Metal gutters are an often overlooked part of your home, but an important one. A gutter that works properly can prevent serious potential problems like a cracked foundation and leaking basement, as well as other less-costly damage. Regular maintenance is the key to gutters that work as they should to prevent these problems.
Clogged Gutters
You can prevent clogged gutters and overflow by using a gutter cleanser system. Scoop out the build-up of leaves and sediment by hand, or use a pressure-washer attachment that can blast out anything blocking up your gutters. Check them at least twice a year, but seasonally is better. Prevent this from happening by using leaf strainers or a gutter guard to keep leaves and debris out, but still check your metal gutters a couple times a year for build-up that can get through the guards.
Repair
When you check gutters, look for corrosion, holes and other problems. You can patch these with a piece of guttering sealed on the inside of your existing gutter, but if they're too extensive you may need to replace an entire section. Make sure the gutter is still firmly attached to the fascia and that the wood is still in good solid condition. Keeping an eye on these things can help you catch small problems before they become big ones and keep your metal gutters in shape.
This article is taken form the following source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-care-for-your-metal-gutters#ixzz0uuCLyz00
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Copper Gutter Maintenance
How to Care for Your Copper Gutters
Caring for copper gutters is an important component of copper gutter ownership. These gutters are an investment, and you don't want to loose money due to neglect.
Copper gets a bluish green patina as it weathers and ages, and most people want that look.
Preventing it is nearly impossible since it is a byproduct of the natural oxidation of the copper. If you want to keep the bright copper color, consider a quality painted aluminum product that keeps the “penny copper” look.
To keep the shine and patina intact on the gutters, always wear cotton gloves when working with any piece of the gutter. The natural oils on the skin will remain on the gutters and will leave spots on them and mar the patina.
Careful Cleaning
Carefully maintain the gutters by keeping them free of debris and roof runoff. Use a soft plastic scoop to clean the gutters. If the scoop scratches the surface, using gloves to remove the organic matter is a good alternative.
Some people prefer to use cloth gloves, although they may get you hands wet, they do not scratch the surface of the copper. Watch your copper gutter for any sagging, loose brackets, or bending pieces. Repair or replace them promptly.
Copper Durabilty
Copper gutters are generally reliable and long lasting. There are many systems still running that have been in place and functioning for 50 to 80 years without a problem.
The systems that last that long have soldered seams and often has screens on the downspouts. They are also cleaned regularly. Roof debris as well as leaves can damage copper gutters, causing spots of discoloration, so clean them regularly.
This article is taken form the following source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-care-for-your-copper-gutters#ixzz0uuBXEPYM
Caring for copper gutters is an important component of copper gutter ownership. These gutters are an investment, and you don't want to loose money due to neglect.
Copper gets a bluish green patina as it weathers and ages, and most people want that look.
Preventing it is nearly impossible since it is a byproduct of the natural oxidation of the copper. If you want to keep the bright copper color, consider a quality painted aluminum product that keeps the “penny copper” look.
To keep the shine and patina intact on the gutters, always wear cotton gloves when working with any piece of the gutter. The natural oils on the skin will remain on the gutters and will leave spots on them and mar the patina.
Careful Cleaning
Carefully maintain the gutters by keeping them free of debris and roof runoff. Use a soft plastic scoop to clean the gutters. If the scoop scratches the surface, using gloves to remove the organic matter is a good alternative.
Some people prefer to use cloth gloves, although they may get you hands wet, they do not scratch the surface of the copper. Watch your copper gutter for any sagging, loose brackets, or bending pieces. Repair or replace them promptly.
Copper Durabilty
Copper gutters are generally reliable and long lasting. There are many systems still running that have been in place and functioning for 50 to 80 years without a problem.
The systems that last that long have soldered seams and often has screens on the downspouts. They are also cleaned regularly. Roof debris as well as leaves can damage copper gutters, causing spots of discoloration, so clean them regularly.
This article is taken form the following source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-care-for-your-copper-gutters#ixzz0uuBXEPYM
Gutter Guards for your New York Home
A lot of people forget to have gutter guards installed when they are installing a new gutter system Bronx or you may have moved into a house without gutter guards. This is definitely a mistake if you have trees around your property where leaves and needles might fall into your gutter system and clog it. Especially if you have a property that is two story and it is difficult to get access to your gutters for cleaning.
Gutter Guards Queens installed in your rain troughs are the simplest way of keeping them free of leaves and dirt. Keeping your gutters free of debris will not only keep your gutters from clogging but it will also prolong the life of your gutters.
Water is one of the most destructive forces your home faces therefore keeping water away from your home is imperative, water must be able to run off the roof into the rain troughs through your downspouts and either into the sewer system or routed out to the ground by a method that allows for proper drainage otherwise serious damage can occur which can lead to thousands of dollars in out of pocket expenses, some of which include: replacing rotted siding and sofits, replacing eroded landscaping and the most expensive repair of all basement waterproofing.
The best method in keeping your home safe and free of water damage while also keeping debris from piling up in the gutters is to have a good quality Gutters Brooklyn installed on your home. This will protect your home and gutters from many problems including the following:
Fascia board that get wet constantly causing damaged and rotting wood.
Damage to the roof from clogged gutters freezing in the winter causing ice damning.
Foundation walls that will end up cracking and leaking.
The erosion of soil from your yard.
Water seeping into the interior of your home.
Areas that stay damp and promote insects and mosquitoes.
Damp areas also promote the growth of dangerous mold.
Cleaning your gutters can be a dangerous activity, thousands of people end up hospitalized and some even die falling from ladders every year.
Gutter Guards Queens installed in your rain troughs are the simplest way of keeping them free of leaves and dirt. Keeping your gutters free of debris will not only keep your gutters from clogging but it will also prolong the life of your gutters.
Water is one of the most destructive forces your home faces therefore keeping water away from your home is imperative, water must be able to run off the roof into the rain troughs through your downspouts and either into the sewer system or routed out to the ground by a method that allows for proper drainage otherwise serious damage can occur which can lead to thousands of dollars in out of pocket expenses, some of which include: replacing rotted siding and sofits, replacing eroded landscaping and the most expensive repair of all basement waterproofing.
The best method in keeping your home safe and free of water damage while also keeping debris from piling up in the gutters is to have a good quality Gutters Brooklyn installed on your home. This will protect your home and gutters from many problems including the following:
Fascia board that get wet constantly causing damaged and rotting wood.
Damage to the roof from clogged gutters freezing in the winter causing ice damning.
Foundation walls that will end up cracking and leaking.
The erosion of soil from your yard.
Water seeping into the interior of your home.
Areas that stay damp and promote insects and mosquitoes.
Damp areas also promote the growth of dangerous mold.
Cleaning your gutters can be a dangerous activity, thousands of people end up hospitalized and some even die falling from ladders every year.
Cast Iron Gutters
Cast iron gutters can make any home look great and add to the curb appeal. When installed correctly, these gutters can last lifetimes with just simple maintenance. If you have cast iron gutters, here are a couple things you can do to ensure a long life for them.
Regular Cleaning
Settling sediment can be the death of cast iron gutters. Because of this, you should clean the gutters thoroughly at least once a year. Climb a ladder and remove debris by hand. Then spray a garden hose through the gutters to clean any small sediment that has built up.
Dealing with Leaks
Even though cast iron is a durable material, it can develop leaks around the joints and seams. When cast iron was first used in gutter systems, a pitch-soaked rope was used in the joints to form a water seal. This seal will degrade with time. You can use clear silicone and new joint bolts in the leaky joints. If the joints are especially difficult to reach, you may use a self-adhesive flashing tape over the inside part of the joint. You can paint over either of these options so the joint won't be noticeable.
This article is taken from the following: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/cast-iron-gutters-cleaning-and-maintenance#ixzz0uuB1lBjl
Regular Cleaning
Settling sediment can be the death of cast iron gutters. Because of this, you should clean the gutters thoroughly at least once a year. Climb a ladder and remove debris by hand. Then spray a garden hose through the gutters to clean any small sediment that has built up.
Dealing with Leaks
Even though cast iron is a durable material, it can develop leaks around the joints and seams. When cast iron was first used in gutter systems, a pitch-soaked rope was used in the joints to form a water seal. This seal will degrade with time. You can use clear silicone and new joint bolts in the leaky joints. If the joints are especially difficult to reach, you may use a self-adhesive flashing tape over the inside part of the joint. You can paint over either of these options so the joint won't be noticeable.
This article is taken from the following: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/cast-iron-gutters-cleaning-and-maintenance#ixzz0uuB1lBjl
Mastic Home Exterior Vinyl Panels
Here is a press release I found for vinyl siding panels that look like cedar and clapboard wood siding. The improvements in vinyl siding have made it much more comparable to traditional siding:
Cary, N.C. (Jan. 20, 2008) – Mastic Home Exteriors™ by Ply Gem Quest®a premium vinyl siding panel with the classic look of authentic wood, features 35 vivid colors with the protection of the Duranyl® 5000 system on Quest Signature’s darkest colors.
Duranyl 5000 proprietary technology provides additional UV protection for superior color retention. Because of this, homeowners can be assured that the rich and vibrant color they choose from the industry’s broadest color offering will not fade or weather over time. Colorfastness combined with superior durability, which makes panels more resistant to cracking, impact and thermal distortion, means Quest’s beauty is engineered to last. Visit www.mastic.com for more information.
Cary, N.C. (Jan. 20, 2008) – Mastic Home Exteriors™ by Ply Gem Quest®a premium vinyl siding panel with the classic look of authentic wood, features 35 vivid colors with the protection of the Duranyl® 5000 system on Quest Signature’s darkest colors.
Duranyl 5000 proprietary technology provides additional UV protection for superior color retention. Because of this, homeowners can be assured that the rich and vibrant color they choose from the industry’s broadest color offering will not fade or weather over time. Colorfastness combined with superior durability, which makes panels more resistant to cracking, impact and thermal distortion, means Quest’s beauty is engineered to last. Visit www.mastic.com for more information.
Power Washing Your Siding
Power Washing Vinyl and Aluminum Siding
If you decide to power wash your vinyl or aluminum siding, please be sure to read your power washer instructions carefully before you begin. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level. Don’t aim the washer upward as the water may collect behind the siding. This collected water could leak, which can produce streaks, or could stay behind the siding, which can cause decay. Set the pressure using a minimum of 1,500 PSI and maximum of 2,400, using a 40-degree tip.
Taken from: http://www.mastic.com/Homeowner/Learning_Center/Repair_Instructions/Maintenance___Repair.aspx
If you decide to power wash your vinyl or aluminum siding, please be sure to read your power washer instructions carefully before you begin. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level. Don’t aim the washer upward as the water may collect behind the siding. This collected water could leak, which can produce streaks, or could stay behind the siding, which can cause decay. Set the pressure using a minimum of 1,500 PSI and maximum of 2,400, using a 40-degree tip.
Taken from: http://www.mastic.com/Homeowner/Learning_Center/Repair_Instructions/Maintenance___Repair.aspx
Choosing Vinyl or Aluminum for Your New York House
The Difference Between Vinyl and Aluminum Siding
Q. What is the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding?
A. Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material. It usually ranges in thickness from .040 - .046. Aluminum siding is a formed material, typically .019" thick. Vinyl siding has a solid color, while aluminum siding has a baked on enamel paint finish.
Vinyl siding is typically more durable than aluminum being that it is over twice the thickness. Vinyl siding does become slightly brittle during the wintertime. Aluminum siding maintains the same properties year round despite the temperature. Vinyl siding also expands and contracts in greater fluctuation than aluminum siding.
As mentioned before, vinyl siding has solid color, meaning even if it is scratched, the color won't change. Aluminum siding has the baked on enamel finish, and if scratched, the paint will be removed and the bare metal below will be visible. However, due to the expansive properties of vinyl, aluminum siding takes paint better if you ever decide to re-paint. It is not recommended to paint vinyl.
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/vinlyandaluminumsidi#ixzz0uu6Z9ARq
Q. What is the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding?
A. Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material. It usually ranges in thickness from .040 - .046. Aluminum siding is a formed material, typically .019" thick. Vinyl siding has a solid color, while aluminum siding has a baked on enamel paint finish.
Vinyl siding is typically more durable than aluminum being that it is over twice the thickness. Vinyl siding does become slightly brittle during the wintertime. Aluminum siding maintains the same properties year round despite the temperature. Vinyl siding also expands and contracts in greater fluctuation than aluminum siding.
As mentioned before, vinyl siding has solid color, meaning even if it is scratched, the color won't change. Aluminum siding has the baked on enamel finish, and if scratched, the paint will be removed and the bare metal below will be visible. However, due to the expansive properties of vinyl, aluminum siding takes paint better if you ever decide to re-paint. It is not recommended to paint vinyl.
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/vinlyandaluminumsidi#ixzz0uu6Z9ARq
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