Do you know if your gutters are ready to survive the winter weather? It can be surprising sometimes at how much damage just a little bit of snow, ice, and wind can do to your home, and without the proper winter maintenance, your gutters can clog, crack, or even sag from their hinges. Your gutters are an important part of your home, working to direct water away from your roof, siding, and foundation, but if you let this system fall into disrepair, it could start to affect the overall integrity of your entire home.

Even the best quality gutters that have been installed properly will strain under snow and the ice that comes along with the winter months. To help ensure that you have the information you need to keep your gutter system functioning properly, we have included a short list of tips you can follow to help make sure your home’s gutters are protected from damage over the course of the winter.

Clean Your Gutter

When leaves, twigs, or other debris being to build up in your gutters during the winter, rainwater and melting snow can overflow and freeze on the ground forming dangerous areas all around your home. This ice around the home and on pathways can create a slipping hazard, and as anyone who has ever taken a tumble on an iced over sidewalk can tell you, it is not a pleasant experience. Even if you have gutter screens, it is important to make sure that you are regularly performing the following three steps when cleaning your gutters:

• Remove Debris – Removing leaves and pine needled by hand is time-consuming, but worth it.
• Check The Slope – The fasteners attaching your gutter to the home can loosen over time, changing the slope
  of your gutters, leading to pooling and overflowing.
• Ensure Good Drainage – Check to make sure your downspouts are directing water at least 5 feet away from the home’s foundation

Trim Your Trees

Even though fall is over, leaves can continue to fall into your gutters. You can reduce the amount of debris that falls into your gutters by trimming back the tree branches near your roof. In addition, if ice or snow starts to weigh down a tree branch, it can snap and cause damage to your roof and gutters.

Try A Test Run

To ensure that your gutters are functioning properly, run some water through them with a garden hose to check for any leaks or clogs. If you find any problems, your best bet is to contact your Western Kentucky Gutter Specialist – Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. Give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 906-3055.

Like it or not, COLD weather is here! Between the business of the holidays and the shrilling cold temperatures of the winter, outdoor home maintenance is probably the last thing to cross your mind. However, maintaining regular gutter cleanings is more important than ever this time of year. Here is everything you need to know about what the winter can bring for your gutters and ultimately, your home.

WHY IS WINTER TOUGH ON GUTTERS?

Believe it or not, winter is one of the most difficult seasons for your gutters. Spring brings showers, the summer brings its thunderstorms, and the fall brings down massive amounts of leaves—all precipitations can clog your gutters potentially causing more damage to your home’s foundation, interior, and exterior. But every winter brings serious losses from frozen gutters and other weather-related accidents.

With the winter comes heavy ice and other debris. Just like how the summer’s thunderstorms can bring down branches and twigs, snow and ice storms do the same but also bring bigger consequences. Your gutters are vulnerable to freezing in the winter and forming ice dams around them, as well. This puts a lot of weight on your gutters causing them to sag, except this weight is usually heavier than what lighter seasons bring. Additionally, by the time winter arrives, your gutters are likely so cluttered with leaves that the melting snow and ice has nowhere to go except overflowing and damaging your home’s roof or foundation.

WHAT ARE ICE DAMS?

One of the biggest threats to your home’s maintenance in the winter is ice dams. An ice dam is the ridge of ice that forms around the edge of your roof, preventing melting snow from draining off the roof and through your gutters. Ice dams can lead to water damage on the exterior and interior of your home, but these things can be easily prevented with a gutter cleaning.

In addition to having your gutters properly serviced, we’ll be sure to check the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Improper insulation and ventilation is actually the root of most ice damming and gutter back-up. Ice dams form because the warm air from the inside of the house warms the underside of the roof causing the snow and ice to melt. The melted water then runs down the roof until it reaches the cold overhang where it freezes, forming ice dams and icicles. These prevent runoff water from flowing freely through your gutters and forces the water into the walls or ceilings of your home. 

Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help. We serve a majority of Western Kentucky. Give us a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 906-3055!

Well, the first snow of the season has hit Western Kentucky! Isn’t it nice to cozy up indoors and watch snowflakes fall during winter? As the temperatures go down and the snow falls, among the last things people have in mind, is their gutters. While snow on the roof looks beautiful and reminds you of the holidays, it can be extremely damaging when not removed immediately. 

Read on to learn how snow damages your gutters.

What Do Snow and Ice Do to Your Gutters and Fascia?

The weight of snow and ice is sometimes enough to severely damage your gutters. Once your gutter system has been compromised, different parts of your home can be put at risk. With inefficient gutters, water can back up to the roof, overflow to the siding, and even flood your basement. Then there is always the risk of foundation damage.

Excessive snow can put a strain on your gutters and the fascia board where they are attached. When the gutter system is not correctly attached to the fascia, it will eventually pull away from your home and even fall off. The same scenario can happen if your fascia is deteriorating. Keep in mind that once your gutters are bent, repairs won’t be possible. 

Ways to Prevent Snow Damage on Gutters and Fascia

Invest in a High-Quality Gutter Protection System

A gutter protection system from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky will keep debris out of your gutters. It is designed to prevent branches, leaves, and other debris from building up in your gutters and causing clogs. Without these items in your gutters, water can flow effortlessly through the system and the downspouts. You can rest assured that water exits at a safe distance from your home. 

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky installs custom fitting gutter guards to catch debris before it can reach your gutters. It helps improve water flow and prevent melted snow from backing up to the roof and refreezing.  

During winter, water that has settled in your gutters may freeze and increase the likelihood of ice dams. The additional weight of the ice can cause damage to your gutters. When not addressed, it could result in collapse. With gutter guards, you can help minimize ice buildup. The less ice there is in the system, the lower the risk of damage and the longer your gutters will last. 

Get Regular Gutter Inspection and Maintenance

Different problems can develop due to clogged and inefficient gutters, including snow damage. The fascia where your gutters are attached can get damaged as well. Another problem that clogged gutters can cause is roof leaks. When water backs up and overflows to your roof, leaks can develop. These leaks can then affect other areas of your home like walls, ceilings, floors, and even electrical systems. Roof leaks can encourage mold growth, which is not only unsightly but also risky to your health. 

Gutters must be inspected and cleaned at least twice a year to keep them efficient. It will also help you frequently check the condition of your gutters. Walk around your home and do a visual inspection of the system. Check if they are still properly secured to your home and look for signs of leaks or gaps between the gutter and fascia. 

Only work with a reliable gutter contractor, like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, for your repair and maintenance needs. When your gutters are severely damaged, it is best to replace them before other issues arise in your home. For high-quality seamless gutters, turn to Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. Seamless gutters are less likely to leak because they only have joints and fasteners at the corners and downspouts. When there are no leaks, your gutters will last longer and you will enjoy savings on repair costs. Moreover, seamless gutters are available in a wide range of colors to complement different home styles. 

NOW if the best time to have your gutters checked out. Give us a call at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE today! Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is pleased to serve the majority of Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois.

Gutters are an essential part of your home’s exterior that must be protected since they are also some of the most exposed to weather and outdoor factors. This means they are more prone to damage if not taken care of properly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent gutter damage that will ensure your gutters do their job while remaining stable and in good condition year-round.

Water Damage

it might sound implausible for water to damage your gutters, it does happen. By adding a durable, water-resistant layer of paint to your gutters you can significantly limit water damage. This will also help seal any cracks or leaks that may develop.

Hail Damage

way to protect your gutters from hail damage is by installing gutters made from heavy-duty materials like stainless steel or copper. These will withstand the force of any extreme weather conditions and prevent leaks in case you get hit with big hailstorms. Make sure to replace the brackets in the fall, spring, or summer to keep your gutter system in place. 

Snow Damage  
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The best way to avoid any problems with ice dams or snow buildup is by installing a de-icing system. While proper insulation can prevent water from freezing inside your gutters during the extreme cold, the best solution is to install a heat cable through the gutters. This prevents the gutters from expanding and breaking and melts the ice to keep your gutters and downspouts clear.

Foundation Damage
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Damaged gutters can ruin your home’s structural stability. If the gutters overflow due to damage, water can pool on the roof, cause leaks and result in the growth of mold and mildew. It can also drip down into your home’s base and potentially cause a flood in the basement or ground floor. To prevent this, it’s important to keep the downspout pointed and extended away from your home so water doesn’t collect around the foundation. 

Overflow
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​An excess of debris and leaves, misaligned gutters, excessive rain, and lack of gutters or downspouts are the main reasons why gutters overflow. Cleaning the inside of your gutters is an easy solution, but any misalignment or other structural issues should be inspected and fixed.

Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards. give the gutter pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 906-3055.

One of the most important installations that can be added to a home are gutters. Regardless if gutters are installed on a new home or an existing remodeling project they are much like police because they direct water flow to a safe area. This is a very important factor that gutters do provide with very helpful results. Without these safeguards serious problems could develop that could cause some lasting damage to any project. These damages will cost you money as well as hurting and degrading the appearance of any home. These damages can be prevented by adding gutters.

One of the main reasons for gutters is to collect water and divert the water away from the house. Notice the water that is coming off the roof of a house during a heavy rain event. In today’s architecture the steep roof designs of today especially need to have gutters to divert the water. One of the biggest problems a house without gutters is faced with is erosion. At the roof line of any house without gutters you will see where the water runoff begins to erode the soil away from the building. If gutters are not added to gather the water after a period of time this erosion will undermine the foundation of the house causing costly structural damage.

Another important factor of gutters diverting water is conserving the appearance and color of the house at that bottom of the walls. At the foot of each house without gutters no matter what type of exterior finish exists there will be a splashback that will cause your exterior to stain. This stain is very hard to remove especially is it is a masonry finish. The only true way to prevent these stains is to add gutters to catch and divert the water to catch basins and away from the house.

Gutters are very useful in many ways to help prevent damages and help with conservation. Again much of the same way that police divert people to safety, gutters provide the complete redirection of water to keep us from developing problems that could costly cause damage.

If you are in Western Kentucky, you can call Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for all of your gutter needs. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repairs, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is a phone call away. Give us a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 906-3066.

First, of all, what are gutter guards? Gutter guards prevent leaves, sticks, and other debris from collecting in your gutters by preventing those items from getting into your gutters while still allowing water to pass through.

At Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, our primary goal is to protect the integrity of your gutters so that your gutters can effectively and efficiently guide water away from the foundation of your home and maintain the integrity of your gutters (minimizing the need for repair or replacement). Gutter guards eliminate the hassle of frequently cleaning your gutters!

Are you considering having gutter guards installed, but aren’t totally convinced yet? Unless you live in an area with very little trees, and you get almost no debris in your gutters, we think gutter guards are a great addition to your gutters and home. Especially if you live in an area with a lot of trees and find that your gutters constantly get clogged, gutter guards can be a great solution. These gutter protection covers are systems designed to prevent clogging by keeping out debris without stopping the flow of water.

Some Benefits of Gutter Guards include:

As gutter experts here in Western Kentucky, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, we are committed to only providing gutter guard systems we feel are some of the best options on the market. Gutter guards from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky:

• Adding value to your home
• Prevent home damage
• Keep out pests
• Decrease the risk of gutter fires

Need more information on gutter guards for your home or business? Give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

Rain gutters are one of those things no one really thinks about unless there’s a problem. The fact is, if they’re doing their job, you won’t even know they’re there most of the time. But when you start to see problems with water draining around your home, problems with your rain gutters may be the cause.

When left unattended, damaged gutters will only get worse over time. Eventually, they can end up causing extensive damage to your property, landscaping, and even your foundation. That’s why it’s important to identify serious gutter problems and address them right away.

Here are a few signs it’s time to call Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to help get your gutters back on track.

1.   Your gutters look like a mini Niagara Falls.

Waterfalls can be beautiful, but not when they’re on the side of your house. If there’s a spot where water is gushing down from your roof, there’s most likely a serious clog in your gutters. When water comes down in one spot like that, it can seep into your foundation and siding and damage your home.

The source of the problem may be something simple like clogged leaves and branches, or it could be an animal’s nest. Next time this happens, don’t go chasing waterfalls. Instead, let our team of gutter pros install gutter covers to keep the debris out and your home safe.

2.   There are puddles near your foundation.

If you’ve got water accumulating on the ground, it can erode your soil and damage your property. Puddles near the home or mud splashes on the side of your house are often caused by small leaks or drips along your gutters due to cracking or broken seams.

One way to test your gutters for damage is by spraying water into your gutters with your garden house. If there’s a leak in your gutters, it’s time to have them replaced. The cost of gutter repair far outweighs the expense of repairing a damaged foundation.

3.   Your house is peeling.

Peeling paint can ruin your home’s curb appeal and make your house appear unattractive and poorly cared for. But it’s also a sign that you’ve got water hitting the walls of your home due to a problem with your gutter canal system.

As the paint on your siding is exposed to constant moisture, it begins to absorb moisture, compromising the condition of the paint. Over time, this will cause the paint to form bubbles and eventually begin to peel away.

If you notice paint peeling on your siding, take a look at your gutter system before you repaint so you don’t waste your money on a paint job that’s only going to end up breaking down again.

4.   Your downspout has little or no flow.

If your gutters are installed properly and have no problems, gravity should do most of the work. If your downspout is not flowing, this may mean your gutters are not pitched as they need to be.

Your gutter system should be angled at the correct pitch for gravity to move water along naturally. Our team of gutter installation experts can assess your gutter system to determine if the pitch is appropriate to keep water moving along smoothly. If your slope is incorrect, we can install a new gutter system at the correct pitch to protect your home and property. 

5.   Gutter maintenance has got you down.

When you own your home, seasonal exterior maintenance is a necessary part of life. But for many homeowners, gutter maintenance is one of the most frustrating chore on the list since it requires them to climb up a ladder and scrape out their gutters with a trowel.

If you loathe gutter cleaning, did you know that you can use a leaf cover system to make it a thing of the past?

With gutter guards, all of the leaves and debris that would normally fill your gutters sit on top of them, eventually washing away. Not only does this make gutter cleaning a far easier task, but it also means you will have fewer gutter clogs since debris won’t be able to collect in your canals.

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is your one-stop-shop for all things gutter related in Western Kentucky. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, we can help. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 for more information or get a FREE ESTIMATE today!

Chances are every fall you’re busting the rake out of the storage shed and raking up leaves as they fall from the trees. And while leaves that fall onto your lawn can be fairly easily raked, bagged and put out on the curb, leaves are likely to fall in other places on your property too – like the roof and in your gutters. And any leaves that fall on your roof are almost certain to end up in your gutters.

In this post, we’ll discuss the dangers of falling leaves and the damage they can do when they accumulate in your gutters. We’ll also share how to prevent it from happening. Here’s a look:

The Dangers of Falling Leaves

Fall foliage may be a beautiful sight, but it’s not without some potential problems if you live in an area with plenty of trees. Specifically, leaves can land on rooftops, and from there they can enter gutter systems. And if they’re not removed from gutter systems frequently enough, they can cause some serious problems for your home. Here’s a look at some of those potential problems:

Clogging Gutters and Downspouts

Perhaps the biggest threat associated with falling leaves is how they have the potential to clog gutters and jam up downspouts. In order for gutters to flow freely, they need to be void of leaves and other debris. Otherwise, these obstructions will impede the flow of water runoff from the roof, likely causing water to spill over the gutter near the foundation. Additionally, leaves can clog downspouts, or the pieces of the gutter system that are responsible for carrying water from the horizontal-running gutters to the discharge point at ground level. Again, if downspouts are unable to perform as they’re supposed to, it’s going to impact the entire gutter system and create a greater likelihood of foundation degradation and property water intrusion.

Adding Excess Weight to Gutters

While leaves may seem light as they fall off trees, when they become wet and mix with other debris, they can become very heavy – so heavy that the excess weight put on your home’s gutter system can potentially cause the gutters to sag away from your roof line. This may not just lead to gutter damage, but it could also create a gap between the roof line and your gutter – and cause water to trickle down through this gap rather than into your gutters. This, too, can cause water to pool up near the foundation, leading to degradation and potential water intrusion.

Pest Infestations and Mold Growth

As leaves build up in gutters, the environment they create can serve as a welcome invitation to pest infestations. The likes of bees, hornets and wasps like to nest in damp areas, and while they may not be as destructive as other pests – they can be a major nuisance. Other pests that may take up shelter in your gutters include mosquitoes, ants and termites. Mosquitoes in particular like to nest in areas with standing water. Leaf-filled gutters and pooling water in the gutters could represent that perfect environment for them. In certain parts of the country, snakes may even get up into gutters to feed on any critters or pests that have made a home there.

In addition to a greater likelihood of a pest infestation, leaf-filled gutters and standing water can also lead to mold and mildew growth. This can impact the appearance of your gutters and lead to premature replacement.

Ice Dams

Leaves in gutters and winter weather also don’t mix. Just as how rainwater runs off the roof and into the gutters during the spring, summer and fall, snow melt needs to be able to drain properly during the winter months. Ice dams form when snow melt refreezes as it comes into contact with the gutter – and if gutters are clogged with leaves, then there’s the potential that any ice dam formations become that much more significant. If ice dams become too large, then water may seep through the roof shingles and boards, entering the attics and damaging ceilings within the home.

Property Water Damage

Finally, culminating leaves in your gutter system have the potential to result in foundation degradation and water intrusion. The weight of leaves in the gutters can cause them to pull away from the roof line, meaning water will fall in the gap between the gutters and the roof. Clogged gutters may cause water to pool within the system and then spill over once they become too full. This can disperse large amounts of water in select places around the foundation. If water buildup becomes too significant, it could enter basements or lower levels of the property. In the winter, clogged gutters due to leaf buildup can increase the likelihood of ice dams, which can result in water intrusion into the attic area.

Bottom line: If you want to significantly reduce your property’s water intrusion risk, making sure the gutters are clear and functioning properly is very important.

Prevent Leaf Problems in Gutters with Gutter Guards

As you can see, leaves can present some serious problems when it comes to how effectively your gutter system operates. The good news is that there’s an easy fix – and it doesn’t involve you regularly getting on a ladder and manually cleaning out the gutters on the regular. The easy fix is the installation of gutter guards. Gutter Guards from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky blocks leaves, branches, pine needles and other debris from entering your gutters, yet allows rainwater and snowmelt to pass through and the system to discharge roof runoff accordingly.

Give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 906-3055. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky serves most of Western Kentucky. For all your gutter needs, give us a call today!

Maintaining a home or commercial property is necessary, but that doesn’t mean that it’s cheap. If your gutter system is older and you’re wondering if you should spend the money to repair your gutters or take them down and start new, here are four signs that it is time to call Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for a new installation!

They are Nearing the End of Their Lifecycle

Gutters are like roofs: they have a specific lifespan. Because they aren’t meant to last forever, if your gutters are beginning to look haphazard or are not performing the way that they should, then it is time to consider upgrading and calling a gutter contractor like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to install new gutters. Gutters are essential to reduce the risk of flooding and foundation erosion, so making sure that they are in proper working order is probably more important than you think. Don’t leave your home or commercial property vulnerable to expensive damage!

They Look Bad!

Your gutters might be a small part of the whole when it comes to your curb appeal, but if they are rusting and look bad, then they are making a poor impression. As a property owner, it is important to make a good impression, and sagging or dirty gutters aren’t going to cut it. If they are making your building or home an eyesore, then upgrading is definitely worth it!

They are Cracking or Buckling

Gutters work by guiding water away from the foundation of your building to ensure that it can’t lead to flooding or structural problems. If they are cracking or buckling, then they can’t do what they are supposed to. If you hire someone to fix them and they are in bad shape, it’s likely you are spending dollars to save pennies. Sometimes it is better to rip the bandage off than to put it on, knowing that it isn’t doing anything to heal the problem underneath!

Upgrading Comes With Advantages

No one wants to spend more than they have to, but if you have old gutters that aren’t cutting it and they have cracks and rust in the seams, then upgrading is a must. If you replace your current gutter system with a seamless one, then you won’t have to look at the joints, the rust around them, or watch the water drip in places where the seams have started to crack. Seamless gutters not only work better; they look better. And if you invest in them, you can rest assured that your investment is a sound and lasting one! 

Home or commercial property maintenance is a must to protect your exterior materials and extend their lifespan, but if you are putting a bandaid on a problem, that bandaid is only covering up what is festering underneath. At Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, we offer the best gutter contractor service in the industry, and we are always transparent and honest in our recommendations about whether repairing or replacing is more cost-conscious. If you are struggling with the decision about which is best, let us be your expert guide to answer all of your questions so that you can make an informed choice!

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky serves a majority of Western Kentucky. For a free quote, give us a call at (270) 906-3055!

As the summer comes to an end, it is important to prepare the home for what lies ahead. Falling leaves, twigs, and other debris are looking for a landing spot while small animals and rodents seek a place to nest, the gutters on your home are the perfect space. This can wreak havoc on your gutter system, your roof, and ultimately your entire home, causing extensive damage and taking a chunk out of your wallet.

Here are 5 tips to prepare gutters for fall, prevent damage, and save a substantial amount of money.

1) Clean Gutters & Downspouts

The first step to prepare gutters for fall, clean them. Use that garden hose one last time and flush any leaves, twigs, and other debris in the gutter system. Once that is complete, use gloves to wipe away any remaining debris and the finish it off with warm water and soap flush followed by a final wipe down with a sponge.

Be sure to check the downspouts and surrounding areas, as debris is known to accumulates in these areas. If a clog persists in your downspouts, you may need to disassemble the system, clear the clog, and then reassemble. This can be an arduous task, if you do not feel comfortable doing this, call a professional like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.

2) Inspect Gutters & Fix Damage

After a deep cleaning, inspect the gutter system for any damage. Check for leaks, cracks, holes, missing hardware. Ensure the gutters are not sagging, pulling away from the home, missing sections, and that all downspouts are tight.

If any damage exists, fix it immediately. These small problems can lead to greater issues in the future, such as damage to the home’s roof or water seepage into the foundation. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help you with gutter repair.

3) Trim Branches

Trees and branches see a growth spurt in the summer, eliminate any branches that have grown over your roofline. These overhanging branches can lead to leaves, seeds, and other debris calling into your gutter, causing future clogs.

4) Repel Rodents & Unwanted Visitors

As the weather turns, nature’s small furry friends seek warmth and shelter, and the gutter system is the perfect place. A nice coat of rodent repellant will keep our furry friends out and prevent any damage they might cause.

5) Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are a perfect way to keep your gutters clean and water flowing throughout the fall and winter. These covers go over your gutter and prevent debris build up while still allowing water to flow freely. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is the leading gutter guard installer in Western Kentucky.

Whatever your gutter needs may be in Western Kentucky, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is ready to help. For a FREE estimate, give us a call today at (270) 906-3055.