gutters will work well. If you do not want to install your own gutters, though, make sure to hire an experienced company to get the job done right. Here’s more information about these two types of gutters:

Seamless Gutters

As compared to sectional gutters, seamless gutters are another popular option. “Sheet metal,” “continuous,” or “soldered” gutters are other names for seamless gutters. They have no potential for leaks or points of failure, because seamless gutters are made from a single coil of aluminum. That aluminum has been treated and coated to prevent rot and erosion. Seamless gutters need to be installed by a professional.

Another great benefit of seamless gutters is that they’re easy to install (by a professional). Seamless gutters cost around the same to have fitted as good sectional gutters, so you’ll get a much better product for around the same cost. Seamless gutters also increase the overall value of your home, while they also reduce your risk of internal water damage, mold, and rot.

Sectional Gutters

Sectional gutters are popular for people who want to install their gutters by themselves. They come in small sections, and you fit the sections together to form a large section of gutter. Usually, they’re made of vinyl, aluminum, or steel. Non-steel gutters are typically a better choice since they won’t rust.

One downside to sectional gutters is that there’s more potential for leaks and points of failure. Leaks can happen even if sectional gutters are professionally installed. If one section of your gutter system becomes blocked, your water overflow will be dramatic and can cause major damage. Or, it is possible that entire sections can collapse under the weight of gallons of rainwater that can’t escape.

Pros of Seamless Gutters

There are many advantages to installing seamless gutters. Here are a few:

• The one-piece gutters are less prone to leaking than their sectional gutter counterparts, although leaks are still possible around downspouts, corners and end caps when not fitted properly or with age.
• They’re a perfect fit when properly measured.
• You’ve got 12 to 24 colors to chooses from, so it’s easy to find one that complements your home.
• Powder-coated gutters can be painted.
• Aluminum and steel are long-lasting choices compared to sectional vinyl gutters that warp and become brittle with age and weather.

Cons of Seamless Gutters

Is there a downside to switching to seamless gutters? Of course there are disadvantages. Here are a few:

• The cost of material is higher than vinyl sectional gutters since the cost of material is higher.
• They are not DIY-friendly since they require coils of material and a $10,000 extruding gutter machine. Thus, hiring a professional is essential.
• If part of the gutter is damaged, the entire run must be replaced, not just the bad section.

Are Seamless Gutters Worth It?

Seamless gutters are more expensive than traditional gutters – typically a few hundred dollars more. You’re probably wondering why seamless gutters are so popular if they’re that much more expensive. Are seamless gutters actually worth it? Many homeowners would answer “yes” emphatically. Seamless gutters are easier to maintain. Investing in seamless gutters can also increase the value of your home if and when you choose to sell: your roof will be more ventilated because of seamless gutters, which will guard your roof from shingle damage and rot.

Depending on your specific needs as a homeowner, and of course your budget, seamless rain gutters may be the best choice for you. Traditional gutters might be better for you if you don’t mind more maintenance and if you’d rather keep things simple (and cheaper). But if you’re a busy homeowner who would rather not spend your time with gutter maintenance, you can’t go wrong with seamless gutters.

At Alamance Insulation, we know how important it is to maintain your gutters. Serving Greensboro, NC and High Point, NC for over 20 years, you can trust Alamance with your every gutter installation and gutter repair service need. Whether you’re looking to replace, repair, or clean your gutters in the Triad area, give us a call at Alamance Insulation. We’re here to help!

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Cleaning out your gutters helps to prevent damage. If gutters go uncleaned, things like clogs, leaks, and sagging or fallen gutters can happen. It’s best to clean your gutters at least twice a year, but if you live in a heavily wooded area, it’s wise to clean your gutters more than just twice a year.

In this article, you’ll find information including:

1. The importance of cleaning your gutters
2. The benefits of clean gutters
3. How often you should clean your gutters
4. How to clean your gutters

The Importance of Cleaning Your Gutters

Neglecting to clean your gutters can be a costly mistake if rainwater seeps inside your home or damages your property—putting a major damper on your curb appeal. From the rooftop to the basement, and everything in between, cleaning your gutters is essential and should not be just another forgotten chore.

If you’re a new homeowner, or just a curious person in general, you may be wondering: what is gutter cleaning? Gutter cleaning is the process of removing any debris, dirt, and leaves from your gutters and downspouts that clog your gutter system and stop rainwater from flowing freely from the roof to the ground.

If you choose to hire a professional to clean your gutters, they may scoop the debris by hand or by machine. After they clear out the gutter system, they’ll flush it with water to get any remaining particles, so rainwater can flow through the gutter system with ease. You may decide to clean your gutters on your own, which many people do regularly.

The Benefits of Clean Gutters

When leaves, debris, dirt, and twigs get trapped inside gutter systems, it prevents them from working efficiently. However, when gutters are cleaned and free of clogs, they provide the following benefits:

• Redirect rainwater from your roof away from your house
• Minimize moisture and condensation from windows and window sills
• Protect the exterior and interior walls from heavy rain
• Keep water out of the basement and off the foundation

Let’s take a closer look at how gutter cleaning preserves your home:

Prevents Roof Damage

Unclogged gutters tunnel rainwater off your roof through downspouts and away from your home. But when leaves, dirt, and debris clog gutters, rainwater gets trapped inside the gutter, preventing the water from moving off the roof. When rainwater penetrates through the surface of your roof, it can cause the following issues:

• Roof rot
• Weaken your roof’s construction
• Seep from the roof into your home

Protects Exterior Walls

Rainwater stuck in gutters can destroy your home’s exterior—especially when the weight of debris makes a gap in your gutter system. Areas affected include:

• Shingles covering your house
• Soffits protecting your roof and keeping moisture out of the attic
• Fascias ventilating the roof

When these areas get waterlogged, they stop working, and mold, mildew, and algae grow on the exterior wall—and paint begins to peel and chip. Say goodbye to your curb appeal.

Prevents Cracks in Foundations

When gutters are filled with gunk, the water from your roof heads straight for your basement and foundation. It can also erode your landscaping.

With excessive amounts of water saturating the ground, the soil expands, pushing your foundation. After the soil dries up, the foundation contracts. This continuous process of expanding and contracting puts strain on your foundation. When water gets into your basement, it can cause the following issues:

• Windows and doors that don’t shut
• Uneven flooring
• Cracks in drywall

Keeping gutters free and clear of dirt and debris will deter extensive water from destroying your basement and foundation, and land.

Deters Animal Nesting and Insect Infestations

Insects and small animals like rodents love stationary water. It’s one of their favorite watering holes to stop by for a drink.

Leaves inside gutters provide a haven for insects, birds, and squirrels to build a nest. From the gutter, it’s an easy commute to the roof for these critters to nest, breed, and infest your attic.

How Often You Should Clean Your Gutters

Gutters need cleaning once to twice a year. The best time is autumn after the leaves fall from the trees. But homeowners also clean their gutters in the spring if they have a lot of trees on their property.

The cost of gutter cleaning ranges depending on several factors. Gutter cleaning can make a good DIY project, but only if you’re comfortable and have steady footing on a high ladder carrying two buckets, one for debris, and the other for your tools. 

The tools you’ll need:

• Ladder
• Buckets
• Trowel
• Work gloves
• Protective glasses
• Garden hose

Outsourcing the job to a professional can prevent injuries from falls and allow the gutter cleaning specialist to check for any drainage and gutter wear issues.

How to Clean Your Gutters

Using the right procedure, tools, and supplies help professionals get the job of gutter cleaning done with ease and perfection. From the right ladder and pro vacuums to trowels and power washers, here’s how pros get gutter cleaning achieved in four simple steps:

1. Choose the appropriate ladder that’s the proper height
2. Remove debris, algae, and any pests with industrial-strength vacuums, or by hand with a trowel
3. Flush out the gutter with a power washer or a garden hose
4. Inspect your gutter and gutter guards to see if you need to replace them

If you’d like to skip the hassle of cleaning your own gutters, we’re more than happy and qualified to help at Alamance Insulation! We offer every service you could possibly need for your gutter maintenance – from installation, to routine cleanings, to repairs and other maintenance. If you notice any damage to your gutters, call us right away and we’ll fix your gutters for you. The longer you wait to fix your broken gutters, the more damage you can get in and on your home.

Alamance Insulation has been proudly serving the Triad area for over 20 years. Located in Burlington, NC, we provide quality gutters and insulation for our clients across central North Carolina, including Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, and High Point, NC. Whether you need installation or repairs done, we offer a variety of gutter, insulation, and moisture barrier services that will ensure the safety of your home and the comfort of your loved ones.

For all of your insulation and gutter installation and repair service needs in High Point and Greensboro, NC, contact us today at Alamance Insulation.

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​​At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we’ve got all your insulation and gutter needs covered. Serving areas in central North Carolina such as Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, and High Point, we provide excellent services and products to our loyal customers. One service we offer is cleaning your gutters. Many customers ask why they need to clean their gutters at least once before winter and once before spring. Read more to find out why!

Clean, clear gutters protect your home’s exterior walls, foundation, glass, and roof from water damage, while clogged gutters risk wood rot, concrete damage, mold, mildew, algae, and insect infestation around the home.

Storm debris and other buildup is the primary reason for gutters not draining, while undersized or damaged gutters might allow rainwater to wash over their sides or back up onto the roof. Improper gutter installation also leads to standing water that doesn’t drain.

Clean gutters are more important than many homeowners realize, but keeping them clean is probably everyone’s least favorite home maintenance chore! To better understand why you need to ensure your home’s gutters are always clog-free, note some tips on addressing gutters that aren’t draining and how to keep them clean. Discuss any questions you have with a gutter cleaning power washer near you as needed, so your home is always in good condition from top to bottom!

Take a closer look at how gutters end up with layers of storm debris and other “gunk” that creates clogs and that doesn’t allow those gutters to drain as they should, so you can determine why your home’s gutters are prone to clogging and overflowing.

• Larger debris such as twigs and leaves might not empty into attached downspout openings; as they sit in the gutters, that debris then builds up, keeping water from draining to the downspouts.
• Since storm debris is a main cause of clogged gutters, note that overgrown tree branches can increase the risk of clogs! Branches dropping leaves, sap, moss, seeds, twigs, needles, and other debris often mean clogged gutters and eventual water damage along a home’s exterior.
• Airborne dirt, dust, and other debris settle into gutters and then harden. If it doesn’t rain enough to soften that dirt and mud so that it washes down the downspouts, gutters clog and refuse to drain as they should.
• Even if layers of dirt and storm debris don’t block downspout openings, if those layers are too thick, rainwater will simply wash over gutter sides rather than draining to the downspouts.
• Undersized gutters might not easily manage rainfall levels in your area! If too much rain falls for those gutters to manage, it will simply wash over those gutter sides.
• Gutters should be installed at a slight angle, to encourage water to run to connected downspouts. Improper installation can mean standing water and dirt buildup along with it, which then clogs gutters.
• Downspouts can also get clogged with dried dirt and mud, storm debris, and the like, allowing water to back up and stay in the gutters.

If you have questions about cleaning or maintaining your gutters, or if you’d rather let professionals handle this task, contact Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We are happy to help!

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At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we can help with all your gutter needs. We are a leader in the insulation and home performance industries centrally located in Burlington, North Carolina. We provide leading-edge products and services to customers throughout North Carolina – from Greensboro, Burlington, Elon, and Mebane to Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. Let us help you with all your gutter needs!

When should I install gutters?

Most homeowners don’t notice an issue with their gutters until the winter or spring. Clogged gutters are common in the fall from leaves and debris, then the snow and ice freeze the gutters and trap the debris. Once the snow begins to melt and the spring rain starts, your gutters are about to max out.

If you notice any leaks, rust, or dents on your gutters, you should replace them as soon as possible! Wait for a day that isn’t rainy or snowy to replace your gutters. It’s important to replace gutters sooner rather than later to avoid unnecessary damage to your home.

Summer is a perfect time to install or replace gutters because it’s dry!

Is there a downside to installing in the summer?

The only problem with installing gutters in the summer is that you may not know if they were installed correctly until they are put to the test in the winter and spring. The last thing you want is to spend time installing gutters this summer, only to find out 6 or 9 months later that they were installed incorrectly.

If you choose a DIY gutter installation, be careful. You may find that you installed them incorrectly after it’s too late. Not only will you have to repurchase all the materials, you might have to replace other parts of your home as well due to water damage.

Hiring a professional gutter installation company is a smart idea because they are likely to get the job done correctly the first time.

Ultimately, installing gutters in the summer is a smart move. Always avoid dangerous projects (such as climbing on ladders to install gutters) during inclement weather.

The post Best to Install Gutters in the Summer? | Gutters | Greensboro, NC | High Point, NC | Burlington, NC appeared first on Alamance Insulation.

Having the right roof for rain harvesting is imperative. There are four types of roofs you can have for collecting rain. 

Standing Seam Metal

If you’re installing a new roof for the purpose of collecting rainwater, standing seam metal may very well be your best choice. A high quality enameled roofing material that is easy to clean, standing seam metal offers the highest collection efficiency available.

The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) advises that “standing seam roofs, powder coated or enameled, Galvalume (zinc + aluminum alloy) with non-toxic baked or enamel finish are appropriate for potable use with non-toxic finishes and appropriate components, tanks, and post-tank treatment.”

Corrugated Metal

Corrugated metal also makes an efficient collection surface, but there is a precaution:

Most corrugated material is galvanized, which will leach some zinc into the rainwater. Many people collect from galvanized roofs with no problem, but this is something to be aware of. Collect a sample of rainwater and use a home test kit or send it to a lab to make sure zinc levels are below allowable limits for drinking water. Zinc is an herbicide, so even if you won’t be drinking the water, you’ll want zinc levels to meet that standard to avoid hurting your plants.

Asphalt / Bitumen / Composition Shingle

Asphalt is the most common type of roofing. It is inert, and generally safe for rainwater collection. That said, the adhesives used for installation are worth a mention. These adhesives do most of their off-gassing within a year of installation, and virtually all of it within three years, so if you have a brand new asphalt shingle roof (also known as composition shingle), you may wish to avoid irrigating edibles for the first three years. Are you going to be drinking the water? All potable systems must include treatment anyway, but send a sample to the lab to see what you need to treat for.

Concrete or Clay Tile Roofs

Clay and concrete tiles have lower collection efficiency than other roofing materials, simply because the tiles are porous and absorb so much water. This doesn’t mean you can’t harvest off them, though. With over 600 gallons of high quality water available from a single inch of rain falling on 1000-square-foot surface, even an 85% collection efficiency (estimated for clay tile) will give you a lot of high quality water. Concrete tile may leave you with alkalinity in your water, but this isn’t necessarily a problem. A simple home test kit will allow you to measure your pH.

So if you’re thinking of harvesting rainwater, let us help! If you have questions about gutters or you would like to rely on professionals to do the job for you, call Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We service many areas in North Carolina, including but not limited to Burlington, Greensboro, Elon, Mebane, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. We’re happy to help with all your insulation and gutter needs!

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Types of Gutters

There are two types of gutters that you can install for your home. 

1. Sectional or Seamed Gutters: These are easy DIY gutters that attach to your home with hangers. You can find these gutters at your local hardware store and are made with either vinyl or metal. There are a few pros and cons to these kinds. While they’re inexpensive and easy to install (with a partner and trusty ladder!), they lack in color and style, making it difficult for your gutters to match the rest of your home’s exterior. Additionally, sectional gutters may leak and metal ones can be dented by branches or big debris. 
2. Seamless Gutters: These offer a smooth look and come with up to fifty different colors. While more expensive than sectional gutters, seamless don’t leak. Another disadvantage is the difficulty in installing them. These are not DIY friendly and require professionals to install them for you. 

Gutter Shapes

Gutters come in three different shapes that offer different durability and protection. 

1. Fascia Shape: Fascia style gutters are tall and narrow and cover the entire height of the home’s fascia. These gutters can be hard to clean because of their increased depth.
2. Half-round Shape: These have a u-shape and are more traditional looking gutters. They hold less water than k-shaped gutters, but they’re wider and extend out from the home more, making them easier to clean.
3. K Shape: This is the most popular gutter type because of their aesthetic appeal and because they hold a lot of water. The unique shape makes them structurally very sound.

There’s lots to consider when installing new gutters: shape, utility, installation. But installing new gutters or replacing old ones is well worth it because it ensures that your home is protected from water damage. If you have questions about gutters or you would like to rely on professionals to do the job for you, call Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We service many areas in North Carolina, including but not limited to Burlington, Greensboro, Elon, Mebane, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. We’re happy to help with all your insulation and gutter needs!

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Best Ways to Clean

Thankfully, there are lots of ways to clean your gutters! 

1. Get scrubbin’! With a good, sturdy ladder, safely climbing your roof and pulling any and all debris from your gutters is a quick and easy way to make sure your drainage is working well. While you’re up there, check for any dings and damage to your roof and gutters. If you find some, get a professional up there ASAP!
2. If using elbow grease isn’t your cup of tea, try using a dry and wet vacuum. Your local hardware store more than likely has one, and you can easily get a gutter cleaning attachment kit online.
3. Power washers are a fast and efficient way to clean too. Reaching the hose through the gutter and down the drain will flush out everything inside. This method can be a bit messy, however, so protect yourself accordingly.

How to Keep Your Gutters Clean

Regularly maintaining your gutters is a great way to make sure they stay clean. The summer is a great time to do this before leaves start to fall. Usually once a season is enough to make sure everything is working smoothly. Another method is to get gutter guards that allow only water and small, easily flushable particulates to enter your drainage. Your local professional gutter company can help you with this. 

In all, cleaning your gutters is so important for your home. It’s a protective measure that ensures your space is safe and clean. If you have questions about gutters or you would like to rely on professionals to do the job for you, call Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We service many areas in North Carolina, including but not limited to Burlington, Greensboro, Elon, Mebane, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. We’re happy to help with all your insulation and gutter needs!

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What to look for

There are some easy to see signs of damage in your gutters. 

1. Debris: MAKE SURE THEY ARE CLEAN! This is the easiest step you can take to protect your home this summer. Leaves, dirt, and all kinds of other debris fall into your gutter year round. Make sure to keep your gutters clear to ensure easy and smooth water passage. Also check for mold growth. This can damage the gutter material.
2. Dents, holes, warping: the summer is the perfect chance to check for any possible damage to your gutters. If you find many holes and dings, contact gutter experts to repair them. This ensures that your home stays protected ahead of hurricane season, autumn, and winter.
3. Overgrown branches: Trees love to grow in the summertime, so you want to make sure those branches are trimmed back. They can poke and prod your gutters, damaging them. 

Maintaining your gutters can be a chore and a hassle, but doing so is a huge help for your home. It also is cost efficient and keeps you from spending big bucks later on. Regularly inspecting your drainage and using guards is a quick solution to keeping your gutters clean and protected. Another easy step is to call professionals to make sure your home’s gutters are running smoothly. 

If you have questions about gutters or you would like to rely on professionals to do the job for you, call Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We service many areas in North Carolina, including but not limited to Burlington, Greensboro, Elon, Mebane, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. We’re happy to help with all your insulation and gutter needs!

The post How to Protect Your Gutters This Summer | Gutters | Greensboro, NC appeared first on Alamance Insulation.