The Importance of Installing a Gutter Guard

If you are a home owner and want a way to protect your guttering from clogging up then you should really have a look at the different types of gutter guards on the market. When your gutter gets clogged up it means that it can't do the job it's supposed to, that job of course is to keep the flow of water moving and to prevent water accumulating in places it shouldn't. Previously wire meshes and nets were used as gutter guard but the system was not durable. After a short period of time these nets would corrode and the holes would become big enough to allow the solid debris to pass through it thus leading to the problem of water clogging. As time passed new types of gutter guards were introduced but still a permanent solution has to be found to develop a totally maintenance free gutter guard.

Why You May Consider Gutter Guards to Be Essential

It is necessary to install the gutter guard system so that the annual cleaning process of the roof gutter can be minimized as it is quite hazardous for the owner to do it by himself and if he hires the services he has pay the service charges. The gutter guard blocks the solid debris like leaves, sticks and other solid material from flowing into the pipe due to which the clogging of the pipe is avoided. If the pipe gets clogged the accumulated water will not only damage the roof but the sides of the outer wall will also be damaged due to the overflowing of the water from the edges of the roof. The water will collect in the yard and create unhygienic conditions. This stagnant water will become the residence for all types of bacteria and other unwanted pests. Gutter guards will help to minimize the damage caused to the roof gutters which will save the high expense of repairing the gutters. Replacement of the gutter guard is cheaper than repairing a damaged gutter.

How to Go About Choosing a Gutter Guard

There are various types of gutter guards available in the market so it becomes very difficult to choose the best one which will be durable and affordable. The best way to choose a gutter guard is to compare amongst all the gutter guards available in the market and then choose the most durable one. Different types of materials are used to make the gutter guard. Not only that they are available in variety of sizes and designs. It is better not to choose the plastic or the wire mesh as they corrode very easily and then large debris can pass through them and clog the gutter pipe. Many times it was discovered that the if any heavy debris gathered on the mesh it could not bear the burden and was totally destroyed thus passing into the pipe and blocking the mouth of the outlet and causing water clogging. So install the gutter guard system and maintain the beauty and hygiene of the house.

April has written a number of articles relating to the roof on website Types of Roofing including: Copper Rain Gutters and Vinyl Rain Gutters.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=April_Kerr

Gutter Helmet - The Pro's And Con's

When it comes to your home's rain gutters, one of the worst things about them is how they can clog up and begin overflowing. This means having to climb the ladder and clean them out. Not a lot of fun to say the least. Well, the Gutter Helmet system is designed to eliminate the woeful chore of having to clean your gutters year in and year out. The usual advertisement talks about never having to clean your gutters again. This is a very powerful statement, but can it really be backed up with solid proof?

The whole concept of Gutter Helmet is based on ensuring that your rain gutter channel is always free of debris and free flows without issue. A free flowing gutter is essential to your home as it can reduce the likelihood of roof damage. A standard gutter system will collect all sorts of leaves and other debris, which will eventually lead to drainage problems and possible damage to your roof. The Gutter Helmet is designed to eliminate this problem forever, or so it claims.

Why is it so important to have a rain gutter that functions properly? Simply put, a channel that is not functioning properly or is clogged, can lead to a build up of debris and water. Pools of dirty water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and this can lead to all types of diseases such as the West Nile virus. Another factor with the build up of water is that it can cause the wood to rot and this will lead to structural damage that will require expensive repairs.

Gutter Helmet was designed to eliminate these issues. It is designed to forward the rain water through a 3/8 inch channel through a slit. The water flows through the slit and the leaves and other debris fall to the ground without clogging your gutters. In theory that's how it is setup to function.

The cost of this system is not cheap as it has to be installed by a trained professional who will analyze your home and do the necessary measurements to ensure that it fits exactly as needed. The panels for the helmet are installed under or above the shingles. The decision on whether it will be under or above is not made until a contractor does an analysis of your home.

Even though Gutter Helmet is more expensive that a traditional rain gutter system, it is important to note that it comes with a full lifetime service warranty. The actual cost of the installation will not be determined until a contractor visits your home and conducts an analysis.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about the Gutter Helmet system. On one hand it is pretty expensive and you will have to live in your home for a number of years to offset the added costs. But on the other hand, it adds a peace of mind in knowing you won't have to climb ladders to clean out your rain gutters 2-3 times a year, or spend the money doing so. In that regard it can save you time and money.

You can find out more about Gutter Helmet as well as much more information on all types of rain gutters and downspouts at http://www.GuttersA-Z.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards

Gutter Guards - Do They Really Keep Rain Gutters Clean?

The number one issue with every homeowner when it comes to gutters and downspouts is keeping them clean. We all want that miracle product that will keep us off the ladder from having to clean gutters. The new product being touted by many salesmen are the various gutter guards. But how good are these products? Do they really prevent your gutters from becoming clogged? Let's take a look.

Gutter cleaning is year round chore it seems. I live in a home with several large trees in our yard and it is not uncommon for me to have to clean out the gutters 3 times a year. I'm sure I don't have to remind you why it is so important to keep them clean either.

As you may also know, gutter cleaning is not only a pain, but it can also be dangerous. Climbing a ladder and getting on the roof is risky at any time. Gutter guards can help prevent accidents from happening as well as keeping your gutters clean.

I've compared many different brands of gutter guards and they all do basically the same thing. The gutter guard goes on top of your gutter and prevents leaves from settling inside of it. I understand the concept, but does it work?

The answer is yes and no. Yes, a gutter guard will prevent large leaves and twigs from clogging your gutters and downspouts. All the brands do this job well.

No, they do not prevent small debris from getting inside the gutter. They will not keep seed pods, buds, or small leaves out. This means that eventually this debris can clog up the gutter down the road.

You will find gutter guards in various styles. Some have small round holes in them while others will have slits in them.

Installing gutter guards is something that a homeowner, who is a handyman, can accomplish over a weekend. For others who don't want to climb a ladder or attempt on their own, you can find a gutter contractor who will quickly do the job for you.

In the end, gutter guards have been useful for our home. I would recommend them, but don't expect these guards to completely eliminate you from ever having to clean your gutters again.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

By the way, you can learn more about Gutter Guards as well as much more information on all types of gutters and downspouts at http://www.GuttersA-z.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards

Why You Should Consider Gutter Installation

When you look around your neighborhood chances are you will see that most of your neighbors have gutters on their home. Gutters are a great way to protect your home from top to bottom from the normal rain waters that are simply a normal occurrence in any climate. Gutters should be considered an essential part of home maintenance and if you don't have them you should either have them installed or install them yourself to start taking steps to protect your home.

Gutter installation can help you protect your home from:

·Damage to current landscaping
·Foundation damage
·Wood rot
·Black mold
·Damage to walkway
·Damage to the driveway
·Shingle and roof damage
·Erosion of masonry
·Damage to paint
·Basement leaks

This is just a short list of the type of damage that gutter installation can help you avoid. With gutters you are simply directing the water in a direction that will help to preserve your home. Many people don't realize the damage that is being done until the actually install their gutters and see the difference that it makes. It is actually quite simple to have gutters installed and when you consider the cost of repairing the above mentioned things in and around the home, the cost is very little in terms of the problems you will be avoiding.

It doesn't matter how old or new your home is or if you think you currently have problems, you should consider gutter installation. You will find that the directing of the water that falls from the roof of your home really is something that you should invest in. If you want your home to hold up well over time, gutter installation is one step in the right direction.

Written by Francesa Terrandas. Want to know more about Montgomery County MD Gutter Installation ? Check out my website, where I also host the top info on Gutters Washington DC as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francesa_Terrandas

Why You Should Consider Gutter Installation

When you look around your neighborhood chances are you will see that most of your neighbors have gutters on their home. Gutters are a great way to protect your home from top to bottom from the normal rain waters that are simply a normal occurrence in any climate. Gutters should be considered an essential part of home maintenance and if you don't have them you should either have them installed or install them yourself to start taking steps to protect your home.

Gutter installation can help you protect your home from:

·Damage to current landscaping
·Foundation damage
·Wood rot
·Black mold
·Damage to walkway
·Damage to the driveway
·Shingle and roof damage
·Erosion of masonry
·Damage to paint
·Basement leaks

This is just a short list of the type of damage that gutter installation can help you avoid. With gutters you are simply directing the water in a direction that will help to preserve your home. Many people don't realize the damage that is being done until the actually install their gutters and see the difference that it makes. It is actually quite simple to have gutters installed and when you consider the cost of repairing the above mentioned things in and around the home, the cost is very little in terms of the problems you will be avoiding.

It doesn't matter how old or new your home is or if you think you currently have problems, you should consider gutter installation. You will find that the directing of the water that falls from the roof of your home really is something that you should invest in. If you want your home to hold up well over time, gutter installation is one step in the right direction.

Written by Francesa Terrandas. Want to know more about Montgomery County MD Gutter Installation ? Check out my website, where I also host the top info on Gutters Washington DC as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francesa_Terrandas

Faucet Replacement in 4 Easy Steps

If you're looking for a way to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your home, but don't want to undergo hassles and incur large costs, a faucet replacement is the thing for you. Just replace an old faucet with a new one and be amazed with how big a difference you can make. Other than that, no more irritating noise that a dripping and leaky faucet generates.

The first step in faucet replacement is looking for the right faucet. Although there are many types, styles and combinations of faucets in the market today, the first thing you have to be concerned about is whether the faucet you choose will fit into the old sink.

Also keep in mind that for supply connections, there are two possibilities. Your faucet could either have flexible copper supply inlets found in the center of the unit, or the inlets could be located under the hot and cold handles.

Before anything else, shut off the main water supply. You can do this by shutting off the control valve found under the sink. It is also recommended that you prepare all the necessary materials beforehand, and don't forget to prepare some penetrating oil in case the mounting nuts are hard to remove, and are stuck. It is also best if you have someone around to help you in handing out the tools as you work. Also, don't forget to plug the drain with rags so that small parts like screws and bolts cannot go down the drain.

- Remove the old fixture

First, remove the nuts that attach the hose to the faucet body and the spray head to the sink (if you're using a faucet with sprayer). Remove supply lines and set them aside. Remove the mounting nuts that hold the faucet body to the sink. Use your wrench for this. If mounting nuts are difficult to pry loose, use penetrating oil.

Once faucet is removed, clean the sink from putty and mineral deposits by scraping it off (you can use a steel wool).

- Attach new faucet to the sink

You can use a rope of plumber's putty or install a gasket either to the sink or to the faucet. Put the new faucet in place, making sure that it is parallel to the backsplash. Move under the sink and ask someone to hold the faucet for you while you work. Screw on a washer and mounting nut on every inlet, and tighten using basin wrench.

- Connect supply lines

Cover inlet threads with Teflon tape or with pipe joint compound. Afterwards, twist the supply line nut on the inlet and start tightening it, by hand at first, and then by wrench. Connect shutoff valve to the other end of supply line using the same procedure.

If flexible copper inlets are used for water supply, the same applies, except that you have to ascertain that no copper tubes are twisted. The faucet could become destroyed if copper tubes are twisted.

- Connect and adjust the pop-up drain assembly

If installing a bathroom faucet, insert a ball rod into the opening located in the drain body. Secure it using the nut provided. Slip the rod through the clevis strap. Afterwards, secure it using spring clips. Lower the rod through the hole near the rear of the faucet spout, up until the holes at the upper end of clevis strap. Tighten the thumbscrew and adjust the rods.

And those are the steps to faucet replacement. It may look hard, but once you're at it, everything will become much easier. So, give it a try!

Discover how to fix a leaky faucet yourself. Read the simple guide to faucet replacement now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Fretz

Install Gutter Guard to Prevent Clogging

Gutter guards are the device used to protect the clogging of the roof gutter so that the water from the roof may flow easily and accumulation of water does not take place on the roof. Previously wire meshes and nets were used as gutter guard but the system was not durable. After a short period of time these nets would corrode and the holes would become big enough to allow the solid debris to pass through it thus leading to the problem of water clogging. As time passed new types of gutter guards were introduced but still a permanent solution has to be found to develop a totally maintenance free gutter guard.

Installation of Gutter Guard System is Necessary

It is necessary to install the gutter guard system so that the annual cleaning process of the roof gutter can be minimized as it is quite hazardous for the owner to do it by himself and if he hires the services he has pay the service charges. The gutter guard blocks the solid debris like leaves, sticks and other solid material from flowing into the pipe due to which the clogging of the pipe is avoided. If the pipe gets clogged the accumulated water will not only damage the roof but the sides of the outer wall will also be damaged due to the overflowing of the water from the edges of the roof. The water will collect in the yard and create unhygienic conditions. This stagnant water will become the residence for all types of bacteria and other unwanted pests. Gutter guards will help to minimize the damage caused to the roof gutters which will save the high expense of repairing the gutters. Replacement of the gutter guard is cheaper than repairing a damaged gutter.

Method of Choosing the Best Gutter Guard System

There are various types of gutter guards available in the market so it becomes very difficult to choose the best one which will be durable and affordable. The best way to choose a gutter guard is to compare amongst all the gutter guards available in the market and then choose the most durable one. Different types of materials are used to make the gutter guard. Not only that they are available in variety of sizes and designs. It is better not to choose the plastic or the wire mesh as they corrode very easily and then large debris can pass through them and clog the gutter pipe. Many times it was discovered that the if any heavy debris gathered on the mesh it could not bear the burden and was totally destroyed thus passing into the pipe and blocking the mouth of the outlet and causing water clogging. So install the gutter guard system and maintain the beauty and hygiene of the house.