Your new gutter installation involves many personal choices that will effect the appearance, cost and functionality of installing new gutters. Besides materials such as copper, aluminum, steel and vinyl, you will also need to decide what shape and size you want your new gutter system to be. There are two shapes to choose from, half-round and K-style gutters Brooklyn. Both shapes will drain the same amount of water so it is really a matter of your personal taste. Half-round gutters are traditional and best used with traditional homes such as victorians.
Your new gutter installation will include downspouts in round or rectangular shapes. Downspout size and gutter size are two other considerations. The most common gutter sizes are 5" and 6". Downspouts are 2x3 inches and 3x4 inches in size.
Your gutter installer will help you to determine the rainfall needs of your Bronx, Queen or Brooklyn home. Generally speaking, the more rainfall your area gets, the greater larger your gutter system needs to be. In addition, the rainfall, your gutter contractor will look at your roofline and yard to determine your needs. For example, if you have a steep roof, you will need a larger gutter system to handle the runnoff. Tall trees will fill your gutters with leaves in the fall and may require screening to keep your gutters from clogging.
Thickness of the material you choose will have a direct impact on durability and price. Also, copper is rated by weight rather than thickness.
The next decision you will need to make is whether your gutter system is seemless or has seams. Do it your selfers will probably find it easier to use a vinyl gutter with seams for ease of installation. However, seamless gutters are typically more attractive and more durable.
Sectional copper or steel systems are actually soldered together at the seams, eliminating the need for a sealant. Proper installation of a sectional copper or steel system should include soldering, although some installers will use a metal sealant. Seamless systems are growing in popularity, and require professional installers. In a seamless system, an installer will use a special machine on-site to form long stretches of gutter (usually copper or aluminum) that will run the length of the roofline without a seam.
Gutter installation should follow a couple basic rules. Gutters must be pitched so water will flow to the downspouts. The rule of thumb for this slope is a vertical 1/2 inch for every 10 feet of horizontal run. If the run is more than 35 feet long, some specialists recommend installing the high point of the system in the middle and sloping the gutter downward in both directions to downspouts on both ends of the run. Water exiting the downspout must always be directed away from the foundation.
There are so many accessories available for your gutters to choose from - some of which may not be necessary to keep things out of your gutters. These include screens and barriers that keep things out of the gutters. You need to think about what kind of things are going to get into your gutters and clog them before buying these accessories. Then, check the numerous types of screens and flow-through devices for their different applications.
Finally, you will want to consider where the water goes when exiting the downspout. Downspouts should flow away from the foundation and ideally, the water needs to go somewhere where there is ample drainage like a rocky swale or catch basin. This keeps your basement or crawl space from flooding with heavy rains.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Gutter Options for your New York Home
Everyone should have some sort of gutter on their house to divert the rain. New York City rainfall can cause significant damage without diverting rain run-off. This is important to protect your crawl spaces, basements and siding. Not having gutters in place will cause more damage in the long run and with increased moisture, your termite problems could increase substantially. There are many systems to choose from.
There are so many systems to choose from now. The most expensive - as well as most attractive and durable- of these is copper. Aluminium and vinyl are the most economical and most widely used options. You can also use galvanized steel and wood for historic buildings. Bronx Gutter Installers will price your gutter system based on linear foot. Make sure that the price you get is in writing and includdes all the necessary components. The components include gutters, downspouts, hanging brackets, end caps and corner joints.
Aluminum gutter systems is the most commonly used product; it is inexpensive and durable. You can get it in many different colors to match your house and, depending upon the contractor, you can expect to pay around $3-6 per linear foot for your Brooklyn gutter.
Steel gutters may be good option for New York homes, with their exposure to snow, winds and heavy rains. Steel is stronger than aluminum and stands up to these elements without as much damage as aluminum. There are a couple cons to using steel gutters. First, they tend to rust, so it is important that you buy galvanized steel which should hold together for about 20 years without rusting. The second con is that it is more expensive than aluminum - about twice as much per linear foot. You can buy stainless steel, but it is $20 per linear foot as compared to $8-10 per linear foot.
Vinyl is a great option for price and durability, especially if you want to do the work yourself. It is easy to cut and install for a homeowner. Vinyl is also the cheapest gutter system you can buy at $3-5 per linear foot. It is also widely available at home improvement stores. The downside of vinyl is that it can break in cold climates and is not as sturdy as metal gutter systems. This is partly because the material is brittle but also because vinyl has seems that make it more prone to leaking and breaking.
Copper is the priciest gutter to install Queens and it is frequently seen in upscale homes, many times you will see it at the front of a home with less expensive aluminum used at the back. I have even seen aluminum gutters painted to look like copper patina. Copper is $12-$25 per linear foot. The shiny copper look that homeowners may be looking for will quickly turn shades as it is exposed to the elements. You need to keep this in mind and be able to appreciate the changes in store for your gutter system installation.
The last option is to choose a material for your gutters and combine it with decorative Japanese-style rain chains which start around $20 -$50 for basic models and can run $50 -$200 or more.
Regardless of the option you choose, make sure you have gutters on your home to protect your basement and crawlspace from unneccessary damage and flooding.
There are so many systems to choose from now. The most expensive - as well as most attractive and durable- of these is copper. Aluminium and vinyl are the most economical and most widely used options. You can also use galvanized steel and wood for historic buildings. Bronx Gutter Installers will price your gutter system based on linear foot. Make sure that the price you get is in writing and includdes all the necessary components. The components include gutters, downspouts, hanging brackets, end caps and corner joints.
Aluminum gutter systems is the most commonly used product; it is inexpensive and durable. You can get it in many different colors to match your house and, depending upon the contractor, you can expect to pay around $3-6 per linear foot for your Brooklyn gutter.
Steel gutters may be good option for New York homes, with their exposure to snow, winds and heavy rains. Steel is stronger than aluminum and stands up to these elements without as much damage as aluminum. There are a couple cons to using steel gutters. First, they tend to rust, so it is important that you buy galvanized steel which should hold together for about 20 years without rusting. The second con is that it is more expensive than aluminum - about twice as much per linear foot. You can buy stainless steel, but it is $20 per linear foot as compared to $8-10 per linear foot.
Vinyl is a great option for price and durability, especially if you want to do the work yourself. It is easy to cut and install for a homeowner. Vinyl is also the cheapest gutter system you can buy at $3-5 per linear foot. It is also widely available at home improvement stores. The downside of vinyl is that it can break in cold climates and is not as sturdy as metal gutter systems. This is partly because the material is brittle but also because vinyl has seems that make it more prone to leaking and breaking.
Copper is the priciest gutter to install Queens and it is frequently seen in upscale homes, many times you will see it at the front of a home with less expensive aluminum used at the back. I have even seen aluminum gutters painted to look like copper patina. Copper is $12-$25 per linear foot. The shiny copper look that homeowners may be looking for will quickly turn shades as it is exposed to the elements. You need to keep this in mind and be able to appreciate the changes in store for your gutter system installation.
The last option is to choose a material for your gutters and combine it with decorative Japanese-style rain chains which start around $20 -$50 for basic models and can run $50 -$200 or more.
Regardless of the option you choose, make sure you have gutters on your home to protect your basement and crawlspace from unneccessary damage and flooding.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Grass Pavers Great for New York Homes and Businesses
Grass pavers are a wonderful option for builders or homeowners who want to make an environmentally conscious choice in paving as well as something that is low-maintenance. Grass pavers can support the weight of a car, but unlike asphalt or concrete, they allow runoff to be absorbed into the ground rather than washing off into sheets and potentially contributing to pollution of natural drainages. Grass pavers Brooklyn also add an attractive element to buildings that are surrounded by too much pavement and are in need of more "green"scaping.
Grass pavers are used throughout New York City Boroughs for parking areas, driveways, walkways, and paths. They are even used for courtyards. Grass or turf pavers are the perfect blend of solid and natural materials for many settings that require a load bearing surface. In New York there is plenty of rain which can cause seasonal runoff that results in flooding and overloading of drainage systems. Oil from cars pollutes the drainages as well. Interlocking turf pavers systems can be planted with turf grasses to help manage this runoff and provide a lush green effect.
Grass pavers are used throughout New York City Boroughs for parking areas, driveways, walkways, and paths. They are even used for courtyards. Grass or turf pavers are the perfect blend of solid and natural materials for many settings that require a load bearing surface. In New York there is plenty of rain which can cause seasonal runoff that results in flooding and overloading of drainage systems. Oil from cars pollutes the drainages as well. Interlocking turf pavers systems can be planted with turf grasses to help manage this runoff and provide a lush green effect.
New York Paving Styles
I am always fascinated by the difference a quality paver stone makes on an otherwise standard Queen's borough home. Paving choices have become so numerous over the years from natural pavers made of stone to faux styles made of concrete or composite materials.
Flagstone has turned into a kind of general term to describe any flat stone used for natural paving. It implies that the stone was mined from a quarry and can be made of many different minderals. Flagstone pavers Brooklyn can enhance the value of your home or commercial buildings with it's natural beauty. Flagstone pavers are also a natural choice for durability and minimal maintenance issues.
Another New York paver option that is rarely thought of is rubber pavers. These pavers Bronx are made from recycled tire rubber. They are non-slip and durable. You can cut them to size or you can buy them as an interlocking system of pavers Brooklyn.
Travertine pavers are elegant but expensive. They look best in an Italianate style home or garden. Travertine pavers have pitted holes that suggest an ancient, weathered walkway or courtyard.
Cobblestone pavers were used throughout much of Europe and can still be seen in colonial towns in the US, including many neighborhoods in New York. Their historical charm makes them a wonderful choice for colonial style homes and older commercial districts, or even new developments with historical themes. Originally, cobblestones were collected in riverbeds - now cobbleston is produced by quarried stones which are rounded mechanically.
Flagstone has turned into a kind of general term to describe any flat stone used for natural paving. It implies that the stone was mined from a quarry and can be made of many different minderals. Flagstone pavers Brooklyn can enhance the value of your home or commercial buildings with it's natural beauty. Flagstone pavers are also a natural choice for durability and minimal maintenance issues.
Another New York paver option that is rarely thought of is rubber pavers. These pavers Bronx are made from recycled tire rubber. They are non-slip and durable. You can cut them to size or you can buy them as an interlocking system of pavers Brooklyn.
Travertine pavers are elegant but expensive. They look best in an Italianate style home or garden. Travertine pavers have pitted holes that suggest an ancient, weathered walkway or courtyard.
Cobblestone pavers were used throughout much of Europe and can still be seen in colonial towns in the US, including many neighborhoods in New York. Their historical charm makes them a wonderful choice for colonial style homes and older commercial districts, or even new developments with historical themes. Originally, cobblestones were collected in riverbeds - now cobbleston is produced by quarried stones which are rounded mechanically.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Case Study: Building Green with Insulated Siding
While most of the benefits of specifying insulated vinyl siding are well known: beauty, durability, affordability, there has been less information available about its actual environmental performance, especially in a side-by-side comparison with James Hardie fiber cement. The study conducted by Newport Ventures on two high performance homes that participated in the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) High Performance Residential Development Challenge changes this situation and validates the “green credentials” of insulated vinyl siding.
The two homes in Burnt Hills, NY and Saratoga Springs, NY demonstrate that specification of insulated vinyl siding in lieu of James Hardie fiber cement siding is projected to result in energy conservation, lower CO2 emissions, and energy cost savings. As the Saratoga Springs survey indicates, this environmental performance does not come at the sacrifice of curb appeal. Because of these reasons, it is not surprising that use of insulated vinyl siding helps contribute to achieving points in leading green building certification programs like NAHB’s national green building standard and LEED®.
Taken from http://www.vinylsiding.org/aboutsiding/insulated/nyserda/index.asp
The two homes in Burnt Hills, NY and Saratoga Springs, NY demonstrate that specification of insulated vinyl siding in lieu of James Hardie fiber cement siding is projected to result in energy conservation, lower CO2 emissions, and energy cost savings. As the Saratoga Springs survey indicates, this environmental performance does not come at the sacrifice of curb appeal. Because of these reasons, it is not surprising that use of insulated vinyl siding helps contribute to achieving points in leading green building certification programs like NAHB’s national green building standard and LEED®.
Taken from http://www.vinylsiding.org/aboutsiding/insulated/nyserda/index.asp
Cleaning Vinyl Siding
How do I wash vinyl siding?
Wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the grooves in the texture stain-free. For best results, start at the bottom of the house and work up and rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries. If your house has brick facing, cover the brick so that it is not affected by the runoff.
Can I use a power washer?
Yes, though you should read the washer instructions carefully before use. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level to keep the water on top of the vinyl siding where it can clean most effectively. Do not aim the power washer upward as water may be driven behind the siding.
You should also follow the siding manufacturer’s recommendations. Some manufacturers don't want pressure washers used on their products at all. Others allow them, but have limitations on the amount of pressure and the cleaners that can be used. Most will caution against the use of pressure washers around any opening in the wall, such as windows, doors, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
How do I remove mold and mildew?
Small spots of mold and mildew can be handled with cleaners such as Fantastik® or Windex®. For larger sections, a solution of vinegar (30%) and water (70%) has proven successful. Alternatively, you also could try the following solution: 1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) powdered laundry detergent (e.g., Tide®, Fab®, or equivalent), 2/3 cup (5 1/3 ounces) powdered household cleaner (e.g., Spic & Span®, Soilax®, or equivalent), 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) of water.
What types of cleaners should I use for other stains?
A list of commonly accepted cleaners is provided in the box below. Be sure to spot check any general or stain specific cleaner before using it on a large section of siding. After removing the stain, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not use cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, or furniture polish or cleaners. They can affect the surface of the siding.
Vinyl Siding Cleaners
General cleaners (e.g., Simple Green®, Nice & Easy®, Armor All®, etc.) can be used to clean dirt, bird droppings, and spider webs. Stain-specific cleaners are listed below. Rinse all cleaners with water before they dry.
Stain
Cleaners*
Bubble Gum
Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, solution of vinegar (30%), water (70%) and Windex®
Crayon
Lestoil®
DAP (oil-based caulk)
Fantastik®
Felt-tip Pen
Fantastik®, water-based cleaners
Grass
Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Lithium (car) Grease
Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Motor Oil
Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Paint
Brillo® Pad, Soft Scrub®
Pencil
Soft Scrub®
Rust
Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Tar
Soft Scrub®
Top Soil
Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®
*Cleaning Materials are listed in alphabetical order.
*VSI does not endorse products or processes and makes no warranties for the products referenced herein. Reference to proprietary names is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to imply that there are not equally effective alternatives.
Taken from http://www.vinylsiding.org/aboutsiding/cleanmain/cleaning/index.asp
Wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the grooves in the texture stain-free. For best results, start at the bottom of the house and work up and rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries. If your house has brick facing, cover the brick so that it is not affected by the runoff.
Can I use a power washer?
Yes, though you should read the washer instructions carefully before use. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level to keep the water on top of the vinyl siding where it can clean most effectively. Do not aim the power washer upward as water may be driven behind the siding.
You should also follow the siding manufacturer’s recommendations. Some manufacturers don't want pressure washers used on their products at all. Others allow them, but have limitations on the amount of pressure and the cleaners that can be used. Most will caution against the use of pressure washers around any opening in the wall, such as windows, doors, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
How do I remove mold and mildew?
Small spots of mold and mildew can be handled with cleaners such as Fantastik® or Windex®. For larger sections, a solution of vinegar (30%) and water (70%) has proven successful. Alternatively, you also could try the following solution: 1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) powdered laundry detergent (e.g., Tide®, Fab®, or equivalent), 2/3 cup (5 1/3 ounces) powdered household cleaner (e.g., Spic & Span®, Soilax®, or equivalent), 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) of water.
What types of cleaners should I use for other stains?
A list of commonly accepted cleaners is provided in the box below. Be sure to spot check any general or stain specific cleaner before using it on a large section of siding. After removing the stain, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not use cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, or furniture polish or cleaners. They can affect the surface of the siding.
Vinyl Siding Cleaners
General cleaners (e.g., Simple Green®, Nice & Easy®, Armor All®, etc.) can be used to clean dirt, bird droppings, and spider webs. Stain-specific cleaners are listed below. Rinse all cleaners with water before they dry.
Stain
Cleaners*
Bubble Gum
Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, solution of vinegar (30%), water (70%) and Windex®
Crayon
Lestoil®
DAP (oil-based caulk)
Fantastik®
Felt-tip Pen
Fantastik®, water-based cleaners
Grass
Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Lithium (car) Grease
Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Motor Oil
Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Paint
Brillo® Pad, Soft Scrub®
Pencil
Soft Scrub®
Rust
Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Tar
Soft Scrub®
Top Soil
Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®
*Cleaning Materials are listed in alphabetical order.
*VSI does not endorse products or processes and makes no warranties for the products referenced herein. Reference to proprietary names is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to imply that there are not equally effective alternatives.
Taken from http://www.vinylsiding.org/aboutsiding/cleanmain/cleaning/index.asp
Historic Restoration with Vinyl Siding
Many people frown upon the idea of installing vinyl siding on their historic New York Homes. That's because we've seen the devestating consequences of the older vinyl siding, which covered up the period details of delicate old victorians and craftsman homes. However, siding has changed over time and new siding products Brooklyn are remarkably different from siding products of the past.
Vinyl manufacturers are catering to historic homes by producing product lines that replicate period details. Vinyl manufacturers now provide vinyl trim, panels and period colors to match historic building styles. Do you want clapboard and spindles? You got it!
All this and vinyl siding Queens is super low maintenance without the termite problems, cracking and rotting issues that wood has.
Vinyl manufacturers are catering to historic homes by producing product lines that replicate period details. Vinyl manufacturers now provide vinyl trim, panels and period colors to match historic building styles. Do you want clapboard and spindles? You got it!
All this and vinyl siding Queens is super low maintenance without the termite problems, cracking and rotting issues that wood has.
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