The History of Rain Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

We all know how important it is to have rain gutters on our homes, but did you ever wonder where in the world they came from? The history of rain gutters is actually quite fascinating, dating way back to 3000 B.C. in the ancient civilizations of Rome, Greece and Egypt. Read on to learn all about rain gutters and how the idea to catch and divert rain emerged and  evolved over time.

The first drainage systems. Ancient civilizations recognized the need to control water drainage early on, constructing runoff systems made of stone, brick and wood . In fact, the 1st century Romans are known for their intricate drainage systems, meant to keep their streets water free. Early water redirection systems on buildings featured a spout at the edge of the roof, usually shaped as a lions mouth, that shot water to the ground. However, the majority of ancient water drainage was used to transport water from one place to another, in lieu of what we know as modern day plumbing.

Gargoyles, not just for decoration. As a direct response to an old 7th century legend about La Gargouille, a slayed fire-breathing dragon, the Gargoyle became a common staple of Western European architecture, replacing many of the previous lion-mouth spouts. The Italians actually called these intricate gargoyle statues “gronda sporgente,” which fittingly translates to “protruding gutter.”

Gutter systems begin to improve. In the mid-1200s gutters began to evolve from animal-mouthed water spouts to wood, lead and clay-tile gutter systems, downspouts and all. In 1240, the Tower of London became the first building to be outfitted with a fully functioning gutter system, as a precautionary measure to protect it’s white walls. From then on the popularity of gutter systems skyrocketed, transitioning from lead to cast iron in the 1800s. By the 18th century gutters were a standard on many homes, and the introduction of mass-marketed metal gutters came during the Industrial Revolution.

Seamless aluminum gutters are introduced. Aluminum gutters had already gained a ton of traction by the 1960s, but the invention of seamless gutter technology took them to the next level. Today, more than 70 percent of homeowners enjoy the benefits of a seamless aluminum gutter system.

Rain gutters have certainly come a long way! Just like the ancient civilizations, the professionals at All Aluminum Gutters understand the importance of having a solid, fully-functioning rain gutter system. Our high quality customer service and commitment to providing top notch products at affordable rates is what makes us the obvious choice for all of your gutter installation and repair needs.

To learn more about our gutter installation process and the styles that we offer, click here or call 631-816-2498.

Use Your Rain Gutters to Harvest Water & Save Money!

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Every time it rains it should act as a reminder of how much money you’re wasting. Not following the logic? If you use your hose to water your garden or plants instead of using rainwater you’re throwing your money away. After the initial cost of setup, harvesting rainwater is a free alternative to using your garden hose. So how do you get started saving money? There are three key items involved in the process: The collection area, the transportation system, and the storage facility. All you need are a few supplies, your roof, and of course your trusty gutters!

Collection Area - The most obvious choice for a collection area is the roof of your home. The bigger the roof, the more rainwater a person can harvest. If your garden or household plants are on the smaller side, you can use your shed’s roof for a smaller collection of rainwater. The next time you are watering your garden and plants, gauge how much water you are using in a certain span of time. That can help you determine how much you need to collect.

Transportation System - Your gutters and downspouts will be the transportation system for the rainwater. You can modify your current downspouts to direct the rainwater into a storage container instead of onto the ground. The material of the gutters and downspouts do not matter, so aluminum or plastic both work. What matters is the size of the gutters and downspouts. If you are replacing or installing new gutters, remember that 5-inch gutters attach to 3-inch downspouts and 6-inch gutters attach to 4-inch downspouts. The last part of the transportation system will be a gutter debris filter, placed between the gutter and downspout. This will prevent any unwanted debris or insects from collecting in the rainwater storage barrel.

Storage Facility - Barrels are the most efficient way to store your rainwater. The bigger the barrels, the more water you can store which is good during the dry times of the year. You can use multiple barrels to increase the capacity of your storage. To set up your barrels, attach short pieces of hose to each, connecting them and allowing water to flow through. The placement of these barrels is the most important part of the whole operation. You’ll want to place the barrels directly under the downspout on a self-made platform using cinder blocks.

To see diagrams for each element of the harvesting system or to learn how to make your own rain barrel, click here.

And there you have it! Your very own rainwater harvesting system. Now you can save money on your water bill while giving your plants and garden fresh rainwater. Before starting this DIY project, make sure that your gutters and downspouts are in good working order. Trust the professionals at All Aluminum Gutters to repair old leaky gutters, install new ones, or clean out your existing system. For more information, call 631-816-2498 today!

How to Tell if Your Gutters Were Properly Installed

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

So, you just bought a new home and lucky for you it came already equipped with rain gutters! You know how important it is to have gutters installed to protect your home and its foundation, so you must be pretty excited to be afforded that added bonus. However, before you jump for joy you’ll want to be sure that the gutters were properly installed and are not in need of repair. Here are a few ways to tell if your gutters are in good shape:

Do you notice any misaligned seams? The most important thing to make sure of when it comes to examining your rain gutters is that they are aligned properly. In order for water to be funneled through your gutter system and safely away from your house, your gutters will need to be attached continuously for the entire length of your home, leading to a downspout.

Does there seem to be overflow when it rains? Overflowing gutters can indicate a clog or worse, loose and drooping gutters. When leaves, branches and debris build up within your gutters they can cause them to become heavy and sag. Though a good cleaning may do the trick, it’s possible that your gutters were not installed at the proper slope which is what caused the debris to become trapped in the first place.

Has a drain or splash block been installed? Without one of these two elements finishing off your gutter system the water will have no where to go once it comes down the downspout. You’ll need a method to carry water away from your home in order to protect your foundation and minimize the risk of mold growth.

Is the hole connecting the gutter to the downspout sufficient? This is an issue that you will likely not notice unless you specifically look for it. If the hole connecting the two systems has not been made large enough you’ll run a higher risk of seeing a clog in the downspout.

If you notice any of these issues with your existing gutter system, All Aluminum Gutters is here to help. Big or small, our services and professional technicians are equipped to cover any issues that may arise. Our commitment to providing our customers with the highest quality products at affordable rates is what makes us the obvious choice to meet your needs.

To learn more about our services, click here or call 631-816-2498 to schedule your free consultation and estimate.

7 Signs That Your Siding Needs Repairs

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Siding is an extremely important part of your home’s exterior. It’s the first, and most powerful line of defense your home has against the outside elements, which is why it’s so important to make sure that it’s in tip top shape. Unfortunately, identifying damage to siding is often tricky. To help you keep an eye out for siding damage, we’ve compiled a list of 7 signs to watch for that may indicate that your siding needs to be repaired.

1. Visible Deterioration: As the years go by your siding will begin to show natural signs of aging. Look out for wavy, warped, buckled or uneven spots in your siding, as these can indicate damage.

2. Condition of Nails: Check for rusty, popped or missing nails, as this is a sure sign of movement. Rusty nails mean moisture damage, and can stain your siding. Missing nails are dangerous because that means your siding is improperly secured.

3. Shrunken Caulk: Though you likely had all of your seams caulked to perfection during installation, over time caulk can shrink, crack and wear away diminishing the security of your siding system. If you notice splitting seams, it’s time for repairs!

4. Peeling Paint: For aesthetic purposes, keeping up on your siding’s paint can make a dramatic difference in your home’s curb appeal. Remember, vinyl siding should never be painted!

5. Pest Infestations: If you’re seeing an influx in the amount of pests surfacing in and around your home, they may be entering through damaged siding. Wood siding is especially attractive to termites that eat through rotted wood and take up residence within your walls.

6. Evidence of Rot or Mold: When siding is functioning properly it keeps moisture out, so signs of rot or mold indicate otherwise. Keep an eye out for mold and pay attention to any musty smells throughout your home, as these indicate rot or mold within your interior walls.

7. Water Stains: Water stains may be caused by clogged or overflowing gutters, but can be a helpful detector of damaged siding. If you notice that stain streaks start and stop suddenly, that may indicate that water is entering through seams in your siding.

At All Aluminum Gutters we understand that a well-maintained gutter system and properly installed siding go hand-in-hand. That’s why not only do we provide gutter cleaning and installation services to protect your siding, but we also offer siding installation services to better protect your home. If you notice that your siding is in need of repair, just call 631-816-2498 for a complimentary estimate and we’ll have your home’s exterior looking like new in no time!

Rain Gutter FAQs

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Are thinking about installing or replacing your rain gutters, but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry, you’re certainly not alone. It’s very common for people to have tons of questions when they begin to look into home improvement projects, which is why we’ve tried to make it a little bit easier by compiling a list of frequently asked rain gutter questions and answers for your review:

Q: Why do I need rain gutters on my home? What makes them so important?
A: A properly installed rain gutter system will catch rainwater that lands on your roof and funnel it through the system and down to a safe draining location. It’s important to divert rainwater appropriately, as heavy amounts of runoff pooling at your foundation can cause structural damage, mold growth and many other complications.

Q: What are leafless gutters, or gutter guards? Why should I consider them?
A: Rain gutters equipped with gutter guards have a built in filter system which allows water in, while keeping leaves out. This system helps to eliminate gutter clogs and debris buildup, making your gutter maintenance less intensive.

Q: What different gutter material options can I choose from?
A: At All Aluminum Gutters, our gutter systems are made from copper, steel or aluminum.

Q: How do I figure out which gutter system is the best choice for my home?
A: The easiest way to pick the perfect gutter system is to consult with a professional installer, who can make recommendations based on your home’s age, structure and areas weather conditions.

Q: What is the most popular rain gutter choice?
A: Aluminum gutters are the most popular since they are lightweight, rust-resistant, affordable and easily adaptable to a wide variety of roof types. Aluminum Gutters are also a great choice because they are available in a variety of colors and can be painted to match your home’s exterior perfectly.

Q: Is it possible to install gutter systems as a DIY project?
A: Although installing gutters might be doable for some handy homeowners, it’s recommended that you hire a professional. With a professional installation you can ensure that the job is completed safely and correctly.

If you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for, just give us a call at 631-816-2498 and a customer service representative would be more than happy to answer all of your bathroom remodel inquiries! At All Aluminum Gutters we’re committed to providing top quality customer service, materials and gutter cleaning & repair services at an affordable price.