Kyle Lyons — Page 6

What Gutter Guard system protects the best?

August 4, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

One of our readers asked a great gutter guard (protection) question on the post “How to maintain your new roof”. We thought why not go into a little more detail and answer the question not for one but for all!

“The dead leaves and acorns are really a great problem for us. It gets accumulated so quickly that we need to clear out the debris every week or two. Is there any alternative solution to this? Please suggest.”

From Dakwerken

Yes, we know this could be brief. Cut all the trees down around your home and away goes the problem! However, for all of the people out there that enjoys shade, or the look of trees throughout their yard, or even the clean air they produce for the world, (I am one of those people) there is a simpler alternative.

We all know there are a million different types of gutter guards available. However, did you know, not every gutter guard is always right for your particular situation. Depending on the surrounding tree types, you could be in a world of hurt if you select the wrong type of gutter protection.

Now let us be honest here. Most of the information I am relaying is straight from the horse’s mouth and by horse; I mean data from Consumer Reports of different systems. What better information to relay than from a consumer prospective.

Here are the top, mid and bottom scorers of Gutter Guard systems, you may be surprised at where yours falls.

The systems below will have to be purchased and installed by a certified installer, the bad news, pricey. The good news, it will more than likely come with free gutter cleaning if they are clogged.

Fine screen mesh (leafFilter):

Out of 13 different systems tested, this system had the best performance. Granted, it is one of the more expensive systems around at $20 a foot. Why is it so great you ask? The system according to consumer reports handles build up “excellent” and heavy flow “very good” but like most, falls down to “good” under severe flow conditions.

Surface Tension (LeafGuard):

Now let me be honest here. This system came in 3^rd out of 6 in the “Pro-installed” category. It had the same performance as leafFilter but (there is always a but). This system came in at the highest price at $30 a foot.

Surface Tension (GutterHelmet):

Now here is a name you know and trust! As you can see it wasn’t at the top of the list, but why? Gutter Helmet does offer a great product; it is on the same line of pricing as LeafFilter at around $20 a foot. Why did it come in lower then? According to consumer reports, it does handle build up and heavy flow “very good” but like the other big hitters it doesn’t handle sever slow but “good”. Now you may say hey, “I can handle that every once in a while”.

Now for the fun part, The DIY gutter guard systems, you may be surprised at how they performed!

Fine screen mesh (Gutterglove Pro):

(I think I am starting to notice a trend here with the “fine screen mesh” systems.)

Here is the surprising part. This system was rated the best out of every system on consumer reports. Do you not believe me? Check it out your self. This system came in “excellent” in 3 of the 4 categories, Buildup, Heavy flow and severe flow. So thank you Dakwerken after this research, I think its time to look into a new system for the Lyons Roofing Company.

Screen (Raindrop):

We have used this system in the past with mixed results. Consumer report shows it being “very good” with build up and “excellent” In heavy and severe rains. The cost coming in around $4.75 a foot makes this a very intriguing brand and system. It does come in as one of the hard to install, for the common homeowner.

So here we are, at the bottom. This system came in with the poorest rating. Not saying it may not be good in certain situations. As a contractor, we have always been leery of the “insert gutter guard systems”. There are way to many environmental aspects working against them. Think of a coffee filter, works great the first time, but the more coffee you put through it the more gunk builds up and then it is game over.

The system did handle heavy flow “Excellent” But came in at a measly “fair” with build up.

So there you have it, there are many ways to protect your gutters from debris (leafs and acorns). Or whatever other tree debris you may have. Take the time to talk to a qualified contractor about your gutter guard system. Just be careful they are not open to alternative suggestions of types of gutter guards. Just remember it is your home and your greatest investment. Take the time and make sure whatever system you use, it lasts for a lifetime.

Reliable Roofing Contractors and Long Lasting Relationships

July 25, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

For commercial roofing, Louisville area businesses recognize the value of a trusted partner. Forming a long-standing relationship with a reliable roofing contractor can help your companies bottom line, keeping roof maintenance and repair costs predictable.

Roofing Systems

No roofing contractor expects commercial property owners to have complete knowledge of roofing systems. Commercial roofing systems could include single-ply, built-up, APP/SBS or any number of other roofing types. When you build a long-lasting relationship with a trustworthy and reliable roofing contractor, the contractor comes to know your roof better than anyone else. Familiarity with your building’s roofing system saves crew time and money.

Lyons Roofing has extensive experience with all types of roofing, including energy-efficient modern methods like reflective single-ply systems. Lyons Roofing also knows how to get the longest possible service from existing roof materials, such as built-up roofing or modified bitumen.

When you hire a roofing contractor for season after season, your roof’s gradual wear becomes easier to monitor. You can work with your roofer to plan for future replacement without feeling a financial or time constraint.

New Roof

The best new commercial roofing products commercial property owners can get are those installed and maintained by the same company. The crew and superintendent installing the new roof will record important details about the roof deck, insulation and flashing. When the same company sends a maintenance crew out, those records will speed up any maintenance and repair work.

A new roof is a major capital investment. You should not consider giving the job to an untrusted, untested roofing contractor. By forging a long-standing relationship with a roofing contractor, you have the reassurance that the new roof will be done properly.

Warranty

Louisville area businesses can enjoy building a long-lasting partnership—ensuring the roofing warranty stays in force. If you cannot document regular maintenance, annual inspections and proper upkeep, the manufacturer may not honor a warranty claim. By using one roofer you can protect your investment for years to come.

From any aspect—maintenance, repair records, warranty preservation, or new roof—you are better off building a long-lasting relationship with your local roofing company than switching from contractor to contractor.

To begin building that long lasting relationship between your business and Lyons Roofing, contact our offices today.

Roofing and Extreme Heat

July 22, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

As much as we love the summer sun in kentuckiana, it can cause problems for our roofing, just as all extreme weather can. Extreme cold, storms, rain, and of course extreme heat from the sun, can cause some very severe damage to our home or business roofing system. By taking some preventative measures and hiring professional roofing contractors, you and your roof will stand the best chance you can against the sizzling summer heat.

Commercial Roofs and Extreme Heat

It is common for the sun’s heat to cause cracks, bumps, and other signs of damage to your roofs surface. Commercial roofs tend to be more durable than shingled roofs; the sun still takes its toll on even the toughest of materials.

Often time’s roof damage can go unnoticed, until you have a rainy day and start seeing leaks in the roof. Leaks can cause all kinds of unheard of damages to your home or business. This is where preventative maintenance comes into play. Having regularly scheduled roof inspections can help prevent the cause and effects of having heat damage on your roof.

With an inspection, you will be made aware of trouble spots and can take a proactive approach to addressing the situation before it becomes a bigger problem.

 Shingled Roofs and Extreme Heat

Damage to a shingled roof is more noticeable than damage to commercial roofing. It is seen in the form of shingle curling, discoloration, and cracks on the shingles themselves. The same thing is experienced with leaks getting into people’s homes, causing property damage and displacement from this type of roofing damage from extreme heat.

Good ventilation in your attic is a way in which you can help prevent the heat from building up inside of your home. This heat would cause pressure and warp the wood that the roof is made of. Having the underside of the roof properly ventilated will allow the heat to move through the attic, and not get trapped inside. Having damaged shingles is one thing, but having a damaged roof deck is a different ballgame when it comes to having to make repairs.

What to do?

As said by a fellow Denver roofing contractor: “You may not be able to keep the sun from shining on your roof and keeping it cool, but you will be able to take some smaller steps in order to help prevent leaks and other serious issues that can come from heat damage. Having a regular roofing inspection and making sure that your attic has good ventilation are going to be some of the best ways in which you can avoid future disasters and costly repairs.”

If you think you have damage from the sun, or extreme weather call your local roofing contractor and have your home or business inspected. Make your roof last as long as you can, we know it is not an expense you want to have that often.

Leaky Roof?

July 20, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

So there you are. Sitting in your kitchen enjoying a nice dinner, slow steady rain beating on your windows. The distant crack of thunder and flash of lighting makes you think, how much longer will this last. Then all of the sudden drip right on your kitchen table from that leaky roof.

When did we get a leaky roof?

The first logical thing you do is say a few choice words. Then walk outside and look up to diagnose the problem yourself. Hey, what do you know about roof problems and leaks you ask yourself? Then you make the dreaded call to your local roofing contractor.

You are in luck, or are you?

If you are, fortunate you just had your roof replaced a few years’ prior and it is still under warranty. You call your previous contractor and let them know the location and severity of the leak and they schedule a time to come look at the issue.

If you are unfortunate, you had your roof replaced a few years prior and call your contractor they do not answer or they are no longer in business. Maybe worse, you have not had your roof replaced or you just bought the house and are not sure if there is any type of warranty on the roof.

What is the problem?

If you happen to be, one of the fortunate ones and your roof was recently replaced, your roofing contractor is reliable and stands behind his work, and then you should not have a problem. The contractor will come out, assess the problem, and promptly resolve it.

Chances are, it is something minor that can be addressed quickly. It may be a faulty pipe collar, or something damaged from the storm. Either way a reliable contractor will address the problem promptly and get you back to your family life.

If you are not one of the fortunate ones you have one of two options.

Climb up and try to assess and fix the problem yourself.
Call a Roofing contractor that knows what they are doing and let them worry about it.

Now you would think, this is a no brainer. Who would not call a contractor to fix a leaky roof? Well I am in no way against a DIY repair and if you can handle it I am ok with that. Let me warn you though, you could potentially cost yourself more money. You could go up there, throw a bunch of tar on it and call it a day. It may work, more than likely it wont on the long term. You then have to pay a contractor more money to fix the tar mess and the roof leak, not to mention any interior damage that comes from the leak.

I know, I know, you are saying of course a “roofing contractor” would tell me to call a contractor. I can do it myself and save myself some money. Do us all a favor, call a roofer and have it fixed right the first time. Save yourself money, the risk and ultimately the time, have it fixed the right way.

Gutter Problems

July 19, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

So there, you are sitting on your front porch, enjoying a hot cup of tea watching the rainfall on a nice summer evening. Suddenly, off the front of your porch you notice water slowly start running over and quickly turns into a waterfall. You think, what the heck is going on, do i have gutter problems again?!

gutter problems waterfall

Common Gutter problems

So, what are the main areas of concern and how can you correct them? Well gutters tend to be one of the more simple systems when it comes to your home. First, water comes down, hits your roof, and runs into your gutter, down a downspout and bam on the ground.

See like I said, simple. Day is over wrap it up time to head to the house right? Wrong!

Yes, the process is simple but leaks in a gutter can be quite complex. Here are a few reasons your gutter may be leaking.

Clogged (I know simple)
Improper sloping
Sealant on seams and drops (if you have seamless gutters)

I know, these are all simple issues, but how do you address them?

Clogged gutters

gutter problem clogged

A simple item to address, whether you get up and clean them yourself or call your local roofing contractor to do it for you. Most of your issue will be right at your downspouts. Climb up a ladder and take a peak to see if there is any debris built up. Normally, one big item holds up the others and creates your problem.

Improper sloping

This is something that you will likely need to hire a contractor to address. You can take a couple different routed to see if this is your problem.

First- stand back and look at your gutters, is there a sag in the middle of the gutters? On the other hand, does it look like there isn’t enough fall, or slope towards your downspouts?

Second- climb up a ladder after a rain, is water just sitting in your gutters, this can also be an issue with sloping. Check and make sure there are no clogs first, this water sitting, tends to be more concentrated away from downspouts if it is a sloping issue.

Last but not least- if you have a 4 foot level, set it on the edge of the gutter, it should be slightly off level heading towards a downspout. If not, you will need to have a contractor look at your gutters and assess if you have enough fall (or slope)

Sealants on seams or drops

Sealant is something that will always need to be checked. Granted, not many homes have seamed gutters anymore but that does not mean you do not have sealant in them. Drops and corners are common areas for leaks and sealant. Climb up a ladder and look, is the sealant broke down and has gaps? If so, you will need either a high quality silicone based caulk to patch these areas.

gutter problems

This are all fairly straight forward and easy issues you can address your self. I would suggest, if you have an issue with the sloping of a gutter, call a local contractor. They have the knowledge and tools to make a daunting task an easy one.

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