When To Replace Seamless Gutters

When To Replace Seamless Gutters

Repairs are always an attractive choice when your gutters have an issue. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it pays not to be wasteful. However, there comes a point when even the best seamless gutter system has outlived its lifespan and becomes more trouble to maintain than it’s worth. Maintenance issues pop up more frequently and become more extensive, and to a certain point, it’s more cost-efficient and practical to simply replace them. While you should arrange a new seamless gutter installation at the end of your existing system’s lifespan, it may be necessary to replace it sooner as well.

Seamless Gutters Lifespan

The ideal lifespan of seamless gutters varies depending on the building material. For instance, aluminum gutters should last 20+ years, but a copper model can last more than 50. However, this is assuming that the owner maintains good maintenance practices and that the climate isn’t too harsh.

Extreme heat and cold can each warp a gutter system over the course of decades. Without regular gutter cleaning, debris can create blockages that amplify the strain your system experiences any time it rains as well. When your gutters have taken too much punishment for repair to be practical, you’ll have the following signs to look out for.

Signs You Should Replace Your Seamless Gutters

There are many signs that you need to hire a contractor to handle a new seamless gutter installation for your property. While few of these issues are impossible to solve via repair instead, the dilemma isn’t whether or not the gutters are unfixable. Rather, the problem is that as time goes by, issues that are benign on their own begin piling up, until it seems like there’s always some problem to repair. Not to mention, little problems have a way of snowballing with subtle, but steadily increasing levels of permanent damage.

Frequent Issues with Nails, Screws, and Fasteners

Nails, screws, and fasteners are the main weak points of a gutter system, and water pressure may occasionally force them out. If it starts to happen regularly, though, it indicates a more serious underlying problem that you’ll need seamless gutter replacement to resolve.

Sagging Gutters

Even if the fasteners and nails hold up, the core material of your gutters can eventually start to give way. It can be hard to notice when a section is beginning to sag, but even an unnoticeable level creates several problems. On the one hand, it naturally begins to experience greater pressure which only makes the sagging worse. On the other, even a tiny sagging section can catch water and debris, creating a stagnant water source for pests to thrive in.

Rainwater Flows Over the Edges

Usually, it’s possible to fix an overflowing set of gutters by eliminating debris that’s pooled inside of them. However, it’s sometimes the case that your gutters simply aren’t large enough to handle the volume of rainwater in your area. When this is the case, you have no choice but to replace your gutters with a more high-capacity set. If water overflows from the edges on a regular basis, it can seep into your foundation and facilitate mold growth, pest infestation, and rot.

Cost of Seamless Gutters

While seamless gutters can have a modestly greater up-front cost than traditional models, they make up for it considerably with greater strength and reliability. Since they don’t have the welded joints of traditional gutters, they lack a key point for debris to build up and create blockages that will strain the system.

Ready for a quote on seamless gutters? If you are in Western Kentucky, then you need to give the gutter experts at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE or click here to contact us today!

Experiencing Gutter Problems In Heavy Rain?

Experiencing Gutter Problems In Heavy Rain?

The best time to make sure that your gutters are functioning properly is during rainy days. Because the rain commonly exposes any gutter problems you may be having. If you look out your window and see any of the following happening, this likely means your gutter system is not working properly.

Gutter Problems To Look For

  • Overflowing water from your gutter system
  • Water overshooting your gutter completely
  • Leaking from a section of the gutter
  • Water leaking between the gutter and the fascia
  • Large amount of water pooling by the foundation

Reason Why You’re Seeing These Types of Problems

Your gutters are clogging – The most common reason for gutter overflow is a clogged system or downspout. If your downspout or any part of your gutter system is clogged with debris or pests, the water cannot flow properly. This will lead to overflow.
Your gutters are too small – Another reason why your gutters may be consistently overflowing during heavy rainfall is because they are too small. If this is the case, you may need to have your gutter system replaced with an oversized system.
Crack in your gutter or a damaged piece – If you gutter is leaking from one section of the gutter in an area it shouldn’t be, this is a pretty clear indication that there is some sort of crack or damage to this section of gutter. If you still have sectional gutters and a seam is leaking, this is often an easy repair.
Incorrect gutter installation – Water should not be visibly leaking between the gutter and the fascia board. Also, if the water is overshooting your system completely, this may be an indicator. In both cases, this can lead to water falling down your siding and straight to your foundation. This can potentially cause damages to your foundation.

If you see a large amount of water pooling at your foundation, this may be a sign that something is wrong with your gutter system. Gutters that perform properly flow water away from your home and its foundation. Pooling around your home’s foundation will likely occur as well.

If you are seeing any of the warning signs identified above during heavy rainfall, your gutter system may need to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced. Give the gutter pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE!

5 Most Common Spring Gutter Problems

5 Most Common Spring Gutter Problems

There are a lot of things to like about spring: mild weather, beautiful blooms, longer days and outdoor gatherings. On the other side of the coin, however, spring also brings allergy flare-ups, abundant rain and gutter problems. While there’s not much you can do about allergens or rainfall, you can address the gutter issues that go hand-in-hand with spring. Here are five of the most common ones.

Problem #1: Damaged Gutters

Gutter sections that have cracked or separated from the fascia or each other due to the weight of winter ice or snow.

Solution: Separated gutters often require nothing more than a few fresh screws to reattach them to each other or the fascia of your home. Small cracks can be sealed temporarily using a waterproof caulk or sealant, but if your gutters have large cracks or are otherwise too damaged to be reattached, you’re better off replacing the gutter section entirely.

Problem #2: Clogged Gutters

Gutters that are full of leaves, pine needles, twigs, leaves and other tree debris that have either fallen from overhanging branches or been washed into the gutters by spring rains.

Solution: It’s not rocket science … just clean out the gutters! If the debris is dry, you can either use a leaf blower or an outdoor vacuum to blow or suck everything out. Packed-in or wet debris may require the old tried-and-true (albeit dirty) method of scooping it out by hand. If this chore doesn’t sound like something you want to handle yourself, no worries! Give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky and we will be glad to take care of it for you. To prevent clogs in the future, consider letting Gutter Boyz of Kentucky install rain gutter guards to keep out debris and eliminate gutter blockage.

Problem #3: Clogged Downspouts

Downspouts that have been clogged by either gutter debris.

Solution: Unclogging downspouts is an important part of any gutter cleaning job. Start by feeding a garden hose up into the bottom opening and spraying water upward to free up any low clogs. You might also need to do the same from the downspouts’ upper opening. For stubborn clogs, a plumber’s snake can be fed downward from the top; this will usually break them up enough that they can then be flushed out.

Problem #4: Bent Gutters

Bent, buckled or separated gutters that have been damaged by tree limbs dislodged from overhanging trees by heavy winds or rain (or even a late snowstorm).

Solution: Minor problems can be repaired in the same way as separated or cracked gutters. If a gutter section is severely crushed or bent, however, one or more sections will need to replaced and reattached. Give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky and we can help. To prevent this from happening in the future, cut back overhanging tree limbs to about three feet beyond the roofline – or have a tree-trimmer take care of this for you.

Problem #5: Animal Problems

Pesky critters like squirrels, rodents, possums, birds, bugs and even snakes taking up residence in your gutters.

Solution: For insects, spiders or worms, a good gutter cleaning will usually take care of the problem; just be sure to drain or soak up any standing water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Gutters are also a favorite place for birds to build their nests, which may need to be gently relocated. As for larger creatures, if the destruction of their habitat doesn’t scare them away, live traps on the roof might be necessary. Avoid placing poisons in your gutters that could get washed into the yard and into the sewer system during storms.

No matter how good your gutters may be, they’re not going to perform to their full potential if they’re clogged or damaged. If you are having gutter problems or simply looking for new gutters, gutter cleaning of gutter guards, be sure to give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us.

Why Choose Aluminum Gutters

Why Choose Aluminum Gutters

When shopping for new gutters, you’ll notice that aluminum gutters are among the top choices for residential homes. These gutters are known for being sturdy, durable and reliable, so you can get value for your money when you choose this specific type of gutter material.

Here are the main advantages of an aluminum gutter system.

Durable and Long Lasting

Aluminum can stand up against heavy rain or snow. So, if you live in an area that experiences such weather events, you should consider getting aluminum gutters. Furthermore, these gutters do not get rusty, and they can last for up to 30 years. One thing to remember, though, is that aluminum does not do well when it comes into contact with another type of metal. When this occurs, corrosion will likely occur and damage your gutters.

Seamless Gutter Installation

Seamless aluminum gutters are customized to fit your home. Aluminum gutters are flexible and lighter in weight making them an asset to your home without the worry of them pulling away from your home. When you have the professionals at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky install your gutters, you know you are getting a great quality product that should last for many years to come.

Low Maintenance

It does not require much to keep aluminum gutters in good condition. Regular cleaning is pretty much everything that needs to be done with regards to their maintenance. As long as you can keep leaves, dirt and other debris from accumulating in the gutters, they’ll be fine for a long time.

Whether you are looking for an expert in gutter installation, gutter cleaning, gutter repairs or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is the only number you need. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE quote or CLICK HERE to contact us.

5 Ways Gutters Save You Money

5 Ways Gutters Save You Money

When people think of gutter cleaning or replacement, they often view it in terms of how much money it will cost them to do it. But they don’t realize the potential cost savings that well-maintained gutters provide for a homeowner. Here are six examples of how gutters actually save you money.

Foundation repair. This is the mother-of-all repair costs that a homeowner wants to avoid. Without a properly-working gutter, rainwater tumbles down to the base of the home near the foundation. Over time, the excessive moisture can cause the foundation to buckle, crack, or shift. Foundation repair bills rarely come in under $5,000 and can run as high is $40,000 – and it’s nearly impossible to sell a house that has a compromised foundation.

Flooded basements. If that runoff water collects near your basement, it tends to find a way inside through wall spaces or windows (path of least resistance). Then it can start doing some real damage – to your basement walls, ceilings, flooring, furniture, and appliances. Those costs could run as high as $10,000 – after you shell out up to $5,000 to have the standing water pumped out and your basement dried out.

Flooded landscaping. That beautifully-ornate landscaping near your home? It can dissolve or be washed away if enough runoff water is permitted to fall into it. If you pay a landscaping service to repair it, you’re looking at a bill that could run up to $7,000 in some cases. But no amount of money will replace the hard work and sweat that you spent getting the landscaping just the way you wanted it.

Exterior damage. If your gutters are either clogged or leaking, the water may start to seep out of them and into your home’s exterior. That could lead to rotting fascia boards and siding, as well as peeling or chipping paint. To fix these problems, you’ll need to replace the decaying wood and/or repaint areas of your home – which could cost you as much as $5,000.

Mold and mildew. Water that is misdirected may not stop at your home’s exterior. If moisture penetrates your roofline or your basement, it could seep into your ceilings, attic, or crawl spaces and facilitate the growth of mildew and mold. It only takes several days for these toxic substances to form, and it’ll cost up to $3,000 to eradicate this health hazard.

As you can see, installing and maintaining gutters is actually a valuable investment on your home or business.  If you are in need of new gutters, gutter cleaning or gutter repair, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at 270-906-3055 for a FREE quote or CLICK HERE to send us a message.

Three Reasons Your Steel Building Needs Gutters

Three Reasons Your Steel Building Needs Gutters

There are a multitude of reasons why gutters are important to the longevity of your steel or metal building. Here are three of the top contenders:

You Will Save a Ton of Money. Let’s just start right out with the big guns. Money is always a top priority. In fact, it’s often the reason why people skip the gutters in the first place. One less thing to pay for, right? We assure you, however, the relatively minor investment of gutters will pay for itself over and over again in terms of the maintenance nightmares gutters will prevent throughout your building’s lifetime.

Installing gutters may be one of the most cost-effective things you can do to protect your building in the long run. By now, you are probably aware that steel and metal are two of the most durable building materials out there. Their weakness, however, is moisture. Once a protective coating is penetrated, you run the risk of rust and corrosion that will quickly compromise your building’s structural integrity.

Once the building’s structural integrity is compromised, the dollar signs start mounting. Leaks have to be repaired, whole sections of foundation, wall panels and/or framing materials may need to be replaced. Interior possessions and finishes may need to be repaired or replaced, and you will have to re-coat the compromised exterior components more often than you ever would have if a good water drainage system had been implemented.

Prevent Widespread Moisture Damage. Yes, steel and metal buildings can be built with incredibly durable coatings. However, rainwater and snow melt are often laden with environmental toxins that react with the protective coatings, no matter how tough they are, and this will eventually lead to their breakdown and the infiltration of moisture. Installing gutters and downspouts will keep this water moving down and away from your building it never has a chance to do any damage.

Your building isn’t the only thing that can be compromised by moisture. When water isn’t directed where you want it to go, it chooses the path it wants to take. That path often leads to oversaturated soil around your building’s foundation. In addition to compromising your foundation, this water can flood your home or business. It is also more apt to cause erosion, which destroys landscaping and leads to sediment and debris that clog storm drains and can destroy the local environment.

Physical Comfort. Finally, there is an immediately impactful reason to install gutters: they prevent your building from turning into a Niagara Falls attraction. Kids may think it’s fun to run in and out of the sheets of water that pour from your roof line and down to the ground below, odds are you and your customers will not. These sheets of water can last for days or weeks depending on the climate in your area. They make entrance and egress to and from your building a nightmare.

The resulting water from these downpours will flood your home or business’s entrance, making it difficult or impossible to navigate. If your business has hard surface flooring, a lack of gutters will create more water on your interior floor surfaces, which puts you, employees and customers at greater risk for slip and fall accidents. Gutters are a one-stop solution to this, diverting the water from even a mild rain storm away from building entrances where runoff is never a nuisance.

“But, wait,” you say. “We designed a nifty roof line that carries moisture runoff onto the side of the building and into channels/drains/perfectly sloped grading that directs it elsewhere…”

While we commend your ingenuity and thoughtfulness to future water runoff, these solutions aren’t enough. Odds are, there is still too much water penetrating the ground directly adjacent to your building and this is bad news for your foundation and your steel building components. Are you prepared to maintain the “perfect” slope and drainage required to divert the water where it needs to go? Can you control the work neighboring developers or builders do on lots adjacent to you? While these types of water shedding systems are effective in theory, they cannot compete with a well-built gutter system.

Have questions about the gutters required for your metal building? Give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky with offices in Paducah and Benton, KY a call today at (270) 906-3055  or CLICK HERE to send us a message.

Get Ready For Spring With New Gutters

Get Ready For Spring With New Gutters

You have heard the saying before, “April showers bring May flowers.” Rain showers are inevitable. If you want to prepare for all of the spring showers, gutters should be at the top of your list.

Your home should have a good gutter system as a way of dealing with the water as it comes down.

Why Do Gutters Matter?
There are a lot of benefits to having gutters installed on your home. You will be able to avoid foundation problems because of guiding the water away from the home. It will also keep the soil around your home stabilized. As such, you can also prevent flooding under the house as well as in a basement.

If you have ever noticed water damage to the side of your home, this can be prevented with gutter installation as well. You will also be able to reduce water staining on brick and stone masonry and prevent cracks in sidewalks, patios, and driveways. Additionally, garage doors and exterior doors can be preserved more effectively.

Get Gutters Installed
Properly installed gutters from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky ,will ensure you have a system to deal with rainfall based on the shape of your home as well as how water runs based on the pitch of the roof and the slope of your land. Seamless gutters will be on the edge of every sloped roof.

The downspouts will terminate away from the foundation of your home. Typically, there will be at least a three-foot diversion from your home. It will ensure that the water flows away from your home as well as landscaping so you don’t have to deal with puddles and ponding.

Gutter Maintenance
It is important to understand that there will be some gutter maintenance to be done on your part. You will want to keep them clean so that they remain in working order. Leaves, weeds, grass, and more can accumulate in your gutters.

By cleaning them out, you can avoid water damming, leaks, mosquitoes breeding in the area, and eventual failure of the gutters. Since you want your gutters to last a long time and do their intended job, you simply have to keep them clean or hire a gutter cleaning service like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to come out once or twice a year.

The next time it rains, you don’t have to be frustrated that you have a leak in your basement or that your mulch has gotten washed away yet again. Sheets of rain shouldn’t come off of your roof by any of your doors, either. Gutters will make it much more bearable to deal with the rain. Plus, it will be a great maintenance tool to keep your home safe from such things as floods, mold, stagnant water, and issues with your foundation. You might be surprised by just what an impact gutters can make on your home.

For more information or for a FREE ESTIMATE, give us a call at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us!

Install Gutter Guards To Save Time and Money

Install Gutter Guards To Save Time and Money

LASTING GUTTER PROTECTION

If your home is near a lot of trees, you know the frustration of leaves clogging your gutters. Homes in wooded areas need to have their gutters cleaned out at least once a year to ensure safe operation. With professionally installed gutter guards, you’ll be able to keep your gutters clear of leaves and other debris all year round. Gutter cleaning takes valuable time and is not always safe to do on your own. You will also avoid having to hire a company like ours to clean your gutters year after year. Call Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to have us install gutter guards that require minimal maintenance instead.

MAKE SURE YOUR GUTTERS ARE CLEAR FROM DEBRIS

You should inspect and clean your gutters regularly, so you don’t get caught with a serious issue like a damaged foundation. When your gutters are protected, your home is protected. Even better, you won’t have to climb up a ladder trying to clear a path before a storm. Knowing that your gutters are free to usher water away from your property will give you the peace of mind that they will work properly when you need them.

AVOID REGULAR GUTTER CLEANING

Gutters are often a forgotten part of the home until it’s too late. When you install gutters from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky on your home, you won’t have to worry about a buildup of leaves, sticks, and other debris blocking and weighing down your gutter system. Allowing objects to fall off the roof will let your roof and gutters do what they are designed to do. When everything is working properly you won’t need to constantly look for obstructions.

For more information on gutter guards or for a FREE ESTIMATE, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us.

Repair Your Gutters Before Spring

Repair Your Gutters Before Spring

We have had a lot of rain, sleet and snow in Western Kentucky lately. You may have noticed that your gutters are leaking or have damage of some kind.

High winds, snow and ice, clogged gutters, or even pests like birds cause damages to your gutter system that requires gutter repair. The number one cause of all gutter repair issues is what we call gutter neglect.

Neglecting your gutters is when you forget about your gutters for a couple seasons or years and they become filled with debris all over. Once the downspouts become clogged the water can no longer drain properly. This is where almost all gutter related problems occur. When the gutters fill with water or wet debris and water they become very heavy. The weight puts a huge burden on the hardware and the fascia board. The result is gutters pull themselves from the wall.

If you have noticed that your gutters need repairs, do put it off. Get your gutters in good shape before springs heavy rains arrive, The gutter pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky are ready to help. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repairs, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, give Gutterz Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

When Will You Need New Gutters?

When Will You Need New Gutters?

When will you need a gutter replacement? This depends on several factors.

Estimated Lifespan

Galvanized steel and aluminum gutters, the most common type of gutters, have an average lifespan of 20 years, while copper gutters, a more high-end option, can last up to 50 years. You should keep a detailed record of gutter inspections, maintenance and repair, as this will help you determine when it’s time to plan for gutter replacement.

Frequency of Maintenance

Keep in mind the estimated lifespan of a gutter system can be drastically reduced by improper or irregular maintenance. Regardless of how durable a gutter system is, it needs to be cleaned regularly.

Gutter Guards

Unfortunately, not a lot of homeowners have the time for tedious but essential tasks like gutter cleaning. One way of reducing your gutter’s maintenance requirements is by installing gutter covers. These devices help prevent leaves and other kinds of organic debris from entering and clogging your gutters.

Climate

Climate is another factor that can affect your gutters’ lifespan. For instance, cold climates can be harsh on your exterior, and your gutters are no exception. Of the numerous problems homes in cold climates face, ice dams can be one of the most problematic. That’s because ice deposited near the edges of your roof and gutters prevent snowmelt from draining, causing water to back up and possibly make its way under the shingles.

If you live in Western Kentucky and are in need of new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE QUOTE or CLICK HERE to contact us!

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