Snow, Ice and water getting into the home.
29/01/11 12:24
The office phone has been ringing with all the snowfall that has been dumped on the New England area these past couple weeks. “Water is coming into the house” was the common problem. So, “what is the answer?” “Heat Tape!” Properly installed heat tape is the only way to keep the snow and ice from building up on your eaves and gutters.
If you gutters are overflowing...
23/08/10 18:15 Filed in: 6" Gutters
If you gutters are overflowing they might not just be clogged. They could be undersized. Call for a free evaluation you may need commercial 6" Seamless Gutters. Toll Free:1-877-477-066
Clean Gutters Avoid Major Home Repairs
12/08/10 19:25 Filed in: Water Damage
If you think a few leaves and twigs in your gutter are harmless, think again. Clean and properly installed gutters are the single most important key to avoiding major and expensive home repairs. Gutters perform one duty: controlling the water around your home. And if debris keeps them from doing their job, then you can wind up with some serious problems:
LEAKING BASEMENTS - Clogged gutters are the number one cause of basement water problems. Roof water overflows and accumulates around the foundation. If this happens, basement leaks may be moments away.
CRACKED FOUNDATIONS - Excess water against the foundation wall can weaken the footing and lead to cracks. This is particularly true in the colder months when built-up water at the foundation freezes and causes a condition known as "frost-heave" which can cause severe cracks to foundation walls.
ROTTEN WOOD - Water backing up from clogged gutters will cause moisture damage to the wood fascia around the house. The rotted area will get worse quickly if the leak is not eliminated by cleaning the gutters.
LEAKING ROOFS - In winter, ice-dams can form on top of clogged gutters. Then snow builds up across the top of the gutter and freezes. During the next thaw, water running off the roof is blocked by the frozen snow and backs up into the house. This can lead to major wall and ceiling damage.
SLIPPERY SIDEWALKS - Overflowing gutters can deposit water on walks and driveways where it can freeze and cause a tripping hazard. Avoid this problem by keeping gutter clean and the spouts extended away from any traffic areas.
AGING DRIVEWAYS - Misdirected and clogged gutter spouts often cause driveways and walks to sag and crack.
WASHED-OUT Landscaping- Any newly installed plants, grass or trees can be killed by excess water. Overflowing gutters can cause severe erosion and put an early end to young plantings.
WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS - Bugs love moisture. Keeping the soil dry around the foundation perimeter can force bugs to go elsewhere for a tasty snack of dampened two-by-four.
Note: Tom Kraeutler is the Home Improvement Editor for AOL and host of The Money Pit, a nationally syndicated home improvement radio program. To find a local radio station, download the show's podcast or sign-up for Tom's free weekly e-newsletter, visit the program's website at www.moneypit.com.
More on Heavy Rain
22/07/10 20:48
You look out your window during a heavy rainstorm and you notice that the water is pouring over your gutter. Aside from a clogged gutter this can also mean that your gutter is improperly pitched.
Heavy Rain Storms
12/06/10 18:11 Filed in: Heavy Rain
Most of the time when we get heavy rain storm people realize that either their gutters are clogged or not the proper size for their home. The key to keeping your gutters working properly is keeping them clean from debris. If you are still having overflow with clean gutters their may be other underlying problems.