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Protect Your Gutters & Home From Heavy Rain

As the weather starts to change and we move into fall, it’s important to start thinking about how to protect your home from heavy rain. One of the main ways heavy rain can damage your home is by flooding your gutters and causing them to overflow.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to protect your gutters and home from heavy rain.

How Heavy Rain Damages Your Home and Guttering

Heavy rain can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared. If your gutters flood and overflow, the water can seep into your walls and cause severe damage. It can also lead to foundation problems and even mold growth.

Your roof can also be damaged by heavy rain as the downpour can cause leaks. If you have an old or damaged roof, the rain can easily come through and cause water damage to your ceiling and walls. In extreme cases, it can even collapse your roof.

Flooding in your basement or crawl space can lead to mold growth, rot, and structural damage. And if the water rises high enough, it can even enter your living space and threaten the health and safety of your family.

If your home is damaged due to heavy rain, it can be extremely costly to repair. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to protect your home before the rain comes.

How You Can Protect Your Gutters and Home

You can do a few things to protect your gutters and home from heavy rain. Consult a professional for these tasks to ensure your home is fully protected against the elements.

Trim Back Trees and Foliage

As the rain begins to fall, you may find yourself scrambling to clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. However, if you have trees or foliage near your home, there is another important step you should take to prepare for the rain: trimming back overhanging branches.

Overhanging branches can damage your gutters and even cause them to come loose from your home. They can also block the flow of water, causing your gutters to overflow.

Have Your Gutters Professionally Cleaned

Gutters are an essential part of the home’s drainage system. They channel water away from the foundation and prevent it from pooling around the base of the house. However, gutters can quickly become clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris from the surrounding area.

When this happens, they can no longer drain water away from the home. As a result, rainwater can spill over the edge of the gutter, causing damage to the foundation or landscaping. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to have your gutters cleaned before the heavy rains start.

Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is the best way to ensure that your gutters are clean and free of debris. They will have the necessary tools and equipment to safely and effectively clean your gutters.

Check Your Roof

An intense rainstorm can do serious damage to a weak or damaged roof. Loose or missing tiles can be easily blown away in high winds, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage. In addition, cracks and other damage can allow water to seep into your home, leading to structural problems.

If you have any cracks or damage, now is the time to get them repaired. A professional roofer can assess the condition of your roof and make any necessary repairs.

Install a Sump Pump

If you live in an area prone to flooding, installing a sump pump is an excellent way to reduce the risk of damage. A sump pump is used to pump out water that has entered your basement or crawl space, preventing it from causing further damage.

Sump pumps are typically installed in a pit on the lowest level of your home, and they are connected to a power source so that they can be used in the event of a flood. When choosing a sump pump, it’s important to select one that is powerful enough to handle the amount of water you are likely to encounter.

By taking these steps, you can help to protect your gutters and home from heavy rain. However, if you experience flooding or water damage, call a professional immediately, as this can lead to further damage if not dealt with quickly.

How to Choose the Right Roof Shingles

How to Choose the Right Roof Shingles

An asphalt shingle roof can transform your Clarksville, TN home instantly. As long as you choose the right color and style, you will love the new look. However, it is also a big investment and must be done in the best way possible. Asphalt shingles have been used for over a century in the US since their invention in 1901. They are fire-resistant and durable roofing materials. Besides that, they are beautiful and available in many colors. Before you decide on the right roof shingles for your home, here are a few things you should consider:

Style

The modern architectural shingles make it easy for homeowners to find something stylish for their roofs. You will find asphalt roof shingles that replicate the dimensions and texture of wood shingles and will give your home an excellent appearance. The architectural shingles are also long-lasting and hold up properly because they are thick and made with better construction.

There is no good or bad choice, the best style is what you find most suitable for your home. Remember, a roof is costly and something you will live with for years. If you are looking forward to choosing the ideal style, you can choose one of the three primary asphalt shingles classes:

  • Strip shingles- Strip shingles are also called three-tab shingles. They are basic style and the most common shingle style. They get their name from the shape of their cut and are a flat layer of asphalt.
  • Dimensional shingles- These asphalt shingles are called architectural shingles and are the popular roofing style for most American homes. They come with more than one layer of laminated asphalt and will create a multi-dimensional appearance that gives a natural wood-like appearance.
  • Luxury shingles- These shingles are luxury and classy laminate shingles. They withstand weather elements better than other styles and are available in richer shades, sophisticated designs, and excellent gradations. The shingles add value, beauty, and durability to a home’s exterior.

Color

The color of your roof is important and not something you can overlook. It defines the beauty of your home and not something you can quickly change like the wall colors. It also determines how energy efficient a home is. Having a black asphalt shingle roof means your hose will capture a lot of heat. A light-colored one affects the amount of heat generated by the roof.

Depending on your region’s weather, choose a roof that suits your energy savings. A dark-colored roof captures heat from the rare winter sunshine, which is common in northern states. However, having the same roof in the south will increase the power used to cool a home significantly. Other colors that you may consider are white, green, light brown, dark brown, and blue hues.

Impact Resistance

This is one of the beneficial features of asphalt roof shingles. The impact resistance is available in four levels and you can use it to measure how strong the shingles are against debris and bad weather. The strong shingles have a high rating, which is better than a lower rating. By using the highest impact resistance shingles available, you prepare your home for all weather conditions.

Wind rating

If you live in a region prone to storms and high winds or on the plains where tornados and hurricanes can occur, you must consider the wind rating of shingles. Even though the winds may take years to come, you will save a lot. No matter where your home is located, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Warranty

Most shingles manufacturers claim to offer a lifetime warranty. But, it’s not what it sounds like, the roofing parlance it’s not real life. The warranty lasts for around 10 years and after that, you are on your own. Besides that, most roofing warranties do not cover damages due to natural calamities such as a storm and high winds. You need a homeowner’s insurance to cover the costs of such repairs or pay from your pocket.

If you would like to use solar panels in the future, make sure the shingle’s warranty accepts it. Some warranties become void once you install solar panels on the roof.

After choosing the best shingles for your home, get a professional contractor to do the work. Some manufacturers will recommend credible contractors who know how to handle their products and install them perfectly.

Also, check with your homeowner’s insurance provider, they may have a good network of experienced contractors. The right company to handle the project should have at least five years of experience in the industry and an excellent reputation.

Look for local references and check if they have the required local and state licenses. They should also have active insurance certificates. Getting the right shingles for your home will not give you desired results if you hire a qualified roofing company or contractor.

Clarksville Roofing Company

Contact us today for a free roofing consultation. The Gutter Professionals is a trusted provider of residential and commercial roofing systems with years of experience.

Sagging Gutters: Causes and How to Fix Them

Do you have sagging gutters? They are more than just an eyesore. Gutters have an important job to do. When they are in poor shape, your home and property can sustain damage. Learn about the primary causes of sagging gutters and how you can correct them.

Why Are Gutters Important?

The purpose of gutters is to channel and direct water away from the foundation of your home. Rainwater can cause significant damage to your roof, home interior, and foundation.

The gutters installed along your roofline collect water runoff and direct it into the downspout and away from your house. When gutters become clogged or damaged, they fail to redirect water. Backed-up gutters and increased moisture can cause leaks, mold, and deterioration to your roof and foundation. This can lead to costly damage and make your home unsafe.
Gutters require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. You must clean your gutters periodically to remove old leaves, twigs, and other debris. This allows excess water to flow through the gutters correctly.

What Causes Gutters to Sag?

It’s normal for gutters to begin to sag over time. Gutter sag has four main causes. These are:

  • Warped material: The most common material used for gutters are vinyl, aluminum, and steel. Constantly changing temperatures from hot to cold can cause warping of the material as it expands and contracts. When this happens over some time, the gutters can become misshaped and begin to sag.
  • Clogged gutters: Failure to clean the build-up of debris from your gutters is the most common cause of gutter sag. Leaves, pine needles, twigs, and more can accumulate in the small space and prevent water from flowing through. The weight of the material trapped in your gutters contributes to the sag. The situation worsens when rain flows off of your roof and has nowhere to go.
  • Poor installation: If gutters are installed incorrectly, they are more likely to malfunction or wear out quickly. Hangers and brackets that are too far apart fail to support the gutters and cause too much stress, which causes sag. It’s also possible to use the wrong shape that doesn’t allow water to flow easily through the gutters.
  • Wrong size: The size of your gutters is another contributing factor to sagging. Most gutters are five to six inches wide, but some are as narrow as four inches. The size that you require depends on where you live and the expected weather and rainfall.

You can normally repair sagging gutters if you catch the problem early on. If you let the issue go unaddressed, it’s more likely that you will need to replace the gutters instead.

How Can I Repair Sagging Gutters?

The process required to repair sagging gutters depends on the materials and installation techniques used on your home.

Gutter Spikes

If your gutters use spikes to attach to the roof, you can use a hammer or pry bar to pull the loose spikes out. Examine each one. If they are still threaded, they are still usable. If the threads are worn or no longer visible, you must purchase new ones.
Use a screwdriver or other sturdy object to drive the new or reusable spikes through the holes and into the wooden fascia board. If the spikes seem loose at all, use a small sliver of wood coated in epoxy to fill the gap.

Gutter Brackets

Sagging gutters that use brackets to secure them require a different approach. Remove the section of the sagging gutter from the brackets and take out the screws. Fill in the holes with caulk before drilling new holes to use to reattach the brackets. If the brackets themselves are worn out or misshapen, they should also be replaced. Once you securely attach the brackets, you can re-hang the gutters.

Gutter Hangers

Another method used to attach gutters is hangers. If you have sagging gutters with hangers, you must replace the damaged hangers with new ones. Make sure to fasten them tightly to the fascia in a new section before re-hanging your gutters.

Contact The Gutter Professionals

While it’s possible to clean, repair, or even replace your gutters yourself, it’s a better idea to call a professional to ensure the job is done correctly. Unless you have a lot of experience, it’s easy to make a mistake and cause further damage or the need for more repairs and greater financial investment down the road.

The experts at The Gutter Professionals in Clarksville, TN have the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate your unique situation and make the best recommendation. They provide regular maintenance to clean your gutters and prevent further issues, as well as repairs and replacements. Contact The Gutter Professionals today to get answers to your questions or make an appointment for one of their services.

When Should I Replace My Seamless Gutters?

Repairs are always an attractive choice when your gutters have an issue. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it pays not to be wasteful. However, there comes a point when even the best seamless gutter system has outlived its lifespan and becomes more trouble to maintain than it’s worth. Maintenance issues pop up more frequently and become more extensive, and to a certain point, it’s more cost-efficient and practical to simply replace them. While you should arrange a new seamless gutter installation at the end of your existing system’s lifespan, it may be necessary to replace it sooner as well.

Seamless Gutters Lifespan

The ideal lifespan of seamless gutters varies depending on the building material. For instance, aluminum gutters should last 20+ years, but a copper model can last more than 50. However, this is assuming that the owner maintains good maintenance practices and that the climate isn’t too harsh.

Extreme heat and cold can each warp a gutter system over the course of decades. Without regular gutter cleaning, debris can create blockages that amplify the strain your system experiences any time it rains as well. When your gutters have taken too much punishment for repair to be practical, you’ll have the following signs to look out for.

Signs You Should Replace Your Seamless Gutters

There are many signs that you need to hire a contractor to handle a new seamless gutter installation for your property. While few of these issues are impossible to solve via repair instead, the dilemma isn’t whether or not the gutters are unfixable. Rather, the problem is that as time goes by, issues that are benign on their own begin piling up, until it seems like there’s always some problem to repair. Not to mention, little problems have a way of snowballing with subtle, but steadily increasing levels of permanent damage.

Frequent Issues with Nails, Screws, and Fasteners

Nails, screws, and fasteners are the main weak points of a gutter system, and water pressure may occasionally force them out. If it starts to happen regularly, though, it indicates a more serious underlying problem that you’ll need seamless gutter replacement to resolve.

Sagging Gutters

Even if the fasteners and nails hold up, the core material of your gutters can eventually start to give way. It can be hard to notice when a section is beginning to sag, but even an unnoticeable level creates several problems. On the one hand, it naturally begins to experience greater pressure which only makes the sagging worse. On the other, even a tiny sagging section can catch water and debris, creating a stagnant water source for pests to thrive in.

Rainwater Flows Over the Edges

Usually, it’s possible to fix an overflowing set of gutters by eliminating debris that’s pooled inside of them. However, it’s sometimes the case that your gutters simply aren’t large enough to handle the volume of rainwater in your area. When this is the case, you have no choice but to replace your gutters with a more high-capacity set. If water overflows from the edges on a regular basis, it can seep into your foundation and facilitate mold growth, pest infestation, and rot.

Cost of Seamless Gutters

While seamless gutters can have a modestly greater up-front cost than traditional models, they make up for it considerably with greater strength and reliability. Since they don’t have the welded joints of traditional gutters, they lack a key point for debris to build up and create blockages that will strain the system. Depending on the type of material, the height of the installation site, and other factors, the price of seamless gutter installation can range from $7-$40 when comparing low-end and high-end materials.

Call Clarksville Gutter Pros for Seamless Gutter Replacement and Repair

If you’re not sure whether or not you need replacement or repairs, call the Clarksville Gutter Pros at (931) 272-8540. We can assess your situation, evaluate the state of your gutters, and make a recommendation that’s in line with your needs and budget. Our team is proud to be the trusted service provider of many Clarksville homeowners, and we look forward to earning your trust too.

Spring Gutter Cleaning

After winter comes spring, a time of the year many look forward to for the warm weather it brings. It’s also the time of the year when flowers blossom, beautifying neighborhoods. Another thing that spring gives you is an excellent opportunity to do some thorough cleaning and home maintenance tasks.

As you know, there are many spring cleaning chores, and they can be tiresome. As a result, it’s easy to forget about one of the most important chores, gutter cleaning.

Why Is Gutter Cleaning Important?

While the gutters may look clean and in great condition from below, they may be clogged and damaged. So, taking the time to clean and inspect your gutters is necessary. Otherwise, you’ll reduce the lifespan of your shingles.

In addition, you’ll have to deal with the consequences of clogged gutters when the rains begin. These include:

  • Water damage- Buildup of twigs, leaves, and other debris will cause clogging. As a result, there’s no clear pathway for water, forcing it onto the roof and walls, which will become damaged.
  • Growth of mold- Clogging causes water to stagnate, making the gutter a breeding ground for mold. This mold can spread to the roof and walls.
  • Pest infestation- The debris on gutters such as leaves attracts pests and critters such as wasps, ants, squirrels, and mice.

While gutter cleaning may seem like an inconvenience, it’s still something you cannot afford to ignore. Without it, the best-case scenario may involve dealing with pests and critters. However, if there’s water damage and mold, it becomes more complicated.

First, mold and damage put you and your loved ones at risk. Secondly, mold removal and doing repairs for water damage also come at a cost. Instead of leaving it to chance, be sure to inspect, clean, and repair gutters regularly.

Tips for Cleaning Gutters

Now that you know why it’s important to clean your gutters, it’s time to find out how to go about it. If you make it a habit, your gutters will remain in excellent condition for a long time. Here’s how to go about it:

  • Gather all the equipment you need to clean the gutters. These include a ladder, strong rubber or plastic gloves, and a gutter scoop or sturdy plastic cup.
  • Climb the ladder until your eye level is 2-3 feet above the gutter.
  • Use the gutter scoop or cup to gently scoop leaves, dirt, mud, and debris from the gutter. Have a bag hanging beside the ladder to toss the dirt.
  • After removing all the dirt, use a hose to rinse the gutters. To do a thorough job, use a high-pressure nozzle.

Gutter Cleaning Services

If everything goes well, you’ll leave the gutters sparkling clean. However, there’s also a chance that you may encounter some challenges, such as clogged or damaged drain pipes. If so, even if the gutters are clean, water will not flow out as you’d expect.

This is where our gutter cleaning services will come into play. We’ll send in an expert or two to clean your gutters thoroughly. During this process, they’ll also inspect the gutters and drain pipes. Any damage spotted will be repaired to ensure that your gutters and drain pipes are in tip-top condition.

Why Should You Choose Our Gutter Cleaning Services?

In fairness, it is possible for you to clean and maintain your gutters. However, the risk of not doing a good enough job is not worth taking.

At the Gutter Pros, we have a team of experienced gutter cleaners ready to assist you. Moreover, we have all the best equipment, and we’ll perform gutter repair if there’s damage. So, instead of worrying about climbing to the gutters, contact us today, and we’ll clean your gutters at an affordable price.

Hopkinsville Homeowners: Do You Have a Gutter Leak?

A leaking gutter can cause all sorts of problems for your home, from water stains and rust to damage to your roofing system. If you’re a homeowner in Hopkinsville, Kentucky it’s essential to be aware of the signs of a gutter leak.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to identify a gutter leak and what you can do about it. We’ll also talk about the importance of professional gutter repair and why you should consider hiring a pro if you think your gutters might be leaking.

Causes of Leaking Gutters

There are several different causes of leaking gutters. Gutters can be damaged by heavy rain or snow, or they could get old and start leaking over time. If you’re experiencing a gutter leak in your home, it’s important to find the cause and fix it as quickly as possible.

There are numerous reasons why a gutter system may start to leak, including:

Clogged Gutters
Open gutters are susceptible to clogs, which can cause water to back up and overflow your gutters. The clogs can be due to organic materials like leaves, twigs, and pine needles or artificial objects like tennis balls and toys. Gutter clogs can also lead to water backing up into your home’s fascia board, causing wood rot that can damage the entire gutter system in time.

Improper Installation
Gutters are not complicated structures but have a specific slope angle so that rainwater flows toward downspouts for proper drainage away from your home’s foundation. During installation, a slight miscalculation could mean the gutters don’t have enough slope, allowing water to pool at low points instead of flowing freely to downspouts when it rains. Improperly attached fasteners may enable gutters to pull away from the fascia board and develop leaks in corners and seams.

Poor Gutter Materials
Gutters are typically made of aluminum, steel, or vinyl. Aluminum is lightweight but prone to denting. Steel gutters are heavy enough to resist denting but may rust over time if scratched or otherwise damaged. However, vinyl gutters won’t rust easily but can be brittle at cold temperatures, causing them to crack when frozen rainwater expands inside a clog during freezing weather conditions.

Backward Pitch
If the pitch of your roof is designed to allow water to flow off the roof and down the drain, but your gutters are installed pointing uphill instead of downhill, then water will overflow the gutters and run down the side of your house.

Damaged or Missing Gutter Screens
Suppose leaves, twigs, and other debris can’t quickly enter your gutters because they are screened off with a good quality mesh guard, then there is less of a chance for clogs to form. If you don’t have any screens at all on your gutters (or if they are damaged or missing), everything from small twigs to huge branches can get caught in them and cause blockages.

Improperly Draining Downspouts

When the downspout is clogged or if it’s not connected to an underground drainage system, all of that rainwater will overflow your gutters and flow in whatever direction gravity dictates. Sometimes this means water will run back under the eaves and into your home; other times, it might pool around the foundation of your house or even flood the basement.

Improperly Sized Gutters and Downspouts

If you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall, your gutters may be inadequate for the volume of water they receive. Gutters should be sized according to how much rainwater is likely to accumulate on your roof during a heavy storm; if they are too small, they will fill up quickly and overflow. The same is true for downspouts – if the downspout is too tiny for the gutter it’s connected to, that water will have no place to go but out over the edge of the gutter and onto your landscaping or house foundation.

Age of Gutters

Even if all other factors are perfect, a gutter system can wear out over time and start leaking. Gutters should be replaced every 20 years, depending on how often they are used and how severe the weather conditions are in your area.

Signs of a Leaking Gutter

Suppose you notice any of the following signs, it means that your gutters are leaking and need to be fixed as soon as possible:

  • The gutter is overflowing with water
  • There is a lot of standing water on the ground near the gutter
  • The fascia board (the horizontal board at the edge of the roof) is wet
  • The shingles or roof tiles around the gutter are wet

Water enters your home through the eaves troughs (the metal or plastic channels that collect rainwater from the roof and direct it away from the house). If you notice any of these signs, professionals at Clarksville gutter pros will fix your gutters in no time to keep them in good working condition.

How to Fix Leaking Gutters

Leaking gutters can be a big problem, both for your home and your wallet. You can, however, contact The Gutter Professionals of Hopkinsville to have them repaired. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently, so you can rest easy knowing your home is safe from water damage.

The Gutter Professionals are experts in repairing leaking gutters. Our team has the experience and knowledge to get the job done right, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work. If you notice that your gutters are leaking, don’t wait – contact us today for a free estimate.

How Long Do Copper Gutters Last?

Gutters are an essential part of any home design. They drain water from the roof and direct it away from the foundation of the building, preventing costly water damage.

The most common materials used for gutters are vinyl, aluminum, steel, and copper. The material and gutter style that you choose depends upon your home design, location, and your aesthetic preferences. However, there are certain advantages to choosing copper, such as superior durability and longevity. Find out more about the costs and benefits of copper gutters for your home.

Longevity of Copper Gutters

When copper gutters are installed and maintained properly, they can last for 60 to 90 years, or even longer. Your copper gutters will likely last your entire lifetime. In comparison, vinyl gutters normally need to be replaced every 10 years. Steel or aluminum generally lasts for around 20 years.

Part of the reason that copper gutters last for so long is because of the naturally-occurring blue-green patina they develop over time. Your copper gutters may tarnish, but they will never rust. Many homeowners love the look of aged copper and believe that it just gets more beautiful over time. Copper will begin to develop a darker brown hue that further develops into the blue-green tone that many associate with copper. This is caused by the copper’s exposure to oxygen and pollutants in the air. The patina essentially protects the copper from corrosion and helps it to last for decades longer than other gutter materials.

Additional Benefits

Copper gutters are great for traditional and historic homes. They match any type of roofing, although they look exceptionally gorgeous when paired with slate. These gutters are gorgeous whether they are new or aged, and can increase the curb appeal of your home.

Another great reason to choose copper gutters is that they are very eco-friendly. Copper is a coveted material. It is rarely discarded. Instead, it is generally repurposed and salvaged from landfills. If you are concerned about your environmental impact, then copper is a wonderful choice.

Types and Styles

There are several types of copper gutters that you can choose from. First, you can choose from half-round or K-style. Half-round gutters are simple and usually don’t contain any elaborations. K-style has more details and decorative elements.
There are both seamed or seamless gutters. While seamless gutters still have seams, they are nearly invisible to the eye. Clarksville seamless gutters cost a little more to purchase but require less work to install. The cost of seamed gutters is lower, but they are much more labor-intensive to install and care for. Speak with your contractor to get advice on the best styles to suit your home and your needs.

Care and Maintenance

You must hire a skilled and experienced contractor to install your copper gutters. Improper installation can drastically shorten the lifespan of your gutters. Copper is known to expand and contract when it is exposed to extreme heat or cold. A knowledgeable contractor will understand how to work with the material and install expansion joints to compensate for this occurrence.

Once the gutters are installed, there are certain things you should do to take care of them and expand their longevity:

  • Clean your gutters twice per year to prevent clogs and leaks.
  • Use plastic tools instead of metal to avoid scratching the gutters.
  • Never lean a ladder against the gutters as this can cause damage.
  • Avoid using bleach or abrasive chemicals if your power wash your home.
  • You may choose to apply a sealant and polish your copper gutters each year to keep the shine and original color.

The copper material generally requires less maintenance than other types of gutters, so the time and energy you will need to spend on maintenance are minimal.

Cost of Clarksville Copper Gutters

Tennessee and Kentucky homeowners spend between $20 to $30 per foot for most installations. Complex and difficult installs run upwards of $45 per linear foot. The average home uses 200 linear feet of gutter, translating into a total cost of $4,000 to $9,000.

While it’s true that copper gutters cost more than other materials, you can save money over time due to their longevity and low cost of maintenance.

If you have noticed that your old gutters are looking worse for wear and require an upgrade, or you would like to add some unique style to your home, consider choosing copper gutters. Your home will have a timeless look that will look gorgeous for decades.

Can Commercial Rain Gutters Protect Your Residential Property?

Installing rain gutters reduces water damage, increases your roof’s longevity and prevents weather-related injuries. Commercial and residential gutters perform the same function, but they offer different sizes, materials and features for each building’s needs. Choosing the right gutters for your building could save you hundreds of dollars each year.

What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Gutters?

The differences between commercial and residential gutters include:

  • Commercial and residential gutters have to comply with different laws and regulations. This includes size, materials, design and positioning.
  • Commercial gutters are larger because they have to cover a wider building.
  • Commercial gutters are typically made from steel or aluminum while residential gutters are made from aluminum, vinyl or copper. Steel gutters are durable and long-lasting, but their price makes them uncommon for residential buildings.
  • Commercial gutters are box-shaped because they can hold more rainwater. Typically, residential gutters are K-style or half-round to meet the homeowners’ needs.
  • Commercial roofs are flat while residential roofs have different shapes and styles. As a result, contractors install the gutters differently on the roofs.

Talk to The Gutter Professionals to learn more about choosing the right gutters for your property.

Should You Install Commercial Gutters on a Residential Property?

While commercial gutters are more durable, they’re not always the right option for residential areas. You’ll have to adapt to different codes, install the gutters differently and potentially pay more for materials. Commercial box gutters handle larger volumes of rain, but since houses are typically smaller than commercial buildings, you’ll pay for size that you don’t need. However, you may consider commercial gutters if you live on a large estate or want steel gutters for maximum durability.

How Do Commercial Rain Gutters Protect Your Property?

Commercial gutters last longer, corrode less and hold more debris than residential gutters. When you invest in commercial gutters, you’ll perform less yearly maintenance, saving time and money for your business.

commercial gutters Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Strong Materials

Typically, rain gutters are made from aluminum or steel, which are two of the strongest metals in the industry. When you buy steel gutters, you’ll get the following benefits:

  • Steel is easy to clean. To clean dirt, grime and debris, all you have to do is wipe it down.
  • Steel is one of the toughest and most resistant metals, meaning that you won’t have to replace it regularly. You’ll save hundreds of dollars on new gutters and installation.
  • Steel is more affordable than other metals.
  • Steel gutters are more environmentally friendly than other types that end up in a landfill. You can take your gutters to the recycling plant when you replace them, and the gutters that you buy might be made from recycled steel.
  • Steel is flexible, meaning that steel gutters come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
  • Steel supports heavier loads than other materials. Leaves, dirt and debris can build up in your gutters without making the system collapse.

If you’d prefer aluminum gutters, the benefits include:

  • Aluminum doesn’t rust like steel, so it withstands frequent rain exposure.
  • Aluminum is tough but lightweight, making it easier to adjust or remove your gutters later.
  • Aluminum doesn’t require much maintenance. At most, you’ll clean your gutters once every six months. Seamless gutters reduce maintenance even further.
  • Aluminum doesn’t corrode under most conditions. Some gutters last up to 30 years, making them an investment for a third of your lifetime.
  • Aluminum is recyclable like steel, making it environmentally friendly.
  • Aluminum is durable and stands up to years of sun and weather exposure.
  • Aluminum doesn’t crack in extreme temperatures, making it last longer than other materials.

Larger Size Gutters

Since commercial buildings have a larger surface area than residential properties, they collect more rain, snow and sleet. Commercial gutters are larger to collect more rain and direct it away from the beginning. They also collect more leaves, grime and debris, reducing the waste that you’ll have to clean off the sidewalk.

Similarly, residential gutters come in K-shape and half-round designs. Commercial box cutters are wider, deeper and easier to clean. They have a simple, polished appearance that looks professional and makes a good first impression. Since box gutters don’t stand out, they won’t detract from the building’s design.

Lower Liability

Without commercial gutters, the rain, sleet and ice cascade off the roof, causing puddles and slick spots around the building. Potholes and cracks in the sidewalk build up over time. If a customer slips and falls on your property, they could hold you liable for dangerous conditions. You might have to pay tens of thousands of dollars in damages, destroying your finances and ruining your reputation.

Commercial gutters direct large amounts of rain away from your building, keeping sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, stairs and ramps dry and ice-free. You’ll also reduce the risk of water, ice sheets and debris sliding off the roof, injuring a passerby. This keeps you, your customers and your employees safe during the workday.

What Are Seamless Gutters?

For extra protection and durability, talk to us about seamless gutters. Traditional gutters are made from multiple pieces of metal that the contractors connect when they install the gutters. They have seams that leak and collect debris. Seamless gutters are a single piece of metal fitted directly to your roof. With no seams, you’ll have no leakage, reduced debris and less maintenance.

Reach Out Today

The Gutter Professionals serves customers throughout the Clarksville, TN region, which includes Shady Grove, Barren Plains and Cumberland City as well as regions in Kentucky such as Hopkinsville, Trenton and Herndon. Our services include gutter cleaning, installation, repair and replacement for residential and commercial properties. We also install and repair roofs, replace windows, repair and replace soffits, and install vinyl siding in a variety of colors and styles.

Call us today @ (931) 538-1096 or fill out the contact form on our website for a free estimate. Tell us about the services that you need, and we’ll discuss the situation and estimate the cost. We’re 100% transparent about our fees–no hidden costs or expenses. We also work with Acorn Finance to provide different financing options.

Choosing The Best Type Of Rain Gutter

Like any other part of your house, rain gutters are an essential part of your home. Aside from giving your house pleasant aesthetics, this discharge system preserves your house against the elements. It keeps rainwater away from the foundation of the house. The little surface water builds up, eventually creating a powerful surge.

The pounding water erodes the foundation soil, weakening the house’s stability. Gutters also preserve the integrity of the garden. They prevent runoffs from cutting through the yard. Surface runoff saturates low parts of your lawn, killing plants through root rot. Thus, gutters maintain the grass and plants in your yard.

There are many types of gutters with varying strengths and weaknesses.

Roof Trough Gutters

Roof troughs are the traditional rain gutter system. They are set under the roof eaves to collect rainwater. Although they lack aesthetics, they make up for it through their efficiency as gutters.

K Style Gutters

K-style gutters look like the letter ‘k’ when viewed sideways. Another name for this type of gutter is ogee gutters because they have a double curve. They typically come in five or six inches.

K-style gutters are advantageous than round gutters because they can hold more water. They also have a lower probability of bending or protruding when subjected to force. They resemble crown moldings on ceilings making them a favorite for many residential and commercial buildings.

Fascia

A fascia is a vertical band on the roof edge that facilitates surface runoff. Unlike other gutters purchased as pieces and fit together, fascias are custom-built to accommodate the shape of your house.

The gutters are larger than K-style and round gutters. They are ideal for large homes needing a water system that handles large water volumes. Its holding capacity can endure sudden downpours without having an overflow.

Rain Gutter Materials

Gutters have different materials.

  • Vinyl Gutters – are cheap, lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to install. The pieces fit together perfectly. They are efficient for mild or moderate climates – too much cold and heat can break them.
  • Aluminum Gutters – are weightless, free from corrosion, and can accommodate most climates. They also hold paint better than vinyl gutters. However, they also easily dent and break from force.
  • Steel and Copper Gutters – are sturdy compared to aluminum gutters. They also come in a range of metal combinations. The most popular blend is the galvanized gutter because it is more resistant to rust.
  • Stainless steel – are the sturdiest material in the industry. The material is free from rust and durable. However, stainless steel gutters are expensive.

Gutters can be seamless or sectional. Professional roofers can fix any rain gutter.

Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are continuous and come from one material. They have no partitions or sections and are different from regular gutters purchased in units and put together on the house. In addition, the gutters are made on-site using specialized machinery and are custom-made for your home.

The absence of joints and connections makes it last longer. It also makes it leak-resistant. These seamless gutters are also low maintenance and are made from aluminum, steel, and copper.

Sectional Gutters

Sectional gutters are made of bits and pieces which connect to form an entire system. They are DIY gutters. The rain gutters are made from different materials like vinyl, steel, aluminum, and copper. The sections make the system weak.

The stability of a sectional gutter depends on its material, especially on the joints. Nevertheless, the sections are weak points in this system.

Gutter Installation

The gutter installation process looks like a straightforward job. However, it requires professionalism. The quality of your gutter system does not matter if it is poorly installed. Professional gutter installers have immense experience setting up, repairing, and cleaning rain gutters.

They are also knowledgeable about the right materials, design, and gutters types suitable for your roof and building. Partnering with them is cost-effective and time-saving.

The best way to fit gutters onto your house is by contracting the services of Hopkinsville gutter professionals. It reduces the probabilities of errors from faulty fixes or loose sections. The gutter fixers also advise on the suitable material and design of the gutter system. The quality of their work is top-notch.

Contact Us

We are certified gutter professionals who understand the beauty and fiction of rain gutters in residential and commercial buildings. We are experts in gutter installation, repair, cleaning, and installing gutter guards.

We customize rain gutters to fit the design of your roof. If you are looking to install a gutter system for your house or you want a complete makeover, kindly don’t hesitate to contact us for reputable, reliable services and get a free quote at (931) 538-1096.

Winter Maintenance Tips for Gutters

As winter in Tennessee and Kentucky sets in, you need to think about preparing your gutters to survive the cold season. A few basic maintenance tips can help you to protect your gutters in the face of rain, storms, and snow. Take a look at the following tips.

1. Clean Gutters for Winter

The Gutter Professionals recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. One of the best times to clean your gutters is right before the winter season, so that they are empty and ready to stand up to the increased volume of water that might result from winter storms or snow melt.

2. Clean the Roof As Well

In addition to cleaning your gutters in preparation for winter, it is also a good idea to clean the roof as well. Winter rains wash debris from the roof into the gutters, which can cause them to become blocked.

You can attempt to clean your own roof with a power washer, but a better option is to work with a roof cleaning service. Professionals have all the equipment needed to carry out a thorough clean, without taking any unnecessary risks. Climbing up onto your roof is dangerous, so you should avoid doing it and leave it to the professionals instead.

3. Inspect Gutters for Leaks, Holes, Rust, and Corrosion

Once you have cleaned the gutters and water is running freely through the downspouts, the next step is to inspect your gutters for leaks, holes, rust, and corrosion. Pay particular attention to the gutter joints, where corrosion is most likely to cause a leak to develop.

You can temporarily fix leaks in gutters using a gutter patching kit, but often it is better to hire a gutter service to carry out repairs. If your gutters are very badly rusted or damaged, it is best to replace them. The Gutter Professionals can advise you on the best type of gutters to choose as a replacement, which might include copper, vinyl, or aluminium. These options are all less susceptible to rust than cast iron guttering.

4. Check the Gutter Framework

As well as checking the condition of your gutters themselves, it is also important to check the framework that holds them to the roof or siding of your home. If the guttering is coming away from the building, it is important to reattach it so that it is secure.

5. Check the Downspouts As Well

When inspecting your gutters, it is important not to forget about the downspouts, which perform the vital function of carrying water from the gutters down to the drain on the ground. Downspouts can also be affected by corrosion, leaks, rust, and holes. Repair or replace downspouts that are in poor condition.

Check the functioning of your downspouts by looking to see where the runoff from them pools. You can use a downspout extender to improve the positioning of the drainage.

6. Check Again After a Storm

Even if you have checked your gutters carefully before the start of winter, it is still a good idea to check them again after a storm. A major storm can strip leaves, twigs, and even branches from trees, with the result that your gutters end up blocked with debris. Clear this debris away to keep your gutters functioning well.

6. Stay Safe

Gutters are often difficult to access, which can mean that checking them is a hazardous process involving climbing on ladders or climbing onto the roof. Never put your personal safety at risk by doing anything that does not feel completely safe. If you cannot clean or inspect your gutters safely, call The Gutter Professionals. We can meet all your winter gutter maintenance needs.