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5 Signs Your Gutters Are in Dire Need of A Repair

Most of us tend to overlook issues related to gutters, making the common mistake of thinking they work just fine without maintenance, even when it has been raining cats and dogs. Needless to say, a callous attitude towards gutters can result in damaged roofs and landscaping, mold and mildew, basement flooding, heaving walkways, and rot, ruin, or stains to the siding, brick, painted, and stucco wall finishes.

Gutters are life savers, and it is high time we pay credence to their importance in our daily functioning by taking a second look at them and checking for signs of deterioration. If you have not a clue about gutter maintenance, the 5 signs below will help you detect a need for repair. Are you worried about your gutters? Call an eavestrough Toronto expert today!

Gutters Pulling Away From the House

The heaviness of water or debris can be much more than you think, and when gutters remain filled to the brim with water and debris for extended periods of time, you might be in for some sagging and pull aways. Keep overlooking this and you might risk a much more serious and all-encompassing damage to your eavestroughs. 

After a point, the damage might become irreversible and repair might be out of question. You know you are in deep trouble when even the fascia board is devastated.

Water Sitting in Clean Gutters

If you have recently cleaned out your eavestroughs and removed all debris, but still notice water sitting on them, it can be a classic sign of a miss-graded gutter. The underlying reasons can be numerous- the installation itself might have been a faulty one, or the structure could have settled unevenly. This require an urgent gutter repair. 

Presence of Rust or Cracks

Be it for rainwater or general humidity, rust and corrosion can form on gutters over time. In their initial stage, they are hard to detect as they look like some innocent cracks and discoloration. But if not tended to in time, you might be in for major problems. The next time you notice any rusting or crack on the eavestrough system, get a professional for repair services immediately! 

Water Runs Down the Siding

It is a common error to pass off water running down the siding as leaked roofs, but most tend to be eaves-through issues- water running at the back of it, to be more specific. Usually caused by a damaged or missing drip flashing or galvanized metal strips. So, if you notice water dripping down the siding, it’s time for a thorough inspection and repair.

Unwanted Pest Sightings

Have you been noticing unwanted pests such as frogs, squirrels, and mice getting drawn to your eavestrough system much more now than ever? It could be a sign of a major clog. In fact, if you ignore it for long, you might even see cats or similar larger animals near your gutter. This can cause long-term damage, so the moment you see animals and pests hanging around your gutter system, you know a repair is long overdue.

These are the most common signs that your gutter system needs either a thorough inspection followed by a repair or a replacement. Regardless, there is no way out of it, as gutter systems keep our household running. It is only when they malfunction do we understand their importance in our daily life. That’s why we say, better safe than sorry!

By blogger Eavestrough Repairs • General Information 0 Comments

Everything You Need To Know About Gutter Guards

Gutter guards have become the need of the hour because the only way to prevent your gutters from clogging is by installing a gutter guard. One cannot anticipate the incoming of adverse weather conditions, they are expected to take place without any prior warning and humans have no control over it. But one thing humans can definitely do is plan in advance and take precautionary measures in order to prevent your gutters from clogging due to adverse weather conditions. Because such weather conditions are likely to leave lots of dirt and debris behind which could eventually end up blocking your gutters. The only way to save your gutters from clogging is installing gutter guards in your home. 

Suppose if you do not have gutter guards installed in your home then you will have to spend time cleaning your gutter yourself or hire professionals for the same which could be costly provided you have to get it done on a regular basis. So the best way is to install gutter guards in your home so as to avoid the accumulation of dirt and debris and eliminate the need of having them cleaned again and again. 

Below given are some top benefits of gutter guards:

Avoid pest infestation:

  • Pests usually choose to make their homes in the gutters. Especially birds, mice and spiders they are most probably seen making their habitat in the gutters.
  • Due to stagnant water in the gutters these pests are attracted more as a result they try to make their way into your home. In order to avoid such a situation it is better that you get gutter guards installed because that won’t allow standing water hence, no pest infestation. 
  • In addition to that, gutter guards act as a barrier to birds, mice, spiders and other pests and doesn’t allow them to clog your gutter. 

 

Avoids clogging of gutters:

  • Gutter guards aid in avoiding the clogging of gutters. No one has control over adverse weather conditions. You may never know when heavy rains, breeze or storms would take place. But one thing is for sure that they would leave a hell lot of dirt and debris behind which could result in blocking of your gutters. 
  • But if you have gutter guards installed in your home then you do not have to worry about any such thing because they won’t allow your gutters to get clogged due to dirt and debris. 

 

Save you from spending additional money and time:

  • If you do not have gutter guards installed in your home then you yourself have to take care of cleaning your gutters which is obviously a very time consuming process or you have to hire professionals to get it cleaned on a regular basis which is definitely going to be costly. 
  • But with gutter guards you do not have to worry about any such thing because they won’t allow any sort of dirt and debris to get accumulated and clog your gutter. 

 

Basically gutter guards act as a shield against all sorts of dirt and debris which might end up blocking your gutter and that’s why it is important to get these guards installed in your home.

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Three roof components new homeowners should check while buying.

If you’re currently on the lookout for a new home, you’re indeed in for a journey. You would’ve to evaluate different home options, assess your budget, account for different expenses, and finally check out the home’s condition. The last step has critical value in determining your comfort and ease while living in the new property. If there are some major damages, you would’ve to spend time and money just to get the home back in good shape. An essential part of any property is the roof. While people evaluate the flooring, plumbing, or wiring, they can miss out on the roof’s condition. That can cost them a lot in the future. 

The roof of the house is what’s protecting you from all the foreign particles, dust, insects, etc. If there is acute damage, you need to hire a roofing contractor now to resolve the problems. It’ll be a much better option than ignoring the repairs and further increasing the damage. So, if you’re thinking of buying a new home, checking out the roof should be on your checklist. A better alternative is to hire an expert to assess the damages and tell you about the overall expenses. Let’s look over the three key components of the home’s roof you should check before buying a new property:

Cracks or Rotting 

A roof with cracks can make your life difficult while living. Rainwater could get in along with dust and dirt. It can harm your interiors, too, if the cracks become larger and prominent. Also, a rotting roof indicates another big expense coming your way. If the rot has affected the roof, you would’ve to opt for a total replacement which costs a lot. Furthermore, this can increase your total expenses if you’re planning to move into your new home. So, you should find an expert and evaluate the roof condition to check for any cracks or rotting signs. If they are present, negotiate the house value and bring down the cost.

Gutter or Eavestrough

Eavestrough in a home’s roof collects and discharges the rainwater away from the house’s roof. It keeps away the water from staying there through downward pipes and collects them for use. You should check the Eavestrough condition while checking out a home’s roof. If they are damaged, the water might drip right into the walls and damage them. Furthermore, it can cause mold and rot in the pipes or gutters if the water is stagnant. Ensure that you keep them clean and hire for Eavestrough repair services if they’re not in good shape. Get an expert to assess the condition before buying your new house.

Soffit and Fascia

Soffit and fascia can impact the exterior look of your home. They are both a part of the Eavestrough system and help ensure that it works correctly. Fascia is the horizontal face, while soffit is the underside. Ensure that you assess their condition and potential damages before putting in an offer. You can negotiate for roof damages and bring down the quote from the seller by communicating about such damages.

eavestrough repair
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Three roofing components you should check before putting in an offer for a house

You have to do hundreds of things before choosing a new home to live in. Comparing costs, seeing properties, checking the houses for damages, negotiating, mortgage, etc., are only the major ones. You also need to consider whether it would be the right neighborhood and home for your future needs. For example, if you’re planning on having kids and increasing your family, you should look for a bigger house than now. It should also be near a good school and have access to every primary facility within a short distance. Once you find a perfect home for every aspect of your life, you should start checking it thoroughly. 

You cannot skip checking a new property for structural damages before putting in an offer. It can help you to bring down the cost substantially and negotiate with the seller. You need to hire experts who can check everything from the flooring to the roof. During this, people often miss checking the roof for damages. It leads to a high cost later, which can affect your budget. Hire a reputed roofing contractor to get everything checked. Let’s look over which roofing elements you should check before buying a new property:

Roof damage and mold

You should begin by getting an expert to check the actual roof for damages. If you can easily spot cracks and open areas on the roof, it might be better to get an expert. They can check it for mold, and if spotted, it might be present all inside the property. The mold can weaken the roof, and you may need a complete replacement before moving in. It would be a significant expense, and that’s why it’s better to find out about it before buying. You should begin the work now and get started with the inspection. 

Eavestrough 

Your roof’s eavestrough plays a significant role in preventing water damage stains and protecting the roof. It collects the rainwater and directs it down away from home. If the eavestrough is damaged, the water would splash right onto your home and damage the roof and exterior walls. It would also leave water stains which could affect the exterior look. You should look for an eavestrough installation company to get a quote for the replacement cost. It would help you reconsider your home offer and decide on a better quote for the house. So, get an expert now and begin the work.

Soffit, fascia, and other eavestrough components 

You also need to check every other eavestrough component, like the soffit, fascia, downspouts, and gutter guards. It may not help much in negotiation, but you could get a better idea about the repair costs in the future. That’s why you should get a roofing expert who can check the entire area. They would help spot every damage and tell you more about the costs. It’s a much better option than estimating them yourself. So, you should begin the work now and check your new house. Ensure that you get an expert for every other house component before deciding on a final offer.

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Four vital questions to ask before Deciding on a Roofing Contractor

It is accurately signified that it is essential to have a roof over you. It protects you and increases the value of your home. A well-designed roof is an integral part of the curb appeal of a home. It can attract potential buyers or scare them away if not in good shape. Apart from that, you cannot have a damaged roof as it will harm the interior of your home. Leaking rainwater and debris can get inside the house and spoil the look and integrity of your home. Also, it can damage the foundation and walls of your home if the leakage isn’t controlled adequately. If you face any such problems, it is crucial to hire a roofing contractor for your home.

A roofing contractor handles all the elements from designing the roof to eavestrough installation services. You don’t have to worry about the individual elements as the contractor can handle them all. However, you need to hire an expert and professional contractor. A newbie or amateur can do more harm to your property than you can imagine. If you are still deciding on a contractor, ask these four critical questions before hiring them:

Ask about their license, permits and insurance.

Any contractor needs to register themselves with the official body before beginning their work. You need to check out their licenses and permits before hiring a contractor. An unlicensed contractor operates illegally, and you need to stay away from them.

Insurance is crucial for a contractor and their workers. It will also help you claim compensation if your property gets damaged during the process. The workers’ compensation is also an essential element as it will compensate a worker if they face any injury while working on your property.

Ask about their previous projects and experience.

A professional contractor will deliver the results you want without compromising any quality of work. Their experience will help them anticipate any potential problems that may arise during the job and see them. A new contractor may offer low prices without the relevant expertise, but it won’t matter if the job is not adequate.

Ask and see their previous projects to get a clear idea about their experience in the field. Also, you can check up on the referrals and talk about their service.

Ask and test their knowledge about the different elements.

Roofing is a complex job with various elements. A contractor needs to be proficient in them to perform a good job and deliver the required results. You should ask the contractor about the different roof elements and their plans for them. Ask them about eavestrough installation and how are they planning to make it more attractive.

It will help you determine whether they have a plan in their mind.

Ask questions about the budget and costs.

You need to ask the potential contractor about the budget considerations and get a quote. It will help in determining the best options that fit your budget. Also, you can use this to compare the different quotes and ask them if you think their services are costlier. Their answer can help you decide whether the extra cost is worth it or not.

 

Ask these four questions before selecting a roofing contractor and begin your work.

 

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How Rain Barrels Will Benefit You By Collecting Rainwater

Water is a natural resource that human beings are exploiting at such a rate that it will soon become a scarce resource. In order to protect water, one should not waste it and opt for ways that can prevent water wastage as we are not left with much fresh water on the planet. yes, most part of the earth is covered with water, but only a minimal amount of water is fit for use. Rain is the natural source of water, and when we know how to use it properly, we can benefit from it. We need to opt for efficient ways to collect rainwater so that we can use it. One can collect rainwater in rain barrels. They are systems that will collect rainwater from the roof to use in the future. This is an effective way to collect the water from the natural source. We can reduce the amount of water that flows from our property using it for other purposes.

There are more benefits for a rain barrel that are as follows:

 

Saves Money:

Having a rain barrel system on your property will reduce your water bills, eventually saving you money. Make a list of the things that use water—washing dishes, clothes, cars and bikes, bathing, cooking, watering the plants etc. We use the tap water for all these things whereas we can wash vehicles and water the plants with rainwater. Once the rainwater is collected in the barrel, we can use the water for plants for cleaning vehicles and outside of the house.

Reducing the runoff:

When rainwater flows, it takes all the soil and debris along with it blocking the mainstream. This water will flow in the streams, and with all the dust, leaves, pesticides and other things, it will contaminate them as well. Rainwater will help to reduce this runoff as all the rainwater will now be collected in the barrel. This water can be further used for different purposes without you spending extra on the water bills.

Healthy plants:

Rain, being a natural source of water, is good for your plants. Rainwater contains all the essential minerals that the plants need to grow, whereas the tap water has been filtered for safe drinking and lack those minerals. You will see the difference between the plants that are nourished with rainwater and the ones with tap water. You will get healthier plants that are getting all the essential minerals for their growth just because you took the right decision of using barrels in the first place.

Prevents soil erosion:

When the water flows down from the roof to the ground, it erodes the soil. The topsoil is important for plants to grow and is also essential for the foundation of the house. Soil erosion is the biggest problem we have to deal with, especially for plants in the garden. Plants grow in soil, and if the soil does not hold the roots firmly, the plant will not grow. In order to ensure better growth of the plants, we need to prevent soil erosion. Collect the rainwater in a barrel, and you will get the solution for soil erosion.

 

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Safety concerns while building the roof of your apartment

Building the house is a fantasy for everyone. We give our heart and soul to creating the home of our dreams. It takes hands to construct the place, but only love can make it a desirable home. It is the place where the story of our life begins and where we live the most precious time of our life with our loved ones. The cost of building the house always goes above the estimated cost. Building the house is a very complex task as it requires a wide range of things. Choosing the right team of builders and house constructors is the essential component of building the house. While making the house, it is our obligation to look after our safety and the safety of the people working on the roofing project. Workers are exposed to various types of risks and injuries while they perform the work on the roof. Roof safety is the list of preventative and safety measures that the workers must undertake while performing the rooftop’s repairs. Roofing is the most dangerous and daunting task and can lead to many accidents. Having knowledge about the roof hazards can help us prevent them by taking necessary precautions. So here is a list of standard rooftop safety measures which must be undertaken:

  1. Stability of the roof: it is crucial to check whether the roof is stable enough to walk over it. If the roof is unstable, there may be a risk of collapse, leading to injury.
  2. Installation of the ladder: This the common cause of fatal accidents. The placement of the ladder should be done correctly so that person doesn’t slip off. If possible, there must be someone holding the ladder while the worker is climbing it. The head of the ladder should be tied to the roof so that the ladder should not shift from the place. Wood and fiberglass ladders are safer to use in the process of construction.
  3. Remove the clutter from the work area: It is essential to keep the work area clean and organized. Only the required equipment and the materials must be held on the site. Ensure you have collected the debris to one side so that it doesn’t block the workers’ way.
  4. Weather conditions: Noting the weather forecast and them doing the work accordingly is essential. You should avoid working in extreme weather conditions as there are various risks involved. If there is any chance of rainfall or snow to occur, the work must be postponed to avoid any mishappenings.
  5. Proper training: You need to undergo training before you start with any roofing project as it will teach you how to guard yourself against potential hazards. The appropriate use of the equipment pieces is also acquired in training as going for the roofing is a perilous job.
  6. Holes in the roof: Assuring that there are no holes in the roof is essential to avoid the risk of falls. The top should always be checked for skylights that are not covered. This can be easily avoided by staying cautious at work.
By blogger Construction • General Information 0 Comments

Benefits of Installing Soffit System

For a homeowner, the stability and security of a home often takes precedence over beauty and aesthetic. While most people tend to focus on installing security systems, CCTV cameras, window shutters and so on, the integrity and protection that your roof needs is often overlooked. This can be quite detrimental, since the roof of your house is the first line of defence against most natural agents like wind, water, heat and hail. This is where a soffit system comes in handy.

A soffit system is installed on the underside of the overhanging section of a roof. This structure ensures the stability of the roof and also makes your house look nicer. We shall look at the various benefits that come with installing a soffit system in your house.

 

  1. Protects the roof.

Any effective roofing system needs to have soffit installed to protect its structural integrity. The roof bears the brunt for most of the damages that is borne by any structure; hence it needs adequate support and stability to not come crumbling down. Installing soffit system ensures that the underlying rafters are not damaged by rain, heat or snow, this protecting your home.

  1. Easy to maintain.

You may think that installing another home system will be extra work in terms of money and maintenance, but you will be shocked to hear the prices for these installations as well as their easy upkeep. Soffit systems do not require any cleaning or maintenance, and are cleaned only once a year, if not less. They are not suited for replacement very soon since they last for very long.

  1. Roof insulation.

Soffit systems also act as roof insulation in cold winter months. They are designed to conceal the ventilation of rooms and they help to keep away moisture. This combined action enables the system to act as a source of insulation for the roof.

  1. Reduce expenses on utilities.

You may end up spending a large amount on your energy bills every month, simply because your home loses too much heat or cold which makes you overwork your heating and cooling systems. Installing a soffit system ensures that the loss of energy from your home is minimised, making you save on utilities.

  1. Increases resale value.

Anyone looking to buy a home would prefer one that has all necessary systems such as soffit, installed in advance. You can get a guaranteed return for your investment if you decide to sell your house with soffit installations in the near future.

  1. Aesthetic appeal.

Overhanging roofs look very aesthetic and vintage, but they have beams underneath them, which can dampen the overall appeal of your house. Installing a soffit system under the roofing will make your house look more ornate and beautiful by concealing these beams.

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What Are The Benefits of Installing Exterior Shutters?

In most old styled homes, shutters on the windows provide a sense of security and protection, in addition to enhancing the aesthetic of the home. Exterior shutters serve a multitude of functions which makes them relevant and popular even today. Due to their versatility in style and purposes, they can work with any kind of architectural design. Read on to know why exterior shutters are beneficial even today.

 

  1. Privacy

Windows are meant to provide you with a space of your own without any outside influence. Installing exterior shutters can give you complete privacy. There are a range of styles and designs for you to choose from, where you can find the right exterior shutter for your house that goes with the architecture, improves aesthetic and also gives you complete privacy in your space.

  1. Protection

Since most windows are made of glass, they do not always offer complete protection against rain, heat and cold. Moreover, over time, continued exposure to natural elements can damage the glass. It is easier to break into homes by breaking windows. Installing exterior shutters (usually made of basswood) resists heat of the sun, damage caused by rain, snow and hail and is physically much stronger and offers more impact absorption, making it harder for burglars to break in. Thus, not only does it increase aesthetic, it is also practical.

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Exterior shutters on windows provide an additional layer of insulation in cold winter months. They can help regulate the temperature indoor by blocking cold winds. In summer, it does not allow excess heat to enter the house. To an extent, exterior shutters are also useful in insulating from noise, in case you live in a noisy neighbourhood.

  1. Ventilation

This is another benefit that comes with installing external shutters. They can allow the hot air to escape from indoors and act as vents, especially if they are installed at a height. This is especially useful in small spaces like the attic, basement and storage areas.

  1. Controls sunlight.

No one likes to be woken up earlier than usual by sunrays streaming across their face. It is aesthetic and maybe a tiny bit romantic? Yes, but not every single day. By installing exterior shutters, you can regulate the amount of sunlight that enters your room. Shutters keep out sunlight in a much more affordable way than other window installations. Since you can control the amount of light in your room, you also can protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

  1. Curb appeal.

Finally, exterior shutters will give your home a vintage look, in addition to providing security, protection, ventilation and privacy. Installing them automatically makes your property look brighter and more refined, which enhances market value once you decide to sell your house.

By blogger Do It Yourself • General Information 0 Comments

Helpful Tips to Take Care of Home’s Foundation

For any house foundation is the most crucial yet overlooked part. Many homeowners just focus on visible components of the house to make it attractive. They don’t pay attention to the foundation until something serious happens. But, it is something that should not be forgotten because the entire house stands on it. Remember, ignorant behavior can lead to the failure of the whole structure of your home. Thus, it is imperative to get timely foundation repairs done.

 

Keep gutters in a healthy state – Gutters play a vital role in the maintenance of the foundation of the home. If your gutters are not clogged or damaged, only then you can expect your foundation to be in sound condition. The rain water that moves towards the foundation of your house can be prevented if you have professionally installed and well-maintained gutters at your home. Gutters can deflect rain water falling from the roof, which protects the ground from getting wet and this, in return, prevents foundation weakening or damages. So, it is highly recommended to hire gutter repair experts on time if you notice a leakage or any issue with them. If needed, get the gutter system replaced so that the structure and foundation of your house stay in the right condition.

 

Plant trees away from your home – It is suggested to plant trees away from the house because otherwise, the roots of trees will compete with soil for moisture. This can lead to uneven settling of the foundation, and cracks can be formed. For this reason, it is advised to plant trees and shrubs away from home.

 

Maintain good moisture levels – Keep a check on the soil around your house and make sure that it does not get too wet or too dry. As the moisture level changes, the soil expands and contracts that causes cracks. To avoid cracks and to ensure that moisture levels remain perfect, have an automatic lawn sprinkler installed in your garden. Sprinklers sprinkle only the needed amount of water, and in case of the rainy season, it does not sprinkle water. Thus, an automatic sprinkler can prove to be extremely helpful in maintaining right moisture levels.

 

Perform annual plumbing checks – Plumbing issues are also among the common reasons for foundation damage. Plumbing problems can lead to seepage of water underground that further damages the foundation of the house. Thus, to protect your home’s base, it is recommended to hire professional plumbers if you notice leaks or cracks.

 

Ensure that your home is constructed on a fine slope – Proper slope is mandatory if you want the water to drain away from the foundation. The slope should be constructed in such a way that the water flows away from it.

 

Hire a contractor for foundation issues – Lastly, if you suspect any problems with your foundation, then prefer talking to a foundation expert. Get the condition of the foundation evaluated by the professionals so that the potential problem gets uncovered and fixed on time.