How to Discover and Repair Common Gutter Problems
Admin • September 18, 2018
How to Discover and Repair Common Gutter Problems
Many homeowners put a lot of effort into making sure their home has great curb appeal but put little thought into whether their home has any gutter issues. However, this is a problem because a gutter system that does not work properly can:
- cause water to get underneath the shingles, damaging your roof;
- cause water to run down the side of your house, damaging your siding and underlying structure;
- damage your foundation;
- flood your basement.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why it’s of paramount importance to have a gutter system in place and ensure that it works properly.
Gutter Problems and Solutions
Now that you know how important it is to have properly-working gutters, let’s take a look at some of the most common gutter problems so you can easily identify any potential problem.
Clogged Gutters
- Problem: Unless your gutters have a protective top that allows water and nothing else into your system, your gutters are completely open. This allows debris like leaves and twigs to get into your system. After a while, this debris can form a clog, inhibiting water from draining properly. If left untreated, your gutters can start to leak, sag, and even break away from your roofline.
- Solution: Install protective covering on your gutter system to decrease the chances of clogs. Twice a year, make sure no small items have been able to get through.
Leaking troughs
- Problem: As previously mentioned, gutters can form leaks. Leaky gutters can cause a lot of problems including roof problems, foundation damage, soil erosion and others. As a result, it can cause water to run and pool on your foundation, causing severe damage. All problems with home foundation are really expensive to fix. To prevent foundational damages and other costly affairs caused by leaking troughs, it is better to invest in rain gutters repair.
- Solution: You’ll need to determine whether you have a seamless gutter system or not. If you have seams, one may have come apart and you may be able to slide the two pieces back together. If you cannot determine where the leak is coming from exactly you may need to call in a gutter cleaning company who can help you find and fix gutter leak at seams.
Falling Gutters
- Problem: Clogs, heavy rains and high winds can cause your gutter system to pull away from your home. This can happen quite easily with older gutters that are no longer securely attached, or gutter systems that have not been installed correctly.
- Solution: You will most likely need to call in professionals to either completely replace your system or re-install the section that has come loose.
DIY or Call a PRO?
We understand that it can be costly to hire professionals each time something goes wrong with the structure of your home. Here are some scenarios where you might be able to try a DIY solution to fix your gutter issues:
- Damage is localized and affecting only one or two sections of gutter. In this situation you can simply replace the damaged section without having to tear out and replace an entire gutter system.
- There are only a couple of holes or cracks. These can easily be cleaned with alcohol and covered with a quality sealant found at most home improvement stores. Larger holes and cracks can be repaired using a small piece of metal flashing.
- If a single seam is leaking, you should securely fasten the two parts. You may need to use some sealant to prevent the seal from reopening.
You need to start looking for a trusted home renovation contractor when:
- Old gutters are riddled with holes and cracks. When damage is this extensive, it’s better to replace your entire system.
- If, no matter how many new holes you’ve drilled, your hangers still come loose, you may have a problem with your fascia boards. Gutter replacement contractors will repair your rotting fascia boards./li>
- If sections of your gutter system refuse to stay together despite your best efforts to repair them. In this case, it’s better to replace your system with a seamless gutter system to prevent the repetition of a similar problem in the future.
- If you notice water damage to your roof, siding or basement even though you can’t find any obvious clogs, you will need professionals to help you determine where the overflow is coming from. A new gutter system may be needed.
If you determine that your repairs will require the help of professional gutter contractors, make sure to get in touch with a company that has the knowledge and experience to get the job done right.
Home Run Improvement offers gutter cleaning, repair and installation services at a reasonable price. We can help you to fix all your gutter problems including gutter guard problems, metal roof gutter problems, or any gutter problems with an overflow.
We have been serving Louisville and other Kentucky areas for more than 20 years. So, if you are looking for a reliable repair and installation company, give us a call at 502-379-7415. We offer only the most durable seamless gutters and install them using the strongest hangers available on the market.
A well-built deck creates an inviting outdoor living space that adds value, functionality, and curb appeal to your home. If you're looking for a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood, TimberTech composite decking is an excellent choice. Designed to resist moisture, fading, staining, and splintering, TimberTech products provide the appearance of natural wood with significantly less upkeep. This guide walks through the major stages of building a TimberTech deck, from planning to the final inspection. Home Run is an official TimberTech Gold installer with specialized TimberTech training and access to enhanced warranties. Planning the Project Every successful deck begins with careful planning. Determine how the deck will be used, whether for entertaining, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing. Consider the size, shape, and location of the deck while taking into account access points from your home and the surrounding landscape. Select the TimberTech decking collection and color that best complements your home's exterior. At this stage, establish a realistic budget that includes materials, hardware, permits, and any specialized tools you may need. Before construction begins, verify local building codes and obtain any required permits. Preparing the Site Once the design is complete, prepare the building site by clearing vegetation, removing obstacles, and marking the deck layout with stakes and string lines. Confirm that the area is level and that drainage directs water away from the home's foundation. Accurate measurements during site preparation help ensure the framing and decking install smoothly later in the project. Building a Strong Foundation The strength of any deck depends on its foundation. Install concrete footings below the local frost line according to building code requirements. Secure support posts to the footings before installing beams and floor joists. Carefully check that all framing members are square, level, and properly spaced. Solid framing provides the support needed for the composite decking and helps prevent movement over time. Installing TimberTech Deck Boards With the framing complete, begin installing the TimberTech deck boards according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many TimberTech products use hidden fastener systems that create a clean, fastener-free surface while maintaining consistent spacing between boards. Work methodically across the deck, checking alignment frequently. If your design includes a picture-frame border or decorative patterns, install those features as you progress. Take extra care when constructing stairs to ensure uniform rise, run, and secure fastening. Installing Railings Railings enhance both safety and appearance. Install railing posts securely to the deck framing before attaching the top and bottom rails. Complete the system by installing balusters and any gates required for stairways or access points. Choose railing styles and colors that complement your decking for a cohesive finished look. Adding the Finishing Touches Complete the project by installing fascia boards to conceal the framing and create a polished appearance. Many homeowners also choose to add deck lighting, post cap lights, stair lighting, or under-rail illumination to improve safety and extend the enjoyment of the deck into the evening. After construction is complete, clean the deck surface and remove any remaining debris. Final Inspection Before putting the deck into regular use, perform a thorough inspection. Verify that all fasteners are secure, railings are solid, stairs are stable, and the structure complies with applicable building codes. A careful final inspection helps ensure the deck is safe, attractive, and built to last. Maintaining Your TimberTech Deck One of the biggest advantages of TimberTech decking is its minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood, composite decking does not require annual sanding, staining, or sealing. Routine maintenance typically includes: Sweeping away leaves and debris. Washing the deck periodically with mild soap and water. Cleaning spills promptly to prevent staining. Inspecting railings and fasteners during seasonal maintenance. With proper care, a TimberTech deck can maintain its appearance for many years while requiring significantly less maintenance than a wood deck. Conclusion Building a TimberTech deck is an investment that enhances both your home and your outdoor lifestyle. By carefully planning the project, constructing a solid foundation, following proper installation techniques, and performing regular maintenance, you can create an outdoor space that is beautiful, durable, and enjoyable for years to come. Whether you're building the deck yourself or hiring a professional contractor, choosing quality materials and following best practices will help ensure a successful project and lasting results. Not sure how to proceed? Call to schedule a free Deck assessment with our team today.
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Metal roofing has gone from a niche product to one of the most talked-about options in residential roofing over the last decade. You've probably seen it on newer builds, heard it mentioned by a neighbor, or come across it while researching a roof replacement. And then you ran into the price tag. That sticker shock is usually where the research stops — or where homeowners start looking for reasons to justify it. This guide doesn't do either. It gives you the honest metal roofing pros and cons and a clear framework for deciding whether it makes sense for your specific home in Louisville. What Is Metal Roofing? Before getting into pros and cons, it helps to understand that "metal roofing" covers several different products that perform and cost very differently. The two most relevant for residential homes in Louisville: Standing seam metal roofing — panels run vertically from ridge to eave with raised seams that interlock. No exposed fasteners. This is the premium option you see on high-end custom homes. It's what most people picture when they hear "metal roof." Metal shingles / stone-coated steel — metal panels shaped and coated to look like traditional shingles or tiles. Lower profile than standing seam, easier to retrofit, and less expensive. There's also corrugated metal — the classic ribbed panels more common on agricultural buildings and outbuildings. You'll occasionally see it on residential homes for a specific aesthetic, but it's not what most Louisville homeowners are evaluating. Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roof Since both come up in residential conversations, here's a direct comparison:
