Pros And Cons Of Nailing It Down
Facebook Post: Learn about the risks of installing DIY leaf guards on your gutters. Our blog examines the issue of protecting your gutters at the shore or in the mountains.
Twitter Post: Have you sprung a leak after nailing leaf guards over your gutters? Read our blog for tips on protecting your roof.
Nailing It Down
Nailing It Down
When it comes to protecting your gutters with leaf guards, the best strategy for nailing it down is not using nails at all. Toppers, mesh, helmets and hoods that hang over gutters to prevent debris from accumulating in the gutters and blocking the flow of water are usually attached by homeowners with nails or screws. Unfortunately, putting holes in your roof for any DIY project is never a good idea because it
could cause leaks and void any roof warranties that are still in effect.
Gutters Humor
Open gutters where seeds collect often attract birds and critters. If you don't keep your gutters clean, you might even find a bird's nest or storage vault for squirrels, where nuts and seeds are squirreled away. The Virginia Peninsula and Middle Peninsula on Virginia's Eastern Shore provide all kinds of challenges for keeping gutters clean, and these include all types of birds, animals, salt buildup, fall leaves and an extraordinarily diverse ecology that includes seagulls, ducks and other large saltmarsh fowl.
Your gutters need regular cleaning, and metal gutters in saltwater environments need frequent replacing because of corrosion. Clogged or corroded gutters cause lots of property damage and safety risks. These risks include water backup and roof leaks, cracked driveways and foundations, washed-out landscaping, structural damage and insects that are attracted to moist wood for nesting. Risks of clogged gutters include:
Weeds and plants taking root in dirty gutters
Seeds and nuts attracting nesting animals and insects
Creating an environment for mold and bacteria to thrive
Debris causing gutters to clog and cause spillovers and standing-water backups
DIY efforts to guard against debris, which result in nail and screw holes
Gutter Safety Is Important
Cleaning gutters can be highly dangerous due to falls from ladders, accidental contact with electrical wires, clothing getting caught on roof structures and sudden bouts of dizziness. That's why a professional gutter protection system is so important. Installing a turnkey solution that prevents gutters from ever getting clogged can save money, prevent accidents and injuries and discourage plants and wildlife from moving in without paying rent.
Water damage isn't funny unless you appreciate gutters humor. Your insurance might not cover the damage, at least according to the Insurance Information Institute. The LeafGuard gutter system pays for itself by reducing maintenance costs, protecting your home and family’s safety and stopping damages before they start. Check our homepage for further information or contact us directly for answers to your questions about gutters.
Sources:
- The New York Times: Strategies to Outsmart Pesky Birds http://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/30/nyregion/strategies-to-outsmart-pesky-birds.html - Cleaning and Safety Management: Gutter Cleaning Tips That Can Save Your Life http://www.cmmonline.com/articles/229822-gutter-cleaning-tips-that-can-save-your-life - The Money Pit: Gutter Cleaning Tips to Avoid Major Repairs
http://www.moneypit.com/article/gutter-cleaning-tips-avoid-major-repairs
Twitter Post: Have you sprung a leak after nailing leaf guards over your gutters? Read our blog for tips on protecting your roof.
Nailing It Down
Nailing It Down
When it comes to protecting your gutters with leaf guards, the best strategy for nailing it down is not using nails at all. Toppers, mesh, helmets and hoods that hang over gutters to prevent debris from accumulating in the gutters and blocking the flow of water are usually attached by homeowners with nails or screws. Unfortunately, putting holes in your roof for any DIY project is never a good idea because it
could cause leaks and void any roof warranties that are still in effect.
Gutters Humor
Open gutters where seeds collect often attract birds and critters. If you don't keep your gutters clean, you might even find a bird's nest or storage vault for squirrels, where nuts and seeds are squirreled away. The Virginia Peninsula and Middle Peninsula on Virginia's Eastern Shore provide all kinds of challenges for keeping gutters clean, and these include all types of birds, animals, salt buildup, fall leaves and an extraordinarily diverse ecology that includes seagulls, ducks and other large saltmarsh fowl.
Your gutters need regular cleaning, and metal gutters in saltwater environments need frequent replacing because of corrosion. Clogged or corroded gutters cause lots of property damage and safety risks. These risks include water backup and roof leaks, cracked driveways and foundations, washed-out landscaping, structural damage and insects that are attracted to moist wood for nesting. Risks of clogged gutters include:
Weeds and plants taking root in dirty gutters
Seeds and nuts attracting nesting animals and insects
Creating an environment for mold and bacteria to thrive
Debris causing gutters to clog and cause spillovers and standing-water backups
DIY efforts to guard against debris, which result in nail and screw holes
Gutter Safety Is Important
Cleaning gutters can be highly dangerous due to falls from ladders, accidental contact with electrical wires, clothing getting caught on roof structures and sudden bouts of dizziness. That's why a professional gutter protection system is so important. Installing a turnkey solution that prevents gutters from ever getting clogged can save money, prevent accidents and injuries and discourage plants and wildlife from moving in without paying rent.
Water damage isn't funny unless you appreciate gutters humor. Your insurance might not cover the damage, at least according to the Insurance Information Institute. The LeafGuard gutter system pays for itself by reducing maintenance costs, protecting your home and family’s safety and stopping damages before they start. Check our homepage for further information or contact us directly for answers to your questions about gutters.
Sources:
- The New York Times: Strategies to Outsmart Pesky Birds http://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/30/nyregion/strategies-to-outsmart-pesky-birds.html - Cleaning and Safety Management: Gutter Cleaning Tips That Can Save Your Life http://www.cmmonline.com/articles/229822-gutter-cleaning-tips-that-can-save-your-life - The Money Pit: Gutter Cleaning Tips to Avoid Major Repairs
http://www.moneypit.com/article/gutter-cleaning-tips-avoid-major-repairs