Tips for Choosing the Right Gutter Color for your Home

Let’s first start off with asking yourself if you can see the gutters from the curb.  If you are unable to see the gutters, the color may not matter to you.  If this is a situation your best option is to go with a basic color like white.  This may save you a little money and that’s always a plus. Another question to ask is whether or not you have any restrictions based on where you live.  Are you in a subdivision or belong to a homeowner’s association that restricts the color options?  These municipalities may have set rules regarding what exterior colors are allowed on your home.  You definitely don’t want to spend money on something you may have to remove at a later time. If you have no restrictions you may consider matching the color of your roof, the home’s exteriors walls or even the trim.  The goal of matching the roof is to draw attention away from the gutters.  Matching the roof color will make the gutters seem like they are an extension of the roof itself.  Some people choose to match their home’s exterior walls or trim.  Picking a color that accents your home could add to the overall visual appearance. Keep in mind that you can always paint your gutters at a later date if need be.  Alloy Gutter offers over 30 different color options for you to choose from.  Our gutter colors range from your standard colors to special order colors.  Give us a call and we would be more than happy to assist you with selecting a color.

The Most Common Locations for Ice Dams

Here at Alloy Gutter we get many calls during the winter regarding Ice Dams.  What is an ice damn?  An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof.  The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.  Ice dams form when melting snow on a roof runs off and refreezes at the edge of a roof.  This happens because of poor roof insulation.  Ice dams do not mean there is something wrong with your gutters or that your gutters are leaking. The most common area of an ice dam is your eaves.  This occurs because of the condition stated above. The corners of your gutters (Miters) are also a very common area for an ice dam to form.  We here at Alloy Gutter Company get many calls stating that their gutters are leaking at the corners, however the gutters are fine, it’s the water finding the lowest location to drain and the water is running over the frozen gutter causing the dam and homeowners to think that the gutters are leaking. If you are experiencing ice dams on a regular basis there are some things you can do to prevent them.   You can give Alloy Gutter and get your roof raked.  You could also purchase heat tape and have us install that for you.  Before you give us a call to install the heat tape make sure you have a licensed electrician install a plug for the heat to connect to.

Spring Forward

This is the time of year that we begin to notice that the days are getting longer. The sun is up higher in the sky and we start to see things we may have missed during the dreary winter months. I recently glanced up at the corner ceiling and noticed the return of the cobweb. I was actually happy to see this annual spring visitor returning; ANYTHING that signals the end of winter is a welcome sight! Now is the time I begin to make a list of outdoor projects.  My annual spring to do list usually starts with “no spend or very little spend” items. Projects that don’t require lots of dollars can make a huge difference on the appearance and function of your home’s exterior. Spring To-Do List:
  • Clean out the garage (before you go out and repurchase things you already own)
  • Wash the windows (nothing lets in more sunlight than clean shiny windows)
  • Wash the patio furniture (setting it back outside again will put a smile on your face)
  • Hose off the front porch (playing with water is always a fun thing)
  • Clean out the flowerbeds (get ready for the flowers before you bring them home)
  • Clean out the gutters (make sure they are in good repair and ready for spring rains)
Most of us don’t enjoy cleaning out the gutters. It’s a hassle getting out the ladder and for someone who dislikes heights it’s a scary job. Three years ago I had Alloy Gutter Company put leaf protection on my gutters. I only wish I had done this sooner. I took this job off my list when Alloy Gutter Company came out and cleaned my gutters, inspected them and installed leaf protection. Let Alloy Gutter Company shorten your list...for a price that is far less than most people think…get off that ladder and enjoy the sunshine with both feet on the ground!

It’s All About That Pitch – Not Level

On rare occasions, someone with “eagle eyes” notices that their gutters are not perfectly level. They tell us that their gutters were hung with a slight incline and ask to have the problem corrected.  They are not aware that gutters are pitched for a reason. Alloy Gutter Company wants you to be happy with the aesthetics of your gutters but the most important thing is how well the gutters function. Gutters are meant to drain water away from your home’s foundation. In order for this to happen, the water has to flow toward the outlet hole and then flow down into the downspout. For proper drainage the gutters need to be pitched correctly. Make sure you call the gutter experts to get the job done right. Alloy Gutter has over thirty five years of experience installing gutters. We will make sure your gutters are installed with just the right amount of pitch – not level.

Does My House Need Gutters?

Occasionally, I get a phone call asking if all houses need gutters.  If a house has never had gutters are they really necessary?  How come the builder didn’t include gutters when the house was built? These inquiries are usually from someone contemplating the purchase of a home that has no gutters. The answer to their question is, “Alloy Gutter Company recommends that all homes have a properly functioning gutter system.” Gutters are a necessity for several reasons:
  • They discharge water away from the home’s foundation walls. Without proper drainage, the home’s foundation will be exposed to all the water runoff from the roof. Nobody wants a wet basement.
  • On homes that have a wide roof overhang, many people feel that gutters are not necessary because the roof water runoff is away from the foundation. However, when it rains it creates a waterfall effect along the roofline. Nobody wants a waterfall on their porch when leaving or entering their house during rainy weather.
  • Without gutters your foundation plantings take a beating. The waterfall effect will erode the soil and create a muddy mess.
How come the house never had gutters? Most likely it was simply a way to cut costs. However, why risk a wet/musty basement, a waterfall on your porch and damaged landscaping? Give Alloy Gutter Company a call and we will provide you with a quote for new gutters. Often, for less money than you think.  As a bonus, once we install your new gutter system, all of your showers will now be taken inside the house!

Searching for Gargoyles?

Water management has been important throughout history, it was essential for building maintenance and sanitation. Water drainage is even a part of Roman mythology. Cloacina is the goddess of the sewers. She dates back to 47 AD, at that time the Romans first introduced drains to Britain. Few people are familiar with how rain gutters have evolved. This timeline shows the evolution of today’s gutter system:
  • 1066: English towns and churches are being rebuilt after the Norman invasion. Gutters on churches are constructed with gargoyles.
  • 1240: The Tower of London has a downpipe erected to protect the whitewashed walls.
  • Middle Ages: Drainage disputes become one of the most frequent cases heard by authorities.
  • 1539: The start of the appearance of rainwater goods on grand houses. Cisterns and hopper heads are crafted from lead.
  • 1709: Cast iron replaces lead for rainwater goods.
  • 1939 – 1945: Plastic replaces cast iron for gutters and downspouts.
  • 1960’s: A seamless gutter machine is invented and aluminum is now used for gutters.
It’s interesting to look back and see how far we have progressed but I appreciate that we are now way beyond the time of the gargoyles! Occasionally, we get calls asking if Alloy Gutter Company makes aluminum seamless gutters. All of our gutters are both aluminum and seamless. If you are looking for a gutter company who can offer you the best in today’s materials and installation give Alloy Gutter Company a call. If you are looking for gargoyles, check out the old churches in England!

Expansion Joints

Did you know that aluminum expands and contracts when the temperature fluctuates?  This movement is minimal and does not warrant any special installation procedures for most gutter jobs.  However, Alloy Gutter Company occasionally gets asked to install seamless gutters that have very long runs. Because we are the gutter experts, (with over 35 years of experience) Alloy knows when expansion joints are needed and how to properly install them. Every job is unique and our installers will do a site analysis to determine your specific needs. If necessary, a lap type expansion joint will be installed. This will bridge together two sections of gutter and allow them to move independently. This eliminates any concern about the aluminum buckling due to temperature changes. Whatever size job, Alloy Gutter Company is here to take care of all your gutter needs. Give us a call with any questions or special concerns. We are the gutter experts for jobs both large and small.

Does Alloy Gutter Provide Gutter Estimates?

A quick call is all it takes to get a price on gutters. During the initial phone call, we will gather your general information and ask you a few questions about the scope of work needed. Of course, Alloy Gutter offers free estimates and you don’t even need to be at home when we come out! Your initial paperwork will be turned over to an estimator who will visit the job site. At this time, he will take measurements and photos. The estimator will return to our office and put together your quote. He will email or fax you a copy of the quote and give you a call to see if you have any questions or are ready to schedule the job. If needed, any revisions to the proposal can be done at this time. A common question we hear is, “How soon can you install my new gutters?”  In many cases, Alloy Gutter Company can quote and do your job the same day or next day. We will need to know your color choice and have the scope of work approved before starting your job.  Once we confirm the details of the job, we are able to get you scheduled fast.  Give Alloy Gutter Company a call and you will be amazed how quickly we can provide a quote and install your new gutters!

Help With Downspout Placement

We frequently get calls from contractors and homeowners concerned about where the downspouts should go. Most have experienced a problem with drainage. Alloy Gutter Company will be happy to meet with you to discuss your best options for downspout placement.

Keep in mind that the primary function of a downspout is to discharge water away from a home’s foundation.  Also, it is best to avoid discharging water on to a driveway or sidewalk.  Nobody wants an ice rink on the concrete during the winter months.

Because every property is unique, Alloy Gutter Company will advise you of what will work best for your home. Of course, the final choice is always up to you. Give Alloy a call and let a company with over thirty five years of experience help you to make the best choice.

Getting Crafty With Gutters

I’m always amazed by all the artsy/creative people out in the blogosphere. They never seem to run out of great ideas. They take the most unlikely objects and turn them into useful things for the home. Recently I went on Pinterest and searched “gutters;” I found gutter projects that are both doable and usable.

Many versions of outdoor planters are shown. Most of these gutter planters are attached to fences or hanging from chains. Herbs seem to be the most widely used plants. Typically, gutters hold rainwater but these now have drainage holes for the plants.

Another idea is to use gutters indoors as bookshelves. The photos often show them in children’s rooms. They can be cut to any length to create custom shelving units.

Can you think of any new uses for gutters? Here at Alloy Gutter Company we are sticking with what we do best; protecting your home’s exterior from moisture damage. However, you if come up with a crafty gutter idea, let us know and Alloy would be happy to share it on this blog!