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Micro Mesh Gutter guard Leaffilter – The truth about gutter guards!

Is it true what they say? That I will never have to clean my gutters. Micro mesh gutter guards, like Leaffilter or any on the many types. Find out the truth approximately gutter guards. Over the years we have tested almost every gutter guard on the market. See the conclusion Continue reading “Micro Mesh Gutter guard Leaffilter – The truth approximately gutter guards!”

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Copper Gutters: Cost and How to Choose

half round copper gutterCopper Gutter — it’s the most elegant & prestigious choice for a rain gutter system available. Hands down.

You’re likely here because you’re considering copper gutter for your own home. You may have heard it’s the most expensive option on the market (you’re right). You may moreover sense that copper gutter would add a truly dramatic look to your home — & possibly even be a satisfactory long-term investment.

Copper may be for you, or it may not. I want to assist you find out.

Customers walk into our building supply warehouse often & ask themselves this same question. Let’s imagine you walked into our warehouse too. It’s time to talk pros & cons. Here’s the exact checklist we’d walk through together:

dream home with copper gutter

Would copper gutter suit your dream home?

Your home is one of your most valuable assets. It’s your masterpiece, a reflection of your personal taste, it’s your own piece of heaven.

Cost simply has to be one of the last considerations in the equation (ahem.. see the next question below). The conversation has to commence with the sincere, deep-rooted feelings you have for your home. Do you truly want the very best for your home?

To you & your family, your home may be your own, personal Fallingwater. In such cases I almost always recommend using the best materials you can that suit your theme. Your gutter selection is an significant material among these, as it’s highly visible from all sides of the house.  So, if copper truly enhances the natural, distinct, thoughtful details of your dream home, then copper might be a winner.

Are you willing to pay for copper vs aluminum?

Okay, let’s obtain into the meat & potatoes. What does copper gutter cost relative to aluminum?

Let’s use 2 different homes to use as examples. First, we have House A — a popular 2-story, 2,000 sq ft home.  A home this size will require about 200 linear feet of rain gutter — that’s approximately the national average. Second, we have House B — a 3-story, 6,000 sq ft estate. For kicks, let’s pretend it’s an Italian-style villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean. House B will require about 400 linear feet of gutter.

Quick disclaimer here — keep in mind that a majority of gutter installation cost depends on your general contractor’s rate, ability & zip code. You’re always wise to check with several different contractors for quotes on gutter to find the best value possible.

A standard, aluminum gutter system will run a homeowner approximately $3.50 to $7.00 per linear foot (again, range dependent on contractor rate). For House A, the total cost after material & labor would range between $700 & $1,400 in total. For House B, the total cost would fall between $1,400 & $2,275.

Now, let’s switch to a custom, copper system and run the same numbers. Copper will run $18.50 & $26.00 per linear foot. Installation for House A will cost approximately $3,700 – $5,200. For House B, approximately $7,400 – $10,400.

There you have it: the cost to fully install the most desirable gutter system the world can offer. Here’s how it compares visually; this chart is the average of the costs outlined above.  Yes, copper will cost 3x, 4x, & in some cases even 5x more than aluminum gutter. That’s why I defer to that first question — are you able & willing to make your dream home the best it can be?

Average cost comparison for a 200 linear ft system

aluminum gutter to copper gutter comparison

Do you understand why copper is more expensive?

Important to know all the facts. Let’s deconstruct what you’re paying for here:

  • Copper is a much more expensive alloy than aluminum — you probably knew that.
  • You moreover need copper everything, including accessories & fasteners. Aluminum hangers will react adversely & actually break down the copper. A definite no-no. Always hang copper with either copper itself, brass or stainless steel.
  • Copper requires extra time & care for your contractor to install & prevent pre-mature tarnishing. Copper even requires special gloves for installation.
  • Copper often requires additional soldering around the joints. Extra work = more labor = higher cost.

Are copper gutters a satisfactory long-term investment for you?

Like other investments in life, your decision to purchase a copper gutter system will depend on a variety of factors, your end goal, & ultimately, what makes you happy. Some more questions to consider:

  • Is the home or building in an exclusive, high-end neighborhood? Will copper assist your home stay consistent with your neighbors’ homes?
  • Do you want your home to truly pop out among other homes in your neighborhood? How will the extra curb appeal assist increase the value of your home?
  • What is your time horizon? If you plan to live in your home for 30+ years, your copper gutter should hold strong & hopefully satisfy your aesthetic tastes for decades. Likewise, if you plan to sell in the short-term, a copper gutter system could be one of the extra fine details that has your prospects swooning.
  • Are you replacing pre-existing copper spouting? If it was satisfactory enough to impress you to purchase, it will likely achieve the same effect when you go to sell. Is it worth the risk to “cut corners”? That’s for you to decide.
  • How significant a factor is durability to you? If you want the most durable & lost-lasting material for gutters, copper is it. It’s a more solid alloy than aluminum, it never rusts & it never needs painting.

copper gutter on wood home

Do you love the look of copper?

Ultimately, this perhaps the most significant question. We’re passionate approximately gutters here, yet it’s not too often we hear customers say that gutter warms their soul like, say, the look of a terra-cotta roof.

Not to be dramatic, but seeing copper gutter should warm your soul. That’s the clincher. You need to love it.

Brick, stone, stucco, wood, slate — all these materials tend to look GREAT with copper gutter. Also, do you truly like the look of tarnished copper? If you live in the Pacific Northwest USA, you will likely see your copper gutter turn green within a year or two. If you live in sunny San Diego, then your copper gutter will likely keep its original color for years.

It depends on the climate where you live. It’s significant to know if you would truly love your home with copper-colored OR time-weathered green gutter. Both looks can work, yet again, it’s your personal preference.

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How do Rain Chains work?

rain chainRain chains are a unique addition to a home’s rain gutter system. They function well & moreover add a pleasant waterfall sound as the rainwater travels downward from cup to cup or link to link. A pleasant ‘white noise’ sound is heard when just a chain is used without the cups. Most homeowners will place them near a window or landscaped area for a visual experience when it rains.

Normally a downspout will drain rainwater from the roofs gutters onto the concrete or lawn & the same can be done with a rain chain. The difference is the rain chain doesn’t have a tube & corners to flow through. It will not clog the gutters or drain system with leaves & debris.

Over many years I have received calls from customers that have asked how they can stop that nagging dripping & echo sound from a downspout near their bedroom. I have heard more than one person say, “Hearing that drip all night is driving me crazy.”Replacing the downspout with a rain chain is a custom way to fix this problem with the benefit of a peaceful relaxing sound.

Some of the first records of a rain chains being used are from Japan. They were used to collect & save fresh rainwater. This captured water was stored in barrels for future use & some people today find this conservation of rainwater to be useful. We have a full line of rain chains available & have been in business since 1983. We offer a variety of different cups & chains that will surprise you.

Rain Chains are made with primarily copper or brass. I have used raw steel chains many times that turns a rusty brown color with age. When using copper chains, after a few years they turn a attractive color or what is called patina. Brass turns a dark golden brown.

It is my advice when installing a rain chain that they should be connected directly to a hole in the gutter. When replacing a downspout you normally will have a drop outlet connecting the gutter to the downspout. This drop outlet if used will clog up having the chain inside of it. Removing it will make the rain chain work better or just cutting a new hole where the location of the rain chain is wanted works the best.

I know you will find these little waterfalls attached to your rain gutters a pleasant addition to your home. For more information or to purchase a rain chain contact us. Want to learn approximately what seamless gutters are just go here What are seamless Gutters. Thanks for visiting to see more articles just click on our blog above.

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Recommended Gutter Cleaning Schedule

Recommended Gutter Cleaning Schedule

We all know that having your gutters cleaned out is needed. But often times, we fail to understand why they need to be cleaned out and how often they need to be cleaned out.

Today we are going to discuss what gutters are supposed to do & why they must be cleaned frequently. 

What Gutters Do:

Gutters are not in place to just keep water off of your head. Gutters serve a very valuable service. When rain hits your roof & comes barreling down, it needs someplace to safely land. Your gutters are the ideal place. Gutters channel the rain water to specific locations  and then release it to the ground.  

By channeling the water away from the roof line, gutters protect the wood underneath your edges of your shingles, the wood under your eaves of your home (fascia) & it protects your siding as well. Not only that, making sure that you have gutters helps prevent top-soil erosionof the landscaping at the base of your home. When water is allowed to pool at the base of your home it can lead to foundation cracking & many other expensive repairs.

In short, gutters are in place to save the homeowner money!

Now that we know why we have gutters lets talk approximately what gets into those gutters.

What Gets Inside Your Gutters

For starters, you are always going to find leaves. But not just leaves, decomposing leaves that have mixed with dust & turned into a soggy muddy mess. You will find twigs, branches, pine needles, and other “tree matter.” You will moreover find, often time, weeds that have grown up in the gutters. If you have asphalt shingles you will moreover obtain a satisfactory bit of debris from them. Little complex pellets of shingles come off with the rain & find a nice home in your gutters.

With all of these items you can see why its so effortless for them to obtain clogged. 

The Recommended Gutter Cleaning Schedule

Now, all satisfactory things must come to an end & that includes clean gutters.The Recommended Gutter Cleaning Schedule is usually twice a year. Once in the spring time & once in the fall. Of course, this doesn’t apply to every customers.

If you don’t have any trees in your yard, or your neighbors yard then the odds are that you will not need this service done yet once every year to two years. On the other hand, if you live in an established neighborhood with many trees you might need this service done once every three months. In this, & in most things, a little usual sense comes into place.

Save Money Now

Now, for the home owner to realize the savings of having functioning gutters, the home owner must insure that his gutters are cleaned out at all times. Preventative maintenance can go a long way to insuring gutters stay clean. Here are some steps that can be taken to assist lengthen the time between gutter cleanings:

  • Trim all trees & bushes so that they are away from the home & the roof
  • Install gutter guards (another post)
  • Place a water hose at one end of the gutters to assist flush out any small debris

Gutters that work properly save the home owner thousands of dollars in repair bills. Having your gutters cleaned properly is key to realizing these savings. For those that prefer to NOT climb on a ladder we is here to help.

To receive a free estimate for your gutter cleaning Get Your Quote Online Here. 

If you found this blog post helpful please remember to share it with others.

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Removing Ice Dams: The Basics

 What is an ice dam?

Short answer: An ice dam is the ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof which prevents melting snow from draining as it should. The water that backs up behind the ice dam can leak into the home & cause damage to walls, floors, ceilings, insulation, & other areas. See a basic illustration of an ice dam below. Large ice dam. Small ice dam.

Where do ice dams happen: Most ice dams occur on the lowest edge of your roof as described above. We frequently find them in other locations, however. Click here to see a drawing of usual ice dam locations. Study this diagram closely as it is frequently the case that ice dams can not be identified from the ground.

Anatomy of an Ice Dam

What causes ice dams?

Short answer: Roof ice & ice dams result from the escape of heat into the attic or roof space.  This heat builds up & eventually melts snow on the roof, which, as described above runs to the cold edge of the roof & forms an ice dam.  Factors such as ventilation, insulation, solar orientation, tree coverage, home architecture, snow cover & weather conditions all interact to determine ice dam activity on every home.  Because no two houses are the same, it is usual to have neighboring homes on two ends of the ice dam spectrum; one may have major leaking, while the other is virtually unaffected.

Watch this short video on What is an Ice Dam & Ice Dam Prevention.

Tips on preventing damage: Preventing damage from an ice dam is pretty straight forward. It’s all approximately being proactive. When you think you may have a problem, it’s time to call The Ice Dam Company. Don’t wait until ice dams are on the news or in the Star Tribune. If you do, you will have to wait in line to obtain your ice dam removed, which can sometimes be a matter of days or weeks.  It’s better to bite the bullet & address things before you have a real problem on your hands. Here are some usual forms of damage done by ice dams. Ouch.

Learn more on ice dam prevention.

Ice Dams: Fact vs. Fiction

There is a lot of misinformation out there on the topic of ice dams. Our goal here is to be the single definitive source for all things relating to ice dams. Towards that end, here are some usual misconceptions approximately ice dams, roof snow, roof ice & gutter ice removal.

Fact: Ice dams can occur with virtually no snow on your roof. It’s a question of ice accumulations. It takes very little actual moisture to form ice dams. Even a dusting of snow can create a problem. Of course it is most often the case the thick snow accumulations create ice dams more quickly.

Fiction: Gutters have something to do with ice dams. The truth is gutters have nothing whatsoever to do with ice dams. If your home is prone to ice dams you will obtain them either way. If you have gutters they will fill with ice & provide a foundation for the ice dam above. If you don’t have gutters, the ice dam simply builds on the cold edge of the roof. We provide ice dam removal for many homes each year that do not have gutters.

Fact: Gutter systems can be damaged by gutter ice. We see it every year. A section of otherwise fine gutter is either on the ground or hanging pathetically off the edge of the roof, filled with ice. Fresh water ice weighs approximately 60 pounds per cubic foot & gutters are not designed to tolerate that sort of load. See photo of gutter ice damaged by an ice dam.It’s significant to initiate gutter ice removal sooner, then later.

Fiction: When it comes to insulation, the more the better. Improperly insulated homes are just as offensive as under insulated homes when it comes to ice dams. & roof ice We have fixed countless offensive insulation jobs for this reason. Specifically, we frequently find insulation done in such a way as to inhibit proper ventilation. Moreover, if you don’t address air leakage into the attic or rafter spaces, all the insulation in the world won’t prevent ice dams.

Fact: You can see ice dams from the ground. Not always. It’s true that you can usually spot a monster very easily. You can see the two foot icicles & the little glacier on your gutter.  The sneaky ones are usually above skylights or in roof pan areas far out of sight. Sometimes ice dams grow up valleys & on top of dormers making it almost impossible to identify from the ground.

Fiction: Salt socks are a smart way to address ice dams. People use pantyhose, old socks & store-bought cloth tubes filled with a variety of ice-melting compounds for removing ice dams. Corrosive substances like rock salt, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride & more to melt channels through their ice dams. Some compounds are better than others, yet all present risks you should keep in mind.  Some of the aforementioned chemicals affect the integrity or color of your roof, some are corrosive to the aluminum when gutter ice is removed this way, some are corrosive to valley metal & other flashings, some damage plant life as the water drains below.  You are rolling the dice when you go this route so be aware.

Fact: Ice should be removed by steam. Here is the skinny. We are roofers & have fixed hundreds of roofs that have been damaged by well-intentioned professionals with hammers, picks & hatchets in their pursuit of removing ice dams to assist their clients.  The damage we have found caused by the less-than-professional souls is almost comical if it wasn’t so serious.  In our years we have seen jobs with picks & hammers where removing ice dams was done successfully.  It get’s down to a question of risk management.  We strongly advise against the hack-a-teer approach even if it is a little cheaper. Roof Ice & Gutter Ice should always be removed with rock salt or warm water.

Fiction: Ice dams need to be thick to cause a problem. Ice dams as thin as one inch can cause huge problems. A satisfactory general rule is that the steeper your roof, the thicker the ice dam has to be to cause problems. On lower pitched roofs even a thin ice dam can hurt.

Fact: The leaking caused by ice dams may not show up right away. It would be nice if water stains or mold manifested immediately upon entering your home yet it simply does not work that way.  Often the water that ice dams push into homes travels around wall & ceiling cavities, trapped by vapor barriers & other materials until it finds the path of least resistance to escape. By the time you see water inside, it’s usually been there for a while.

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