Get Your Gutters Ready For Spring

Get Your Gutters Ready For Spring

Are your gutters ready for spring? You need to get your home’s gutters in their best shape now to be prepared for seasonal showers. Use these tips to complete basic gutter maintenance, and call gutter professionals at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to assist and preserve your system.

Dig Out the Debris

Trash and debris can weigh down your gutter segments, causing the gutters to leak or sag. You will need to get rid of debris and unclog the trough to avoid these problems, and don’t forget to also clean out the downspout.

Blockages in any of these portions of your gutter system can result in water damage to your house, as well as pose a significant risk of the gutters breaking free and causing physical injury and additional property damage.

Power Wash the Troughs

Perhaps the easiest way to clean gutters is with a power washer or heavy-duty garden hose. Run water through the system and have an extra person on-hand to see if and where the segments are leaking water. This will point toward any additional obstacles or blockages that need to be addressed before moving forward with gutter maintenance.

Fit with Gutter Guards

You can avoid debris gaining access to the inside of your gutter troughs when you fit your system with gutter guards or covers. Depending on the type of gutters that you have (such as aluminum or vinyl) you can use mesh screens to make cleaning easier, too. Talk to the gutter professionals at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky about viable options for your distinct system.

Make Repairs

Clearing and cleaning the gutters makes it easy to identify any areas that require repairs or replacements before spring. Take time to tighten or replace loose segments and sagging troughs before the spring thaw and rain arrives.  

Assess the Hardware

It doesn’t hurt to tighten the hardware around existing holes in the troughs to firm-up the segments and ensure they are secured for spring utility. Don’t make additional holes in your segments to apply screws or bolts, as this only increases the risk of a leak.

If you must change or move the holes for hardware, make sure to use silicone caulk around the new holes, as well as to thoroughly fill in the pre-existing holes to prevent leakage.

Use Common Sense

Use common sense and some precautions to prevent sags and leaks, which can result in property damage and expense. For instance, never use your gutters to stabilize or support ladders or scaffolding when working on or around the home.

Also, quickly address issues like sags to prevent winds from knocking segments free. Once airborne, gutter segments present a serious risk of injury.

Use these tips to get your gutters in tip-top shape, but make sure that you reach out for professional assistance as needed. Working on the home’s gutters can be tricky, often dangerous work, so don’t do it alone.

Before spring arrives, you need to make sure your gutters are ready for the subsequent rainfall that usually accompanies the season. For some gutter assistance and support, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

Hail Storms And Your Gutters

Hail Storms And Your Gutters

We see our fair share of hail storms here in Western Kentucky. These mean hailstorms cause significant damage to roofs, windows, and gutter systems, leaving homeowners stressed out trying to find professionals to repair the damage done to their homes. 
If your home has been damaged by hail, you may be wondering what to do next. While it can be difficult to know where to start, this guide will help you get started on the process of repairing the damage. Keep in mind that it is important to act as soon as possible, as hail damage can lead to further problems down the road. Let’s look at some of the steps you need to take after being hit by hail.

1. Inspect Your Gutter System 

If your roof has been damaged by hail, chances are your gutters most likely have been affected too. Gutter systems are designed to bear the weight of rain, snow, and ice, but hail can damage even the strongest gutter systems. Hail dents in your gutters may cause cracks, leaks, pooling water, damaged downspouts, and broken gutter hangers, which can all jeopardize the way water is supposed to be directed away from your home.
After the storm, you need to go around your home and inspect your gutter system for visible signs of hail damage. Look below your gutters for dents, check for any pieces hanging off or appearing loose, and look around your downspouts for granules from roof shingles. If you notice any of these signs, then the next step is to contact your insurance company.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

Before searching for contractors, the first thing to do is call your insurance company. They need to come out to assess the damage to compensate you according to your policy. Your gutters systems are components of your home, so the claims adjuster should account for all parts of the system, including the gutters, downspouts, spout extensions, and gutter covers. 

3. Call Professionals for Repairs

After calling your insurance company, it’s time to contact professionals to do repairs. It is extremely important to hire people who specialize in the industry that you need repairing, instead of a general contractor, or a handyman company. Sometimes, roofers may offer to complete your gutter work along with the roof, which can result in lower quality gutter materials and poor installation, since their specialty is roofing and not gutters. If your insurance policy allows coverage for hail damage, your insurance company should cover the cost to repair both your roof and your gutter system, even if you have two different contractors.
When searching for a reliable gutter company, do some research about the company before allowing anyone to touch your home. Be sure to check out Gutter Boyz of Kentucky if your live in Western Kentucky.  

4. Gutter Repair and Replacement

​The final step is getting your gutter system repaired or replaced. Typically, with damage from hail, the gutters will need to be replaced. Dents in gutters can’t be undone like you can on car dents. Gutter companies like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, offer a variety of colors and gutter styles to choose from. If you wish to match the existing color but that color is no longer available, your insurance company may be obligated to replace the entire system so you can have a new matching system in one color of your choice. 

Contact Gutter Boyz of Kentucky

If you like in Western Kentucky, be sure to call Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for all of your gutter needs. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repairs, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, the pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky are your one-stop shop. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE.

The Importance Of Cleaning Your Gutters

The Importance Of Cleaning Your Gutters

When it comes to home maintenance, the importance of a functioning gutter is often overlooked. However, although gutters are generally out of sight, they shouldn’t remain out of mind. Maintaining your gutter on a regular basis can prevent costly damage to your home and property down the line.

Water Damage

The primary purpose of gutters is to manage the water that collects on the outside of your home during rainfall. Gutters are responsible for transporting rainwater away from your home and depositing it at a safe distance. Clogged and broken gutters spell trouble for your home. Water damage resulting from malfunctioning gutters can manifest in the form of roof leaks, stained siding, and even flooding. These issues require costly repairs and can be easily prevented with proper gutter maintenance.

Pest Infestation

Another unwelcome side effect of malfunctioning gutters is that they can lead to an infestation of insects and rodents. If the gutters are clogged, the debris and pooled water creates an inviting breeding ground for pests. Mosquitoes are especially fond of still water, however they are the least of your worries when it comes to infestation. Rodents and wood damaging insects that are attracted to your gutters could easily find a way into your home and cause unsanitary messes and expensive structural damage.

Foundational Damage

Gutters that don’t function properly may prevent water from getting carried to where it needs to go. Part of the reason our homes don’t sink into the ground during a heavy rainfall is that our gutters are transporting rainwater to a location where it can safely runoff into the soil. If a gutter is cracked or overflowing, water can end up leaking into your property and eroding your topsoil. Not only will this affect your landscaping, it can also cause damage to your home’s structural foundation. Once the foundation is damaged, it’s often exceedingly difficult to repair.

Gutter Inspection

As you can see, improperly functioning gutters can lead to a whole host of issues in the long term that are difficult and expensive to repair. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you regularly inspect your gutters and take quick action on any issues you encounter. Leaks and water damage, both internal and external, could indicate that your gutters are either clogged or broken. In many cases, a regular cleaning is enough to keep your gutters functioning properly. When in doubt, always hire a professional to inspect your gutters.

For most homes we recommend getting your gutters cleaned twice a year in the Spring and then again in the Fall. Remember keeping your gutters clean may help you save $1,000’s in the long run.

Call Gutter Boyz of Kentucky

Give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for all of your gutter needs at (270) 906-3055. Whether you need new gutters, gutter cleaning, gutter repair or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is your one-stop shop for all your gutter needs. Based in Benton, KY, we serve a majority of Western Kentucky. Call today for a FREE ESTIMATE.

Can Your Replace Your Gutters During Winter?

Can Your Replace Your Gutters During Winter?

The gutter is a critical part of your home since it channels water away from your roof and prevents it from causing moisture damage to your home. This is why roofing experts recommend repairing or replacing gutters as soon as possible.

Benefits Of Replacing Gutters During Winter

Believe it or not, it’s entirely possible to replace your gutters during the winter season. After all, professional gutter installers like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky are trained to provide their services any time of the year. There are a few benefits of having your gutter replacement project done during the winter season. For example, you might find it easier to schedule your project since it’s slow season for gutter companies. 

Besides, you may be able to save a significant amount of money as contractors may become more competitive during a slower season to attract customers into scheduling their service during the season. Having your damaged gutters replaced will also protect your home from roof leaks and foundation damage.

The Bottom Line

Are you planning to install new gutters in your home soon? Turn to the professional team at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for all of your gutter needs. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is the one-stop-shop for all things gutter related in Western Kentucky. Give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE!

Protect Your Basement From Flooding

Protect Your Basement From Flooding

Basements tend to get a pretty bad reputation, and are often portrayed as dark and spooky. At Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, we know that the only thing that should scare you about a basement is the risk of it flooding. By being a proactive homeowner in Western Kentucky, you can spot and fix little issues in your basement that could lead to big water damage problems, and can help protect it from flooding. 

So wait! Why are the gutter experts talking about basement flooding? Because your gutters play an important role in protecting your home. Here are a few tips to protect your basement from flooding:

  1. Keep water from pooling around your foundation by cleaning and maintaining gutters and downspouts. Cleaning your gutters is an essential part of water damage prevention. When debris blogs gutter and downspouts, water is not able to flow freely through them and can pool and collect against the foundation of your home. This can cause flooding in the basement, so it is important to ensure that water is directed at least 3 feet away from your foundation.
  2. Inspect your foundation for any cracks. Cracks in the foundation allow water a way into your home. You should inspect the exterior of your foundation on a regular basis, and if you come across any cracks during your inspection you should get them filled. If you encounter a more serious foundation problem, be sure to call a professional so that you do not leave your home at risk for water damage.
  3. Another potential source of pooling water around your home’s foundation is the slope of your yard and even the shape of your flowerbed. If your yard slopes toward your home, water will run towards your home and pool up around your foundation. With nowhere else to go, this water will eventually find its way inside. You may need to re-grade your lawn or flowerbeds to prevent this from occurring.
  4. Make sure basement windows have window well covers. All below-grade basement windows should be protected with window well covers. When installed correctly and securely, window well covers will help keep your basement waterproof. 

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky are the local experts for everything gutter related. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repairs, gutter guards or gutter cleaning, give us a call today at (270) 906-3055. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is proud to serve a majority of Western Kentucky. Give us a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE!

3 New Year’s Resolutions That Your Gutters Are Making

3 New Year’s Resolutions That Your Gutters Are Making

Happy New Year from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky! We appreciate all of the business we’ve done with our neighbors in 2022, and we wish everyone in the area a wonderful 2023.

If gutters could talk, would they be making New Year’s resolutions today? We think they would. In today’s blog, we’ll listen in to what the gutters on Western Kentucky homes are probably saying.

1. I Want To Lose Weight

The number one resolution we hear area gutters making today is strangely similar to the one that their humans are making inside the house. But are they just playing copycat or following a contagious trend? Let’s listen in to the conversation between the gutters from two homes on Main Street.

Gutter 1: So what’s your New Year’s resolution?
Gutter 2: I want to lose weight.
Gutter 1: You do? Same here! What’s your goal?
Gutter 2: Well, I’d really like to lose all of it. I mean, this load of debris is weighing me down. I’m so stuffed with leaves, I feel saggy.
Gutter 1: No, you’re not sagging yet. You still look good. But I hear you. At least you’re not full of pine needles. They’re the worst.
Gutter 2: I don’t know, pine needles seem like they would be light and airy. But you don’t know how gross it is to be stuffed full of wet, slimy leaves. Every time it rains, I’m overflowing. I can’t do my job at all.
Gutter 1: It’s not true that leaves are worse. Pine needles poke and spear you when they’re fresh, and then they just sit there and get packed tighter and tighter and tighter. And then the acid! Ugggg it stings.
Gutter 2: I still think leaves are worse.
Gutter 1: Pine needles!
Gutter 2: Leaves!
Gutter 1: Pine needles!
Gutter 2: #Leaves the argument

Psst, Homeowners: You could not only fulfill your own New Year’s resolution, you could check off your gutter’s resolution, too! Simply schedule a gutter cleaning by Gutter Bozy of Kentucky for a quick and easy way to unclutter your gutters. The gutters will not only check off their resolution of losing weight, you’ll get properly functioning water drainage off your roof.

2. I Want To Improve My Looks

The number of gutters who want to look better is smaller than the number of ones who want to lose weight, but the desire is the strongest for these. Gutters on most homes in Western Kentucky are pristine, making it more obvious if there’s one that isn’t looking so great. Here are some of the makeovers that gutters are wishing for.

  • Chipping paint
  • Sagging
  • Pulling away
  • Mismatched color or style to the house

Gutters that look bad don’t just want a makeover to boost their vanity. They’re making this New Year’s Resolution because they know your home’s value will stand to benefit.

3. I Want To Drink More Water And Eat Less

This resolution is exactly what we’d expect gutters to want, as they’re built to be able to take in volumes of water. It’s not exactly that our gutters are getting dehydrated; it’s just that the ones who are eating too many leaves, sticks, twigs, and pine needles simply don’t have the room to guzzle water like they should. These gutters would love to have a gutter guard system installed by Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. It’s like a gastric bypass surgery. They just can’t eat as much after that.

Count On Gutter Boyz of Kentucky For Your Gutter Service In 2023

Whether you need new gutters, gutter repairs, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, give the pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE!

Are Your Gutters Ready For Winter?

Are Your Gutters Ready For Winter?

Maintaining clean and functional gutters is important any time of year, but becomes particularly crucial as the weather grows colder. Blocked or damaged gutters can cause considerable damage over the winter, representing hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Fortunately, with a few simple steps and little to no money, homeowners can take a few simple steps to ensure they enjoy the benefits of their gutters all winter long.

Keeping gutters clean and in good repair prevents an array of problems down the road, including:

  • Exterior damage. Built-up water has to go somewhere, which is usually right back onto the home. When gutters don’t work as intended, they push water toward siding, roofs, and wood trim, often creating significant water damage, mildew, and mold.
  • Leaks. Water not redirected away from the house is likely to come inside, dripping from walls, ceilings, and windows. The repercussions for interior components such as plaster, lighting fixtures, carpet, and flooring can require costly and challenging repairs.
  • Ice dams. When precipitation mixes with cold air in clogged gutters, ice dams become the inevitable result. These hard, heavy blockages wreak havoc on homes once the spring thaw begins, exacerbating the effects the accumulated debris have already caused.

Gutter Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Should Complete

Each year, homeowners take the changing leaves as a cue to begin preparing for winter. If gutter cleaning and maintenance isn’t already on your checklist, now is the perfect time to add it. If you need help with this, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call.

Thorough and effective methods for keeping gutters working properly over the next several months include:

  • Clear debris from gutters. Whether the work is performed by you or a professional, gutters should be free from leaves, twigs, and other obstructions before the first snowfall. This prevents blockages and creates a smoother flow of storm water through gutters and away from your home.
  • Inspect downspouts. Downspouts should divert water a minimum of 3 feet from the home’s foundation to prevent leaking, seepage, and water damage. Mild autumn days are the perfect time to make necessary adjustments to downspouts before winter hits.
  • Secure gutters and downspouts. If these structures are loose, one storm with heavy winds, snow, or rain could tear them away from the home completely. Test downspouts and gutters to ensure they are adequately fastened to the home.
  • Clear downspout blockages. Due to their enclosed nature, detecting blockages in downspouts can be more challenging than in gutters. The best way to do this is to insert a water hose at the top, then watch to see if water runs through. To clear a blockage, seal off the top of the downspout with rags while continuing to run water through the hose. A plumbing snake works in tight areas where this method won’t.

If you need help with your gutters for any reason – new gutters, gutter repairs, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, give the pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE! Call (270) 906-3055 today!

5 Signs It’s Time For Gutter Replacement

5 Signs It’s Time For Gutter Replacement

Starting to notice a leak in your gutters? Or that a tree branch has damaged them? Here are 5 big signs that it’s time for a gutter replacement!

If your gutters don’t function as they should, the water they usually collect goes straight to the ground around your home. This water can seep into the foundation of your home causing serious and irreparable damage. But, how can you know when your gutters aren’t working? Also, when do they need replacing rather than cleaning?

Here are 5 big signs that it’s time for a gutter replacement.

  1. Gutter Cracks and Splits
    When you clean out your gutters, make sure to look out for small cracks. While these may not seem like much, they quickly become bigger problems that can lead to significant leaks. Over time, these leaks will damage the foundation of your home, leading to irreparable damage. This is especially true if you live in a part of the country where temperatures go below freezing. As water freezes, it turns to ice and expands inside the crack in your gutters.
  2. Gutter Rust
    Depending on the material of your gutters, they may rust over time. Some homeowners assume that because their gutters are in galvanized steel this can’t happen. But, as their protective layers peel, the water eats away at the metal.
    To find out if your gutters are rusting, look out for orange spots. These are especially prominent in the areas where your gutters join your house. As soon as you see signs of rust, you must replace your gutters to avoid further damage.
  3. The Smell of Mold and Mildew in Your Home
    As mentioned above, your gutters protect the foundation and structure of your home. If you start to notice pools of water around your home, this could be a sign that your gutters aren’t functioning as they should. Another sign is the sudden smell of mold or mildew. If this is the case, your problem may be bigger than you think. This could mean that there is already mold growing in the structural foundation of your home.
  4. Sagging Gutters
    When gutters become too heavy they sag. This could be a sign that they need a good cleaning because they’re full of debris. But, if they’re full of water it can also be a sign that they need replacing altogether. In severe cases, your gutters may pull away from the rest of the house. Either way, there is a strong chance that your gutters aren’t working as intended.
  5. Peeling Paint on Gutters
    Many types of gutters come with a protective coating that helps them withstand harsh weather conditions. If you see flecks of paint peeling off, this could be a sign that the water or ice is making its way through the protective layer on your gutters.

Call Gutter Boyz of Kentucky For Your Western Kentucky Gutter Needs
Many don’t see blocked gutters as a big deal. Unfortunately, this can be a sign of a much more sinister problem that can lead to serious issues with your home. These issues can also lead to expensive repairs and in cases where mold and mildew make their way into your home, can affect your family as well.

With the above in mind, gutter maintenance is essential to yours and your family’s well being, as well as that of your home. To find out more about our gutter replacement, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055. Our team of gutter experts will be happy to assist you.

3 Tips To Help Your Gutters Survive Winter

3 Tips To Help Your Gutters Survive Winter

Do you know if your gutters are ready to survive the winter weather? It can be surprising sometimes at how much damage just a little bit of snow, ice, and wind can do to your home, and without the proper winter maintenance, your gutters can clog, crack, or even sag from their hinges. Your gutters are an important part of your home, working to direct water away from your roof, siding, and foundation, but if you let this system fall into disrepair, it could start to affect the overall integrity of your entire home.

Even the best quality gutters that have been installed properly will strain under snow and the ice that comes along with the winter months. To help ensure that you have the information you need to keep your gutter system functioning properly, we have included a short list of tips you can follow to help make sure your home’s gutters are protected from damage over the course of the winter.

Clean Your Gutter

When leaves, twigs, or other debris being to build up in your gutters during the winter, rainwater and melting snow can overflow and freeze on the ground forming dangerous areas all around your home. This ice around the home and on pathways can create a slipping hazard, and as anyone who has ever taken a tumble on an iced over sidewalk can tell you, it is not a pleasant experience. Even if you have gutter screens, it is important to make sure that you are regularly performing the following three steps when cleaning your gutters:

  • Remove Debris – Removing leaves and pine needled by hand is time-consuming, but worth it.
  • Check The Slope – The fasteners attaching your gutter to the home can loosen over time, changing the slope
    of your gutters, leading to pooling and overflowing.
  • Ensure Good Drainage – Check to make sure your downspouts are directing water at least 5 feet away from the home’s foundation

Trim Your Trees

Even though fall is over, leaves can continue to fall into your gutters. You can reduce the amount of debris that falls into your gutters by trimming back the tree branches near your roof. In addition, if ice or snow starts to weigh down a tree branch, it can snap and cause damage to your roof and gutters.

Try A Test Run

To ensure that your gutters are functioning properly, run some water through them with a garden hose to check for any leaks or clogs. If you find any problems, your best bet is to contact your Western Kentucky Gutter Specialist – Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. Give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 906-3055.

3 Tips To Help Your Gutters Survive Winter

Winter And Your Gutters

Like it or not, COLD weather is here! Between the business of the holidays and the shrilling cold temperatures of the winter, outdoor home maintenance is probably the last thing to cross your mind. However, maintaining regular gutter cleanings is more important than ever this time of year. Here is everything you need to know about what the winter can bring for your gutters and ultimately, your home.

Gutters on house filled with ice and snow during winter.

WHY IS WINTER TOUGH ON GUTTERS?

Believe it or not, winter is one of the most difficult seasons for your gutters. Spring brings showers, the summer brings its thunderstorms, and the fall brings down massive amounts of leaves—all precipitations can clog your gutters potentially causing more damage to your home’s foundation, interior, and exterior. But every winter brings serious losses from frozen gutters and other weather-related accidents.

With the winter comes heavy ice and other debris. Just like how the summer’s thunderstorms can bring down branches and twigs, snow and ice storms do the same but also bring bigger consequences. Your gutters are vulnerable to freezing in the winter and forming ice dams around them, as well. This puts a lot of weight on your gutters causing them to sag, except this weight is usually heavier than what lighter seasons bring. Additionally, by the time winter arrives, your gutters are likely so cluttered with leaves that the melting snow and ice has nowhere to go except overflowing and damaging your home’s roof or foundation.

WHAT ARE ICE DAMS?

One of the biggest threats to your home’s maintenance in the winter is ice dams. An ice dam is the ridge of ice that forms around the edge of your roof, preventing melting snow from draining off the roof and through your gutters. Ice dams can lead to water damage on the exterior and interior of your home, but these things can be easily prevented with a gutter cleaning.

In addition to having your gutters properly serviced, we’ll be sure to check the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Improper insulation and ventilation is actually the root of most ice damming and gutter back-up. Ice dams form because the warm air from the inside of the house warms the underside of the roof causing the snow and ice to melt. The melted water then runs down the roof until it reaches the cold overhang where it freezes, forming ice dams and icicles. These prevent runoff water from flowing freely through your gutters and forces the water into the walls or ceilings of your home. 

Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help. We serve a majority of Western Kentucky. Give us a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 906-3055!

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