Do's & Don'ts of Ice Dam Removal

After heavy amounts of snow, cold weather can cause ice dams to form on your roof. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on the edge of your roof and prevents snow from melting and running down your gutters, posing a threat to your home. Of course, you’ll want to remove ice dams as soon as possible, but it’s important to follow these do’s and don’ts to protect yourself from injury.

Damage Caused by Ice Dams

Ice dams can damage your home in multiple ways. Since they prevent snow from draining off of your roof, snow can seep into your ceilings as it melts and cause water damage. If melted snow refreezes, the new ice can burrow itself under your shingles and damage your roof. The weight of the ice dam can also weigh down your gutters and cause them to break off of your fascia. In order to prevent damage, you need to properly and safely remove the ice dam as soon as possible.

The Do’s of Ice Dam Removal

• Do remove snow off of your roof once it falls. If you’re trying this as a DIY before calling the pros, use a special roof rake to get rid of the snow.
• Do chip away at the ice. For more immediate results, chip paths through the ice dam so water can drain down it - just be careful as you get closer to your roofing.
• Do properly ventilate and insulate your attic to prevent future ice dams.
• Do hire a professional if you are not fully confident in your handyman abilities. It’s actually safer to have a pro do this job.

The Don’ts of Ice Dam Removal

• Don’t ever remove snow by standing on your roof. You could easily slip and injure yourself. Stand on a secured ladder to do the job instead, and have someone spot you.
• Don’t install mechanical equipment in your attic. These are major fire hazards, so just stick to insulation.
• Don’t rake across your roof.  Rake down the slope of your roof so you don’t damage your shingles and cause even more problems.
• Don’t use salt or calcium snow melters on your roof. These are extremely corrosive and could harm your roofing, grass, and plants when they drain away.

They say a good defense is the best offense. Well, that’s true here, too. The easiest way to avoid ice dam damage is by preventing them from forming in the first place. The experts at All Aluminum Gutters can outfit your gutters with heat tape to melt snow as soon as it falls onto your gutters and stop ice dams from forming. Call us today at 631-816-2498 for more information on preventing ice dams from damaging your home.

How To Clean Vinyl Siding

Every homeowner wants their house to look bright, shiny, and clean. However, your home can take a beating during winter when snow pounds against your siding, leaving it dirty and unsightly. If you want it looking good as new, follow these tips for cleaning your vinyl siding.

For Basic Cleaning:

Your vinyl siding should be able to be easily cleaned with some warm water and soap. Grab a soft-bristled brush, and scrub the full length of each lap. It’s best to start at the bottom of your house and work your way up, rinsing each section with your hose as you go.

For Mold, Mildew, and Tough Spots:

The best way to tackle tough spots is by scrubbing them with a non-abrasive cleaner, such as Soft Scrub or Windex, and a sponge. If you’re dealing with large spots, create a solution of 30% vinegar and 70% water to remove mold and other hard stains.

If You Want to Use a Power-Washer:

You can - but make sure to read the instructions carefully. Hold the power washer at eye level to ensure the water hits the top of the siding and is most effective. Never aim it upward as water could get driven up behind the siding. Also, check your siding manufacturer’s warning: most will advise not using a power washer around wall openings.

Are you noticing that cleaning your siding regularly still doesn’t make it look much better than it currently does? Over time, siding can deteriorate and need replacing. If you find that your siding looks warped or your energy bills are increasing, call All Aluminum Gutters. We provide vinyl siding installation and repair to homes on Long Island, New York City & Westchester.

All Aluminum Gutters offers free consultations and written estimates. With over 30 years of experience, we are your go-to for your vinyl siding needs. For more information, call us at 631-816-2498.

Benefits of Gutter Guards

It’s important to keep your gutters clean in order to protect your home from water damage and unwelcome pests. However, like most homeowners, you probably don’t love the idea of climbing a ladder and gutting your gutters every few months. (See what we did there?) The good news is that you don’t have to! Gutter guards offer benefits that can save you time, effort, and even money when it comes to keeping your gutters clean.

1. Gutter guards prevent leaves and other debris from getting into your gutters. This means you won’t run the risk of having junk build up and clog your gutters and downspouts. If you’re a regular gutter cleaner, you won’t have to take time to dig out all the debris that would normally get caught there. If you usually leave your gutters to fend for themselves, this means you won’t have to worry about that build up causing water damage to your home.
2. Gutter guards extend the life of your gutters. When your gutters are filled with wet debris, the standing moisture causes rust to develop on the metal. This can seriously decrease not only your gutters’ effectiveness as draining tools, but their lifespan as a whole. Once there is a certain amount of rust, you’ll be forced to replace your gutters entirely to keep your draining system working properly.
3. Gutter guards keep your yard and home safe from unwanted pests. When gutters are clogged, the standing water becomes a breeding ground for insects, such as mosquitos. Even if your gutters are just filled with leaves and debris, other pests, such as spiders, cockroaches, and mice, take shelter there. Since gutter guards prevent debris from collecting in your gutters to begin with, they drastically reduce the chance of little nasties creating a home there.

Protecting your home is at the top of any homeowner’s priority list. (Right after keeping the fridge stocked with good snacks) Gutter guards literally help you keep your home safe from top to bottom. All Aluminum Gutters provides leaf guard protection systems to homes in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, Queens, the Bronx, & Westchester. For more information and a free estimate, call us at 631-816-2498!