Gutters

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.

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.

Roofing Contractor or DIY?

May 19, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

Roofing can be a risky and tedious task. No matter what your roof looks like from the ground , it’s probably steeper than you think! there’s no railing, and it can be pretty high off the ground! So when something goes wrong, whether you’ve got a leak, a few shingles blew off in the last storm, or your roof needs serious repairs, it’s hard to know if you should buckle up and do it yourself, or call a professional.

Here’s a few pros and cons to DIY vs hiring a professional contractor.

Do It Yourself:

Pros – If it’s a simple repair, like applying some sealant over a small roof leak or replacing a shingle or two, fixing it yourself might be a good alternative to hiring a contractor. If you built your own home or recently replaced your roof, you might already have leftover shingles, so you save on product costs, and you’ll also save the cost of hiring a contractor.
Cons – No matter what job you’re doing, walking around on the roof can be dangerous. Roofing contractors spend almost every day up on the roof, so they know how to safely navigate the dangers, and have a high level of experience with every sort of issue. Additionally, if you aren’t exactly sure what to do, you risk making a small problem a lot bigger. What was just a small leak before could become a major structural issue if it’s not properly addressed.

Hiring a professional roofing contractor:

Pros – Number one: you don’t have to get up on the roof. That saves a lot, just in peace of mind! Also, when you hire a professional contractor, you know the job is more than likely going to be done right, and done fast. A roofing contractor is also able to tell you if there are any other issues going on with your roof that you may need to know about. Many professionals offer a quote or consultation so you know exactly what’s happening with your roof, why it needs to be fixed, and how much it will cost. If you have a professional repair your roof, you’ll know the problem was taken care of properly and permanently. BONUS:If you’re replacing your entire roof, hiring a professional usually means there is a manufacturers warranty available if installed by a certified professional. This can save you a lot of headaches in the future.
Cons – If it’s a simple task, it might cost more to have a professional do it than to just fix it yourself. The added cost won’t always outweigh the benefits. There’s also the hassle of making sure you can get a professional out to your home when it’s convenient for you, both when they do the inspection, and later when they come back to finish the repairs. Finally, if you have a repair you need done right away, you might have to wait to get a trusted professional to do it. Depending on the time of the year, some roofers may be booked for weeks.

In the end, you have to decide if you know what you’re doing, if it’s safe, and if you’ll actually save money. If you have an issue with your roof, just give Lyons Roofing Company a call at 812-294-3595 or schedule your free no obligation quote online today.

Roof inspections

May 13, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

Inspect your roof annually to assess the health of your home.

Performing regular maintenance can help extend the life of your roof, but the untrained eye cannot identify every problem.In fact, most roofing contractors recommend a comprehensive roof inspection and regular maintenance by a trained professional.

Why roof inspections matter

Experienced roofing professionals are trained to do a complete assessment of your entire roofing system from roof vent to downspout. Some roofing companies offer free inspections, especially after a major storm. However, some roofers can charge $200 or more to inspect your roof. The cost to inspect a roof depends on its size, pitch, type of material and may include some minor roof repairs. Lyons Roofing recommends getting a roof inspection at least annually.

Wind and hail storms that can damage your roof happen more frequently than people think.

For the DIY Homeowner:

Areas to check during a roof inspection

Homeowners who take proper precautions to prevent falls and know what to look for can do their own roof inspection. If you’re game to try, here’s what you should do.

Buy a fall protection equipment kit, sold at most home improvement stores. Any good roof inspection requires getting on the roof, you’ll feel more secure walking around and making repairs when you are firmly attached to the structure. A fall protection kit will include a roof anchor, safety harness, rope and lanyard. In most cases a kit will contain all of the safety gear you will need to work and move freely on a roof.

Check the integrity of the shingles, all flashing around roof pipes, chimneys and vents. Look for missing material or gaps that allow water to get below the shingles or between seams.

Examine the soundness the draining system, which includes gutters and downspouts. They should be attached properly, sloping at a right angle and free of debris.

Walk the roof area and check the condition and age of the roofing materials. Look for missing, broken or warn shingles with missing granules. Check for soft spots in the roof surface as you walk on it. Soft spots signal rotting wood beneath your shingles.

Do an interior inspection. Go to the top floor of your home and look for leaks or water stains on the ceiling. Go to the attic and look for wet spots and rotting wood under the roof’s surface.

Examine the soffit for any holes, cracks and damage that may be caused by animals or wear and tear.

Look for any signs of rotting wood on the fascia. Rotting fascia won’t provide the support your gutters need.

If you feel unsafe at any time, trust your judgment and call a local roofing contractor to complete your roof inspection.

During your roof inspection you are bound to run into something you may not understand or know for sure if it is normal wear or something to be of more concern. In this case reach out to your local roofing contractor for a further inspection.

Additionally, you can email pictures and a description of your concern to Lyons Roofing and we will be more than happy to answer any questions to the best of our ability remotely.

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