Author: Dmitriy Murza

With all the rain we get here in the Pacific Northwest, noisy gutters and downspouts can drive you crazy. Sometimes, your gutters making a loud racket can indicate that you need to repair them, but other times it’s a minor issue that you can fix yourself. Here are the three reasons your gutters and downspouts can develop a noise problem and how to improve them.

⭐ There’s a Clog

The gutters channel water away from the roof, but they also collect organic material and debris that create blockages, preventing water from draining properly. The accumulated water may eventually cause damage to the roof if we do not promptly address these clogs.

⭐ Loosened Brackets

Brackets are what keep your gutters firmly secured to the side of the house. Over time, though, these brackets can become loose due to the wind and rain that we frequently experience in the Pacific Northwest. When water rushes down a gutter with loosened racks, it causes a loud rattling noise that can be impossible to ignore. Loosened gutters can even bang against the side of your house, damaging your home and increasing the risk of water damage.

⭐ Subpar Installation

Unfortunately, subpar installation is one of the most common reasons for noisy gutters and downspouts in Portland. People often install downspouts at the wrong angle, which results in ineffective drainage of water. Gutters should also have a very slight, almost imperceptible slope. When improperly installed, water droplets won’t slide but will instead pound against the sides. The improper angle of downspouts can cause water to accumulate around the foundation of a building, leading to water damage, mold growth, and even structural problems. It’s important to ensure that downspouts are installed at the correct angle to direct water away from the building and prevent these issues from occurring. Regular maintenance and cleaning of downspouts can also help to ensure proper water drainage and prevent blockages that could lead to water damage.

Keeping your gutters clean and trouble-free all by yourself can be a real headache. With the help of professional gutter cleaning and repair in Oregon, you can ensure that you always have clean, silent gutters.

One of the most fun parts of the holiday season is the decorations. We all love seeing the colorful lights hanging off the houses in our neighborhoods, and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit! However, hanging lights off the roof can be a little tricky, and it’s always a good idea to be careful. Here are a few tips on how to give your roof a holiday makeover without damaging your Gutter Guards or putting yourself at risk.

Take measurements of the house for hanging lights

The first thing you should do before setting up your lights is to take some measurements of your house. You may even want to make a sketch of your roof so you can plan where you want the lights to go. If you have horizontal eaves on your house, you should be able to just measure around the outside of the building to get a rough idea of your roof’s dimensions. However, if you have peaked eaves, you may need to use a ladder and measure for yourself.

Get the lights and required tools

Once you have your plans and sketches all worked out, you’ll want to gather your supplies. If you already have some lights, you should count the bulbs to see how many clips you’re going to need. Generally, you’ll want one clip per bulb, unless you want sections of the lights to be hanging down more. If you’re attaching your lights to the gutters, you should find gutter clips to keep them in place. There are many different clips for holiday lights, so make sure you find the right one.

Install lights and Test everything

Once you have all the lights and clips you need, you can get on a ladder and start attaching them. Put a clip on each bulb before you get up to the roof, so you don’t have to fumble around up there. Starting at the side of the gutter closest to the outlet you’re using, clip the bulbs to the edge. Try to keep the string as taut as possible, so it doesn’t sag. When you reach the end of the gutter, let the remaining lights run down the side of the house. You can cover the unused outlet with electrical tape to protect it from the elements. Repeat this on all sides of the house that you want the lights on, and soon you’ll have a set-up that will put Clark Griswold to shame!

No matter what kind of building you’re in, having working gutters is critical. Even an inch of rain can cause severe damage if your gutters aren’t in order, so for the sake of your roof, walls, insulation, and every other part of your home, it’s essential to make sure you’re using the right contractor for your gutters. Here are a few tips on finding the perfect contractor.

PROFESSIONALISM

Like with any service, we are asking around is a great way to find a gutter contractor. Ask your friends and neighbors who they use, and get recommendations. It can also be helpful to go online and look for reviews of gutter repair companies before you decide on one. At Gutter Empire, we don’t think a company should have anything to hide, and we’re proud of the results we’ve gotten for our customers. Our positive reviews tell the story of our contractors’ professionalism, artistry, and quality products. You don’t have to take our word for it! Just go online and see for yourself.

Schedule a meeting with our PROFESSIONAL team members

Once you’ve started to narrow your search down to a few options, you’re going to want to start asking for quotes and estimates. Any reputable gutter contracting service, Gutter Empire included, will offer you a free estimate before you decide to buy. If a contractor tries to provide you with an estimate over the phone, don’t be fooled! Every house is different, so there’s no way to give an accurate quote without first seeing your roof. It is an easy way to tell trustworthy gutter companies from untrustworthy ones. If you’re interested in a free estimate from Gutter Empire, go to gutterempirellc.com and set up an appointment, or give us a call at +1 (971) 777-9899 for Portland, OR office.

A well-maintained set of gutters can last you for a long time, especially if you’re keeping on top of small repairs. However, nothing can last forever. Eventually, the time will come when you need to replace your gutters altogether. At Gutter Empire, we’re pros at installing new gutters, whether they’re 5k, 6k, or fascia style. But how do you know when to replace and when to just repair? There are a few things you can look out for when you’re doing your regular gutter inspections.

CRACKS, SPLITS, OR SEPARATED GUTTERS

When you’re cleaning your gutters, try to keep an eye out for any holes or cracks in the metal. Oftentimes, these small holes can be fixed relatively easily. You can even repair them yourself if you’re the handyman type. But if you’re noticing a lot of sections with damage, like five or six, then it might be time to go ahead and replace the whole thing. The same goes for the fasteners that keep your gutters attached to the roof and keep it level. If you notice one or two loose fasteners, you should be fine as long as you fix them. However, if you continue to see them coming loose, you might have a problem with the gutters that could require replacing them.

GUTTERS ARE SAGGING OR PULLING AWAY FROM THE ROOF

There are also some things you can keep an eye on just by looking up when you go outside. If you notice sections of your gutters starting to separate from each other, that can be a problem. It would help if you also looked out for sections that have pulled away from the roof. This can signify that your fascia boards are rotting and should be replaced. Sagging or tilted gutters can also be a significant issue. If water starts to pool in a sagging section of your gutters, it can spill over or even pull your gutters down. Consider installing a new set of gutters if you notice this happening frequently.

There’s something very quaint and rustic about a moss-covered roof, like something out of a fairy tale. Unfortunately, the damage that moss can cause to your roof and shingles is genuine. Moss can degrade pretty much any surface that you have on your top, from wood to concrete. As moss grows on your roof, it gets underneath your shingles, pushing them up and allowing water to leak in and damage the material underneath. It can lead to costly Gutter repairs if not taken care of quickly. Luckily, removing moss from your roof is a fairly straightforward task.

Safety Considerations

The first thing you need to do is get up on your roof and wash away the moss. If the problem isn’t too severe, this might be the only step you need to take. Put up a ladder where the moss is and run a hose up there as you climb up. Just spray the moss with the hose at a downward angle to wash it away. Be careful not to fall as the roof gets slippery. Once you’ve sprayed the moss down, you can use a soft bristle scrub brush to remove the rest of it. Make sure to be gentle with the brush so you don’t damage the shingles. You might be tempted to use a pressure washer to blast the moss away, but resist the urge – it could break your shingles.

Moss-killing products

If the scrubbing isn’t enough to remove your moss, you might need to try moss roof removal materials. You can buy some at any hardware store or make your own if you’re the DIY type. If possible, wait for a cloudy day so the solution doesn’t evaporate off your roof too quickly. Some cleaners are meant to be left for a while, and some are meant to be washed off immediately, so make sure you’re following the instructions for whatever you end up using. It might also be a good idea to put a plastic sheet down on the ground under where you’ll be working to ensure the cleaning solution doesn’t discolor your lawn.

Of course, if you’re looking for professional moss removal in Portland or surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Gutter Empire for a free estimate.

Seamless Gutters Installation

If you are into aluminum gutters, you will have the option of purchasing section gutters or seamless gutters. While they were only available in sections initially, you can now precisely measure the roof’s length and get one seamless piece. This ensures that the gutters connect carefully to the adjacent ones. The setup may not be completely seamless because there will be portions that require the seam to interconnect, but it gives a better visual appeal.

Benefits Of Seamless Gutters

One of the major benefits of getting a seamless gutter is that there is a lower risk of leaks since they are limited sections. With section gutters, the first area that loses its integrity is the end of the corner of a gutter. When you have one large seam, there are lesser chances of leakage. It’s also more evenly distributed, and the sealant that you use makes it simpler for the gutter to function.

The seams are generally known to be uneven, resulting in more debris getting stuck rather than flowing smoothly out of the gutter. There is lesser debris collection when you have seamless gutters because there is no obstruction for the debris. Since seamless gutters are made using a single sheet of metal, they have a more uniform appearance and add to your home’s aesthetic appeal.

Seamless gutters last longer than seamed gutters, and when they are painted to match the exterior of your home, it becomes one in harmony with the actual house. While the more popular choice for these gutters is aluminum, they can also be made in steel and copper; however, they cost more.

If you want your home to look pretty, then always opt-in for seamless gutters rather than seamed ones; because of the enhanced aesthetic appeal and lower maintenance.

The term gutters may not be the most interesting. But they are indeed important unless you are wishing for a drought. It’s vital to have good quality gutters to protect your roof and ensure the water drains out properly. Copper gutters have become a new trend these days. And people are looking at them as a piece of jewelry for their homes.

Price Factor

Copper gutters and downspouts cost almost triple the cost of a regular gutter. However, there is a catch. A brass gutter system is more likely to outlive you. The average lifespan of these gutters is 60 years, and if you maintain them properly, they could easily last you a century. This is because gutters do not rust. While vinyl, aluminum, and steel gutters may need to be replaced every two decades, brass gutters turn out to be an affordable option when you calculate your yearly costs. Let’s not forget that gutters add an elegant charm to your home, making it look classy and stylish.

Will It Blend With My Home?

The good thing about brass gutters is that they are versatile and will blend well with any house setting. Whether you have a modern design or a vintage home, copper gutters will blend in perfectly and make your home look pretty.

Maintaining Copper Gutters

It’s important to regularly clean all the debris from copper gutters just as you would with other brass gutters. The color of these gutters tends to change over time, so you can use soft plastic tools to clean it so that it gets back its natural shine. Some people prefer the blue & green pattern that gutters get as they age. You could also use a protective layer to maintain its luster.

All in all, copper gutters are worth the investment, and you should look for the right solution today.

While it is vital to clean your gutters at regular intervals, sometimes during these intervals, you may want to inspect your gutters to ensure it is clear of leaves, Pests, and debris. If you don’t do this, you may be unpleasantly surprised by visitors you don’t want to have around your house or living in your gutters.

Mosquitos Pests

If the minute the sun sets you find it impossible to stand on your front porch because of the mosquitos going into a feeding frenzy, then it’s time for you to take a look at your gutters. If there is stagnant water in your gutters, this becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos that are not just irritating, but they could also be responsible for various health problems.

Mice Pests

One of the most annoying pests to be living in your gutters is mice. If you ignore the debris in your gutters for a prolonged period, then the mice from the neighborhood will have a cozy place to live. This will happen, especially during winters, when the debris will create a warm environment for them. These rodents multiply by the dozens, and it isn’t easy getting rid of them.

Birds Pests

Guess who else likes to make a home out of twigs and leaves? Ignoring the twigs and leaves in your gutter means inviting birds to come and build a nest. While they are not dangerous, their droppings could create numerous problems for your home, and it doesn’t look good either. Let’s not forget that if they lay eggs and these eggs hatch, you may end up being a host to a family of birds.

Bees Pests

Your gutter has a lot of organic rotting material in it, making it a great place for bees, hornets, and wasps to settle down. You don’t want them in your gutters because a beehive is not the easiest to clear.

If you don’t want these unwanted visitors lurking around your gutters, keep them clean and disinfect them from time to time.

The festive season is a happy time, and everyone wants to express their joy by lighting up the exterior of their home gutters. When you have gutters around your roof, it often gets tricky maintaining and decorating around it. While some people choose to stick the Christmas Lights on Gutters using duct tape, we have better and more effective solutions to lighten up the exterior of your house.

Measurements

It’s important to measure the circumference of your roof so that you are not short on lights. Running to the store to get extra lights at the last minute not only stresses you out but there is a risk of price inflation or stocks running out. This will leave you with incomplete decoration around the house. Make sure you measure the circumference of your roof and always purchase an inch or two extra so you can tuck them in rather than have exposed corners.

Calculate the Light Wattage

While some people like extremely bright lights on the top of their roof, others prefer something subtle, so that their front yard stands out. Take your time to select the wattage you would be interested in and the brightness the lights would deliver.

Bulb Shape

Make sure you check the shape of the bulbs you plan on using. It makes a lot of sense to go in for larger-sized bulbs when targeting higher areas such as your roof. This is because they have an individuality, even from a distance.

Get Light Clips

If you are wondering how you will secure or fix Christmas Lights to your gutters, you need to get your hands on light clips that are invisible and very easy to place on gutters. They are available in multiple colors so try to choose one that matches the color of the wire.

When you plan and consider every little detail, you can end up sprucing up the outside of your home for the holiday season. Your gutters will never be a problem anymore.

Living in Portland, we’re so used to the constant rain that we hardly notice it anymore, at least until it starts hailing. Then everyone ducks for cover and heads for the nearest shelter. Hail has been known to damage cars, people, and homes, pelting your roofing and facade. But did you know your gutters are also at risk of hail damage? And when your gutters are damaged, that opens up your home to other kinds of water damage as your gutters are unable to cope with current and future storms. That’s why here at Gutter Empire, we’re committed to bringing you affordable, thorough gutter cleaning and repair in Portland, so you never have to worry about the health of your home.

Don’t Neglect Gutter Damage

If the hail is large enough and hard enough, it won’t be too difficult to tell if it’s damaged your gutters. Just look for the clearly visible dents in your gutter system. If you have a shingle roof, look for granules around your gutters and downspouts, and if you see more than usual, that’s likely a sign of hail damage. If you have gutters hanging loose from the siding of your home, that can also be a sign of severe hail damage. Unfortunately, dings and dents in your gutters often can’t be repaired, short of replacing the entire system. The only way to determine if this is necessary is with a thorough inspection from gutter specialists like our licensed, bonded, and insured professionals. 

If you suspect your home’s gutters have been damaged by hail, then don’t wait until the next storm — and you have to pay thousands of dollars to fix the damage. Take a moment and visit our website or reach out to us here at Gutter Empire today and get your free estimate. That way, you can find out how you can keep your gutters in great condition year-round!