Yearly Archives: 2020

Are seamless gutters worth it?

If you need new gutters, you might want to consider seamless gutters over standard sectional gutters. One advantage you’ll have with these types of gutters is less debris, which means less cleaning and fewer problems like leaks. Some of the pros and cons of these types of gutters include:

Pros

• Stronger than traditional gutters
• Fewer problems with leaks
• Customized lengths
• Low maintenance
• Easier to install

Cons

• Not suitable for do-it-yourself
• More expensive
• Contractor required for installation
• Difficult to repair

Are seamless gutters really seamless?

Technically, seamless gutters aren’t 100% seamless. There are seams at corners an downspouts, but the main lengths of the gutter have no seams. The corners and downspouts will require the most maintenance with this type of gutter.

What colors do seamless gutters come in?

Seamless gutters come in a variety of colors to match your home’s design. Colors range from eggshell white to ivory to green to a wide range of shades of blue to brown, black, and gray. Most of these colors will be available for five-inch and six-inch gutters.

Do I need 5 or 6 inch gutters?

While five-inch gutters are standard for both sectional and seamless gutters, many homeowners are installing six-inch gutters. This size of gutter does have advantages, especially in the capacity to handle as much as 40% more water. Six-inch gutters are especially valuable for larger, steep-pitched roofs because water runs down these roofs faster than on other roofs. Water also runs down metal roofs faster than asphalt, so six-inch gutters are also recommended in this case. Wider gutters are also recommended when you have fewer downspouts or when you have gutters draining into other gutters. If you are planning to install half-round gutters, you’ll also want a six-inch gutter to lessen overflow.

Seamless gutters with leaf guard

If you want to lower your chances of getting leaves and other debris in your seamless gutters, you can have a leaf guard installed. Besides protecting your gutters from debris, leaf guards also shield your gutters from birds and other animals nesting in them.

Can seamless gutters be repaired?

While seamless gutters are sturdier and less prone to leaks than sectional gutters, they can still get damaged or need repairs, especially if they pull away from the house. The difficulty of repairing these gutters is one of their few drawbacks, but repairs can be made without having to replace the whole gutter system.

In fact, there are a few repairs such as patching that are actually relatively simple and inexpensive to make. Small holes—about the size of a nail hole—can be patched by cutting a piece of flashing for your patch, bending it so it fits the gutter, and then attaching it with roofing cement and sealing it with caulk or more roofing cement. You can repair even smaller holes by plugging them with roofing cement or silicone caulk.

Can seamless gutters be detached and reset?

If you need to remove your gutters to make repairs to the soffit or fascia other parts of the roof, you will have to detach the gutters from your roof. This is generally done by disassembling them at the corners and the downspouts. It’s also recommended that you remove your gutters if you are having your roof replaced to prevent the gutters from being damaged. The gutters can simply be reattached after the new roof is put on. If your gutters are damaged or leaking and in need of serious repair, you might want to put on new gutters when replacing your roof. If your gutters are in good shape, however, there is no need to do this.

Do gutter guards cause problems?

Those that don’t advocate leaf guard gutters are the first to tell anyone about the problems they can cause, like the debris that accumulates on top of the leaf guard, gutters start getting piles of stuff on top of the guard, affecting the curb appeal of your home. 

Another factor to consider about leaf guard gutters is warranty on your roof could be negatively impacted if they aren’t installed correctly. This is a confirmation to hiring a professional contractor that has experience in installing leaf guard gutters, because there is a right way and several wrong ways. When leaf guard gutters are attached by nails to the roof shingles, or any type of hardware, this can void the roof warranty. 

We’ve already covered how clogged gutters are worse than no gutters, but with a system of leaf guard, gutters can be a benefit to any home. So, are leaf guard gutters worth the money? For the short answer, yes, if they are installed by an experienced professional. What is the best leaf guard for gutters?  

• Some people choose screens leaf guards. They are available in several types of materials and shapes, and while they are good at keeping leaves out, if you have pine needles and seeds, they can get clogged too. 
• Another option is surface-tension gutter covers. Water will cling to the rounded nose and flow into the gutter, while debris and leaves fall off the edge. Small debris can get stuck but will wash out the downspout soon. 
• Fine-mesh leaf guards’ function like screens and block everything but the smallest debris. Asphalt shingle grit can be problem for these, but a quick brush cleaning will clear that off and you’re good to go. 

A professional contractor that has experience in leaf guard gutter system can help you with the process of how to choose leaf guard gutters that will best suit your home for the area around your home. Call Affordable Gutters Plus LLC today at 770-735-4433.

Where do roof drains go?

Which roof drainage application to use on your roof depends on a few factors, like the roof size and slope, the appearance desired, and the level of maintenance you desire. To determine the number of drains needed for your roof, divide the roof drainage area for each leader. 

Each leader should be big enough to handle the water drainage volume. The bigger the capacity, the fewer drains needed. The spacing should be equal and located in the roof’s low points or where water accumulates.

Inner Roof Drainage

Inner roof drainage that is used typically on flat roofs includes a low channel that accumulates water then feeds it into a drain that is concealed and goes into underground drainage. This roof drainage system is not visible and is freeze-resistant, both significant benefits. However, inner roof drainage requires routine maintenance for prevention purposes. 

How can I improve my gutter drainage?

Inadequate roof drainage will put your home at risk with severe water damage. From the roof, attic, ceiling, walls, and especially the basement, which will weaken the foundation. A sump pump is an additional measurement, but without the proper roof drainage system that diverts water away from your home, you’re putting your home at risk. 

So, if your gutter roof drainage isn’t working correctly, here are ten things that roof drainage experts suggest that can improve your home’s roof drainage and runoff:

Why do my gutters overflow in heavy rain?

Gutters overflowing is caused by one of two things: The gutters are clogged, or the gutters are broken. These are the reasons you need to either clean and inspect your gutter regularly or have it done by a professional. 

Who does fascia repair?

A variety of contractors provide fascia repair. Usually roofers or gutter contractors can be counted on for the repair, but carpenters or a handyman with extensive experience with this type of repair can also be trusted for the repair. Because gutters are normally attached to the fascia boards, it’s good to have a contractor experienced with both gutters and fascia to make the repair. That’s something you can get with Affordable Gutters Plus LLC, a team experienced with all aspects of roofing and gutter work.

Why do fascia boards rot?

Fascia boards can rot for a variety of reasons, although rot is most commonly caused by a gutter that’s not functioning properly. Old, leaking gutters usually have misaligned downspouts that cause water to back-up against the fascia boards. In time, the excess moisture will lead to rot. Damage from storms is also a common cause of rot for fascia boards. The boards are some of the weakest parts of the roof, and vulnerable to the elements, especially wind-driven rain. Any rotted fascia will need fascia repair.

How do you fix rotted fascia?

Fascia repair will be necessary when the fascia boards are rotted. Repairs need to be made as soon as possible. To make the repairs, the following steps need to be made.

• Make sure you indeed have rot and not some discoloration. Rot appears as dark cavities or soft spots directly on the board’s surface. Wood will feel mushy and pulpy.
• Check for the source of moisture that led to the rot. This may be malfunctioning gutters or damaged shingles or other issues with drainage. Repairs to those sources may need to be made before the fascia is repaired.
• Remove the damaged fascia board, starting by cutting seams and caulk lines. Pry the pieces away with a six-in-one painter’s tool.
• After prying the board loose, check the sub-fascia, or framing underneath, for rot and replace of badly rotted. 
• Once the repairs, if any, to sub-fascia are made, it needs to be cleaned before the new fascia board is added. Usually, you just need to scrape away paint and caulk with the six-in-one tool. Any leftover fasteners need to be removed.
• Measure out a new piece of the exact size as the old one and cut this new board. Preferably PVC boards are used to replace the old board as better protection against rot.
• Use galvanized exterior-grade nails to attach the new board.
• Follow up by caulking the new board.

Replace fascia with roof

Usually, you replace fascia when replacing gutters, but you can also have the fascia replaced when you have your roof replaced. This is often a good idea as the fascia has probably aged and is showing as many signs of wear as the roof. At times, the fascia is well beyond simple fascia repair and needs to be replaced.

Does roof sheathing go over fascia?

Typically, when a roof is being installed or replaced, the sheathing overhangs the fascia slightly. If this isn’t the case, the fascia should at least be protected by drip edges, as the fascia boards are very susceptible to water damage and rot.

Replace fascia without removing gutter

In most cases, your gutters are installed on your fascia board. When you need to make a fascia repair, you will have to remove the gutters to make the repair. Obviously, once the fascia board is repaired, you will have to put the gutters back on. Fascia is always repaired or replaced before the gutters are added.

What are the Disadvantages of a Metal Roof?

While there are many advantages to having a metal roof, it is is important to weigh the possible disadvantages. Please feel free to review the following provided bullet point list to find out more.

• Metal roofs can be prohibitively expensive. Metal roofs have enduring longevity and amazing integrity. But it is important to consider that they are more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs. If you are looking for a roof that you only need to replace once in a lifetime, metal roofs are up to the task.
• Noisy. Unfortunately, without the proper insulation material, metal roofs can be quite noisy in rainstorms and hail storms.
• Inconsistent color matches. If you have an original metal roof installation, it may be difficult for you to color match your roof to new replacement metal panels.

What is the Best Color for a Metal Roof?

If you would like to increase the energy efficiency of your home, going with a lighter color palette is preferable. If you have a lighter colored roof, you can expect your home’s HVAC system to work less hard in order for you to remain cool during the summer. That is because the more reflectivity of the roof, the less heat it will absorb. This is especially valuable information if you live in a hot climate. Lighter colors for your roof would include white, off-white, light peach, light blue, light green, etc. The more reflective the roof, the less heat will be absorbed.

Is a Metal Roof Worth It?

As mentioned previously, metal roofs are more expensive than other roofing types, like asphalt shingles. That said, metal roofs have increased longevity and durability. If you live in an area that has high wind speeds and is susceptible to fires, a metal roof will be immensely beneficial. If and when a homeowner invests in a new metal roof, they can expect to see great benefits in the future. A metal roof won’t need to be replaced within fifty years, which means that it only needs to be replaced once a lifetime.

Does a Metal Roof Need Furring Strips?

When a metal roof is installed over shingles, there will need to be insulation in the spaces between the wood strips. It will need rigid insulation to prevent condensation before installing the roofing. Furring strips will also need to be added. It is always important to consult with a professional and established roofing company in your area to ensure that whatever occurs on your roof is nationally agreed to be a good solution.

Is Metal Roofing Galvanized

There is a traditional form of galvanized metal roofing which is a corrugated sheet of carbon steel that has a galvanized coating. This particular form of coating is created by dipping the straight sheet in hot molten zinc. In this process, the zinc ions bond with iron molecules in the steel. The result is a shiny, rust-resistant finish on the surface.

Is Metal Roofing Aluminum

Generally speaking, commercial and residential metal roofing is made of either steel or aluminum. There are also two different types of metallic coatings that are involved. One uses zinc in various thicknesses. These thicknesses will depend on product usage. The other coating is Galvalume, which is a mixture of aluminum and zinc.

How Metal Roofing Is Made

In terms of roll-forming standing seam panels, the basic process is simple. It involves feeding metal coils into a roll former. Inside the roll former, the metal coil will go through a series of rolls. These rolls bend and curve. Each time the roll moves through the machine, it will bend more.

When you need metal roofing in Canton, GA, it is always best for you to choose the established experts. Our team is always available at 770-735-4433. Please feel free to reach out to us. 

What is the best way to repel squirrels?

There are all sorts of methods available to keep squirrels, rats, mice, and even raccoons out of your attic. You might consider installing special flashing that these animals can’t chew through or squeeze under as a squirrel deterrent. You could spread predator urine or mothballs around. You may have even heard that strobe lights can keep squirrels around and you may wonder, “Do strobe lights repel squirrels?” Strobe lights, as well as sound machines, are only a nuisance to the animals. They might go away for a little while, but they will be back. About the only thing these devices will do is run up your electric bill. One of the surest ways to get rid of them is to have a pest control expert come and clean them out. Once their nests are cleared out, you will need to have a contractor like Affordable Gutters Plus LLC come out and repair the damage and seal up any entries and exits to keep them out permanently.

How do you stop squirrels from climbing your house?

While pest control may be able to get rid of squirrels and other rodents out of your attic, that may not necessarily keep them from climbing on your house and seeking ways to get in. Here are some other ideas to use as a squirrel deterrent:

• Squirrels mainly gain entrance from trees, so it’s good to regularly trim branches that touch or are within six feet of the home.
• Along with special flashing, you can install mesh screens over chimneys and vents.
• Utility wires are another way squirrels get on your roof. Ask your utility company if they can install loose PVC pipe around nearby wiring, which will roll and shake off unwanted pests.

Why does the squirrel keep coming back?

Squirrels, as well as other animals, keep coming back to your home because they have made a home of your house. Often they will nest in the attic because it’s actually often easy for them to access it by chewing through fascia boards or squeezing through loose flashing. They are also coming back because your yard proves to be an ample source of food for them, whether it’s acorns, nuts, and seeds from trees or even bird feeders to fruits and vegetables in your garden. Once they’ve nested, finding a squirrel deterrent to get them to leave is a difficult task. If you notice them in your attic, don’t plug up or repair holes before you’ve gotten rid of the squirrels. If they are in the attic when you do this, they will feel trapped and immediately start chewing to get out. If they are outside, they will try to find another way in. While taking action like spreading around predator urine or mothballs may deter more squirrels from moving in, your best bet is to call a professional to get rid of the animals and their nests, and then get a contractor to make the necessary repairs to your attic, roof, and other entry points.

What is a good squirrel deterrent?

There are several good deterrents that might keep squirrels away if they haven’t begun to nest in and around your home. Squirrel deterrent spray is one such option. You can buy sprays off the shelf or make some of your own using water, hot sauce, and detergent mixed in a spray bottle. Sprays tend to be effective in the short-term, especially if you spray the animals directly. It may, for instance, stop them from immediately eating up the vegetables in your garden. But two other areas are also often affected by these pests, your roof, and your attic.

Here are some hints to deter squirrels in these areas:

• Squirrel deterrent for roof: Spread capsaicin around the siding and along areas like the fascia board. This is the active ingredient of chili peppers and used in pepper spray.
• Squirrel deterrent attic: If the squirrels are already nesting in the attic you can soak a rag in ammonia and place it near their nest. This may serve as enough of an irritant to fully evacuate from the attic. Other options like loud sounds or strobe lights might run them off temporarily, but you are going to have to keep them going indefinitely to keep them away, and that will just drive up your electric bill.

Do gutter guards cause problems?

Aside from the minor change in your appearance to your gutter, there is only one problem with a gutter guard if one could call it that over the alternative. Due to it having the purpose of guarding against larger debris and allowing water to have a natural way off of your roof, a gutter guard still does retain some debris on the interior of the gutter that will on rare occasions need to be cleaned out. Comparatively, whether referencing older gutter guards or a gutter without a gutter guard, the improvements are clear and reveal that there is little to no problems when having a gutter guard on your home. A gutter guard is actually proven not only to save a homeowner time, but also money. A problem that can occur with gutters is the buildup of debris such as leaves on the edge of your roof, when ignored that build up for water and moisture to be constant on your roof after the rain or storm has passed. In more extreme circumstances, it can lead to standing water on your roof, both situations can lead to leaks that can result in a headache for the homeowner. A homeowner with a gutter guard is far less likely to experience that due to the leaves being pushed off the gutter if in the case they do buildup. 

In terms of cost, gutter guards heavily reduce the amount a homeowner would have to clean their gutter. When well made, a gutter guard will provide the homeowner with an added system that helps in dealing with rain and snow water. The filter may also help a homeowner detect when they have received shingle damages by seeing the granules filtered through the gutter guard. 

To get the best use from your gutter guard, you need the best material for your product and proper installation. The most popular and useful by far is one made of steel mesh. Easily capable of withstanding the elements and getting the job done. Brush and perforated metal can also be used, not as popular or widely used, but both do a good job. Much of the time if it’s the case of appearance, the only time you will see a gutter guard is from an above window, otherwise it will not exactly be a blemish to the overall appearance to your house. 

A well installed gutter guard will easily withstand storm force rains, in whatever part of the United States they are installed, especially in Canton, GA. A gutter guard will easily help a home withstand a storm by filtering through what slides off and can withstand the added heavy rains.

How Do You Attach Drip Edge?

If you are thinking about installing a drip edge on your own, it will be important for you to know all the steps of the process. Please review the following list to learn more.

• The wide, level metal flange should be slipped all the way under the first course of roof shingles.
• The outer edge should extend over the gutter. If for some reason it doesn’t, you can pull the edge out slightly from under the shingles.
• Next, you’re going to want to secure the drip edge with roofing cement. You can do this by applying a continuous bead of cement along the top of the drip edge, and then pressing down on the shingle. There should be an even distribution of weight. 
• If it is required, you can use short roofing nails to secure the ends of the drip edge. The most important thing to remember about this final procedure is to hammer the nails in high up under the shingles.

Can Drip Edge Be Installed After Shingles?

The most popular time to install a drip edge is when new shingles are installed. However, the drip edge can be installed at any time. The materials involved include: a ladder, a flat pry bar, a hammer, tin snips, eave stripping, and galvanized roofing nails. Something else to consider is the drip edge eave strip, which is often made of galvanized metal. According to many roofers, a better alternative is a vinyl-coated aluminum eave strip. That’s because aluminum won’t rust, and it doesn’t need to be painted.

What is the Difference Between Drip Edge and Rake Edge?

Both the drip edge and the rake edge are among the first parts of the roofing system to be applied in a roofing system. Both these edges appear very similar. There is a slight difference that should be noted, however. At the rake edge, the perimeter drip edge metal is applied over the underlayment with fasteners every eight or ten inches. The drip edge should extend over the fascia board at the vertical point of each pertinent location. 

Water can present a serious problem not only on the roof but in the home. If you believe that you are in need of plumbing services, or if you believe you will need it in the future, please make sure to find a licensed, certified, and insured plumber.

Should I Overlap Drip Edge?

When installing a drip edge, it’s important to consider the process at length. The drip edge should be nailed high on the shingles. That is done so that the shingles cover the nails. About every twelve inches or foot, a nail should be hammered in. For the next drip edge piece, it should overlap the first by an inch. That is done so that there are no gaps between the drip edge applications. 

Can You Paint Drip Edge?

According to a prominent roofing blog, painting your drip edge accomplishes two goals. The first is that painting and priming a roof edge protects the roof edge from moisture damage. The primer itself lays down a foundation of sealant. In turn, a water-resistant paint that is home-exterior approved will complement the primer, thus enacting a waterproof barrier. 

Where to Install Roof Drip Edge

The best place to install a roof drip edge is along the eaves. Underlayment will need to be added. The drip edge can be placed along the gable end. The best way to accomplish installation is to align it along the eaves first, and then to place the ice and water barrier or felt paper over the drip edge.

Can You Reuse Drip Edge

Some roof components need to be replaced when a roof replacement is necessary. The flashing and the drip edges are chief on the list of roofing components that need to be replaced. That’s because it’s important for there to be a waterproof seal around all critical components that are prone to leaking or surrounding fragile architectural elements like fascia. If there are any flaws in the installation process, those flaws will appear sooner rather than later.

If you think you need help with your drip edge in Canton, GA, call Affordable Gutters Plus LLC at 770-735-4433 to speak with our staff about making an appointment today!