By Design 0 Comments

5 Signs That Tell It’s Time for New Gutters

When talking about the well-being of the home, gutters are an integral part. They are actually the unsung hero of the house. If maintained properly, they can go a long way and can protect you against rain and moisture-related problems. Well-maintained and high-quality gutters do last for a long time, but nothing lasts forever. Gutters also require replacement after a certain period. Read on the article to know the signs that tell its time for new gutters.

 

  1. Seam Stress –

Traditional gutters have seams after every 10 feet. Such gutters are vulnerable at the seam, where two horizontal sections meet. Signs of stressed seams includes – separating of the seams, or bending of gutters. A minor problem can be fixed by re-applying the seam, but in worse cases, there is a need of complete gutter replacement.

Nowadays, seamless gutters are easily available in the market. So, whenever you plan to get new gutters installed, make sure that they are seamless.

 

  1. Cracks in the gutter –

Small holes in the gutter can easily turn into big cracks. The cracks function as a hole at the bottom of the bucket. The water from the cracked gutter slowly seeps into the foundation of the house and weaken it. So never ignore the crack even if it is small in size. Be aware, as the cracks can defeat the purpose of the drainage system. Call the expert and get the new gutter installed on time.

 

  1. Peeling of the paint –

Trust me on this; if your gutters are not functioning up to the mark, then they can seriously ruin the paint of your house. Keep a check on the paint of exterior siding of the house. If it has peeled away, then the possibility is there that the nearest gutter is not in good condition. If the paint is peeling from more than one area, then not the gutter repair but its replacement is required.

 

  1. Mildew –

If you ever find mold or mildew in an area that used to remain dry earlier then damaged gutter is most likely the cause. If this problem persists there even after the repair of gutters, then it’s time to get the new gutters installed.

 

  1. Rotten wood –

If the wooden windows and doors start rotting, then moisture is the reason behind it. The wooden material slowly becomes soft, and you have to get it replaced. It will even hurt your wallet. Who likes unwanted expenditures? None! So keep a check on the gutters of the home for any leak or crack. A little rotten exterior wood element can be the cause of malfunctioning gutters.

 

If you find any of the above-mentioned signs in your house, then get the gutters checked by a professional gutter repairing company immediately.

By Design 0 Comments

9 Critical Questions to Ask While Hiring a Gutter Contractor

Are you planning to hire a gutter contractor for your new house?

If yes, then make sure you hire only an experienced and professional gutter contractor. To ascertain that you hire experts, the following are the questions that you should never forget to ask.

 

  1. Do you have a license?

Having a license is proof that the company is allowed by authorities to extend particular services. You can even rely on the company easily if they are licensed.

 

  1. Are you insured?

Prefer hiring a company that is insured; it is a sign of professionalism. You will be protected from any unwanted financial exposure in the future if they have insurance. So don’t forget to ask about the insurance papers.

 

  1. Can you provide any references?

If the gutter installing company is experienced, then they will surely have references from the previous projects. And a company who believes in providing high-quality services to their customers will never hesitate in giving references. You can check the reviews of their past clients on their website or social media accounts.

 

  1. In how much time the job will be completed?

Most of the gutter installation projects get completed in a day. But you should know this thing beforehand about how much time the company is going to take. Also, don’t forget to ask about the rescheduling procedure in case of bad weather.

 

  1. Can you provide a cost estimate in writing?

A professional contractor will never say no to this question. He will provide you the details of all the materials that will be used for gutter installation along with the costing. So if you hear a no, then move to some other contractor.

 

  1. Who will supervise the gutter installation process?

The person with whom you signed the contract might not be the one who will be present on site. So, don’t forget to ask about the project supervisor. After all, he is going to work at your place. If possible, meet that person. The behavior and communication skills of the supervisor will let you know if he is trustworthy and professional or not.

 

  1. Will you use seamless gutters?

If the answer is yes, then make sure that the distance between the adjacent seams is not less than 10 feet. Lesser the seams, lower will be the chance of leaks to form.

 

  1. Do you provide a warranty for your labor and products?

Find a contractor who is ready to stand behind the work of labors. A well-reputed company will always have well-trained and trustworthy staff. Furthermore, don’t forget to ask about the guarantee of the products that will be used. If possible, get it in writing.

 

  1. Do you install gutter guards?

Gutter guards are really important if you don’t want to clean the gutters more often. Guards prevent leaves and debris from sliding into the gutters.

By Aluminum Siding • Design 0 Comments

7 Popular Types of Exterior Siding For Your Home

It is essential to pay attention to the type of siding you choose for the exterior of your home. It should coordinate with the design of your home. For example, installing expensive wooden siding on the house which is in front of the beach will never be a good idea, as it will expose the property to the elements of the sea.

The lifespan of siding varies depending on the climate of the area where you live. So be very cautious in choosing the siding for your home.

Following are the seven popular types of exterior siding that you can consider for your home exterior –

 

  1. Vinyl Siding –

The vinyl siding is composed of PolyVinyl Chloride and is available in a variety of colors and textures that can mimic like wood shingles, wood grain, and stone. The panel is installed using nails. It is very easy to handle and can installed very quickly. Thus, it reduces labor costs.

Two significant advantages of vinyl siding for which it should be considered are

  1. i) it is inexpensive
  2. ii) It never needs painting

 

  1. Aluminum Siding –

Aluminum siding is similar to vinyl siding, and it is tough to spot the difference between the two without touching. Depending on the temperature, it has a tendency to expand and contract. The good thing about aluminum siding is that it can be painted and experts suggest that it should be done using oil-based paint only. Additionally, they provide an excellent waterproofing facility if installed properly.

 

  1. Wood Siding –

It is produced in a variety of types such as shingles, clapboards, lap or shake. Its finishing can include paint, stain or sealants. It is suggested to do priming at the back and sides of the wood, so that water should not seep into the wood. Wood is a good alternative to make the home look beautiful, but it can rot easily and require high maintenance.

 

  1. Stucco Siding –

There are different methods for applying stucco, but the hand-troweled way is considered best. It can be rough or smooth. To make sure that water does not seep under the plaster, it has to be watertight. Otherwise, the material will be separated from the home. Though it provides unique aesthetics to the house, it demands high labor-cost.

 

  1. Stone Siding –

Stone siding can be natural or artificial. Artificial stone are light and can be installed easily. Still, it is considered expensive than all the other siding options available. Synthetic stone siding is less sound than natural stone.

 

  1. Log Siding –

It can make your home look like a log home. It is available in quarter logs and half logs. Some log sidings are also available in steel or vinyl and look like wood.

 

Now, you might be having clarity regarding types of siding available in the market for the exterior of your home. But be choosy in making selection of the siding.

By Aluminum Siding 0 Comments

3 Helpful Tips to Find an Appropriate Siding for Your Home

A home is undoubtedly an individual’s most prized possessions. With all the time, money and efforts of a homeowner directed towards its maintenance, the wish is to keep the home look new as ever.

However, talking in practical terms, the wear and tear a house encounters is inevitable. The exterior of your house takes the most beating from the inclement weather conditions and heavy sunlight. These inescapable outdoor elements affect the property’s overall structural integrity demanding the homeowners to be extra careful when choosing the types of paint, gutters, and sidings.

Selecting the right type of siding is a crucial aspect of building a house. It not only improves the curb appeal but is also acts as a first line of defense against the outdoor elements. Sidings are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and materials and you may have a difficult time determining which one is appropriate for you.

However, with these three tips, you can make quick decisions as to what siding option will best suit your needs –

Gather Knowledge of Siding Materials

When you explore the market, you will come across a lot of options like vinyl, brick, stone, aluminum, and stucco with each one of them having their own set of pros and cons. Vinyl is the most popular choice as it is affordable, has a long life and is really easy to install. Brick is the choice since ancient times because of its robustness and ability to withstand extreme weather. Wood is also durable and visually appealing but demands a high degree of maintenance.

Therefore, when you are done with evaluating the merits and demerits of these materials, it becomes easier to shortlist the siding that will be perfect for your home’s exterior.

Consider the Weather Conditions

While it is natural to get inclined towards an option based on its design and color, the type of weather conditions it is going to bear should never take a back seat. So, it is important that you take into account the climate you live in and then choose a suitable siding.

The siding you pick should be able to withstand everything from high humidity levels and rains to hot temperatures and scorching sun. There should be enough protection against harmful UV rays as well.

Calculate the Overall Expenditure

You get what you paid for. Some siding options are low cost while some can cost you hundreds of dollars. Hence, you need to have a pre-determined budget in your mind to make sure all your expenses are in alignment with it and you don’t end up spending more than what you desire.

And it is not only the buying costs that one has to consider, you also need to evaluate the level of maintenance required for the siding to be able to calculate the final costs.

 

By Design 0 Comments

The Benefits of Rain Barrels

Collecting rainwater can be of great help to do so, one can use rain barrels. Rain barrels are containers that capture and stores rainwater from your rooftop. These barrels come in various shapes and size and is capable of storing 50 to 80 gallons of water, it also comes with a spigot that fills the watering cans. It is an excellent way of conserving water if you combine it with appropriate plant selection. Your home, garden, as well as the community as a whole, is benefitted from rain barrels. However, there are a few specific benefits, and they are as follows:

MONEY SAVER

Since rain barrels help store a lot of water, many homeowners save money on their water bills. Right from the garden to lawn irrigation, homeowners need gallons of water to make their plants survive the heat during summers, and by using rain barrels, they can save up to 1300 gallons of water during such seasons. You can further connect multiple barrels at the same time to capture rainwater. With rain barrels you no longer need to be dependent on the city’s water supply as it provides you with a free water source for irrigation.

HEALTHY PLANTS AS WELL AS SOIL

Tap water contains various inorganic ions and fluoride compounds that accumulate a lot of soil over time, which in turn harms the plant roots and micro-organisms present in the ground. But there is no such additives in rainwater like tap water. Hence, this helps the plants in your garden to grow as it cleans the salt build-up in the soil, it is very beneficial to plants as it provides them an apt environment that promotes root development.

REDUCES RUNOFF

Rain barrels are a great way to reduce the flow of storm runoff. During rain, runoff tends to pick up all the dirt, soil, oil, pesticide, and other toxic materials from hard surfaces to landscapes. Storm runoff doesn’t get treated and hence directly flow into streams, lakes and other freshwater bodies. This increases algae growth and endangers aquatic life. Furthermore, a lot of people go scuba diving as well as other recreational water activities in these waterbodies, growth of bacteria and algae risks their lives as well. Rain barrels on the other hand, stores water that would have swept from a hard surface to landscape, thereby minimizing runoff pollutants.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Now that you understand the significant benefits of a rain barrel, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Make sure that your rain barrel has a proper screen that separates debris out from the water. Furthermore, ensure that your barrel is appropriately covered and has a tight connection, which further prevents all sorts of mosquito breeding and algae buildups. In case you are concerned about roof contaminants, then it is recommended that you must empty the first collected rainwater. Also, do not use a rain barrel if your roof contains asbestos.

Lastly, your garden plants and soil can love rainwater, but it is not suitable for human consumption. So do keep that in mind.

By Design 0 Comments

5 Signs you Need to Replace your Soffits and Fascia

When you buy a new house, you are darn excited about everything. However, just because your house is all new, that doesn’t mean that you would pay attention to regular maintenance and repairs. It is said that you must keep a small amount each year for home repairs.

Home repairs may include trimming trees, replacing windows, indoor carpeting, etc. But with such maintenance, you must also pay attention to your rooftop. Soffits and fascia are key elements of your roof, and they bear the heat, rainwater, storm, debris, animals, etc. all throughout the year, so it becomes imperative to make repairs time and again. However, how will you realize that your soffit and fascias need repair? Here are five signs that you should keep an eye out for.

SIGNS OF UNINVITED GUESTS

This usually occurs during cold winter months, your home acts as a beacon that attracts all kind of pests. If in the middle of the night you hear weird noises from your attic then be sure that there may be an issue in your soffit and fascia. Many pests and animals build their nests in these, which only creates a lot of disturbance. So keep an eye for such signs, and attend to such issues as soon as possible as it can cause expensive damage to your roof.

YOUR PAINT IS CRACKING AND FLAKING

The curb appeal is taken note of while selling or buying a house, but it is not just that. There is more to the picture than just looking pretty, if you see that there is some sort of flaking or cracked paint in your soffits and fascia, then you should be sure about the fact that it is time for a replacement. Make sure to attend to these issues, as this problem, along with bubbles in the paint can cause water to leak into your house premises, which further develops mold.

VENTILATION

Soffits are that part of the attic which helps to provide proper ventilation. They not only provide ventilation but also limits heat and moisture to enter as well as prevents the build-up of condensation. Hence, it saves your wooden items from rotting and maintains the efficiency of air conditioners. However, if there is a problem in the soffit, then there is a big question mark on your ventilation. Questionable ventilation means that your soffit needs a repair. It is sensible to look for a professional roofing company that will help you to repair your blocked or damages soffit and fascia.

LEAKY AND WOBBLY GUTTERS

The gutter helps to channel water outside the house, this further saves water from entering the foundation of your home. However, if you have leaky gutters, then it is time to invest in new soffits and fascia as they are the support system of your gutters and any damage in fascia or soffits will make your gutters of no use.

CHANCE OF ASBESTOS

Last but not least, asbestos is a very harmful and dangerous material; if you suspect the presence of this material, then call for professional help as soon as possible and get your fascia and soffits replaced. Experts will be able to examine your home and tell if it was used in your soffits and fascia. If confirmed, they will work with you for a safe removal plan.

By Eavestrough & Downpipes 0 Comments

Commercial Gutters and Downpipe Installation: Know How

 

The gutter is of prime importance. It is the main artery of the house and should be handled with proper planning and care. They help to direct toxic material and water away from the home to avoid flooding the basement or rotting soffits. In today’s time, there are different types of the gutter to choose from. There is a gutter for every kind of people. Those who want to replace gutter themselves opt for the Vinyl gutter while those who wish to hire a professional, they often tend to opt for aluminum or copper gutter. No matter which gutter you choose, you must understand the process of gutter installation as it helps you to make the best decisions for your home. The steps to install gutter are as follows:

Look Around And Measure Your House

Even before the installation starts, you must look around your house. Not every section of your house needs a gutter.

Further, you should only consider those section that is directed towards your yard or slopes that are away from your home. Water is carried to downspouts with the help of gutter, directing it outward will save your basement from flooding. Also, all the corners that are inside or on the outside must be marked carefully which will help you to buy materials that you need and will give you an idea on the gutter length.

Cutting And Joining The Gutter

If you assemble the gutter’s section on the ground, it will be easier to assemble than to collect it on the top of the ladder. Don’t butt up part together with a seam instead overlap the seams and then seal them with the help of screws and connectors. Make sure to cut the extra length of the gutter with the help of a hack saw. Further, attach the corner pieces at appropriate points to move it quickly around the house.

Adding Downspouts And Outlets

Measure the corner of the house to the center of the chosen downspout. Now with the help of a hammer and a hole saw, or chisel carves a round hole in the gutter for a downspout outlet. Once done apply gutter sealant to the flange of the downspout outlet. Then screw the outlet to the hole in the gutter.

Install Trim Or Fascia Board

Many houses are already equipped with a trim or a fascia board under the roof tiles. So check it beforehand and replace if necessary. In case it is absent make sure to buy one and attach it. Also, color and prime the board before you hang the gutter. Temporarily screw the gutter with the fascia board and install hanging brackets onto the gutter. Later, raise the gutter, tighten the brackets by screwing through the fascia and into the rafter tail.

Finish By Hanging Gutter Sections

Finish the gutter job by hanging the downspouts. Attach the downspouts to the wall. If you can’t find U-shaped brackets, make them from sections of the downspout. Always remember to make it sloping this helps eliminate standing water that can cause corrosion and leak through the seams.

When you install gutter, always be careful as slightest of mistake could lead to a lot of damage during heavy-rainstorm. The wind could make it lose and that can lead to creating puddles. When you do not have an idea on gutter installation, you should always seek the help of a professional gutter installer as when a gutter is installed well, it protects your house from water damage for years to come. Also, for a long-lasting gutter, make sure to clean it often. There are a lot of companies that specialize in gutter-cleaning, they can be hired to avoid clogged gutters and plugged downspouts.

 

By Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

What is Downspout Disconnection and Why Do It?

Areas of Canada like Toronto and Mississauga have serious flooding issues. Hence, to mitigate the flood damage, the local government has taken various measures, one of which is the downspout disconnection from sewers and storm drains. Even though the benefits of such disconnection is unclear but yet it is wise to do so. In this article you will understand what precisely is a downspout disconnection and why should you do it?

WHAT IS DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION?

You install gutters in your home to manage the flow of water down your roof. Your eavestroughs of the house are connected to downspouts, and this downspout channels the water off your roof. There are downspouts in some homes that release the water into the ground while there are some downspouts that discharge water to local storm drains or sewers.

The process where you disconnect downspout from a municipal wastewater drainage systems is known as downspout disconnection. This process is nothing but disconnecting the downspout from the pipe that runs into the ground.

WHY IS DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION NECESSARY?

Firstly, like already discussed that it is necessary as it is a program that has been run by the government and anyone who doesn’t follow will be subjected to a fine. So All the houses need to comply with this program, exceptions are always there.

IMPORTANCE OF DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION

The process of downspout disconnection has been identified as one of the most essential measures to prevent flood damage. It saves the local drainage system, if you allow it to drain into the local waterways, then it can expose your house as well as neighborhood to basement flooding. Further contaminating the local streams, river, and lakes.

The local sewer and drains can handle only a certain amount of water. Times when you encounter heavy rain and snow melting, the local sewer and drainage get overwhelmed with a lot of water. This overflow can drain people’s homes and mix contaminated water with domestic water.

Hence the connection of downspouts leads to such problems. But if you disconnect the downspout, then you will be able to take some stress off the drainage system and direct the water towards the ground where it is absorbed by the local water table.

THE ACTUAL PLACE TO RELEASE WATER

Once the downspout disconnection takes place, you have to direct the water away from your house to protect it from water damage. So with utmost care attach an elbow as well as an extension that steers the water away from your home. The length of the extension is about six feet. However, in all this do notice that the water is not emptying into your neighbor’s property. If it does then, it may cause havoc in the entire neighborhood.

Downspout disconnection is not a very costly affair, but it depends on the work needed. Some may need less work while some needs more work. In case you are hiring a professional, make sure that they are licensed one and abide by the professional standard of work.

By Uncategorized 0 Comments

Things to Consider Before Installing Your Gutter System

One of the most important and often ignored parts of your home is the gutter system. This is an essential safety feature of your home as it collects the rainwater and safely directs it down to the ground, away from the foundation of the house. Despite the fact that gutters play an important role, most homeowners fail to pay attention to their health.

Just like other parts of your home, rain gutter also deteriorate over time due to the changing weather or a lack of routine maintenance. When the gutter system of your home fails, it becomes necessary to repair or replace it. Unlike other projects, gutter installation is not a DIY job because it’s a very complex process that demands time and proper skills. For this reason, it becomes necessary to hire a professional to install or repair your gutter system.

If you’re facing any issue with your rain gutter, here are some important tips to keep in mind as you begin the rain gutter installation process.
Select Right Material and Make a List

You need to consider the material to be used for your rain gutter system. You can select the material according to your budget and needs. You will find numerous materials for rain gutters on the market and each material has its own benefits and downsides. For a perfect rain gutter installation, the most commonly used materials are galvanized steel, copper, aluminium, and stainless steel. Both stainless steel and copper are durable and don’t rust, but these materials are expensive. Aluminium is the most popular option because of its durability and lightweight. Once you choose the right material, compile a list of everything you will need to complete the job.

Gutter Size and Position of Downspout

Another important consideration is the size of the rain gutter that needs to be calculated according to your city’s rainfall intensity. To determine the right size of the gutter, find out the square footage and slope of your roof. You can do this easily by using an online gutter-sizing calculator or consulting a gutter installation professional. In addition to this, you’ll also need to determine the position of your downspout.

Choose Accessories Wisely

When you think of accessories, you might think of fancy items used for making rain gutter look attractive. But in reality, accessories play various important roles. You can invest in accessories that are used for preventing gutter clogs that are caused by leaves and debris. In addition to this, rain chains are quite useful as downspouts.

Ensure Proper Maintenance

No doubt proper installation of rain gutter is crucial but maintaining it is equally important. To extend the life of your gutter system, you need to keep it free from clogs, leaky joints, flooding, and other water damages. However, if your system is not installed properly, you’ll end up spending more money on repairing costs. Make sure, it is properly sloped toward the downspout at an angle of 1/4-in to eliminate water. Moreover, it’s necessary to apply a sufficient amount of sealant inside the gutters.

By Construction 0 Comments

5 Signs of Damaged Soffits and Fascia That Needs Replacement

If you think soffit or fascia just add an aesthetic appeal to your home, you’re absolutely wrong! There’s no doubt that soffits and fascia gives a more finished look to your home, but these key elements of your roof also perform some serious functions. Both these parts of your roof are responsible for keeping out water, rodents, and debris from your home.

You can find soffit located beneath the rafter rails while fascia is the board present at the end of the rafters (between the roof edge and the gutter). The function of fascia is to support your gutters on the side of your roofing, while soffit, on the other hand, provides proper attic ventilation and prevents entry of outside elements. In view of the functions performed by both these parts of your roof, it becomes necessary to maintain them.

After some years of installation, soffits and fascia start deteriorating if not maintained properly. It’s good practice to keep checking the signs of damage so that you can repair soffit and fascia on time and save your roof and money in the long run. To help you maintain the health of your roof, here we have listed the common signs of soffits and fascia damage. If you notice any of the below-mentioned warning sign, it time to either repair or replace your roof’s soffits and fascia.

 

  1. Peeling, Cracking or Flaking Paint

Both fascia and soffit of your roof play a functional as well as aesthetic role. If you notice peeling or flaking paint, it’s an indication of damage. Moreover, cracking paint also impacts the overall appearance of your roof. The cracks in the paint could result in leaks and water damage. So, before the problem gets serious, it’s best to hire an experienced soffit or fascia repair contractor to remove the damaged pieces and install new soffits and fascia system.

  1. Leaky Gutters

Fascia primarily provides structural support to the gutter system and prevents your home from moisture. Both fascia and soffit are extremely close to the gutter which makes them vulnerable to water damage. When gutters begin to leak, it can cause water damages to the soffit and fascia. As such, your droopy or leaky gutter is an indication of fascia replacement.

  1. Ventilation Issues

The basic purpose of installing soffits and fascia in your home is to provide ventilation to attics. Soffits not only offer proper ventilation for the attic but it also gives protection from the harsh weather and other harmful elements. A properly installed and maintained soffit will help in minimizing moisture and heat, thereby improving the efficiency of air conditioning. However, when soffits and fascia get blocked or damaged, you’ll experience problems with your home’s ventilation. If you’re facing any such ventilation issue, it’s time to call a professional for help. The soffits and fascia contractors will inspect the condition of your soffits and fascia to determine whether you need repairing or replacement.

  1. Pests and Rodents

If you find annoying pests or rodents in your home, it’s a sign of a problem with roof’s soffits and fascia. Both these components of your roof are designed and installed in a way to keep bugs, rodents, and pest out of your home. However, when there’s a problem in your soffits and fascia system, these pesky creatures may find their way into your home and damage your roof.

  1. Check Asbestos

Asbestos is not only extremely dangerous to your health but also cause severe damages to your roof. Any sign of asbestos in soffits and fascia should never be avoided. In addition to this, you should also look for water in the roof void. To prevent damages, it’s recommended to check your soffits and fascia to make sure there’s no water leak in your roof void.