Author Archives: Affordable Gutters Plus LLC

Why, what are the advantages of metal roofing that has made them so popular? A metal roof installation of today won’t look anything like the old barns. There are several benefits to a metal roof for homeowners to appreciate: 

• Lifespan: A metal roof installation could be the last one you’ll ever need! Compare to an asphalt roof life expectancy to is maximum of 20 to 25 years, a metal roof will last up to 70 years! Depending on the type of metal, they have been known to last 100 years. 
• Durable: A metal roof installation correctly done will take winds up to 140 miles per hour. Metal roofing won’t corrode, crack, and a good quality metal can be impact resistant. Maintenance on a metal roof isn’t required like with asphalt or tile roofing. Periodic professional roof inspection is recommended to make sure fasteners are tight. 
• Safety. With a metal roof installation, your home is safe from sparks and igniting into flames from lightning and wildfires, a big plus here in Georgia. 
• Energy Efficient: A metal roof installation reflects the suns UV that contributes to radiant heat on a roof surface. This can reduce your cool cost up to 25%! 
• Environmental:  As much as 95% of the materials for a metal roof installation will be recycled content and is 100% recyclable when it is removed. An asphalt shingle roof adds to the 20 billion pounds in landfills when torn off. 

So, are metal roofs good for hot climates?

Absolutely!  When we think of metal and the hot sun, we think HOT! But the truth is, metal roof installation will keep your home cooler in three ways: 

• First: Choosing a light-colored metal will reflect the radiant heat. Or if you choose a dark-colored metal roof installation, there are special pigments added to the color that will reflect the radiant heat. 
• Second: A metal roof installation cools down quickly as the sun sets. Asphalt shingles and other roofing materials retain the heat throughout the night.
• Third: A metal roof installation that has the appearance of shakes, shingles, or tile have an integral airspace between the roof decking and the metal roofing material. This creates an airspace that becomes a thermal break and stops any conductive heat transfer.

What are the disadvantages of metal roofing?

Like anything, where there are advantages, there are disadvantages too. A metal roof installation isn’t any different. The disadvantages include: 

• Cost:  A metal roof installation is up to three times more the cost than an asphalt shingle roof installation. If you’re considering metal roof on your forever home, it is a great investment.  For short-term housing, you won’t see the financial benefits.
• Noisiness. “Are metal roofs noisy?” is always a major concern, and yes, during a hard rainstorm and hailstorms, if proper decking isn’t used when installed, it is louder than an asphalt shingle roof. Additional insulation in the attic can minimize the sound. 
• Contracting, Expanding, and Fasteners. Metal roof installations are done with large metal panels that contract and expand with the temperature. The fasteners, the neoprene washers, and the screws used degrade overtime and become dislodged. This is the purpose of the recommended annual inspection so they can be found and replaced before any leaking issues are started.
• Inconsistent Color Match. If a metal roof needs repair, matching the exact color used in the metal roof installation can be difficult. The entire roof can be repainted to create a cohesive color match.
• Performance. If the metal roof installation is done poorly, water can accumulate on the roof and begin to rust.  So, will my metal roof rust? Yes, if the metal you choose for your metal roof installation isn’t properly coated a protective layer, it can rust. Choosing to skip that additional expense will allow the metal roof to oxidize and form rust.

How do you treat rust on a metal roof?

With a wire brush, scrub the rusted areas then use an 80-grit wet/dry sandpaper and go over the area. Next, apply a rust inhibitor over the affected area with rust inhibitor. After that, you may choose to paint the entire roof. 

What metal roof is best?

There are two types of metal roofing systems – Standing Seam and Screw Down Panels. Both metal roof systems have a place in the roofing arena, but for residential structures, standing seam is the most recommended. The panels lock together at the seams or can be mechanically fastened. Under each seam is a fastener that allows the panels to flex with the temperature changes. The screw down panel system has no room for contracting and expanding.

What can damage a metal roof?

Other than a tree falling on a metal roof, the other possible damaging factor would be hailstones. A metal roof installation will typically deflect most hail, but the velocity and angle the hailstones hit could cause cosmetic damage. 

What’s the difference between seamless gutters and regular gutters?

 There are two types of gutters to choose from today: Seamless Gutters and Regular Gutters. What is the difference between seamless gutter vs regular gutters? Both serve the same purpose, both are installed on the fascia of your home. The difference is how they are manufactured and how they are installed. 

• Regular gutters are what most homes still have today. They come in sections and are snapped or fastened together, creating seams. 
• Seamless gutters are the newest innovation for a home’s exterior. They are just as the name says, seamless. They are manufactured on the job site from a truck-mounted machine that rolls off a continuous strip of metal. As it comes off the truck the contractor staff fastens it to the fascia. 

Whether one is better than the other is a personal opinion. The regular gutter style is less expensive than the seamless gutter style, so where budget is a concern, the regular gutters are your better choice. The seamless gutters do not have the joints and seams that the regular gutters have, which makes them stronger. Without joints and seams, they hold up longer than the traditional gutters that are known to be weak at the joints, and are prone to leaks. 

How are seamless gutters connected?

Seamless gutters are unlike regular gutters that come in sections, and one downside to that is if there is a malfunction or problem with seamless gutters, you can’t just replace the one section. The entire gutter system has to be removed and replaced. This means when they are installed, it must be done accurately and correctly.  The following is the process for installing seamless gutters: 

• On your scheduled appointment day, the contractor will arrive with either a portable machine or truck-mounted machine with the materials needed to make your seamless gutter system. 
• They will have already taken the measurements, but most will measure again, and the manufacturer your seamless gutters right there on the spot. The measurement and placement of your gutters are all based on the size and slope of your roof’s pitch. 
• Gutters are made in meters today and your seam gutters will be many meters long without any joints up until they connect with the downspout. Seamless gutters will have joints to turn corners or if the angle varies. 
• The seamless gutters are attached to the fascia with brackets and straps. Almost identical as fastening regular gutters, but without leaving any space between the gutter and the roof’s edge.
• The same mechanism is used to connect the seamless gutters to curves and the downspouts as with regular gutters. The ends are secured with nails, screws, and gutter sealant.

How do Seamless gutters make corners?

Seamless gutter corners are made the same way regular gutter corners. The contractor will make two pieces, an inside corner piece, and an outside corner piece. Both are cut at 45-degree angles and then pieced together to create the corner. The inside seams are sealed with a gutter sealant. 

Are downspouts seamless?

Regular or seamless gutters are only as good as the installation job and the downspouts installed with them. In either style, a downspout is a larger diameter gutter run installed vertically and connected to the gutter run. Then a curved or elbow piece is placed at the end that redirects the water as it comes through the gutter run. 

Do you need a seamless gutter with a guard?

No, you don’t have to have gutter guards with your seamless gutters, but why wouldn’t you? Gutter guards on regular gutters or seamless gutters will less the need for cleaning the gutters. And with seamless gutter guards being made at the same time as your seamless gutters, they’ll fit perfectly as they are custom made too. 

Are the seamless gutter and roofing installed together? 

No, in most cases, regular gutters or seamless gutters will be installed after the roofing job is complete. In some cases, if the gutters are damaged beyond repair, seamless gutters can be installed first if the roof isn’t going to be replaced in the near future. 

Types of Roof Flashing

First and foremost, there isn’t just ‘roof flashing’ to think about; there are different types of roof flashing that your home should have, including the following: 

CHIMNEY AND COUNTER ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION

Chimney and counter roof flashing installation is put on brick or masonry walls above the roof. This roof flashing redirects water to flow away, preventing leaks. They overlap to keep the water from getting behind and under the top flashing layer and working its way into the house. 

STEP ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION

Step roof flashing installation’s purpose is to keep water from penetrating the walls. Step roof flashing will shed water; it is a pre-painted metal that extends a minimum of two inches, directing the water to the gutter run. Step flashing is used with counter flashing to protect areas that the counter flashing doesn’t.

APRON OR HEADWALL ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION

Apron or headwall roof flashing is installed along the intersection of vertical walls to guide water away and prevent it from running down the wall and onto the roofing system. Apron or headwall flashing is typically installed behind siding or in conjunction with counter flashing where brick is present. It is important that a roofing contractor installing a metal roof knows how to install roof flashing against a wall to prevent future leaks. 

VALLEY ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION 

Valley roof flashing installation is where the roof system has changes in angles. An ice shield is installed along the center of the valley to give the roof more protection from ice and snow. It also prevents water from draining along the row of shingles and redirects it to the gutters. 

GUTTER APRON ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION 

Gutter apron roof flashing installation is placed along the line of the gutter where the gutter and roof meet, where there is a gap between the fascia trim board and roof decking. The gutter apron roof flashing has a drip edge to prevent water from draining onto other components. This roof flashing directs water to the gutters and protects the attic from animals, insects, and the weather. 

Is roof flashing required by code?

Yes, according to building codes R903-2 Flashing and R903.2. For locations in Canton, Georgia, roof flashing installation is required to provide moisture prevention in walls through intersections, joints, permeable materials, and other penetrations of the roof plane. Roof flashing installation is required where the roof and walls intersect, the roof slope direction changes, and along roof openings. Roof flashing installation will divert water away from the eaves and vertical sidewall intersections. It should be constructed of a metal that is non-corroding and no thinner than 0.5 mm.

What is the best roof flashing material?

Whether you’re getting your roof repaired from the storms that come through Georgia, or a new roof installed, there are a few different types of roof flashing installation. It can be important to choose the right material that gets the job done as well as fits your budget. The more common materials for roof flashing installation are: 

• Aluminum: The most popular of all roof flashing installation materials because of the affordable pricing and durability.
• Copper: The most expensive material option for roof flashing installation, it is also the strongest and provides a pop of eye catching curb appeal. 
•  Membrane: For a drastic and different look compared to metal options, this material comes on a roll and can be used on areas other than the roof, like windows. It’s also a cost-effective option for protection against the elements. 

How do you install flashing on an existing roof?

A roofing contractor experienced in metal roofing will know how to install flashing on a metal roof the proper way, but just in case you’re feeling handy and want to tackle your own roof flashing installation, you can review online videos on how to seal roof flashing and then follow these steps: 

• The Rake Trim

Along the roofline is where the rake trim is installed. This is where the gable and roof line meet, and the end should be cut in an angle then folded to fit and meet the eave and end wall.

Butyl tape is needed on the underside of the nailed flange to provide a seal to keep moisture from intruding where the end panel and the trim meet. Using fasteners, you can align the new cut, angled, and folded trim to the roof line, spacing them no more than 24 inches apart.

• The Eave Trim

This roof trim keeps water away from the roof fascia, redirecting it to the ground. An underlayment should be installed first, then cut and folded, fitting the fascia and gable with a minimal angling. The screws used for eave trim roof flashing installation should be no more than 24 inches apart.

• The High Side Peak Trim

The roof flashing installation along at the high point prevents moisture from intruding under the sloping panels. This is installed by applying butyl tape as a sealant along the top of the panels. Next, along the outside closure above the tape, apply tube sealant. This peak trim should be cut at an angle and folded to fit at the closure top and the end rake trim. After the trim is in place, fasteners should be applied along the top.

1. The Eaves – These are the roof edges that overhang vertically over the exterior wall. This keeps the rain off the walls. 

2. The Gable – This is the triangle where the two eaves meet at the top of the walls. They can be located at the front, back, or sides of your house, depending on the shape and size of the structure.  

3. Flashing – This is what keeps water from getting under the roofing materials in the roof valleys. It is also used around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof protrusions. 

4. The Hip – This is found on a house without gables, has a four-sloped roof line, and allows water to run off. 

5. The Ridge – This is where gables and sides come together at the top and run the roof length. 

6. The Fascia Board – This is usually a wood board that is located right under the roof, with the roof lower part resting on the fascia. Some fascia boards have been made from asbestos over the years and should be replaced with new and safer material. Fascia repair is important to the entire roofing structure.

7. The Rafters – This is the roof structure’s key component, working with the joists and purlins. This is the framework that creates the roof before roofing materials are ever installed and will be placed side by side during the construction of the roof. 

8. The Battens – This is the roof’s fixing point for roofing materials. Without this, if a tile were to slip, a gap would be left for water to enter. 

9. The Gutters – This is usually an aluminum or vinyl pipe-like item that goes around the roof under the eaves. It collects rainwater and directs it to the downspout. The Fascia board for gutters is extremely important, making fascia repair an urgent matter when damage or rot is noticed. Often, fascia board and gutter replacement are done at the same time. 

10. The Downspout – This is attached to the gutter run, is installed vertically, and sends the rainwater from the gutter out and away from the house foundation. 

How important is fascia on a house?

The fascia board is mounted where the roof and outer walls meet on your house. It is a finishing trim, attached directly to and connecting the rafters and truss ends. It often provides support for the bottom row of tiles and is where the gutter runs are attached. Fascia boards are made of: 

• Aluminum
• Plastic
• Vinyl

The purpose of the fascia board is to block water from getting inside your home and under the roof. It provides safety for the roof and the interior of your home from moisture by blocking it from entry while providing an aesthetic touch to your home’s architecture. 

When water gets behind the fascia, it becomes susceptible to further damage that can continue on to the other roofing components. Having a drip edge along the roof’s edge just under the first row of shingles deflects water away from the fascia board. If the fascia repair isn’t done and the water issue isn’t resolved, this leaves your roof susceptible to critters and insects entering your house through the attic. 

Who repairs fascia board?

Fascia repair can be done by a roofing contractor or general carpentry contractor. Some painters are able to make minor fascia repairs while painting your home. A handy DIY homeowner can do their own fascia repair following the instructions from several YouTube videos. 

Why is fascia board grooved?

To help them connect to the soffit, the house, and each other for better stability.  If using plain wood for the fascia, J-Hooks are used to replace the groove of other soffit materials. 

What is the best material for fascia boards?

Wood has been found to be the best material for fascia boards. When it is properly implemented with the ideal roof covering, it is aesthetically complete while being resistant to the elements. When installed correctly, the fascia complements the overall architecture. 

Can you replace fascia and soffit?

When it comes to the fascia board vs soffit, is one more important than the other? No – both are equally important to your home’s roof, and both will need your attention for damage. Soffit and fascia repair is important and these items should be inspected by you at least once a year. 

During your inspection, you want to ensure the materials of both are in good condition – are they caulked, sealed, and painted? If not, yes, both can be replaced, and most times it is best to replace both but this isn’t always necessary. 

Depending on your home’s size, the construction material of the fascia and soffit, and the damage done, the soffit and fascia repairs can be as little as $20 per linear foot. Replacement of either can run around $30 per linear foot. Consider this an investment in the protection for your home. 

How is fascia board attached?

The fascia board is fastened to the rafter ends by nails. A tip is left out for the soffit to be installed and all are attached to the batten that has been attached to the exterior of the home. 

Drip Edge Advantages 

Let’s discuss drip edge vs gutter, the advantages that both provide a roof, and why a house should have a drip edge with gutters. Here are some of the advantages you can expect from a drip edge.

• Guards the Fascia: Without the fascia, the roofline is exposed to rain that can cause extreme damage with roof dripping, discoloration, and rot. The drip edge sends the water flow to the gutter.
• Rain and Wind Protection: During a storm, the wind will push the water to the roof corners and gaps, and it’s here that gravity takes over. Without a drip edge, the wind will push the water back up on the roof instead of it being directed to the gutter. 

• Insect Protection: The drip edge covers up the space between the roof decking and the fascia board. Without that big gap being overhead, critters and insects will have easy entry into your home and can get deep inside the wood cavity. 

• Fascia Board Protection: The drip edge will also direct water away from the fascia to the gutter and keeps water from dripping to the ground under the fascia board. If your home has a basement, the drip edge will keep water from penetrating the ground at the basement and leaking into the basement.

• Attic Stabilization: Roof damage is often caused from instability that heavy winds, ice dams, moisture, and rainwater can cause. A drip edge provides that stabilization by preventing formation of ice dams and prevents water from getting into gaps.

Gutter Advantages

Gutters have plenty of advantages as well. Here are some things having a gutter system can do for you.

• Strong Protection: A drip edge will prevent the attic from being damaged in heavy rains that would otherwise be directed into a gutter. This secures the roof deck, fascia, and gaps, and fascia as water will not go down there. Gutter aprons are made up of galvanized material that tends to flow all the water smoothly into the gutter.

• Infestation Prevention: A gutter will provide protection against small critters setting up residence in your attic by covering the gap into the attic. 

• Minimize Maintenance: A gutter system will minimize maintenance needed by catching the rain so that it can’t penetrate into the attic and under the shingles.

When does a drip edge go on?

In 2012, the drip edge became mandatory on the IBS (International Building Codes). For a house with shingle roofing and a wooden attic, the drip edge provides a strong level of protection. It filters out the water from the roof and directs it away from the fascia and into the gutter. 

Drip edges are referred to as D-Metal, are usually in a ‘T’ shape, and are installed along the edge of the roof at the eaves, on the rakes after the underlayment is installed. 

How much drip edge do I need?

To calculate the amount of drip edge, the metal strip that is installed under the underlayment, measure the length of the roof all the way around and then add 10% to that amount. 

How to make drip edge corners?

Overlap drip edge sections by one inch on the straight edges, overlapping in the direction of the normal winds. With overlapping on rake edges from bottom to top, ensuring both sides are flush. Start at the corner and nail every two feet, mitering the corners with tin snips. Cut the angles at about 45 degrees, with the mitered ends overlapped, not flush. The corners should be overlapped with a piece of drip edge square on the two edges against the roof end. 

Professionals will tell you that the best gutter installation is when nobody notices the gutters. Why? Because they blend in with the rest of the house, as if they had been there all along. So, with that in mind, here are the basic steps and suggestions to a gutter installation: 

1. A plan. 

Determine how many of the exterior walls need gutter installation? No, it may not be necessary for gutters all the way round your home. For example, if your house is on a typical city block with a house on each side within a few feet, you only need gutter installation in the back and front. However, a house with ample space all the way around, all 4 sides should have gutters installed. 

With this in mind, you need to get precise linear feet measurement of gutter runs  you’ll need. It is recommended to buy a few “learning curve” feet too. How many corners does your house have? You’ll need downspouts and elbow joints for those corners.  

2. The budget.

Know what your budge is then look at the different materials gutters are available. Aluminum gutters are going to cost between $5 and $10 per linear foot, and vinyl gutter installation material will cost between $3 to $5 per linear foot.  You can get really fancy with the finish, edges and trim, but that will cost. So, keep your budget in mind as you shop.

3. The Basics  

For gutter installation, there are some essential tools, so make sure you have the following items:

• A ladder to reach the roof top 
• Safety goggles and work gloves
• Cordless drill with minimum of two rechargeable batteries
• Fine tip permanent markers 
• Tape measure, at least 25 foot long
• Wood screws
• Caulking gun, construction glue and gutter sealant 
• Gutter brackets
• Tin Snips

4. The Fascia and Soffits 

The fascia are the flat boards just underneath the roof positioned along the exterior walls. The soffits are under the roof positioned  between the gutters and the exterior wall. You need to inspect both all the way around your home. If they have chipped, cracked, or peeling paint, any missing pieces or  wood rot, these need to be repaired or replaced before you start your gutter installation. 

5. Have Help 

It is always good to have another person around that can help with holding the gutters while you drill, hand you things, and simply be there. 

6. The Drainage

Your gutter installation will need a slight angle so  water can drain toward the downspouts and flow into the yard.  For a 40 foot gutter run, make the high point in the middle with a slight slope to each end. A shorter gutter run needs to angle one direction or the other with the lower end for the downspout. 

7. The Measuring 

This rule-of-thumb is measure twice and cut once. We recommend measure three times and cut once. Now you can follow the instructions that came with your gutter installation materials. 

Which gutter system is the best?

A good gutter installation will maintain the integrity of your home, from the foundation up. So, the more educated and informed you can be about gutters, the better choices you’ll make. Starting with sectional or seamless gutters. 

Most gutter installation materials come in sections only and are fastened together as you install them. However, today, aluminum gutters are available in the seamless style and are custom made for each home. What is the advantage of seamless or sections? Seamless won’t have the joints and seams to worry with leaks later on. The seamless style of gutter however are the more expensive. 

With that decision made, now choose the type of material you want for your gutter installation: 

• Vinyl Gutters: A favorite because of cost, price, and corrosion and rust resistant. Lightweight, snap together and great in mild climates. You’ll know you didn’t install them right when they start to sag in the middle of the sections. They do become brittle over time in extreme cold weather. 

• Aluminum Gutters: Another cost efficient gutter installation material. Lightweight rust resistant, and easy to install. Good for cold climates and won’t need painting as often as the vinyl gutters. Structurally, they aren’t as strong as other materials, easily dented. 

• Copper and Steel Gutters: Compared to aluminum gutters, these are more sturdy, and the galvanized steel is cost effective. However, they do rust and will need patching or replacing sooner than other gutter installation materials. The stainless steel gutters are virtually indestructible and rust resistant. Copper gutters are the beauty of all gutters in looks, indestructible, and rust resistant. However, both are expensive. 

• Wood Gutters: Used for years but not a common gutter installation material today. If you’re restoring a historic home and looking for authentic, these are the better choice, but you’ll pay a hefty price. 

Are wider gutters better?

Yes, a wider rain gutter will have more capacity to handle the rain flowing through, and less clogging from debris like leaves and twigs.  With less clogging, your gutter installation will provide better protection for your home against water damage.

How far should gutters extend past the house?

The gutter runs themselves will be installed against the fascia by brackets. The downspouts should extend at least four feet out, six feet if possible. Depending on the slope of your house, the soil around your house, and building codes, away from the house; however, they may need to extend much further depending on your soil, the slope of your house and local buildings codes. 

How long can a gutter be with one downspout?

Experts and professionals recommend one downspout to every 35 feet of gutter run. 

How long does gutter installation take?

For a first time DIY job, on an average size home, expect the project to take a full day, maybe the whole weekend.   For a professional gutter installation, an average sized single story home can take up to 4 hours.  A larger home, more than 3,000 square feet, can take up to 8 hours. 

Yes, you read that right.  A metal roof will help lower your insurance rates. A new roof of any material can lower it simply because it’s new, but a new metal roof is a favorite of insurance companies. Why?  For all the reasons we list above like weather resistant when it comes to hailstorms, heavy rain, and high winds.  It is resistant to ice, snow, and fire resistant too. 

What are the benefits of energy efficiency? 

A metal roof offers energy efficiency, which is one of the best ways to contribute to the global efforts. Being energy  efficient is a quick way to save money, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and meet growing energy demands while creating more jobs. Read on for more information on the benefits we all get from energy efficiency: 

• Environmental: Increased energy efficiency lowers pollutants and the greenhouse gas emissions we expel every day. It also decrease our water usage, another  natural resource we need to conserve. 
• Economical: Improved energy efficiency will lower your energy bills, and stabilize the pricing and volatility of electricity while creating jobs.
• Benefits the Utility System: Energy efficiency provides benefits for the long-term by lowering the demand of electricity overall, which reduces the need for investing in infrastructure for generations and transmissions.
• Risk Management: Energy efficiency diversifies the utility resource portfolios, allowing a hedge against uncertain  fluctuating fuel prices.

What does more energy efficient mean?

Energy efficiency isn’t just the buzzword of the decade. Yes, it spews out of the mouths of advertisers, energy companies, environmentalists, and politicians every day. So, with those words be repeated daily, we may lose sight of what it really means. 

We are living in a tie of  climate-consciousness because of the direct impact the energy we wasted has on the Earth. It is also impacting your wallet each month too as the cost of electricity, gas, and water increases. 

So, what does energy efficiency mean? It is the opposite of being energy wasteful. Just simply by turning off lights and not running water while brushing your teeth can help minimize the carbon footprint you leave behind. 

The lightbulb is a perfect example of how we can all be more energy-efficient. Replacing your 60w incandescent lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs can save as much as ninety percent of the energy used. When you replace any of your appliances, choose one that is noted as energy-efficient. Your next roof replacement, go with a metal roof instead of the tradition asphalt shingle. Don’t worry about the aesthetics, they make metal roofing look just like shingles today. 

What is the best color of metal roof for energy savings?

It doesn’t matter if you’re choosing an asphalt roofing material or going with a metal roof, the color needs to complement the architecture of your home. Choosing the correct color for your metal roof will directly affect the energy efficiency of your home too, especially in warm climate like here in Georgia. 

You will see more metal roof energy savings in a lighter color. Light colors reflect the sun’s UV rays and the intense heat they can create. A light color roof will also help keep your energy bill lower, whereas a dark color roof will keep your home warmer in the winter. 

Ask your roofing contractor about a cool metal roof in addition to choosing a light color. A cool metal roof will have a coating with cool pigments that enhance the solar reflectance while lessening the temperature of the roof surface. 

A cool metal roof reflects the sun’s heat and emits the radiation back to the atmosphere.  This all keeps your home more comfortable while easing the cost of your electric bill and easing the workload on your HVAC system. 

So, you’re considering a metal roof after reading this article, you probably wonder how long will a metal roof last? Longevity is one of the biggest benefits of a metal roof.  With proper installation and proper maintenance and upkeep, your metal roof can last you up to 70 years or even longer. Call 770-735-4433 today for your metal roofing system in Canton, GA.

Why do squirrels chew on gutters?

Squirrels burrow up in the leaves, twigs, and other debris inside gutter to hide from predators. While there, they may have liter of baby squirrels and cluttered gutters make a great nesting for those baby critters. While nesting there, the adult squirrels gnaw away at your gutters, causing gutter damage.  

Does aluminum foil deter squirrels?

Some people have found that when they cover their potted plants from the top with aluminum foil, punch a few holes for watering purpose, the squirrels won’t bother them? Why? It is believed that either they don’t like the shininess, or they don’t like the crinkling sound it makes when they gnaw on the foil. However, there are others that say squirrels will chew through aluminum without any issues. 

What can’t squirrels chew through?

If squirrels can chew through aluminum siding, vents, flashing, gutters, and downspouts, it would only make sense they could chew through aluminum foil, right? Yes, that aluminum siding you had installed is durable, strong, corrosion resistant, and waterproof. It is even energy efficient and sustainable. 

Many homeowners have discovered about these aluminum features to their home, they aren’t squirrel resistant. The next thing they discover is that squirrels chew through anything, except galvanized or stainless steel. As soon as you hear squirrels in your attic or walls, your first course of action should be to eradicate them from your home before they do more than gutter damage. 

Look for places they could be entering your home then attached galvanized steel sheeting or heavy mesh wire over the entry points once you have rid your attic of the pesky critters.  Blocking off their entry points while they are still in your attic will result in them making new entry points. 

If you’re having squirrel issues other than gutter damage, here are some natural remedies to use that will keep the squirrels away from your garden: 

• Spray urine from known squirrel predators on a regular basis.  
• Sprinkle cayenne pepper, garlic pepper, and /or pepper flakes around your outdoor plants when they are about to bloom. 
• Some gardening homeowners sprinkle blood meal around their garden.
• Scattering dog or human hair around a garden has proven to work for many gardeners. 
• Plant marigolds, mustard plants, or nasturtiums as a border around a vegetable garden and the strong aroma keeps squirrels away.
• Most dogs love chasing squirrels and squirrels are scares of them!

Quality gutters can last your home a long time and provide quality water protection. Need gutter installation in Canton, GA? Call 770-735-4433 today.

What Gutters Do

Gutters are designed to redirect water flow away from the foundation and siding of your home. It’s important to have gutters cleaned of leaves and debris so that they can function properly and not overflow water onto your roof or over the sides of your gutters. Make sure to have them cleaned in the fall and spring or after a particularly harsh storm.

How Gutters Work

When it rains the slope of the roof and valleys will direct water to your gutters. How gutters work is by collecting the rainwater from the roof and channeling it through to the downspouts which will, in turn, carry water to the base of the house. Water will then channel to the appropriate drainage lines.  

Are gutters supposed to be level?

Gutters should slope an inch or two for every 40 feet in a forward tilt. They will need to be level from the front to the back or risk water spilling over the edge. Using a level with gutter installation will ensure that all tighteners are affixed tightly. 

Where should gutters be placed?

Gutters will typically be placed with new homes yet if a home is absent of gutters they can be installed. They will be installed just beyond the roof eaves at a certain measurement in order to collect hail and water runoff from the roof’s slope. Typically they are installed on all sides of the home along the roof edge.

Do I need gutters around my entire house?

Gutters won’t necessarily need to be around the entirety of the home unless you have a roof that slopes in all directions. However, gutters will need to be placed around any slope. A situation where gutters won’t be necessary is if for example your roof only slopes in two directions, like toward the back and front of the home with a peak in the middle. In this case, gutters will only be needed for the front and back of the home and not the sides.

What gutters last the longest?

Seamless gutters are the better option over other gutter systems as there’s less room for issues that come with seams. In other words, there will be more durability, fewer leaks, and less maintenance. As far as materials aluminum gutters have a life span of 20 years while aluminum downspouts can last 30.

How often should you replace gutters?

Your gutters should typically be replaced every 20 years yet with proper care and maintenance gutters can last longer. Longevity will also depend on the type of materials your gutters are made of. With aluminum and galvanized steel materials, you’ll have 20-year gutter life whereas copper materials can last 50 years or more.

Can gutters cause roof leaks?

Gutters at times can cause roof leaks. Here’s how: essentially your gutters will have to be damaged in such a way or clogged enough for water runoff to spill over onto the roof. Any present punctures or openings on your roof will have water escape through. If there are roof leaks it’s important to have a roof inspection for repairs scheduled sooner rather than later as leaks can weaken the structural integrity of your home. Your home’s interior can also be damaged by water like with your walls, ceilings, and furniture.

When Gutters Should Be Cleaned

Ideally, your gutters should be cleaned two times a year in the spring and fall. If there are more trees near your home or more frequent storms you may have to clean them more often. After a particularly harsh storm consider having your gutters checked as well.

Contact a Professional Roofer About Your Gutters Today

If you’re in need of gutter services contact your local qualified roofers for more information. Gutters are essential for properties in order to prevent water damages on materials and a shifting foundation. There are a variety of different materials and profiles to choose from so make a point to familiarize yourself with your options. You can provide more value to your property with a gutter system and better protect the conditions of your home. Consider a gutter system and contact a gutter installation expert today.

Get more information regarding gutters in Canton, GA by calling 770-735-4433 with the experts at Affordable Gutters Plus LLC today!

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.