Advanced Roofing Inc.

If you’re planning to install gutters on your own, think again. DIY gutter installation isn’t a job that just anyone can do. Without the right training and equipment, you run the risk of damage to your property and injury to yourself. In this post, roofing installation contractor Advanced Roofing, Inc. will identify some of the most common gutter installation mistakes.

Common Gutter Installation Problems

1. Wrong Gutter

Gutters come in many materials, sizes, styles and gauges. All of these factors offer benefits and disadvantages and picking the wrong one can have lasting consequences. When picking gutters, choose the material that’s been tested for its affordability and durability. 

2. Wrong Pitch Calculation

There is a slight pitch in gutters that lets water flow towards the downspouts. Although it often goes unnoticed, it helps to route the water to the downspouts. Getting the pitch wrong could result in water damage to the home because the water ends up going where it shouldn’t.

3. Faulty Spacing Mounting or Hanger System

Gutters are installed through a mounting system or various types of hangers. Without the right support, the rain gutters will sag and prevent water from flowing properly.

4. Additional Seams vs. No Solution

Before a roof maintenance company attaches gutters, they undergo welding or soldering. However, extreme temperatures, force and water can all weaken the gutter system over time. The seams must be in good condition since they are the most vulnerable part of the gutter system. You can opt for seamless gutters just to make sure that your gutter system stays in good condition for a long period.

5. Wrong Gutter Location

You might think gutters are installed at your roof’s edge, but the truth is, they are actually installed a few inches below it. This is because rainwater doesn’t flow right off the roof’s edge; rather, it’s pulled back up on the underside and drips a few inches below it. Not installing your gutters in the right area could result in damage to your fascia and siding.

 

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Do Any Gutter Guards Really Work?

Gutters serve as the filter for your entire roofing system, allowing all the leaves, dirt, dust, twigs and debris that fall onto your roof to be drained away safely. And all of this mess accumulates over time, especially in residential roofing systems.

This is why it’s important to regularly clean your gutters. Given enough time, the decayed materials can become compost, where insects can burrow and breed. It would be an ideal place for mold to grow. Fortunately, professional roofers like Advanced Roofing Inc. can provide you a solution to save you from all the trouble of gutter guards:

Here are three major benefits of installing them.

1. Filter Debris to Prevent Blockage

The main problem with unmaintained gutters is the blockage of debris. With a gutter guard installed, large debris will be filtered and smaller ones can flow into the drainage. Then, you can remove the gutter guard when you’re cleaning the roof. 

2. No More Burrowing Insects

The accumulation of dirt may result in the build-up of mud, which necessitates the assistance of local roof repair contractors as the gutter continues to get heavier over time.  When this happens, there is a greater possibility of infestation. Gutter screens prevent this from ever happening by blocking out. 

3. Get Rid of Rust and Corrosion 

Metal materials on your roofing system can be at stake when you’re not having regular gutter maintenance. When there is a blockage in the gutter, mold and algae can grow and infiltrate the roofline, which can quickly lead to corrosion. 

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We work hard to seek out the best products and techniques. Our reputable services have been celebrated for over 20 years through dependable care that our valued customers can rely on. 

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Can You Install Gutters In The Winter?

Many homeowners don’t consider the winter season as an ideal time to tackle gutter installation or any kind of exterior home improvement. However, this season offers numerous advantages you may not know about. Today, local roof maintenance company Advanced Roofing Inc. takes a look at the prospect of installing gutters during winter.

 

A Unique Set of Challenges

The fact that metal gutters are durable and resilient enough to withstand cold environments make gutter installations possible during the winter. Then again, it is not without its challenges. Installers who source their materials remotely are less likely to be available. Fortunately, most of them won’t encounter such problems because gutters are usually shaped on-site.

Advantages of Installing Gutters During Winter

The ideal time to tackle gutter installation is either late spring or early fall. However, certain situations may prevent you from having it done promptly. The funding may have come in late or you just found out that your gutters are no longer working as intended at the start of winter.

Don’t let any of these circumstances discourage you from replacing your old gutters. As your local roofing installation contractor, installing new gutters during winter has its advantages:

• Off-Season Home Improvement – The home improvement industry considers winter an off-peak season. Contractors don’t get as much work around this time as in the previous months. This decrease in demand offers a great opportunity for you to take on gutter installation.

• Potential Discounts – The decrease in demand also leads to a marketing strategy many contractors put up during winter to attract customers—discounts. It’ll be a win-win for you if you take advantage of it. You get more value for your money if you have new gutters.

• A Home Better Prepared for Winter – With new gutters installed, you can be confident that your home is protected against leaks and resulting moisture damage. This also means you may not have to clean them in the spring.

 

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Why Does Water Leak Behind My Gutters?

As part of your home’s exterior, gutters are subject to wear and tear and therefore needs some looking after. Knowing common gutter defects helps with its upkeep. In this section, gutter and roofing installation contractor takes a look at common gutter problems that may cause damage to your home.

1. Back-Flows — This happens when rainwater falling from the roof edge runs under the roof or behind the gutters, instead of into the gutter troughs. The most common cause is improperly installed drip edge (a type of flashing), or the lack of it altogether, but improperly-installed gutter troughs may also have the same effect.
2. Clogged Gutters — Clogged gutters defeat the purpose of having gutters in the first place, by causing rainwater to overflow. Gutter clogging is preventable with regular gutter cleaning and maintenance. A good gutter protection system can also help reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets into the gutters.
3. Gutter Leaks — Another benefit of having a gutter and roof maintenance company performing regular inspections is that your gutters are less likely to form leaks. Seams and joints are vulnerable to leaks if the sealant has been worn off. Damaged or peeled-off paint may expose the metal substrate that would later corrode, increasing the chances of leaks. Both causes are preventable with regular gutter inspections. Also, consider investing in seamless aluminum gutters.
4. Improperly Built Downspouts — Downspouts tend to get neglected, yet they are essential parts of the gutter system. Improper builds can lead to leaks along its length. The runoff end of the downspout should be four to six feet away from the exterior wall, enough so that the rainwater does not run back up the house. Otherwise, the rainwater would get absorbed by the foundations and/or the basement wall.
5. Incorrect Gutter Slopes — Properly installed gutter troughs are slightly angled down towards the downspouts, even though they look perfectly level. This prevents standing water that could lead to premature damage to the joints and seams.

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How Do I Keep My Gutters From Freezing In The Winter?

Your gutter system helps in protecting your home’s foundation and exterior components by directing water to downspouts and then to storm drains, preventing it from eventually causing structural damage. For this, ensuring its year-round performance is imperative.

In this section we cover five tips to keep your gutters all year long.

1. Clean Your Gutters

This task should be a priority in your home maintenance to-do list this fall. By doing this, you ensure the uninterrupted flow of water to your downspouts. This season, wait until the prime seasonal changes have passed before removing the leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris. Also, observe safety when gaining access to your gutters.

2. Prevent Ice Formations

At the beginning of winter, make sure to clean the gutters again. Improper drainage due to clogged debris can lead to frozen water, which may then expand into the roof’s edges and gutters. When this happens, the gutters may potentially crack and even pull away from their attachments because of the weight of the ice.

3. Check for Leaks

Checking your gutters for leaks is as important as professional inspections on residential roofing systems. After cleaning, flush the gutters with running water and see if the water flow goes directly into the downspout. If so, then you’re good to go. Leaks happen when you immediately notice the outer part of the gutters dripping water. Small cracks or holes can be covered with sealant, but faulty gutter sections need to be replaced.

4. Invest in Gutter Protection Systems

Frequent gutter maintenance can be tiresome, which is why investing in a system that protects your gutters from becoming overloaded with clogs is something to consider. These covers, however, need to be cleaned every other season to preserve its intended function.

For your gutter needs, trust Advanced Roofing Inc. We offer custom-made gutters in a variety of finishes, colors and materials, and are made of strong materials. Our personable staff is ready to assist you with your gutter repair or replacement.