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Blog- Gutter Contractor Boise

Rain Gutter System Cleaning

10/28/2017

 

Rain Gutters

​Gutters are very important for the wellbeing of your home. Their purpose is to protect your foundation, roof, walls and landscape by controlling the flow of the rainwater. But, if you don't pay enough attention to them, they can turn from something that is necessary for your home into one of your worst nightmares.
 
If the gutters get clogged with sticks, leaves and other debris, there is a big chance that the roof is going to become leaky, and it can also lead to some water damage to the exterior and interior of your home. Contractors even say that the gutters that are clogged with debris can easily become nice homes for mold, rodents, pests and even honeycombs. And remember that this is something that can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

​How Often Should You Clean the Gutters?

It depends on how many trees you have in your yard and where you live. It is recommended to have the gutters cleaned in the fall and spring. It is also important to hire a professional to clean the downspouts. Cleaning the downspouts is important because if they get too clogged with debris, it can cause the rainwater to overflow the gutter.

You should clean the gutters about every four months, but it really depends on the type of leaves that fall in your area and how often they fall. However, you need to make sure to clean them before all of the leaves have fallen.

​Use Gutter Covers

​Using the gutter covers can reduce debris. These covers can significantly help you when it comes to cleaning the gutters. So, instead of cleaning them every four months or so, you may only need to do it every one to three years. It is a good idea to visually check to see if the gutters are clean, even if you have the gutter covers. This is because even if you have said covers, they can't prevent all of the debris from getting in. Actually, the amount of debris that can still get in is up to 20%. In this case, you need to remove the covers and take out the remaining debris yourself.

Also, one more thing that is important for you to remember is to purchase only the quality screens and covers. Look for the ones that suit the type of trees in your yard.

​Should You Hire a Professional or Do It Yourself?

​Even though cleaning the gutters is something that almost everyone can do, it can be a bit dangerous. However, if you decide to do it yourself, make sure that the ladder is sturdy and in good condition before climbing it. Also, make sure not to rest the ladder on the gutters because they can collapse, which can result in a serious injury.
 
If you are not ready to do this yourself, or you simply don't want to do it yourself, then the best option would be to hire a professional. Instead of just cleaning the gutters, a professional should also check to see if there are any loose gutter spikes and repair them if necessary.
Call Gutter Boise Today

Rain Gutter Issues & Repairs

7/28/2017

 
​There are many problems that can occur with your rain gutters.  If you want to prevent damage to your walls and substructure, know what to look for. Any one of the following issues, if left will cause damage. However, even a homeowner can do some basic fixes. 

Leaking Gutters

​The first issue that is common for your gutters is simple leaking.  Usually, this means the connections between individual sections are rusted. Despite protective coatings on these edges, water buildup can still eventually cause rust, or cause bulging or sagging.
 
Sometimes a simple adjustment of the connections may stop any leaking, but it would be better to make sure. Allow the gutter to dry out and then make sure the connections are clean. A silicone-rubber caulking found at your local hardware store needs to be used on the inside and outside of the junctions to close any leaks. Visibly small holes will need to be closed with roofing cement. A basic putty knife can be used to spread the roofing cement around any of these holes. Warm days or at a minimum room temperature will help the roofing cement to spread easier. In the case of larger holes, use a sheet metal patch along with the roofing cement under and over it.
 
If your home is in an area that has a very wet climate, you may want to consider utilizing a dry well system. After taking care to check local building codes, you could create a hole a minimum of 2 feet and a maximum of 4 feet wide and about 3 feet deep. A good substitute for this is a 55-gallon drum with both ends removed and buried filled with rocks. The idea is to have your underground drainage pipes slope into whichever dry well system you decide to use. It will keep the water away from the substructure of your home.  

Overflowing Gutters

​Another issue you could have is rain gutters that overflow. Again, since it is something to do with water, this could cause serious issues with substructure or the walls of your home. Overflow is commonly seen during heavy rain because the gutters are stopped up with debris, or the size of your gutter and downspouts are not large enough to handle the rainfall.
 
If your gutters are stopped up with leaves and other debris, cleaning them out by removing the clog areas at the outlets will clear the overflowing problem. However, if you still have overflow after removing anything that blocks the outlets, then you may need to install larger downspouts and gutters. 

Sagging Rain Gutters

Materials that sag in heavy rain are most often aluminum, vinyl, and galvanized steel. Due to the weight of heavy water, the brackets at the junctions could also begin to loosen. This could cause bending to increase. If there are signs of standing water or marks on the inner sides of the gutters that is a positive indicator of sagging.

If you have a level and a ladder handy, you can make sure the gutter drops a ¼ inch every ten feet towards the ground to double check. 

Depending on the type of hanger your gutters use, either spike-and-ferrule hanger or a clip gutter hanger, you may need a hammer to drive the spikes further into solid wood. A long-galvanized screw would be best if the original nail does not make it to the wood. Clip gutter hanger adjustment involves lifting the roofing material and refastening the hangers to the sheathing. This is a more work intensive operation, you do not want to create cracks or holes in your roofing!

Rain Gutter Contractor Help!

If you are experiencing issues with your gutters and don’t have the time, equipment or just don’t want to deal with it. Call your local Boise Rain Gutter experts, Gutter Boise! 208-647-0779 

Seamless Rain Gutter Systems

7/8/2017

 
Installing a seamless rain gutter is not just a way of adding to the outer beauty of your home, but it can also serve as the best protection in place from the snow and rain. Nowadays, it is considered an essential feature of many modern homes.
​
Apart from ensuring that no part of your home is damaged by the elements, seamless gutters are also useful for a number of things.

Benefits of Seamless Gutters

Seamless Gutters Look Great!

Normal Joints are generally not pleasing to look at. However seamless gutters add to the beauty of your home. They come in different colors and styles. So you can choose the one that fits the design of your home.

​Apart from this, you can also customize them to perfectly fit your home eliminating wasted material and cost.

Seamless Gutters are Durable

Traditional gutters are often prone to damage around the joints and seams, as such do not always last long. However, seamless gutters can last for many years when installed properly by a local rain gutter contractor.
​
Rain gutters made with copper or stainless steel are more suitable for areas with extreme weather conditions. However, they are initially more costly than other type of rain gutters but tend to have a much longer lifespan and minimal maintenance and repair costs.

​This makes seamless rain gutters a great option when considering replacing or installing your rain gutter system. 

Less Leaks with Seamless Rain Gutters

Normal gutter joints are prone to leakages. And leakages can cause a lot of damage to your home especially when it's occurs near your paint. Micro-organisms like mildew can also grow near such areas giving your exterior an "abandoned" appearance.

Leaking Futters can also cause serious damage to the foundation of your home and your landscape. As leaks continue the water erodes the ground around your home and this can be a very expensive repair. Water can cause shifting in your foundation, water damage in your basement and wash away your landscape. 

​However, a seamless gutter hardly leaks as it has very few joints. This will ensure that your home is safe from the top down. 

Great ROI with a Seamless Rain Gutter System

Although seamless gutters often require professional installation which may cost you more money, you stand to gain more in the long run.

​Seamless rain gutters yield a better return on investment when compared to normal gutters, considering the fact that you will seldom have to repair leaks or clogs. 

With years of experience and numerous color options available call Gutter Boise for all your seamless rain gutter needs!

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Rain Gutter Installation

6/25/2017

 
To ensure your home is well protected from the elements, there is no doubt you need proper rain gutter installation. This will help provide a free passage for better disposal of the rain and snow so that they won't be retained on the foundation or siding of the house where they could cause potential damage to your property. Surprisingly, there aren't many options of rain gutters available, so choosing a particular type shouldn't overwhelm you. It all depends on the needs of your home as well as the size of your pocket.

Click for free estimates on Rain Gutter Installation here in in Boise 
​

Rather you're planning a new installation or a replacement for you exisitng rain gutter system, you need to choose a gutter that will match your roof color as well as the trim of the house. You also need to consider the size, coating, and material of the gutter. For instance, zinc and copper gutters will serve as attractive additions to your home exterior and won't incur the extra cost of painting. However, they are usually more expensive than other types of gutters. It's all up to you to really decide on what you want.

Here are the major rain gutters available

​Stainless Steel and Copper Rain Gutters

There are often considered as the strongest types of rain gutters available in the market. They do not rust and are almost unwreckable. They also shine a lot. Copper gutter itself, is accepted as the most attractive rain gutter that can be installed in any home. Both gutters are better suited for areas with extreme weather conditions as they are very tough. However, the only setback is their price. You might have to spend through your nose to have one installed.

Vinyl Rain Gutters

Vinyl rain gutters are lightweight gutters that are mostly used in areas with moderate climates. This is because they cannot withstand heavy downpours or snow. They are also easily damaged by a lot of freezing or heavy weight. Thus, they cannot be used everywhere. However, they are not costly and are very easy to maintain.

Aluminium Gutter

Aluminium rain gutters are probably the least expensive rain gutters in the market. The can be installed in sections or better yet as a seamless gutter. Seamless gutters are great because they have less joints and connections, which can fail over time, costing you more in repairs and maintenance.

Wood Gutters

Wood gutters are the oldest types of rain gutters. Common options are those made of redwood, fir, and cedar. Redwood and fir are usually more durable, thus if you decide to go for wood gutters, either options would be great. Nowadays, they are no longer a popular choice and are mostly used for custom buildings or for renovating old historic houses. The only obvious disadvantage with wood gutters is that they are very expensive. However, they last longer than most types of materials when properly taken care of.
​
Whether you decide to go for a vinyl gutter or a more expensive copper option, make sure you have a qualified Gutter Contractor do the Installation.
Visit our home page for more info or contact us today to discuss your project. 
Call Today!

The Importance Of Cleaning Your Rain Gutters in Boise

12/3/2016

 
Operating a gutter company in Boise has allowed me to see first-hand why gutter cleaning is so important to a healthy structure. Properly maintaining and cleaning your rain gutter system can save you hundreds if not thousands in repairs and maintenance.
​
Below are some of the common issues that arise from not properly cleaning and maintaining your gutter system in the Boise area.

Water in Basement:

One of the most common reasons people find water in their basement is due to a faulty rain gutter system. A gutter that is clogged or not properly functioning can allow water to overflow into the ground below, seeping into your basement within a very short period of time. The water can then cause massive damage to items in the basement or materials such as sheetrock the basement maybe finished off with. Further, a basement is molds best friend, typically providing an ideal environment for mold to thrive.

Cracked Foundations:

A clogged gutter or damaged gutter just can’t do its job properly and allows water to take the path of least resistance, which is typically over the rim and onto your property. This allows the water to accumulate and saturate the ground in areas that are very harmful to your property. Even causing integrity concerns as the water allows the foundation to settle lower in the saturated area. This can result in cracks and uneven foundation, sometimes visible in the interior walls as they adjust with the foundation.
  
Roof Leaks:

Our roofs are one of our most important components of our homes or buildings. The roof protects the interior from the elements and environment outside. When roofs fail and start to leak it’s usually very costly to repair not only the roof but the interior as well.

One of the common ways roofs start to leak is from the gutter system. A gutter system that is clogged and not flowing properly in the late fall and winter can allow water to freeze over the gutter pushing the gutter away from the roof. As well when the winter brings snow and it thaws, the water can become dammed up on the roof, due to frozen and clogged gutters. Allowing it to get into your house causing serious interior damage.

Home Damage:

Rain Gutters have a simple job to do, direct water to a safe destination. A properly cleaned and maintained gutter does its job very well and can extend the life of your home or building. A failed gutter system rather from not being clean or damaged can allow rain water into areas which cause your home serious and expensive damage.

The Siding and exterior walls are one main area we see water damage occur from a faulty gutter system. As water seeps over or through the gutter it can run directly down your building getting between the siding and walls, requiring major repairs. Damage can also happen to the interior walls in this same way as water is uncontrolled, as intended by the gutter, and seeps into ever area possible.

Landscape Damage:

We all love our landscapes here in the Boise area and failing to clean your gutters can washout and ruin what we work so hard to maintain. Since the gutter is not clean and free flowing it can allow for water to find an easier way to the ground. Allowing it to wash away our landscapes and drown out our vegetation.
 
As you can tell having your gutters cleaned regularly and maintained properly is extremely important to the health of your property. Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure a properly functioning rain gutter system. Plus, it’ll give you peace of mind allowing you to focus on fun stuff like fishing or shopping.

Thanks for checking out our blog, we will be posting more here shortly, so check back soon. 

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What Makes Up A Rain Gutter System

12/3/2016

 
Likely you don’t think too often about the different components that make up a gutter system. We think it helps to know some of the basic components of a rain gutter system if you’re looking to replace your existing gutter or install a rain gutter system here in Boise on a new building or home. Rather your thinking about a common system or are leaning towards a unique gutter system which can set your property apart, incorporating ornate downspout pieces and custom gutters. We hope this information is helpful. 

Gutter- A trough beneath the roof line made of various materials to include galvanized steel, aluminum, copper and vinyl. Available in a number of different shapes from a half-round U Style to a K Style with a flat back and formed front edge.
Expansion Joint- Since most gutters are made of metals they can expand and contract in differing temperatures. The expansion joint allows for this safely happen throughout your rain gutter system.
Miter- The connecting joint between a 90-degree angle on a gutter system. Miters can be installed inside or outside of the gutter system depending on the design.
End Cap- As it sounds this is the piece used to cap off a non-connected end of the gutter system.
Drop Outlet- A connecting piece of gutter which allows the horizontal gutter to attach to the downspout.
Downspout- Typically tubing which travels from the gutter down to a run off point on the ground. There are many types of downspout available. Rain chains are a popular alternative here in Boise to the typical tubing we often see.
Downspout Band- The piece of material used to attach a downspout to the home or building, typically made to match the material and color of the downspout.
Elbow- elbows are used on downspouts to help direct the downspout in the most beneficial direction for the project.
Gutter Spike- A long spike used to attach the gutter to the structure.
Gutter Strap- Another form of attaching a gutter to the structure, typically used if there is no facia or rafters to directly attach the gutter.
Gutter Hanger- A very common component used to attach the gutter. The hangers are typically hidden within the gutter for a nice clean look.
Custom Brackets- With a number of copper gutter and custom gutter systems there are matching or accenting connecting brackets which are usually highly visual and part of the over all design.
Gutter Screen- An accessory used to cover the gutter helping stop debris from entering the trough wnd building up.
Seamless Gutters- A popular type of gutter installed which uses a solid piece of gutter, customized to each building and the roofline. Reducing if not eliminating the number of joining sections which can help reduce repairs over time.
Gutter Pitch- The angle in which your gutter is installed allowing for water drainage. A common rule is to use a 1 to 20 vertical to horizontal ratio
ow that you have the basic knowledge on the components of a gutter system, you're ready to start planning your gutter replacement  or installation project. 
We would love to help you make it easy jump back to our home page and fill out our contact form or call us today 208-647-0779      

    Author:

    ​B. Hall

    Rain Gutter Contractor in Boise Idaho. 

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Gutter Boise
12473 W Auckland ST ste C
Boise, ID 83709

208-647-0779
Serviced By Meridian Rain Gutter LLC

Rain Gutter Service Areas

Boise Idaho
Meridian Idaho
Eagle Idaho
Caldwell Idaho
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