With summer about gone in Western Kentucky, fall is just around the corner. With autumn on its way, there are several things you need to do to get your home prepared for the fall and winter season, with gutter maintenance and gutter cleaning on the forefront. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four tips to prepare your gutters for the fall season.

1. Thoroughly clean your gutters
No one likes to do it, but gutter maintenance is a chore that needs to be done. The best tip to get ready for fall is to clean your gutters thoroughly. This could mean spending a weekend climbing the ladder and getting every last seed, pod, twig, leaf, and other foliage debris from the trough of the gutter as well as the downspout of the gutter. If you have many trees in your neighborhood, you may have to perform gutter maintenance at least once a month and possibly twice a month if the leaves are especially falling.

2. Do an inspection
The next important tip to realize is to inspect your gutters often. This will save you a bundle in the end. When it is nice out in the late summer or early fall, climb on your ladder and inspect your gutters and downspouts. Are they sagging or pulling away from the house? Are the seams starting to split? Are they full of debris? Is the downspout loose? By inspecting your gutters and then properly maintaining or replacing them as needed, you will save yourself stress and aggravation as well as money in the near future.

3. Trim branches
Another tip to prepare your gutter for the fall season is to trim back any branches from the gutters or that might be touching your roof. Trees and branches grow over the summer months and can be directly over your troughs. When the wind blows, the leaves and seeds are falling straight into the gutters and clogging them up. Make sure to trim back those branches late this summer to prepare them for the fall season ahead!

4. Hire a professional
The last essential tip to prepare your gutters for fall is to hire a professional like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can investigate what issues you have with your gutters and repair them as necessary. We can also install a leaf guard which prevents the leaves from falling in your gutters and clogging them up, therefore, preventing you from having to clean the gutters out as much. If you do not have the time to clean the gutters yourself, we can help with that task as well.

As you can see, there are many ways to get your home’s gutter system ready for the fall season. When you perform gutter cleaning or gutter maintenance to your gutters this fall, you will be ready for any thunderstorms that occur. If you follow our advice on the top four tips to prepare your gutters for the fall season you will be ready for autumn when it arrives!

Need help with your gutters? Give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055!

When fall starts, you will be ready. You’ll pick out the pumpkins. You will bake an apple pie. You may even break out your favorite mustard-colored cardigan (only to sweat through it in 80-degree weather by the afternoon). But as the leaves start to fall, you might realize that you’re not as prepared as you thought.

Cleaning up leaves is one of the lesser enjoyable parts of owning a home. It seems like the whole fall season is a cycle of endless lawn care: rake, bag, and repeat. Your lawn might be the most noticeable cemetery for dead foliage, but another problematic graveyard is your gutter.

Gutters are an important part of your roof that help drain rainwater away from your home. This drainage system prevents water damage caused by puddling near the foundation of your home. Leaves are one of the most common issues that clog up gutters and cause water puddling. One way to prevent clogged gutters is cleaning them regularly. But climbing on your roof every week is neither safe nor convenient.

An alternative option for gutter clog prevention is gutter guards. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is here to help you prepare for the fall season. If you would like to know more about how gutter guards, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us for a FREE ESTIMATE.

If your gutters are getting older or seem to not get rid of moisture as well as they used to, it may be time to consider replacing them. A few signs that indicate you need new gutters include mold or mildew, cracking at the seams, leaks, and peeling or chipping paint. While many decide to go with traditional gutters, other options may work for your home. Custom seamless gutters, as their name indicates, do not have seams making leaks far less likely. Here are three things that you should know about seamless gutters.

They Add Value

The first thing that you should know is that, in general, adding new gutters is good for your home’s value. Gutters offer a healthy return on investment and can even add value and curb appeal to your home. Seamless gutters, in particular, are great for adding value to your home. If you are planning to sell, seamless gutters are a feature that many buyers look for in a new home. Just make sure you choose gutters that match the style of your house.

You Have Options

When it comes to custom seamless gutters, there is a wide array of options to choose from. At Gutter Boys of Kentucky, we install aluminum seamless gutters in a variety of different colors and styles are also available. Before your custom seamless gutter installation, you will want to discuss which colors and styles will work best for your home, and that will be within your budget. No matter what type of seamless gutter you choose, it will be less susceptible to leaking and more attractive than a comparable traditional gutter.

The Cost

Another thing to know about custom seamless gutters is how much they cost. If you are looking for affordable options, custom aluminum seamless gutters from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky will be your best bet for the long-term. Overall, seamless gutters are an excellent investment and cost-effective due to their durability.

If you are considering custom seamless gutters, there are a few things to know. First, seamless gutters add curb appeal and value to your home. There are also numerous options to choose from when it comes to seamless gutters. Finally, the cost is another thing to keep in mind.

Whether you need new seamless gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, we hope you will contact us at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. We serve a majority of Western Kentucky. For a FREE ESTIMATE, give us a call today at (270) 906-3055!

School is back in session. With autumn on its way, there are several things you need to do to get your home prepared for the fall and winter season, with gutter maintenance and gutter cleaning on the forefront. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four tips to prepare your gutters for the fall season.

1. Thoroughly clean your gutters
   
   No one likes to do it, but gutter maintenance is a chore that needs to be done. The best tip to get ready for fall is to clean your gutters thoroughly. This could mean spending a weekend climbing the ladder and getting every last seed, pod, twig, leaf, and other foliage debris from the trough of the gutter as well as the downspout of the gutter. When fall arrives, you may have to perform gutter maintenance at least once a month and possibly twice a month if the leaves are especially falling. If you have a lot of trees near your house, you may want to consider having Gutter Boyz of Kentucky come out and install gutter guards to help reduce the need for constant gutter cleaning.
   
2. Do an inspection
   
   The next important tip to realize is to inspect your gutters often. This will save you a bundle in the end. When it is nice out in the late summer or early fall, climb on your ladder and inspect your gutters and downspouts. Are they sagging or pulling away from the house? Are the seams starting to split? Are they full of debris? Is the downspout loose? By inspecting your gutters and then properly maintaining or replacing them as needed, you will save yourself stress and aggravation as well as money in the near future. In lieu of climbing on a latter and to reduce the risk of injury to yourself from a fall, you might consider giving us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. We will be happy to come our and perform a professional gutter inspection for you.
   
3. Trim branches
   
   Another tip to prepare your gutter for the fall season is to trim back any branches from the gutters or that might be touching your roof. Trees and branches grow over the summer months and can be directly over your troughs. When the wind blows, the leaves and seeds are falling straight into the gutters and clogging them up. Make sure to trim back those branches late this summer to prepare them for the fall season ahead!
   
4. Hire a professional
   
   The last essential tip to prepare your gutters for fall is to hire a professional. A professional gutter services team like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, can investigate what issues you have with your gutters and repair them as necessary. If you do not have the time to clean the gutters yourself, be sure to give us a call as well.

As you can see, there are many ways to get your home’s gutter system ready for the fall season. When you perform gutter cleaning or gutter maintenance to your gutters this fall, you will be ready for any thunderstorms that occur. If you follow our advice on the top four tips to prepare your gutters for the fall season you will be ready for autumn when it arrives!

If you need any type of professional gutter service, please give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE Estimate!

Gutters are one of the first lines of protection against the elements. Sure, the roof may bear the brunt of a pounding rain, ice or snow, but it’s the gutters’ job to make sure that water moves off of the roof and away from the house. And there can be a lot of water. One inch of rain on a 1,500-square-foot roof produces about 935 gallons of water.

If that water just rolled over the side of the roof and down the wall of the house, it could make its way into the building. Water that hits the ground at the base of the wall can cause wet basements or weaken the foundation. The soil in planting beds near the wall could erode, or the plants themselves could be damaged. Houses need gutters and downspouts that are in good working order.

Many times, it is difficult to tell whether your gutters are working as they should because they often malfunction when the weather is at its worst, which is not an ideal time to perform a gutter inspection. But gutters that need to be replaced leave behind clues.

Here are some things to look for to determine whether you have a gutter problem. Some problems can be repaired, but others call for replacement. A qualified gutter installer, like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, can help you make the determination.

Visible Sagging or Separating

Sometimes the condition of a problem gutter is obvious, such as one that is loose and pulled away from the house or visibly sagging in the middle of a run.

Other problems are not so obvious. Some gutters are installed in sections, and any seams or joints can be vulnerable to leaks. Search for small openings in joints and seams from below using binoculars. Look for discoloration around gutter joints.

If you can observe your gutters during a storm, say from a second-floor window that overlooks a first-floor gutter or even from watching the water coming out of a downspout, you may be able to spot potential problems. If the water in the gutter is not moving, or if very little is flowing out of the downspout, you may have a clog somewhere in the system. Clogs are easy to remove. But the water may not be flowing because the gutters are not sloped correctly. That causes backups and should be attended to by a gutter installer.

Damage to the House

Leaking or overflowing gutters will eventually lead to damage on the house. Look for peeling paint or water marks on fascia—the board that covers the ends of the roof rafters and the attachment point for most gutters— and soffit areas, which are the undersides of a roof overhang. Peeling paint and water marks on the siding near the top of the wall are also signs of leaks.

Look for signs of rot on any areas under a gutter, especially trim pieces around windows and doors and on corner boards. These can be caused by overflowing gutters.

Problems on the Ground

Overflowing or leaking gutters over foundation plantings can produce telltale dirty splash marks on the bottom of the wall. You may also see divots in the bed’s soil or mulch.

If you suspect a leak, check in either the basement or, if the house is built on a slab, the area near the bottom of the interior ground-level wall. Wet marks are a sure sign that a leaky gutter is saturating the ground and the water is making its way inside the house. Also check for mold or mildew in these areas, especially if there was not a problem in the past.

Gutters play an important role in keeping water away from our homes. It is important to have leaky gutters repaired or replaced as soon as you spot a problem.

If you think you need new gutters, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is your one-stop shop for all things gutter related. Give us a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 366-9055.

An Intro to Seamless Gutters

Perhaps you keep hearing us talk about “seamless gutters” but you really don’t know what that means.  Think of a piece of your home that keeps everything running smoothly, but goes unnoticed. Think of a continuous system with no weak points. Think of the difference between excellent home maintenance and sub-par home maintenance.

Seamless gutters are the modern solution to the age-old problem of water diversion. One-piece equals zero leaks. Where before gutters consisted of several parts fit together by joints and hinges to form a system, now just one custom piece gets the job done.

The benefits of seamless gutter are both functional and aesthetic. When combined with quality installation and “set it and forget it” that Gutter Boyz of Kentucky offers, seamless gutters are an option worth considering for any home or business location.

Before Seamless Gutters Arrived

In the past, gutters came in pieces, and those pieces had to be assembled in order to form a gutter system. These pieces were mass-produced by the manufacturers and usually were between 6 and 10 feet in length.

In this system, the pieces are held together by joints or hinges. The problem is that the connection points are weak and vulnerable within the gutter system. To put it into simple terms, two pieces can come apart more easily than one piece can break.

That vulnerability leads to several problems over time. One of the most obvious issues that homeowners discover is a leaky gutter. The wear and tear from rains, tough winters, and animals takes its toll on an already vulnerable gutter. Remember, these gutters don’t get shelter from the storm – they are the shelter.

Even if a traditional gutter avoids leaks, a clog can be just as problematic. If the clog isn’t caused by debris, it might be a result of frozen water within. The ice expands and puts pressure on the gutter, and that pressure could cause it to split apart at the points where its pieces connect.

What are Seamless Gutters

The term “seamless” has grown exponentially more popular in the Internet age. It literally means “without seams” or “smooth and continuous, with no apparent gaps or spaces between one part and the next”.

For gutters, “seamless” refers to gutter systems that are comprised entirely of one piece and therefore containing no joints or points of connection between pieces. No pieces, no joints, no screws, and no points of weakness. 

Benefits of Seamless Gutters

The most basic benefit of the seamless gutter is that there are no joints, hinges, or other miscellaneous parts. Custom-made gutters are crafted to the exact dimensions of your home, accounting for the nuances of its construction.  As a result, the benefits include:

• Lower likelihood of leaks, cracks, and sagging gutters since there are no hinges or joints
• No extra materials to pay for or have lying around
• Sleek and attractive design of the one-piece gutter improves the aesthetics of your home.
• Lower risk of clogs.

If you are in need of new gutters, gutter repairs, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, CONTACT US at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky by calling (270) 906-3055 for a free estimate!

1. Clean your gutters thoroughly

While you have that garden hose out, flush out your gutters. Spend an entire weekend climbing up that ladder to properly remove all the natural debris that has managed to fill up your gutters and downspouts.

Give them a high-pressure spray down, and then put on some gloves to wipe away all of the remaining debris. To really finish it off and get the best clean, put some warm water and soap in a bucket, pour it into your gutters, and wipe them down with a sponge.

2. Inspect gutters for damages

After you have deep cleaned your gutters, you can now inspect them for any and all damages that may have occurred since your last clean or big storm. Make sure you don’t have loose screws, leaks, uneven sections, or any other excessive wear and tear. Make a list of questions to ensure you check everything. Are the gutters pulling away from the house? Are they starting to sag? Is the downspout lose? Inspecting for damages can not only help you save on repairs in the future, but can also let you know what needs to be done now for the upcoming weather.

3. Repair what is needed

Taking care of the necessary repairs will help your home in the long run. If you forget to fill up any cracks and holes in your gutters, it could lead to them springing a leak later in the season. Those leaks could lead to water or other debris seeping into the foundation or basement of your house. Don’t forget that fall and winter also bring rain, ice, and snow.

The weight of this weather can cause even bigger issues with any leaks, cracks, or holes. It’s best to go into the season with strong gutters rid of any damages, so make those repairs.

4. Trim tree branches

While jumping into bundles of fall leaves on the lawn will be a staple autumn activity in a few months, not trimming your trees could lead to clogs or damaged troughs. Branches grow in the summer months and could be directly over your roof or gutters.

As the wind picks up, it blows leaves, nuts, and seeds straight onto your roof and/or into your gutters clogging them up as a result. One nice weekend, head on up to your roof to make sure you’ll be in the clear from all those falling leaves.

5. Keep rodents from moving in

The cold weather and precipitation of fall and winter sends nature’s furry friends to higher ground seeking warmth and shelter – think mice, rats, squirrels, possums, and raccoons.

The concave of your gutters and the covered exit of your downspout make for great nesting spots to get cozy. Head on over to your home and garden store to get some rodent repellent and give your gutters a nice coat after you clean and repair them.

6. Install gutter guards

If you’re over getting up on that ladder season after season, consider installing gutter guards from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.

These covers go over your troughs to protect them from the leaves and any other debris fall can bring in, but has pinpoints just wide enough to allow water to enter and exit your gutter system properly. They greatly reduce the amount of natural clutter that can build up in your gutters while allowing water to flow freely.

7. Call the pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky

If you come across any severe damages or feel like you are not a DIY type of person, it’s time to call the professionals. If you find yourself on the cusp of needing a full gutter replacement, go ahead and do it.

Waiting another year or two to save on some money could come with an even bigger price tag. One unrelenting autumn storm could be the final blow causing significant damage to your gutters that could harm landscape, home exteriors, or worst case, your interior.

No matter what your gutter related needs may be, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3066 or CLICK HERE for a FREE ESTIMATE.  Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is your one-stop shop for all gutter related services in Western Kentucky serving Paducah, KY and all surrounding counties.

If you thought gutter guards were just a convenience item to eliminate the hassle of dragging out the ladder and dredging mucky clumps of rotting leaves, moss and who knows what else, we can tell you there’s so much more to it. Clogged gutter problems cause serious damage and danger to you and your home—damage and danger that you can avoid (along with the hassle), if you install gutter guards. These are just 5 Dangers of Clogged Gutters:

1. Gutter Damage Can Cause Foundation Damage

Clean gutters work to keep rain and melting snow and ice away from the foundation to protect your entire house. If you have clogged gutters, excessive water can cause foundation damage and cause cracks that will shift the very structure of the house, making it unsafe for you and your family to live in.

2. Clogged Gutter Problems Lead to Roof Damage

Of course, your roof can also suffer without fully-functional gutters. Improperly diverted water can pool in places, causing leaks that get into the frame and fascia of the house, not to mention the roof itself. This can lead to root rot, mold and mildew that can cause health problems and cost thousands of dollars to remedy.

3. Clogged Gutters Can Cause Cracks and Shifts in Sidewalks and Driveways

Another frequent danger of clogged gutters and poor drainage is water perpetually getting onto and under your sidewalks and driveways. Just like the foundation, the concrete and asphalt of your driveways and walkways can crack and become damaged or shift, necessitating expensive repairs.

4. Gutter Damage and Landscape Erosion

When gutters back up and water splashes out in areas where it shouldn’t, torrents of water can wash away mulch, kill your plants from overwatering and even attract unwanted pests. All of this, along with cracked sidewalks and driveways, can pile extra repair work and cost on you, while also damaging your home’s curb appeal if you ever want to put it on the market.

5. Clogged Gutter Problems Can Hurt You!

We talked about the hassle of dragging out and climbing up the ladder at the beginning of this article, but for many people, this isn’t just a hassle—it can be dangerous too. Climbing up without someone to spot you, or inadvertently digging your hands into a wasp nest can land you in the hospital, or worse!

These things are best left to professionals with the right equipment. In fact, these things are best left to gutter guards that give your gutters the power to keep water away from your home and foundation without anyone ever having to get up on a ladder again!

Whether you need gutter guards, gutter cleaning, new gutters or repairs to your existing gutters, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is the leading gutter company in Western Kentucky. For more information or for a FREE ESTIMATE, give us a call at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

As people continue to light off fireworks in neighborhoods, some homeowners worry about fire dangers.

While you cannot control what other people do in your neighborhood around the Fourth of July, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of fire at your home. Some may sound obvious, but firefighters said they could make all the difference.

Here are five easy steps to take to protect your home:

• Clean your gutters. Firefighters said this is the most important thing you can do to prevent a fire from spreading to your roof. Think of how quickly a spark could ignite dry leaves, pine needles, or brush in the gutter.
• Put a sprinkler in your front yard and back yard.
• Remove dry brush from around your home and any outbuildings. Firefighters call the dry debris ladder fuels because a spark could ignite dry brush on the ground that would spread upward to your home or shed.
• Water bark around your home. Firefighters said this is one people often do not think about. If a spark lands in bark, it can smolder for two to four hours before catching fire and spreading underground toward your home. Firefighters call this tunneling.
• Trim trees. If a tree catches fire and the branches are touching your house or hanging closely to your roof, firefighters said it can spread quickly to the house.

Need help cleaning out your gutters?  Give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us.  With offices in Paducah and Benton, KY, Gutter Boyz is ready to help you with all of your gutter needs.

When will you need a gutter replacement? This depends on several factors.

Estimated Lifespan

Galvanized steel and aluminum gutters, the most common type of gutters, have an average lifespan of 20 years, while copper gutters, a more high-end option, can last up to 50 years. You should keep a detailed record of gutter inspections, maintenance and repair, as this will help you determine when it’s time to plan for gutter replacement.

Frequency of Maintenance

Keep in mind the estimated lifespan of a gutter system can be drastically reduced by improper or irregular maintenance. Regardless of how durable a gutter system is, it needs to be cleaned regularly.

Gutter Guards

Unfortunately, not a lot of homeowners have the time for tedious but essential tasks like gutter cleaning. One way of reducing your gutter’s maintenance requirements is by installing gutter covers. These devices help prevent leaves and other kinds of organic debris from entering and clogging your gutters. If you want to know more about Gutter Guards, be sure to give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.

Climate

Climate is another factor that can affect your gutters’ lifespan. For instance, we get a lot of rain here in western Kentucky in the spring. If gutters are clogged, they will have problems that will lead to a shorter lifespan. Cold climates can be harsh on your exterior, and your gutters are no exception. Of the numerous problems homes in cold climates face, ice dams can be one of the most problematic. That’s because ice deposited near the edges of your roof and gutters prevent snowmelt from draining, causing water to back up and possibly make its way under the shingles. Here is Western Kentucky, ice dams is not a frequent problem, however it can happen when the conditions are right.

Gutter Installation

Even the most durable gutter system won’t last long if it’s not installed properly. For instance, water can pool in a gutter system with an incorrect pitch. Not only can stagnant water attract disease-carrying pests such as mosquitoes, but it also creates a damp environment that’s the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. That’s why the quality of the gutter installation is so important.

The Warning Signs

Of course, only an experienced gutter contractor like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can give you an accurate estimate of your gutter’s remaining lifespan. We start our assessment by looking for the warning signs of gutter damage. These include:

Overflowing rainwater – Leaves, pine needles, twigs and other kinds of organic debris are the usual culprits behind rainwater overflowing from your gutters. Other times, the capacity of your gutters might be to blame. If your gutters don’t have enough capacity to handle the amount of rainfall your area receives, rainwater will inevitably overflow. You need to install a gutter system with a bigger capacity as soon as possible. Otherwise, the overflowing water might seep into your home’s foundation.

Nails or broken fasteners on the ground – If your gutters can’t handle the combined weight of rainwater and accumulated debris, nails and broken fasteners might start to give in and fall to the ground.

Sagging gutters – If the fasteners don’t give in under the added weight load, sections of your gutters might. The problem with gutters that start to pull away from your exterior is that they impede the flow of water. Due to the gutters’ tilted angle, water can get trapped in sections of your gutters, increasing the risk of mold and pest infestations.

Gutter leaks – In some cases, your gutters might give in completely. Under added weight load, sections of your gutters might start to pull apart at the seams, creating leaks. This is less of a concern with seamless gutters. Spotting a gutter leak should be easy enough on a rainy day. You should also watch out for signs of moisture damage, such as a rotting fascia board (the long wooden board the gutters are attached to), water stains inside your home (the first signs of roof water damage usually appear in your attic) or puddles near the downspouts or your siding.

Dents – Tiny dents and cracks might not seem like a significant issue now, but wear and tear can widen cracks and deepen dents, eventually causing leaks. It’s best to address relatively minor issues before they worsen, potentially affecting other parts of your home.

Rust – Rust usually appears at the bottom of aging gutters, although peeling paint is the usual cause of rust. That’s because it leaves sections of your gutters exposed to the elements.

Keep in mind that most of the time, the warning signs of gutter damage are subtle and easy to miss. As such, the only way to know if your gutters are in good condition is to have an experienced contractor inspect and maintain them.

Choosing a Gutter System That Will Last
If you need to replace your gutters, it’s important to choose a system that’s suited to your area’s climate. Remember: when making an investment, always do your research.

Why Choose Aluminum Gutters

There’s a reason why aluminum gutters are the most popular gutter type on the market. Aluminum is lightweight but durable, being able to resist corrosion. Plus, aluminum gutters are available in a wide variety of colors.

Why Seamless Gutters

You might also want to consider installing seamless gutters. Since they lack joints—a weak point in conventional gutter systems—they last longer than standard gutter systems.

One more thing: only qualified contractors should install your gutters. Always vet a contractor before hiring them. Here’s a vetting tip: the number of years a contractor has been working in the industry should give you a good idea of their level of expertise.

If you find yourself in need of new gutters, gutter cleaning, gutter repairs or gutter guards, give us a call at (270) 906-3055. We will be happy to give you a FREE ESTIMATE.