Some homeowners might think birds’ nests in their gutters are not a big problem, or even kind of cute. Birds have to build their homes somewhere, after all; they need a safe and comfortable space to lay their eggs and raise their young. Many types of birds have run out of places to build their nests due to factors like urban sprawl, which have resulted in fewer trees and other natural nest sites that birds need to survive. When you think about it, there’s nothing cuter than a nest full of tiny baby birds peeping out of delicate, cracked eggshells!

While all of the above is true, it’s still very important to know how to keep birds from making nests in unwanted places like your gutters. Keeping birds’ nests out of your gutters depends first and foremost on keeping your gutters clean.

It’s understandable why cleaning out gutters is an unappealing home maintenance task that many homeowners push to the bottom of their to do lists. Gutter cleaning is risky, dirty, sometimes extremely muddy work. Depending on the height of your home, it can be quite dangerous to clean your gutters yourself; you may not even have a ladder tall enough to do the job properly.These are just a few of the reasons why many homeowners let their gutters go, especially if their home or property doesn’t have obvious drainage problems. Savvy homeowners, however, know that keeping their gutters clean should be a top priority on the list of regular home maintenance tasks. Cleaning the gutters is just one of the things you should do to keep your home and yard in good shape and prevent damage from occurring over time—the type of damage that will definitely need an urgent, and often expensive, fix.

The best way to deal with birds nesting in unwanted places is to discourage or prevent them from doing so in the first place. Keeping your gutters clear of leaves, sticks, mud and other debris that birds use in building their nests can go a long way toward deterring these animals from making a home in your gutters. Here are a few other prevention methods that can be helpful in keeping birds from making nests in unwanted places. Note that these methods should be used only when you have ensured that no birds or eggs are present in the spaces you’re trying to keep bird-free, so birds won’t get trapped inside:

• Install gutter guards on your existing gutters.
• Use steel wool to seal off any holes or gaps in your roof, eaves, porch or other areas where birds might build nests.
• Replace old gutters with a new version that is more efficient at keeping out birds and debris.
• Install birdhouses or nesting boxes and bird feeders on your property to provide birds with safe places to eat and build their nests.

It is also a good idea to keep trees trimmed well away from your house, so leaves, sticks, pine needles and other types of debris have less chance of finding their way into your gutters.

If you are experiencing any issues with your gutters, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is here to help. From new gutter installation, gutter repairs, gutter cleaning to gutter guards, we are a phone call away. For more information or for a FREE Quote, contact us. We can be reached by phone at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

The summer sunshine will soon be here. Along with it, temperatures are sure to rise making outside chores not only uncomfortable but nearly unbearable. Many people take time in the spring to ensure that their exterior property is in tip top shape before summer arrives. This includes inspecting their rain gutters.

Rain gutters serve the important function of channeling excess rain water away from the structure. Without them, the excess water could cause severe damage such as foundational issues, wood rot and interior flooding. And when rain gutters aren’t in peak performance, you are more likely to experience these types of problems.

Before the summer heat arrives, take time to inspect your rain gutters using these five techniques:

1. Perform a Visual Inspection – The best place to begin your rain gutter assessment is with a visual inspection of the system. Using a ladder, climb up to the height of your gutters to examine the inside. Check for excess debris including leaves, twigs and dirt. From the ground, look for sagging gutters or gutters that are pulling away from the home. Also, examine for any signs of rust or deterioration.

2. Complete a Simple Water Test – One easy way to know if your rain gutters are ready for summer is by performing a simple water test. Use a hose to add water to the rain gutters and see what happens. If the water is sent out and away from the home, you know they are working properly. If the water stays in the system, more investigation is needed.

3. Check for Slow-Moving or Standing Water – Have standing or very slow-moving water? If so, the slope of your downspouts may be incorrect. Work with your spikes and hangers to increase or decrease the spout’s elevation until water flows more freely.

4. Examine the Downspouts – Often times, downspouts are the problem when it comes to faulty rain gutter systems. Their curves and tight shapes make them easily clogged causing water backups. After disconnecting any downspouts to underground pipes, spray water through them to loosen any stuck material. Then ensure that the water comes through the end.

5. Inspect Seams, Joints & Ends – Seams, joints and ends are notorious for leaks. Missing sealant and shifting pieces make them more prone to allowing water to exit in the wrong spots. This can lead to pooling on sidewalks, driveways and more. Look for holes or gaps in the rain gutters and check for missing or cracked sealant.

While you can make most of these inspections yourself, you may want to call a gutter professional like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to come do this for you.  By calling Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, you can eliminate the health risk that comes from climbing on a ladder, etc.

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is your complete one-stop shop for everything gutter related.  From new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning and gutter guards, if you live in Western Kentucky, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is a phone call away.  For more information or for a FREE ESTIMATE, give us a call at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today.

Rain gutters tend to be invisible work horses of your home. They perform an important function, directing rain water away from your home, but most of the time you don’t even realize that they are there.

If you have never really thought about whether your house had a gutter system before, it is probably time to really look up there and notice, especially if you have been experiencing water damage in your home and you don’t know why.

If you notice that you don’t have rain gutters and you haven’t noticed any water problems in your home, you may be wondering if you really need rain gutters.

Gutters vs. No Gutters. Here is what you need to know.

First of all, not every home needs a gutter system. If you live in an arid climate and don’t experience periods of heavy rain, then it might not be necessary. But if you live in Western Kentucky, you most likely need a good rain gutter system to collect the storm water that lands on the roof and direct it away from the house to prevent damage to the structure of your home.

Why Are Rain Gutters So Important?

Besides protecting the roof and the overall structure of your home, rain gutters also prevent soil erosion and protects your garden beds. With the rain gutters, the rain will just flow off your roof, washing away soil each time it rains causing soil erosion. And if you have garden beds built next to your home, the soil erosion will cause puddling of water to drown your plants and flowers.

Soil erosion is serious business. It can also cause your foundation to settle leading to uneven floors and cracked walls and cracks in the chimney.

If you get a lot of basement flooding and have rotting siding on your home, these also could be signs that you don’t have gutters and you should or you have gutters that are clogged or damaged.

Maintaining Your Rain Gutters Is Also Important

Maintaining your rain gutters is also important. For them to work properly, you need to keep the gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris and this takes regular maintenance. Either you have to climb the ladder and do it yourself or you need to hire a professional gutter cleaning company like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to do it for you. The rule of thumb is to clean your gutters at least twice a year, but more if you have a lot of trees hanging over your house or you live in an area that experiences a lot of storms.

Think You Need Gutters, Now What?

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is here to help you with all of your gutter needs.  From new gutter installation to repairs, gutter cleaning and gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can do it all.  We serve most of Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois.  If you are ready for the gutter experts to help you, contact us for a FREE ESTIMATE today.  You can reach us by calling (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

The phrase “saving for a rainy day” was obviously coined by someone who knew the expenses associated with the fixing of home drainage problems.

With the amount of rain we have seen this year, it’s especially important to understand the connection between overflowing gutters and downspouts with damage to your home.

With a Gutter Boyz of Kentucky gutter system installed on your home, though, spring showers and summer storms will be just one less thing to worry about.

How can overflowing gutters damage my home?

Even though overflowing gutters may not catch your immediate attention – they should. Frankly, the damage potentially being done to your home should cause alarm bells to ring.

Beyond the initial discoloration, rot, and warping of your gutters and roofline, the spillover rainwater will find its way to your home’s foundation. This is where the real damage begins. As it overflows the soil, a shift can be created around your foundation, opening the floodgates to cracks and instability.

Costs associated with fixing water damage from overflowing gutters can easily run into thousands of dollars – and that’s figuring conservatively.

What can cause my gutter system to overflow?

Several factors can cause water from to overpower your gutter system.

Debris build-up in the gutters and downspouts. This can include everything from leaves and broken tree limbs, to granules from the shingles and debris carried by the wind. You’d be surprised at what can find its way into an uncovered gutter system.

The pitch and tilt of your gutter system is off. This occurs more frequently than you may imagine. If your gutter system isn’t installed correctly, water from heavy showers can gather in one spot, rather than being guided to a downspout for safe exit.

Your gutters simply aren’t big enough to handle the load. The power of rushing water is incredible. If your gutter systems are too small, the onslaught of water will simply gush right over it and mercilessly pound the ground soil as it finds its way to your home’s foundation. Once the foundation is compromised, water leaks begin to show in your home.

Beyond the damage to your home’s foundation, the overflow and pooling of rainwater can cause huge negative impacts to your landscaping, including trees, shrubbery and plants. They often simply cannot handle being literally drowned by torrential rainwater.

How can a Gutter Boyz of Kentucky Gutter System stop my gutters from overflowing?

We’ve designed the Gutter Boyz of Kentucky system for one purpose: to channel rainwater and debris away from your home’s foundation – it’s as simple as that.

No more leaves and other debris in your gutters. As you can see from reading the above information, a clogged or inefficient gutter system can wreak havoc on your home, which for most people is their largest investment. With a K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System, you’re protecting that investment.

For more information on how we can help protect your home, CONTACT US at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.  Gutter Boyz of Kentucky serves most of the Western Kentucky and surrounding regions.  For more information or to receive a FREE ESTIMATE, call (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today.

Rain gutters perform a very important function for the upkeep of a home.  Its main purpose is to funnel water off the roof and away from the home.  Too much water falling close to your home can erode the soil around it, compromising the home’s foundation which could wreak havoc, especially if you have a basement.

Also selecting the correct water discharge locations is essential.  Otherwise it could also cause a problem with water erosion.  Improper locations could cause puddling around the downspout or where the water has been directed, including the walkway area to gain access to your home/entrance. These types of discharge problem can be addressed a number of ways, including rerouting the water via a popup. This is done by adding a drainage pipe to the end of your downspout which would go underground to a popup placed in a location away from the problem area.

Another serious problem homeowners experience with their gutters are caused by the accumulation of debris. Over time, dirt, sand, leaves, sticks, and even trash can find its way into your gutters. When this happens, it will eventually form a clog that can cause rainwater backup inside the gutters. This in turn, can result in damage to not only your foundation but also to the roof itself.

Fortunately, fixing this as well as preventing it, are both easy to take care of.  For prevention, you should make inspecting and cleaning your gutters part of a seasonal maintenance schedule, including the downspouts.  This will help to prevent clogs before they even occur.

Another option to deter the buildup of debris in your gutters is gutter guards.

Gutter guards (also called gutter covers, gutter protection or leaf guards) are primarily aimed at preventing damage caused from clogged gutters and reducing the need for regular gutter cleaning.  They prevent the debris from ever entering the gutter in the first place and can reduce the amount of maintenance needed to keep them clean.

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help you with all-things gutter related.  From the installation of new seamless gutters, to gutter cleaning, gutter repair and gutter guards, we are here to help.  Whatever you needs may be, contact us at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.  Contact us today for a FREE ESTIMATE.  You can reach us by phone at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us!

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your rain gutters often or realize what an important role they play in keeping your home and property safe from water damage. This may be partly due to the illusion that a home is a single solid structure. In fact, your home is made up of multiple components, which makes it vulnerable to damage from rainwater, especially in these key areas:

• Where the roof meets the walls. Without effective gutters, wind-driven rain coming off the roof can enter the attic, or travel down inside the exterior walls. On the outside, repeated downpours can ruin the siding, or stain the brick or stone facade.
• Around the foundation perimeter. If it’s not routed away, water runoff can cause shifts in the soil, foundation cracking and interior flooding. If your HVAC ductwork is embedded in the slab—a common practice in older homes—rainwater seepage can cause corrosion and mold growth in the ducts.

Do Your Gutters Measure Up to Protect Your Home

Although most homes in our area have gutter systems, these gutter systems must function well to safeguard the structure from water damage. To prevent harm to your home, you need leak-free gutters installed on every sloped roof edge that:

• Are properly secured to the fascia so rainwater enters and drains away through the gutter.
• Are angled correctly to prevent standing water in the troughs.
• Have securely-attached downspouts to carry water away.
• Have correctly-placed downspouts that are long enough to divert the flow of water so it drains at least three feet from the foundation.

The Many Ways That Gutters Defend Your Home

Hiring an experienced company like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to install quality gutters is one of the easiest ways to preserve your home. Here are just some of benefits of ensuring proper rainwater routing with correctly-installed, quality gutters.

• Soil around the foundation stays stable, which prevents flooding under the slab, soil erosion and damage to the turf and landscape plantings.
• Exterior siding and masonry are protected against damage from repeated downpours of water.
• Driveway, sidewalks and patios are less likely to settle or crack.
• Roof edge and fascia boards don’t deteriorate.
• Risk is reduced for hazardous mold growth in the attic, walls or ducts.

If you’re concerned that your gutters aren’t performing properly and adequately protecting your Western Kentucky home and landscaping from damage, then CONTACT US at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, we are just one call away. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 today.

Whirly birds?  What’s that?  If you have maple tree in or near your yard, you have probably noticed that the whirly birds, or helicopters, are coming out on your trees. Their thin tails allow them to spin and spiral downward – and carry them a few yards away!

Your yard, sidewalks, deck and patios will soon be blanketed with the seeds. As you are cleaning them, consider this – there is a good chance they didn’t all make it to the ground, and many are going to be stuck in your gutters!

When these pesky seeds collect in your gutters, they will form a clog and prevent rain from properly flowing through the gutters. Clogged gutters will lead to rain spilling over the sides of the gutters, damaging the siding and window frames on your home.

If they aren’t cleared from the gutters, the whirly birds will become wet and heavy. The extra weight can cause the gutters to pull away from the house, making them less effective and potentially damaging your home.

And as crazy as it sounds, wet whirly birds can actually sprout a tree in your gutter. As you walk or drive through your neighborhood after it rains, look for small trees growing out of gutters. This is a problem you definitely do not want!  You can do two things to prevent this from occurring.

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help prevent whirly birds and other debris from entering your gutters and damaging your home with our custom installed gutter guards.  Our gutter guards will help protect what is likely the largest investment you have – you home!

When you start experiencing the troubles of clogged gutters, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help by cleaning out your gutters (and then installing gutter guards if you so choose).  Cleaning your gutters can be dangerous.  Let the trained gutter experts take care of all your gutter needs.

Whether you are looking for new gutters, gutter guards or gutter cleaning, the pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky are one phone call away.  For a FREE ESTIMATE, contact Gutter Boyz of Kentucky by calling (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today.

You have heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers”.  Rain showers are inevitable. If you want to prepare for all of the spring showers, gutters should be at the top of your list.

Your home should have a good gutter system as a way of dealing with the water as it comes down.

Why Do Gutters Matter?

There are a lot of benefits to having gutters installed on your home. You will be able to avoid foundation problems because of guiding the water away from the home. It will also keep the soil around your home stabilized. As such, you can also prevent flooding under the house as well as in a basement.

If you have ever noticed water damage to the side of your home, this can be prevented with gutter installation as well. You will also be able to reduce water staining on brick and stone masonry and prevent cracks in sidewalks, patios, and driveways. Additionally, garage doors and exterior doors can be preserved more effectively.

Get Gutters Installed

Properly installed gutters will ensure you have a system to deal with rainfall based on the shape of your home as well as how water runs based on the pitch of the roof and the slope of your land. Seamless gutters should be on the edge of every sloped roof.

The downspouts will terminate away from the foundation of your home. Typically, there will be at least a three-foot diversion from your home. It will ensure that the water flows away from your home as well as landscaping so you don’t have to deal with puddles and ponding.

Gutter Maintenance

It is important to understand that there will be some gutter maintenance to be done on your part or you can always call us at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to handle gutter maintenance for you. You will want to keep them clean so that they remain in working order. Leaves, weeds, grass, and more can accumulate in your gutters.

By cleaning them out, you can avoid water damming, leaks, mosquitoes breeding in the area, and eventual failure of the gutters. Since you want your gutters to last a long time and do their intended job, you simply have to keep them clean or hire a gutter cleaning service to come out once or twice a year.

The next time it rains, you don’t have to be frustrated that you have a leak in your basement or that your mulch has gotten washed away yet again. Sheets of rain shouldn’t come off of your roof by any of your doors, either. Gutters will make it much more bearable to deal with the rain. Plus, it will be a great maintenance tool to keep your home safe from such things as floods, mold, stagnant water, and issues with your foundation. You might be surprised by just what an impact gutters can make on your home.

If you live in Western Kentucky, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for all of your gutter needs at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE for a FREE ESTIMATE.

As homeowners, we use filters in all sorts of places. Over air return vents. Inside the faucets. In front of the windows. But it’s amazing how many people don’t consider their gutters to be just as vulnerable an area. Gutters are supposed to channel water—and only water. If you let a bunch of other debris fall in, you’ll end up with some ugly and potentially costly results. That’s why gutter guards should be commonplace. Here in western Kentucky, gutter guards are especially important. We have a lot of trees and a lot of rainfall!

Also known as leaf shields or leaf guards, gutter guards block debris from entering your gutter while filtering water away from the roof. Beyond that simple explanation, here are seven reasons why you need to get gutter guards.

1. Immediate Solution – As soon as the gutter guards are in place, your problem, for the most part, is gone. Best of all, it generally only takes Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a day to install gutter guards.

2. Roof Damage – When water backs up in a clogged gutter, roof damage can occur. It’s especially problematic when you’re dealing with snow and ice. A small investment in gutter guards now means avoiding costly roof repairs or replacement later.

3. Protect Your Landscaping – Clogged gutters are almost as bad as having no gutters at all.  Just as a home without gutters, clogs will make rainwater spill over the roof line and wash away mulch, break plants, discourage grass growth, and create craters in your yard.

4. Year-Round Defense – Since spring is officially here, western Kentucky gutters can fill up with seed pods, flower petals and the finale of gum balls. When fall arrives, you can look forward to falling leaves.  Next comes winter where snow and ice can wreak havoc on clogged gutters.

5. Avoid Fires – Did you know gutters are a top source of house fires? When dry leaves and sticks pile up in an uncovered gutter, it makes perfect kindling. All it takes is someone’s cigarette or bonfire embers to catch on a breeze.

6. Make Your Gutters Last – Clogged gutters eventually mean broken gutters. In many cases, the gutter becomes so heavy with debris, the gutter can pull away from your house—taking part of your trim, siding or shingles with it. 

7. Keep Away the Critters – Clogged gutters might look awful to us, but they look GREAT to birds, squirrels and other creatures who are happy to make a home there. Even empty gutters, when left uncovered, can quickly become home to a bird’s nest gutters—and now you have a clog to water flow.

Gutter guards are not perfect, of course. Occasionally tiny seeds and twigs will get in, so you will still need to maintain your gutters with a cleaning every couple of years. But that certainly beats twice-a-year clean outs and the problems that can arise in between. Since the pros outweigh the cons, call the pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE or CLICK HERE to contact us today.

Your gutters serve a very important role for your home. To keep them working effectively and to protect your home’s exterior and foundation from water damage, it’s important to take good care of your gutters and identify signs that they need to be repaired. There are several gutter repair signs that you can look out for to help you determine when it’s time to have your gutters repaired or replaced.

Gutters will naturally go through some wear and tear, but they are designed to withstand the elements for years. To ensure that your gutters are still performing the way you expect them to, here are a few signs you should watch for:

• Cracks: Cracking is a common issue with gutters, especially if you live in a climate where temperatures dip below freezing throughout the winter. When water collects in your gutters, freezes and then thaws, it can put stress on your gutters that leads to cracking and splitting.
• Water pooling: If you notice that water pools in certain areas around your home or near your foundation when it rains, it’s a sign that your gutters are not effectively diverting water away from your home’s exterior. You should have this issue addressed as soon as possible to minimize the risk of water damage and erosion that could affect your home.
• Rust and corrosion: Depending on what kind of material your gutter system is made of, you might start to notice some rust or corrosion developing on your gutters. When that happens, it’s important to have your system inspected and repaired as quickly as possible. If there is only a small patch of rust, you might be able to fix the problem by replacing one or two gutter sections. On the other hand, if the issue is more widespread, you might need to replace your gutters entirely.
• Gutter sagging: If portions of your gutters are sagging, they might be weighed down by leaves, branches or other debris. First, try cleaning out your gutters to see if that fixes the sagging issue. If the sagging persists, you will probably need to invest in gutter replacement or gutter repair.

What to do when you need repair

When you notice these signs, it’s important to get help from a professional who specializes in gutter repair right away. The sooner you get professional assistance, the sooner you can get your gutters back into proper working order so they can effectively protect your home’s exterior and foundation.

If you live in Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois or Northwest Tennessee, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help with all of your gutter needs. From new gutters, gutter repairs, gutter cleaning and gutter guards, we are here to help. For more information or for a FREE QUOTE, contact us today by calling (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today.