After we started focusing heavily on exterior renovations for our home, we realized that our windows needed to change. Instead of trying to scrub them clean and deal with their leaky nature, we went to a professional glass expert and talked with him about replacing the windows. We were able to choose from a large selection of different styles, colors, and shapes, and it was really fantastic to find such amazing replacements. This blog is all about finding better windows for your home and knowing how to choose between all of the options out there. You never know, you might be surprised with how much of a difference the right windows can make.
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Finding Better Windows For My Home
What To Know About Buying New Gutters And Maintaining Them
Michele Kuhn
Gutters might look like simple things, but they have an essential role in protecting your home from water damage. If yours are pulling away from the roof, leaking water, or look worn out, it could be time to replace them. Here are some options for new gutters and how to maintain them once they've been installed.
Your Options In New Gutters
You may be surprised at all your choices when buying new troughs and downspouts, but the selection process doesn't have to be difficult. Your choice can be based on price or appearance, but there are a few things to know first. For instance, seamless gutters have advantages over the sectional type. Sectional troughs attach to each other and form seams that can weaken and leak. The seams can even catch leaves and cause the troughs to clog up. The seamless variety has fewer seams, so problems with leaking and clogging are minimized.
You can buy troughs and downspouts made of different materials, and the type of material affects the price, appearance, and durability of the gutters. Copper is a durable and attractive material, but it is also the most expensive. Steel is a good choice since it's durable and strong. Aluminum is a popular choice too, but it is thin and can bend and dent more easily. You can also buy vinyl gutters, and these resist dents, but they could crack in very cold weather. In addition, you can choose the shape of the troughs. Round gutters are a popular choice for older, historic homes since they were popular decades ago. The K-style troughs are more common for newer homes.
One of the most important considerations when buying new gutters is to buy the right size. The troughs must be large enough to handle a heavy rain, or rain will spill over and possibly get your basement wet or harm your foundation. The right size depends on the heaviest rainfall expected in your area as well as the slope and size of your roof. Also, the width and number of downspouts come into play. You may need professional help when choosing the right size before you buy.
Tips For Gutter Maintenance
The troughs need to be free from debris so rain drains away from your house. Clean the troughs and downspouts at least once a year or more often if you have a lot of trees nearby. When weather conditions are dry, the leaves in your gutters are a fire hazard, and during the rainy season, the leaves cause clogs that lead to water spilling near your foundation. Consider having leaf guards put on the troughs to keep leaves out as much as possible.
Also, when doing annual maintenance, run water through the troughs to make sure it drains out quickly. If water forms a puddle, the slope of the trough should be adjusted. Don't forget to clean out the downspouts too by using a garden hose to clear out leaves, and make sure the spout is positioned away from your house so water flows toward the street.
Contact a service, like Innovations Siding & Windows, for more help.
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