5 Benefits of Hiring Contractors Rather than DIY for Siding Repairs

Every homeowner understands the importance of repairing or replacing the old and worn out siding. Siding replacement and repairs are, in fact, one of the major home improvements for a solid return on investment year after year. It is seen that when it comes to home improvement, most projects begin with a do-it-yourself or DIY idea. Today, almost all possible information is available online which makes it tempting to just take the DIY route with everything. However, unlike other DIY home improvement projects, siding replacement requires professional help.

From removing the old siding, purchasing the correct materials, and performing the manual labor, there are various reasons and advantages of hiring a siding company. The home contractors are highly qualified to turn your DIY ideas into a reality while giving you peace of mind. Here are the top 5 benefits of hiring a siding contractor rather than doing the project yourself.

  1. Training and tools for the job

The perfect installation of home siding requires proper training and knowledge. There are some manufacturers specific techniques that only certified siding companies know. Since homeowners are usually unaware of these techniques, a DIY project may result in a voided warranty or home damage. Moreover, since you don’t go around replacing siding every year, you will need to buy the required tools for the job. It will cost you more to simply purchase a new set of tools to use only once and then store them for years.

  1. Professionals are licensed to work

In order to obtain a license, the contractors are required to meet the rules and regulations put in place by the state. A license gives you a guarantee that a qualified siding contractor who is within regulations is working on your property. They are required to comply with local building codes and obtain building permits; otherwise, their license may get canceled. If you decide to perform siding installation on your own, you will need to handle a lot of legwork.

  1. Contractors are Insured

When you hire a general contractor, they’ll come with insurance- typically including general liability insurance and workers’ comp. This insurance is beneficial for you in case, something damages during the work. The insurance provides peace of mind to offset any of the damages as the contractor will be responsible to fix things. While workers’ compensation will ensure that you’re protected against liability for accidents and injuries.

  1. Extensive warranty coverage

A major drawback of DIY siding installation is warranty coverage. A DIY project will only provide you warranties on the materials. However, most of the times, the problems emerge from poor installation. If you have wrongly installed your siding, you’ll be required to fix it from your own pocket. Professionals, on the other hand, offer workmanship warranties and will stand behind the work they do. Workmanship warranties are different than the product warranty which is intended to provide you complete job satisfaction.

  1. Safety

Not every DIY project is safe for you, especially those home improvement projects that require climbing on a ladder. Replacing home siding means working on a high raised surface and using heavy duty power tools. The siding contractors have received proper training to perform these tasks and they’re equipped with latest, expensive safety tools as well.

Preventative And Maintenance Tips For Your Gutters

A fully-functioning gutter system installed in your house is essential for the safety, the well being, and the sanitation of your household. In order to maintain these safety parameters, you have to ensure to put in place certain initiatives that would keep your gutters in optimal shape for an extended period of time.
The following paragraphs list the most common and effective measures to keep your gutters in the best shape possible.

Clean Your Gutters Regularly
One of the primary measures that can be taken by you for gutter protection is to make sure that you clean them regularly, preferably at least once a month. Measures like tree trimming or even installing special gutter protections might be too costly. If you are looking for a short-term and proactive measure to counter the effects of the weather and other elements on your gutters, it is advised that you clean your gutters of all the leaves and debris at regular intervals. This at-home cleaning solution is an assurance to lengthen the durability and the functionality of your gutters.

Consider Professional Leaf Gutter Protection
If you are willing to invest in professional leaf gutter protection, it would serve as a long-term solution for the protection of your gutters and there might even be options for products that would stop the need for gutter cleaning altogether. For this purpose, a high-quality gutter system is placed on top of your gutters so that the rainwater can be channelized in, but the leaves and debris and other elements that can cause blockage are strategically left out. However, you have to keep in mind that this is, in fact, a big investment in your part and needs to be done only by rendering the services of professional gutter cleaning companies. Nevertheless, despite the cost, such a measure would save you a great deal of time in the future.

Trim Your Trees
If your residential premises happened to have thick foliage and a considerable amount of trees on your property, you might want to employ the services of someone who can trim your trees regularly. However, if you are on a budget and cannot afford to put in the investment that it requires to have all the trees on your residential property trimmed, you can strategically trim some of the trees that are in close proximity to your gutters so that they can be safeguarded against blockages that can occur because of the accumulation of the leaves.

Keep Track Of The Weather
Lastly, be certain that you are keeping track of the weather conditions in your surroundings as they might have detrimental effects on your gutters. For instance, sudden thunderstorms which are notorious for heavy rain, as well as harsh windy conditions, can be extremely harmful to your gutters to the point where they might even get clogged. Be certain to keep track of the weather conditions, especially with regard to how fast the wind is supposed to be blowing, as strong winds can carry leaves debris, and the like and deposit them on your gutters, thereby impeding their flow and considerably reducing their functionality. Upon the passing of thunderstorms and heavy rains, you might even have to take some extra time out of your hands to clean your gutters properly.

If you are looking for a reliable name in the industry of gutter cleaning and the associated services, you can solicit the services of Century Aluminum, based in the Toronto area.

Practical Tips To Consider Before Hiring An Eavestrough Company

Home improvement and renovation jobs on your residential premises can greatly improve the quality of your living. When you hire the services of a professional home improvement contracting company, you can ascertain the quality of their work and, consequently, be certain that the project that hand will be conducted successfully. However, it is necessary to keep in mind certain parameters that are expected of a professional eavestrough company.
The following enumeration lists all the parameters that you would need to verify before you render the services of an eavestroughing company.

Considering a Company That Is Fully Insured And Licensed
When you are researching and looking into the profiles of reliable eavestrough contractors for your purposes, make sure that you are only considering to hire companies that are fully insured and which have a significant amount of liability and property damage insurance. Installing eavestrough systems and the associated jobs require a certain level of professional expertise and therefore, do include a factor of risk as well. In this manner, when you make sure that the company that you are hiring for the job is fully insured, you will be at ease pertaining to their competence and their experience in this domain. Moreover, a company that is properly insured also has the reputation of being legitimate and professional. When you interviewing the companies, be certain to ask them about the necessary documentation that would corroborate their claims of being fully insured and licensed. You will be well within your rights to be asking for evidence and any reputable eavestrough company services would be more than willing to provide you with all the necessary paperwork.

Specialized In Eavestrough Systems
Another determinant that will be acting as a filter for your search would be whether or not the company that you are looking into a specializes in eavestrough systems installations. Making sure that the company is in fact specialized in this arena would be a guarantee of the quality of their work. Not all contracting services focus on all the parts of home improvements and renovations, therefore, it would be to your advantage that you would be hiring the services of a contracting service specializing in eavestrough systems. This would also mean that they have all the necessary equipment and the knowledge to use that equipment for the project at hand.

Workmanship Warranty
It is advised that you settle down on the name of a company that offers a strong workmanship warranty. Even though many eavestroughing companies claim that they have a warranty, you would have to take the initiative to make sure that it is indeed a workmanship warranty and not just a manufacturer’s warranty. Not only is it important to have a workmanship warranty but also it is imperative that this workmanship warranty is, in fact, a strong one. This would be indicative of the company’s confidence

Essential Tips For Better Gutter Protection

Being a homeowner, you are bestowed with the responsibility of maintaining a regular upkeep routine for all the parts of your house so that every component can function optimally. Amongst these, your gutter system is a vital part. It ensures that the sewage from your house is discarded properly and contributes to the overall hygiene of the house. Without a properly functioning gutter system, you would frequently be faced with leaks and plumbing issues, even to the point of risking the safety of yourself and of your family.

Keeping your gutters clean can be a daunting task if you are unaware of the process of doing so. Inevitably, you would end up with gutters that will not be used to the fullest degree. In some cases, when the repairs and maintenance are not done with care, it could significantly shorten the lifespan of these components and gravely affect their durability. This would also lead to unnecessarily incessant repairs that could be exorbitantly expensive.

Nevertheless, there is a correct manner to undertake the maintenance of your gutters that require very little effort on your part. Enumerated below are some of these measures that will help you take better care of your house’s gutter system.

 

Inspect Your Surroundings

Before you chart any repairs or undertake any measures for your gutters, make sure that you take a look around your surroundings. If you live in an area that has an abundance of trees and other foliage, you will definitely end up with a pile of leaves on your gutters over time. These leaves, coupled with the debris and dirt, have the ability to impede the flow of the gutters and even contort their structure. Therefore, it is imperative that you talk a walk around your neighborhood and identify the potential elements that might be harmful to your gutter systems. It would also determine whether you would have a need for any leaf gutter protection.
Clean Your Gutters

If you find that regular tree trimming or the installation of special preventive gutter components are too expensive for your budget, you could invest your time in a regular cleaning routine for your gutters. Cleaning them once a month could be beneficial to keep them away from the accumulated dirt and leaves from the neighboring trees and help them stay in their topmost condition.

Trimming Trees

If you have a considerable number of trees on your property, you must make sure to hire someone to trim them regularly. Hiring professionals to trim trees can be a profitable venture in the long run, and would completely avoid a situation where you would have to clean your gutters with increased frequency.

Install Professional Leaf Gutter Protection

If you are looking for a long-term solution for the maintenance of your gutter systems, you could consider investing in a permanent solution. This would put a stop to the problem for a prolonged period of time. A high-quality gutter system would permit rainwater to seep in, but block the leaves and the other debris from entering into the system. As it is a long-term solution, this could run a little expensive at first glance; however, you would be able to save up on time and money in the future by not having to conduct as many repairs on your gutter systems.

 

If you’re looking for high-quality and affordable gutters to be installed in your house, you can rely on the name of Century Aluminum to cater to all your needs.

 

Important Eavestrough Tips and Suggestions

Rain gutters are found more and more extensively in both residential and commercial properties. A major advantage of a rain gutter installation is that it assists in channelling the flow of the rainwater in the direction of a downspout. There are many residential properties which use eater deterrent measures to avoid any damages that might be incurred due to unpredicted water flow or inclement weather conditions.

Although installing eavestroughs can be beneficial for your house to keep it in the best condition, they necessitate a regular maintenance routine to ensure their proper functioning and optimal state. This maintenance schedule is vital to evading a situation where there is overflowing drains or leaking roofs.

Enumerated below are a few tips and suggestion with regard to the installation and the upkeep of eavestroughs that will assist you in their maintenance.

 

Gutter Spikes and Rafters

Homeowners, in the majority of eavestrough installations, make use of gutter spikes in the structure to aid in the support of the gutters. However, many of them also happen to discard the idea of investing in rafters that could be advantageous for the security of the structure of your gutters for a prolonged period of time. Thereby, when you are installing gutters for your residential property, make sure that you get both new gutter spikes and rafters to ensure that there is no chance of loosened hardware or any poor drainage.

 

Old Caulking

With a long period of use, it is possible that a rain gutter might develop some leaks or start dripping water from the cracks that might have formed on the surface. As the material of the gutters will wear out gradually, your system will become more and more susceptible to the formation of these cracks. To keep these problems at bay and avoid leaking, you could use a chisel to scrape off the old caulking from the surface. Following that, you could use silicon sealing that would help prevent the water from leaking through the surface of the boards.
Rivets

Make sure that you examine the rivets that are installed in the downspout. If the gutters have been installed for a long time period of time now, there is a likelihood that the rivets would have come loose or they would have come undone completely. To counter this issue, you can use a rivet gun to fasten them to their previous position again.
Pressure Washing

Perhaps the best method to clean a gutter is to employ a pressure washer. Be certain to blow some artificial air on the surface to remove any loose particles and dried leaves from the gutter. Before you use the pressure washer, make sure that you have secured the eavestrough with screws or new spikes. If you do not have a pressure washer handy, you could use a plain garden hose and downspout with pressure for this purpose.
Replacements and Repairs

If your gutters are corroded, you can remove the rust from the surface, and then follow up by applying primer and paint. You must use a good quality rust inhibiting paint to prevent any further rushing of the surface. You could also install a splash block that will prohibit the water coming out of the downspout when you are digging a trench or laying a new foundation.

If your gutters are already too old and rusted, you must get them professionally replaced with materials like vinyl or aluminum that are not prone to corrosion.

A Guide to Siding Installations

Your house is one of the most exorbitant investments you make on your lifetime. As such, it is imperative to put in place certain measures to prolong the durability and the look of your house. The inclement weather conditions are often too detrimental to the exterior of your house, accelerating the damage and corrosion of the materials at a much faster rate. Consequently, you would have to take steps to counter these effects before the defilement to your house is too grave to be repaired. One of such measures would be to contrive a professional siding installation. Siding is a safeguard against the elemental forces of rain, extremely harsh changes in climate conditions, and UV rays of the Sun. A properly done siding would improve the capacity of your house to withstand such adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, this job must be done well by qualified contractors so as to ensure that the siding installation actually takes care of your house.

Enumerated below are a few times that will help you determine the necessary steps to be taken before a siding installation.

 

Clear the Work Area

Before you begin any siding installations on your house, you must ensure that the surrounding area is devoid of any trees or branches that would act as an impediment to the work. If you happen to have any lawn or patio furniture, garden hoses, lawn decorations, and the like, those too should be temporarily removed for the installation. The electricity that powers the outdoor lights or any other light fixtures must also be switched off and removed for the duration of the job.
The Right Material

There are a multitude of products available in the market that are directed towards varying purposes. For instance, a fiber-cement siding is employed to be insect proof, despite it not being water resistant. Plastic and vinyl sidings are economical and require very low maintenance. Steel sidings are a potential option too, thanks to its sustainability, color retentive properties, and strength. It additionally furnishes the properties of being fire, insect, and decay resistant. Their durability is much higher in comparison to aluminium, brick, vinyl, or plastic, making it extremely long-lasting.

 

Choose The Right Contractor

A good job of a siding installation is heavily dependent on settling down on the right siding contractor. They must be a team of seasoned and trained professionals so that the job is conducted with expertise, and in case of any contingencies, a solution can be arrived at the spur of the moment. Keep in mind that if this job is not done well, you will end up shelling out even more cash to cover up for the repairs and get another installation. A reliable insurance of the legitimacy of a siding contractor is their valid, state-mandated license. Make sure that you have researched and corroborated all their claims, inclusive of one regarding insurance policies and additional certifications. Be certain to go through the reviews given to them by their past clientele as well to have a better grasp over their professionalism, work ethic, and their customer service.
If you happen to be on the lookout for a reputable siding contractor in the Toronto area, you can rely on the name of Century Aluminium to dispense you an array of services in this arena at the most competitive upfront pricing.

Tips For Rain Gutter Installation

Having a viable and working gutter system is a crucial part of the sanitation of your house. It also doubles as a safety implement that accumulates rainwater and helps channelize it down to the ground instead of directing it to the foundation of your house as it might weaken and damage it. They additionally provide extra protection to the sides of your house by not letting the water on the rooftop gush down. You must make sure that the existing gutter system of your house is in its optimum state so that it is conducting its function to the fullest degree.

Nevertheless, a gutter system is not infallible. Over the course of several years, it can easily be susceptible to damage and needs to be repaired. Discarding a routine maintenance of your gutter system could also result in the plummeting of its functionality.

A rain gutter installation might seem to be an easy task, but despite its simplicity, it demands a certain level of expertise so that the installation is done properly and so that the system can actually function to its fullest capacity.

Listed below is a list of aspects that you would have to keep in mind before you go ahead with this project.

 

Initial Evaluation

Prior to the initiation of the work, there is the need for an evaluation of the overall existing conditions of your house to make the gutter system compatible. All dependable rain gutter contractors will conduct an examination of the property in question to assess the right type of gutters that would suit the property the most. Further, it is advisable that you spend a little more money to consult with a professional rain gutter contractor to gain better grounds at understanding the requirements of your house. They would be far more competent to identify and consign the right gutter system for your property. Moreover, if there are any subsequent problems with the installed gutter system, you can depend on them to come up with a solution rather than having to face additional trouble and incur supplementary repair charges.

 

Materials

A proper and functional rain gutter system entails the utilization of the right materials for your purposes. The material you would choose would depend on your allocated budget as well as your needs. Rain gutters come in a spectrum of materials. For instance, galvanized steel rain gutters are one of the more economical options and also last longer than its aluminium counterpart, but they need to be painted regularly to avoid rusting. Stainless steel is another viable option, furnishing you with the advantages of being durable and tensile, but are comparatively expensive. Aluminium ones are the list common alternative, thanks to being lightweight and thus, easy to install. However, they do not come close to the strength of the steel rain gutters.

 

Maintenance

Once the installation is over, you must make sure to routinely maintain your rainwater gutters to evade the conditions of leakage, clogging and flooding, all of which could be detrimental to your house’s foundation. You could employ the assistive of a professional rain gutter installation service to learn more about their maintenance.
If you happen to be on the lookout for a rain gutter contractor, you could consider hiring Century Aluminum to cater to all your needs.

How to Paint Aluminum Rain Gutters

It is quite a misconception that painting aluminum gutters is too demanding a task to be done by oneself. While it is true that the painting task necessitates some degree of preparation and effort, it is not out of reach of any homeowner’s capacity for exterior painting.

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Listed below are the rudimentary steps of painting an aluminum gutter unit.

 

Clean Them First

Before you start painting your gutters, make sure that you have a clean surface to work with. Washing them with a power washer is easier and more convenient and will save you more time. You could either rent a power washer or buy one at a hardware store near you. However, make sure that your gutters are not severely rusted prior to using the power washer as it can be detrimental to their condition. Stand on a secure ladder to get as close as you can to the gutters and rinse them thoroughly to remove all the dirt, debris, or flaking paint. Also make sure to get to all the corners and joints.

If you don’t have access to a power washer, you could wash your gutter unit by hand. Make a solution using mild soap and water and take a brush with gentle bristles and wash it using swirling motions.

 

Let Them Dry

Wait for a few hours to let them air dry before you paint over them. Additionally, if your gutters were infested by mold or mildew, you can add mildew retardant. You can buy this product at a hardware store or online.

 

Apply a Primer

Before painting your gutters, make sure to prime them first. For this base material, clear acrylic bonding primer will yield optimal results. Apply the primer on the dried, clean surface of your gutter thoroughly to coat them in an even layer of the primer. After that, wait for the primer to settle down and dry. As mentioned before, be certain that the surface is completely dry before you prime or paint.

 

Apply an Oil Based Enamel

After approximately 48 hours have passed, you can proceed with applying enamel. The best enamel for this material would be an oil-based high-gloss one. This enamel will add a layer that is favorable for fast rainwater flow. Once the first layer of enamel has dried down, add a second layer for extra protection.

 

Apply an Aluminum Appropriate Paint

Again, you would have to wait for 48 hours for the enamel to have dried completely before proceeding to paint the surface. Make sure that the paint you have settled on is compatible with your primer and your enamel. Select a good-quality 100% acrylic paint. This paint should be devoid of ammonia as it can react badly with the aluminum surface. You can even choose one with UV protection to minimize the risks of sun damage. Make sure you take the necessary precautions to avoid getting paint on surfaces other than your gutter. Additionally, make sure that the weather is conducive to your painting- execute this task when there is bright sunshine and pleasant breeze so that the paint dries quickly.

 

If you live in the GTA area and are in need of premium quality aluminum gutters, you can count on Century Aluminum Services to provide you with the best units and excellent customer service at unbeatable prices.

6 Things to Know About Aluminum Gutters

While installing a new gutter system, you might find it a little confusing to settle down on an option that seems to be best suited to your preferences. There are gutter systems made out of vinyl, steel, aluminum, copper, and other such materials. All these materials are made for the purpose of accommodating specialized needs of each household. Before you select any particular material, make sure that you look up their utility and functionality.

Amongst all these, the aluminum variant is probably the most universal one. Listed below are some of the advantages of aluminum gutters.

Popularity of Aluminum

Aluminum gutters are the most widely sold and bought in the market. This universality is justified by their tenaciousness and extreme durability, and they can be used for commercial, industrial, and residential units. Aluminum gutter unit also happen to be very low-maintenance in comparison to other materials.

No Rusting

Given that steel gutters are tougher than aluminum ones, the downside of this material is its heavy weight. Additionally, over time, the accumulation of leaves and debris will start corroding your steel gutter system and eventually rust over large areas, weakening the capacity of these units. Aluminum gutter units have an advantage over this drawback as they do not rust and are much lighter than the steel counterpart.

They are Customizable

Aluminum gutter are customizable to your requirements. They are available in varying gauges and thickness, thereby giving you the provision of tailoring it to match the needs of your home and the surrounding climatic conditions. This would further ensure that the gutter systems can fit all types of spaces on the roof or on the side of your house. Owing to their flexibility, aluminum gutter units can be made to fit odd angles and shapes as well, which is nearly impossible if you happen to use copper or steel gutters.

Seamless Gutter Options

The majority of homeowners have a proclivity for aluminum gutter systems in the context of seamless gutters. Aluminum works wonders to provide a seamless fit and guarantee minimal to no leaks at all. This helps in the conservation of water, also ensuring that the gutter unit abides by the safety regulations. The advantages of seamless gutters include the complete evasion of unprompted leaks, spillage, and breaks which further eliminate risks of foundation damage, basement flooding, mold and mildew, and soffit and fascia rot.

Durable & Long Lasting

Aluminum happens to be extremely durable. They are withstanding of both mild and abrasive weather conditions, including snow and hail. Moreover, they do not lose their thickness over time. These factors are important determinants of the longevity of aluminum gutter units, many of which last for decades on end. Unlike steel and copper units, aluminum gutter systems do not necessitate soldering of joints when being installed. They also hold out against thermal expansion.

Assorted Colors

Aluminum gutters are available in a wide spectrum of colors and designs to make it easier for you to choose one matching the aesthetics and décor of your house. They maintain their color well over time and are not susceptible to bleaching which is consequential to overexposure to the sun.

 

If you are on the lookout for premium-quality aluminum gutters are at competitive market prices, you can rely on Century Aluminum, active in the GTA area, for a hassle-free experience in installing your gutters.

How Do Gutters Protect Your House Value?

We all agree that the first thing people notice about a house is its exterior appearance. You might be focusing on the perfect interior design or luxurious appliances, but do not forget about the gutters. If you do not have them, install them. If you have gutters, take care of them on a regular basis. It may not seem like they are a big deal, but they do actually help to protect your property value.

Gutters will protect your landscaping, the quality of your house and the house condition during the rainy season. When the time comes for you to move to greener pastures and you need to sell the house, you will need the house to be in a great condition to get a good price. Before installing new gutters or repairing current ones, always ensure that you look for a professional who specializes in eavestroughing in Toronto to get the job done right. Here’s how gutters contribute to a better house value:

They keep your house in a good condition

Gutters will protect you from a lot of damage. You will be safe from internal seepage that will eventually lead to a flooded basement which would have led to mold formation and insect infestations such as mosquitos. You would have saved yourself and your family a trip to the hospital when your gutters are installed right. In addition, the odds of passing your home inspection are high. You will then be able to get a good price for the house.

Maintain the curb appeal of your house

When a buyer comes by, the first thing he or she will notice is the front yard. Having installed the gutters, your garden will be protected from excess water. The front walls of the house will look as good as new; flawless walls without cracks. They will send an inviting message to all and match the well-designed interiors. This is meant to dazzle any serious buyer and will help you hit your desired house price with better chances. Even with installed gutters, you need to ensure they are in a great state. Faulty gutters may ruin your garden fixtures and plants and cause paddles. It is also a health measure, as it protects you against attacks (from brutal disease bearing insects) that occur due to stagnant water.

Ensure the quality of your house

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Rain is a blessing but if you neglect gutter installation, it may turn into a curse. Water seepage has several consequences. Did you know that gutters can save your house foundation from eroding? If you have well maintained gutters you will have your foundation in rock-solid shape. Formation of cracks will also be minimal which means the house will retain its original form. You will be saved from the need to block the cracks. Indoor flooding is a great issue given that there are no outlets and can be a cumbersome affair. You will be free from that too. Moist surfaces are great conditions for growth of mold and other form of water borne bacteria. It is very unsightly but you will not have to worry since you have already ‘ducked’ that one.

Keeps your house value at the level it is meant to be

Most people tend to remodel their houses’ interiors and landscaping to match trending designs. You may also need to crank up your gutter game for your house to be one that people envy and want to have at the same time. Lead by example because you know what is good for your house and the better the state of the house, the better the selling price. So remember that whenever you want to protect your property value, gutters are a must to be installed and maintained well!