Pre-Snow Gutter Cleaning is Important - Here's Why

The days are getting colder and we all know what means- snow. There are plenty of ways to prepare for it’s arrival: putting snow tires on your car, getting sand and a shovel to clear your driveway, stockpiling blankets and hot cocoa for cozy nights inside. But there’s a big preparation task you may be forgetting: cleaning your gutters. It’s important to have clean gutters before the snow hits to avoid damage to your home

Eliminate Pests 
A gutter filled with leaves and other debris is the perfect winter hiding place for bugs and other little critters. Plus, if the leaves allow for clogs and water pools in your gutter, you’re basically inviting mosquitoes to make a home there. Those unwelcome gutter guests can cause health issues, not to mention will be gross to handle once you do clean your gutters.

Break the Ice 
If your gutters are cluttered, melted snow will have nowhere to go and will end up turning to ice. If you have a lot of snow, this could lead to ice dams on your roof, which can put too much weight on your gutters causing them to break. Not to mention, ice dams will most likely force themselves under your shingles, causing damage to your roof.

Prevent Water Damage 
Once those aforementioned ice dams melt, the water that got pushed under your shingles will stay there and can cause damage to your ceilings and walls. Any other water that is stuck in your gutter can also pool around your house and flood into your basement or crawlspace, or even damage your foundation.

Cleaning out your gutters before snow hits will give you peace of mind knowing you’re protecting your home from potential damage. Let All Aluminum Gutters of West Babylon safeguard your home this winter by providing you with a professional gutter cleaning.

At All Aluminum Gutters, our mission is to serve our customers with the extensive knowledge and expertise we have gained in our industry, while continually offering them the finest in customer service. For any of your gutter cleaning or repair needs, call us at 631-816-2498.

What is an "Ice Dam," and Why Are They a Threat?

Icicles dangling from homes in the winter may paint a pretty picture, but they cause more harm than meets the eye. Icicles are a major sign of ice dams, which can be one of your home’s worst enemies. Learn more about ice dams and how to avoid the potential damage they cause during the snowy, winter months below.

What Is An Ice Dam?

Ice dams are continuous chunks of ice that form along your roof. Without proper removal, the ice that develops may grow large enough to prevent snow from melting and water from properly draining off the roof. If this happens, the water may back up underneath your roof shingles and make it’s way into your home.

Do You Have An Ice Dam?

Most ice dams develop on the edge of your roof, but they can form in other locations. It all depends on the slope, orientation, and style of your roof. Be sure to monitor all areas for signs of ice dam formations.

• Check your icicles - If icicles have formed at the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, an ice dam has not formed. However, icicles are still a sign that ice dams are occurring. Whenever possible, remove icicles from the exterior of your home - but do not stand beneath them!
• Check for water stains or moisture - Check for water stains in your attic or along the ceiling of your home. This excessive moisture can be a sign that an ice dam has formed and water has come through the roof of your home. 

How To Stop Ice Dams

One of the best ways to prevent an ice dam is by simply keeping your attic and roof cold. After a snowfall, a cold roof will have a thick blanket of snow. A warmer roof, however, will have clear spots where the snow has melted and will have icicles hanging from the eaves.

1. Close up your attic bypass - In an average home, about one-third of the heat loss is through the ceiling or attic. Try fixing any air leaks caused by unblocked walls, gaps in drywall, and cracks around light fixtures. You’ll end up saving energy and reduce both your heating and air conditioning bills all while preventing ice dams!


2. Measure your attic insulation level - Check the amount of insulation you have in your attic. If you have less than eight inches, hire a professional to add more!


3. Add roof and soffit vents - This process will draw in cold outdoor air and flush out warmer attic air, cooling the attic and the roof in the process. 

Do you want to avoid this problem this winter season? Allow the professionals at All Aluminum Gutters to help! We will install a heated cable into your gutters to help prevent the formation of an ice dam and water entering your home. To learn more about our services, visit our website or call 631-816-2498 today.

5 Fun Ways To Upcycle Old Gutters

Gutters are best known for catching and redirecting rainfall, but that’s not all they have up their sleeve! When the time comes to replace your trusty gutters, think twice before you toss them in the trash. There are a few pretty nifty ways to reuse and recycle old gutters that you probably never even thought of.

1. Extra Garage Storage

Let’s face it, no matter how organized you may be, you’ll always need more storage options in your garage. Give those tools and gardening products somewhere to rest -- for cheap!

2. Gardening Assistants

Strawberries are just one of the many plants that thrive better when hanging. If you’re not looking for a sweet treat, try mounting your old gutters on a wall or fence and growing some herbs.

3. Easy Bookshelves

Fill your child’s room with plenty of bedtime stories! Paint a pair of old gutters and mount them on the wall for quick and easy “library pockets.” Then, hit the bookstore to fill them with their favorites.

4. Crafty Organization

Books and garage goodies aren’t the only things that can be stored in your refurbished gutters. Craft supplies like ribbon can stack securely for ease of use.

5. Picnic Surprise

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could enjoy some time sitting around the picnic table next summer without having to get up to refill your glass. This fun table inset uses old gutters to create a built-in cooler. Talk about convenience!

How will you be repurposing your old gutters after upgrading to a new, seamless aluminum system this fall? We’d love to hear all about your upcycled creations!

All Aluminum Gutters is a full service gutter cleaning, repair and installation company serving all of Long Island, Queens, Westchester and The Bronx. For more information about our services, dial 631-816-2498.

Alternative Uses For The Leaves in Your Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

It’s autumn and leaves are everywhere: In our walkways, blanketing our lawns and most often, piling up in our gutters. While cleaning leaves out of the gutters might not be your favorite DIY task, these easy leaf recycling tips for afterwards might help make some of your favorite gardening pastimes more prosperous.

Add them to the compost pile.

Shredded leaves are the perfect addition to any compost pile. After all, it’s free organic matter, that’s already on it’s way to decomposing. What more could you ask for? They’re a great source of carbon, and work best when layered with nitrogen-rich grass clippings and kitchen scraps.

Compost a separate leaf mold pile.

Contrary to what it’s unsettling name might have you believe, leaf mold actually isn’t a dangerous fungus, but rather a beneficial soil additive. Unlike a traditional compost pile, a leaf mold pile uses only leaves that decompose completely in 6-12 months. After the process is complete, leaf mold can be added to the soil around your plans to promote moisture and deliver nutrients.

Mulch around your trees and shrubs.

Skip the bagging step all together and scatter the leaves in your gutters right under your shrubs and into your shower beds. This will provide an added layer of insulation for the winter, and deter weeds from germinating.

Give your potted plants and bulbs a boost.

Layering some shredded leaves at the bottom of your planters and underneath the topsoil in your spring bulb beds can set your green thumb up for success. As the leaves break down, they’ll provide a continuous flow of nutrients to the roots. When planting bulbs, make sure to add an extra layer of leaf insulation above the top soil as well.

Are your gutters looking mighty full of leaves and debris this fall? If so, just give the gutter cleaning experts at All Aluminum Gutters a call. Serving all of Long Island, Queens, Westchester and The Bronx, there’s no gutter job we can’t handle!

To learn more about our gutter cleaning and repair services, visit us online or call 631-816-2498 today.

Why Do Leaves Change and Fall?

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

The autumn season has been affectionately nicknamed “the fall,” and for good reason. As most of you would have guessed, this clever nickname comes from the act of leaves falling down from the trees at this time of year. So, while we understand why the season is called as such, not many people understand what makes the leaves change and fall in the first place. Allow us to explain.

The Color-Changing Mystery

When looking at the reasoning behind the brilliant changing leaves, the first thing we need to consider is the sun. In autumn, the sun is more scarce than in the summer. For that reason, the chemical reaction that occurs in plant leaves is altered. The bright colors that you see today were actually always present, just masked by the photosynthesis of chlorophyll -- which causes the usual green pigment to show. When chlorophyll production is halted, the carotene (yellow), anthocyanin (red), and tannin (brown) pigments become more predominant.

And Why They All Fall Down

Now that you understand where the vivid colors come from, you’re probably wondering why they have to be shed in the first place. Couldn’t they just continue on their merry green to orange cycle throughout the season? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Believe it or not, the deciduous trees that shed their leaves in fall are actually doing so for protection from harsh weather conditions. You might be thinking, “but wouldn’t leaves keep them warm?” On the contrary, leaves are most susceptible to damage. Shedding them minimizes the amount of seasonal damage and allows the tree to preserve water and energy throughout the season.

Regardless of why they change or fall, one things is for certain… when they make their way into your gutters they can sure wreak havoc! Don’t let your gutters suffer this season. Call All Aluminum Gutters and request a professional gutter cleaning today.

For more on our gutter cleaning services or to schedule an appointment, call 631-816-2498.

DIY or Don't? Avoid Risky Gutter Repairs

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

The DIY home improvement trend is huge right now. Heck, it’s even got it’s own network! But before you set out to fix a faulty gutter on your own, ask yourself these three questions:

Is this a dangerous task?

Think about the risks involved with the repair job you’re looking to perform. Some gutter jobs are bigger than others, and therefore can be more dangerous. An estimated 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries each year, and approximately 300 of these are fatal.

Do you have the right tools?

If you don’t have the right equipment, not only are you escalating the risk factor, but you’re also setting yourself up for a failed DIY attempt. Calling a professional will ensure your gutters are repaired with precision, using only the perfect tools for the job.

Will the money you save be worth the trouble?

A good gutter repair job takes a lot of time, energy, and patience. That being said, sometimes it’s worth it to call in the professionals based on those factors alone. Also think about what will happen if your repair doesn’t go according to plan. Will you be spending more money in the long run to fix an even bigger issue? Most likely, yes.

At the end of the day, unless you’re knowledgeable and experienced with gutter installation and repair, we suggest calling in a professional contractor. At All Aluminum Gutters, we understand our customers want to fix their gutter in the most cost effective way possible. That’s why we offer free, no-obligation estimates and promise to beat any written estimate you provide.

For more information about our affordable gutter repair, installation and cleaning services, call 631-816-2498 today.

6 Spooky, Scary Gutter Surprises

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Excited to curl up this weekend with your favorite candy, your hero cape and a long, long horror flick marathon in celebration for the holiday? Here at All Aluminum, we love Halloween and horror just as much as the next guy, but we draw the line when the bumps in the night are coming from our gutter system!

Slugs: If you’ve ever had the misfortune of stepping on an unsuspecting slug in the dark of night, you know first hand how icky their slimy, soft texture can be. Now, imagine a colony of slugs slithering through your dirty gutter system. It’s enough to send shivers down your spine!

Spiders: While they may be the perfect decoration item for this spooky, scary time of the year, they’re definitely not a pest you’d want nesting around your home. Sure, a few spiders are good for natural pest control, but an entire colony residing in your eaves is a creepy though.

Centipedes: As if eight legs wasn’t enough, let's add about a hundred more! While they’re generally harmless, like their gutter dwelling friends the slug and the spider, they’re still not getting an invite indoors any time soon. Unfortunately, if they take up residence in dirty gutters, they just might enter unannounced.

Mosquitoes: We realize it’s the off-season for these tiny vampires, but nonetheless, they’re definitely up there on our list of “least favorite insects.” To make matters worse, they thrive and breed in standing water. That means your gutters are a prime target if they’re not draining correctly.

Termites: The jaws, or mandibles, of these tiny creatures are strong enough to chomp right through the wood of your fascia boards. But they won’t stop there. Once inside your walls, termites will eat their way right through your beams, compromising your home structure.

Mice: Cute and furry, yes. A pleasure to have living in your gutters and eaves, no. Like the other critters mentioned above, mice not only leave droppings and contaminate your home with disease, but they can attract larger predators as well. You certainly don’t want a family of raccoons nesting up there with them!

Mold: Last, but certainly not least, damp, rotting wood’s favorite companion: mold. Not only does it cause irreversible and costly damage to you home, but it can compromise your indoor air quality and the health of your family members.

Do yourself a favor. Keep your home and family safe from spooky, scary gutter dwellers with a hearty gutter cleaning from the professionals at All Aluminum Gutters. At least that’s one thing that won’t be frightening you this Halloween!

For more information about our gutter cleaning services, visit us online or call 631-816-2498.

Your 4-Step Guide to Wood Siding Repair

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Has the recent rainfall on Long Island done a number on your siding? Never fear, the simple 4-step guide to wood siding repair and replacement is here!

Step #1: Detect and remove the damage.

Hopefully your siding hasn’t been completely ruined! If the damage affects only one area, carefully remove those pieces of siding by hand, remembering to pull out the nails they leave behind. Do not, we repeat, DO NOT use power tools. This can potentially damage any previously unaffected siding.

Step #2: Cut new siding carefully.

Measuring out siding takes a lot of patience and precision -- that’s why most people opt to leave it to the pros. If you do embark on a DIY repair journey, make sure you’re measuring accurately. Though seams can be filled, large gaps will be unsightly and ineffective for protection.

Step #3: Nail the new boards in place.

Almost done! Now that your new siding is cut to perfection, grab your stud finder and a handful of stainless steel ring-shank nails. It’s important to nail your board directly into the studs, and to use nails that won’t rust or come loose over time.

Step #4: Add the finishing touches.

Finally! All that’s left is to paint -- but be sure to use a good quality, water-proof exterior paint. You want to make sure that your new siding not only looks good, but performs good as well.

Would you prefer to have a professional take care of the dirty work? Or perhaps faulty gutters were to blame for the damage in the first place. Either way, All Aluminum Gutters is here to assist with all your gutter repair and siding repair needs.

For more information about our siding and gutter repair services, call 631-819-2498 today.

A Complete Guide To Fall Home Maintenance

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

As Game of Thrones fan-favorite Ned Stark has said, “winter is coming,” so the time to prepare is now! Use the autumn months to get a head start on your winter prep, or face the costly consequences!

#1: Prevent pipes from freezing.

Make sure all of your plumbing is well insulated, and wrap any exposed areas with heat tape. This includes winterizing your sprinkler system. When water freezes it expands, which can cause your pipes to burst during the cooler seasons.

#2: Check and repair drafts.

If you’re feeling a cold breeze now, imagine what it will be like when winter hits. Even worse though, imagine what your energy bills will be when your heating unit is working double time to combat heat loss.

#3: Reseal your deck.

Now’s the time to prepare your deck for the cold, wet months. Sand off and repair any damage, and apply a new layer of sealant to keep the snow and rain from ruining the wood. While you’re at it, winterize and store your patio furniture as well.

#4: Inspect your siding.

Keep an eye out for chipping, peeling and warping -- as these can be good indicators of water damage. You’ll want to get these issues repaired right away to avoid further issues during the colder months.

#5: Repair your gutters.

Whether you notice any existing damage to your siding and foundation yet or not, it’s still imperative that your gutters are properly maintained. Your gutters are the first line of defense your home has against the elements!

Looking for a hand with your gutter and siding maintenance this season? If you live in Long Island, Queens, or the surrounding areas, give All Aluminum Gutters a call.

To learn more about our siding repair and gutter cleaning services, call 631-819-2498 today.

Stop Making These Common Homeowner Mistakes Now

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

New and old, all homeowners are guilty of these common maintenance mishaps to some degree. Read on to find out many of these homeowner sins are you’re guilty of committing, perhaps without even knowing it.

Slamming the door. We know, we sound like your mother here, but slamming the front door over and over can actually damage your home in the long run. The more force you exert, the more likely your hinges and door jambs will become weakened, allowing moisture and cold air to enter your home. So essentially, you’re letting the prospect of mold in, and the hard earned money you’re spending to heat or cool your home out.

Overworking extension cords. It might seem easier to run extension cords throughout your home, rather than hiring an electrician to install more outlets -- but fight the temptation. Using extension cords in excess is a very serious fire hazard. We’d bet you’d rather have a home with more outlets, than no more home at all due to a fire, wouldn’t you?

Relying on drywall screws. That towel bar in the bathroom and that mirror in the hall may be holding on by a thread. Many homeowners assume that drywall screws are the best option for hanging decorative items, but in actuality they’re not very good at handling weight at all. Instead of reaching for the same old screws, take a trip to the hardware store, speak with a salesperson, and stock up on a few different types so you have exactly what you need whenever you want to hang.

Forgoing gutter maintenance. Don’t let your gutters go uncleaned and uncared for. Trust us, you’ll be kicking yourself when your foundation starts to crack and your siding is peeling due to water damage. Having your gutters cleaned and inspected regularly can help avoid such costly mishaps in the future.

Looking for a trustworthy gutter contractor to perform gutter cleaning and repair work for on your home? If you live in Long Island, Queens, Westchester, or the Bronx, you’re in luck!

Dial 631-816-2498 to speak with a representative and learn how All Aluminum Gutters can help get your gutters in tip top shape before the fall season sets in.

6 Steps to Give Your Gutters a Vibrant Facelift

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Your gutters are one of the first defenses your home has against the elements, which is why it’s not uncommon for them to get a bit dingy over time. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to give your gutters the facelift they deserve -- with a fresh coat of paint of course! Here’s how:

Step #1: Remove the downspouts.
The best way to ensure your entire gutter system is painted to perfection is by taking down any removable pieces -- like the downspouts. That way, you’ll be able to paint them more thoroughly.

Step #2: Peel existing paint.
Before you can begin painting, you first have to remove any loose or flaking paint from previous paint jobs. Peel away as much existing paint as possible with your hands first.

Step #3: Sand shiny remnants off.
After peeling away the easy parts of the existing paint job, you’ll have to put a little more elbow grease in, in order to really get your gutters in good shape for a new coat. Grab a foam sanding block and sand the top coat off. Make sure there’s no glossy sheen left behind, or you’ll have a hard time getting the new paint to adhere.

Step #4: Wash it all down.
You’ve peeled, sanded, and now you’ve got to scrub! Sponge down your gutters with mild dish detergent and water to remove any dirt or dust from sanding. Make sure they’re rinsed and dried thoroughly before you begin to paint.

Step #5: Hit them with the primer.
Just like the walls in your home, your gutters need some TLC before slapping on the color of your choice. Select a good, water resistant primer to not only help the color adhere, but to protect your gutters from rust and erosion as well.

Step #6: Slap on some color!
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for. After all that prep work, it’s time to paint on that gorgeous color you’ve selected. Give your gutters two or three coats, and enjoy the finished product.

Not sure if repainting your current gutter system will do the trick? Not to worry! All Aluminum Gutters offers gutter installation and repair services to Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens and the surrounding areas. If you’re looking to revamp your gutters before the heart of autumn hits, call 631-819-2498 today.

"Fall" in Love With Gutter Guards!

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

No one likes to have messy, clogged gutters, almost as much a they don’t like cleaning them! While we’re always here to handle the dirty duties, there’s a better way to keep your gutters cleaner for longer… cue, gutter guards! Cost-effective, efficient, and available in a variety of options.

Style #1: Screen Guards
These are the most common, but not always the most effective. In short, a screen is installed over your current gutters that is meant to filter out leaves. While they’re fairly easy to install, affordable, and can do a good job battling back fallen leaves, the holes in the screens are large enough for seeds and other debris to slip through. They can also become clogged themselves and are difficult to clean, preventing not only leaves, but water from entering your gutters as well.

Style #2: Fine Mesh GuardsA step up from standard screens are those made of fine mesh. These reduce the chances of debris slipping through and hold up well against snow, ice and strong winds. They’re easy to keep clean and help keep your gutters sturdy. However, they will still need occasional maintenance and are not always so easily available. Color choices are also limited.

Style #3: Surface Tension Guards
While they are the most expensive of the three options, they’re also the most effective -- a classic case of “you get what you pay for!” This option is installed on a slight downward slope, just above your gutters. As water comes down, it clings to the surface, making its way around the edge and into the gutter, while leaves and debris will travel down and off the edge. They can withstand the elements, are long-lasting and need very minimal maintenance. The drawback is that they’re more difficult to install, so you’ll need to hire a professional to get the job done.

Looking to add gutter guards to your home to safeguard your drainage system for the fall? All Aluminum Gutters can help! We’ve got a wide variety of gutter guard options to help keep your system clean and your mind at ease.

To learn more about the gutter cleaning and gutter guard services we offer, visit us online or call 631-816-2498 to speak with an expert today.

7 Surefire Steps to Prep Your Home for Fall

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

The air is crisper, the nights are cooler, and the first full week of football has come to a close. That only means one thing -- fall is on it’s way, fast! If you haven’t begun thinking about getting your home ready for the cooler, autumn months, there’s no better time than now. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Fire up your furnace.
As the long, hot summer is finally coming to a close, it’s time to turn our HVAC efforts towards heating instead of cooling. While the weather is still mild, make sure you give your home’s heating system a good test run. That way, if repairs need to be made you’re not left out in the cold.

2. Hire a chimney sweep.
Sure, you may be able to brush away any residual ashes in the fireplace itself, but it’s best to leave the chimney cleaning to a trained professional. This will ensure your fireplace is ready for those chilly autumn nights. While you’re at it, make sure your damper is secure as well.

3. Swap out your window screens.
Light and airy window screens were perfect for spring and summer, but storm windows are important for the fall. Before it gets cold, pop out, clean off, and store your screens in a safe place.

4. Button your home up tight.
Check for gaps and cracks in siding and sealants, and get to caulking! Recaulk around your windows and doors, and add insulation anywhere necessary. Pay special attention to your home’s roof, inspecting it for loose or missing shingles.

5. Seal your drive and walkways.
Water runoff can make its way into your asphalt, freezing and expanding over time. This can cause cracking and damage, which is why it’s important to give your driveway and sidewalks a good sealing beforehand!

6. Winterize your plumbing.
This includes draining and closing down you sprinkler system, as well as insulating any bare pipes to prevent freezing as the weather gets cooler, and cooler. It may be best to let a pro handle your outdoor plumbing, that way you can be sure you won’t endure a burst pipe in the future.

7. Get your gutters in shape.
Autumn leaves are lovely, but they sure can cause a mess. Make sure you keep a close eye on your gutters throughout the season to avoid debris buildup and clogging. Our suggestion? Hire a professional gutter cleaner to make sure they’re completely clear and ready to handle the fall.

Need some help cleaning your gutters or repairing your roofing or siding? Well, why not tackle all three with just one phone call? To All Aluminum Gutters of course! Serving all of Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the five boroughs, there’s no home we can’t help winterize!

For more information about our siding and gutter repair services, call 631-816-2498.

How to Prepare Your Gutters for the Fall Months

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Autumn is coming, and so are those pesky leaves! Make sure your gutter system is ready to handle the change in season with these simple steps:

Wipe them down.
Don’t wait for your gutters to fill up with falling leaves. Allowing them to head into the most difficult season with a fresh, clean start can prevent future clogs from occurring. Take this time to clean them out once last time before the sunny summer weather starts to disappear. Trust us, gutter cleaning is much easier when the weather cooperates!

Fix any minor repairs.
You want your gutters to take on the fall full force, so that means they’ll need to be in complete working condition. Taking the time to fix the tiniest leak or just one loose bracket can make all the difference in the long run. Look for leaking, sagging and corrosion as you inspect and clean.

Trim your trees now.
Before the leaves begin to fall, it’s a good idea to have your local tree-trimmer pay your yard a visit. Not only will trimming back unruly branches minimize the leaves that will land in your gutters, but it will make raking and yard work a whole lot easier this autumn!

Install gutter guards.
If you’re looking to provide your home with the best possible protection for the fall, gutter guards are it. Installing them over your gutters helps keep leaves out, but still allows water to flow in through a filter. This eliminates clogs and makes gutter cleaning as easy as an occasional spray of the garden hose to wash the residual leaves away.

Are you gutters ready for fall? Whether they could use a good cleaning, some repairs, or if you’re interested in purchasing gutter guards and live on Long Island or in the surrounding areas, All Aluminum Gutters is here to help with all three!

Learn more about our gutter cleaning, repair and installation services. Call 631-816-2498 today!

Repair Your Fascia Board Right -- The First Time!

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Fascia boards have a pretty difficult job. For one, they provide added protection for your home and roofing system, which means they see the brunt of hot summer days, soggy sun showers, and winter snow storms. But most importantly, fascia boards are responsible for holding up your gutters. Without sturdy, rot-free fascia, your gutter system doesn’t stand a chance. If you notice your fascia boards are beginning to show signs of wear, here’s what you need to know to fix them correctly.

Be Selective: Don’t just walk into the home improvement store and grab the first wood planks you see. Speak with an expert to find out which species is best for fending off natural decay. But that’s not all. Carefully look over each piece before purchasing, checking for grain that will potentially split, or warp down the line. Remember, your fascia boards need to be able to withstand the elements!

Be Careful: Now that you’ve chosen the best boards, you’ll have to nail them up precisely as well. Make sure to place nails in smart spots, avoiding anywhere that you see a large grain end. Nailing near the edge or the end grain is dangerous because it increases the chances that your wood will split, letting in water and making way for damage. If you’re unsure about placement, be safe and pre-drill holes instead.

Be Detailed: Painting the ends of your fascia boards will help keep them in tact for longer. Think about the frayed edges of a rope. If you don’t seal the ends, the rope will eventually unravel. Well, the grain ends of your wood boards are just the same. For best results, dip the ends of your wood in heavy duty primer to fill and seal off the gaps first.

Could your fascia boards use some fixing? How about your gutters, siding and roof? No matter what problems your home’s exterior is facing, the experts at All Aluminum Gutters can solve them.

For more information about our various fascia board and gutter repair services, visit our website or call us at 631-816-2498.

Prepare Gutters for Hurricane Season Now

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

As we head into the peak of the 2016 hurricane season on Long Island, there are a few things you should start to prepare for. One of which, is potential damage to your home’s gutter system. Well maintained gutters are equipped to handle rain, but things can get a little tricky with all the wet, windy, elements that hurricanes can bring. So, here’s what you’ll need to do:

Check the brackets. Hurricane winds can be treacherous! Make sure your gutters are securely fastened to your fascia boards before heavy storms hit. It may be a good idea to replace your hardware just in case, especially if you’re expecting particularly harsh weather.

Clean out debris. Your gutters will need to handle the influx of rainwater with ease, and that leaves no room for fallen leaves and debris. If you’re anticipating a heavy storm, make sure you get up there and clean those gutters first.

Test your downspouts. Run your hose at high pressure directly down your downspout. This will ensure that you remove any dirt that may be caked up inside. You may also want to add extenders to your downspouts to help redirect large quantities of water more efficiently.

Cover the window wells. If your gutters are doing their job, they’ll be funneling a ton of water down and out. Whether you purchase downspout extenders or not, the possibility for floods are heightened during hurricanes. That’s why you want to make sure your basement window wells are sealed up tight.

Purchase new gutters. If your gutters have been holding on for quite some time, it may be time to reassess and purchase replacements. And if you don’t already have a gutter system, what are you waiting for? Water is the most destructive force of nature, especially during a hurricane!

Could you use new gutters? Or perhaps your current gutters could use some cleaning or repairs before the bulk of hurricane season hits? No matter what your gutters need to be safe and secure, All Aluminum Gutters is here to help.

Call 631-816-2498 to learn more about our gutter maintenance services, and schedule your estimate today.

How to Keep Animals Out of Your Gutter

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Warmth, shelter and all the water you could ever need -- sounds like the perfect place to settle down right? The critters roaming around your yard sure think so! Rain gutters and downspouts are some of the most common places that homeowners experience pest nesting problems. Here’s how to make sure yours are safe from an infestation.

Keep your trees trimmed. Not only does a well-manicured yard mean less dirt and debris for furry friends to burrow, but it can also make your gutters less accessible. Think about how easily those squirrels leap from branch to branch -- make it more difficult for them to leap onto your home!

Practice pest control tactics. Landscaping, pest control and gutter maintenance all go hand-in-hand. If you eliminate insect and rodent problems, you’ll be less likely to attract hungry critters to your yard in the first place.

Keep downspouts covered. Adding a mesh cloth or grate to the bottom of your downspout will make it so critters can’t climb in. Just be sure to check your downspouts regularly to make sure they’re clear of clogs!

Keep your gutters clean. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again -- cleaning your gutters regularly is key! Critters love dark, moist gutters filled with warm cozy debris. Don’t invite them in!

Purchase gutter guards. Not only do they keep the leaves and debris out, but they can help keep small animals on the outskirts as well. Seal your gutters up tight and save yourself the time spent cleaning them, and the money spent repairing them after animals have taken up residence.

Whether you could use a hand with gutter repairs from pesky borrowing field mice, or you’d like to be proactive and clean them out or install new gutter guards, All Aluminum Gutters has got you covered! Serving all of Long Island, Queens, the Bronx and Westchester, there’s no gutter maintenance or repair job that we can’t handle.

To learn more about our gutter cleaning, repair, and gutter guard installation services, call 631-816-2498 or visit us on the web.

How to Spot Faulty Gutters on a New Home

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

There’s no doubt that a lot goes into shopping for a new home, and it can certainly be difficult to know what to look out for. Sneaky, hidden pest infestations and plumbing problems can really throw new homeowners for a loop. Luckily, when it comes to your gutters the warning signs are usually pretty clear.

Misaligned or Incomplete - First and foremost, the gutters should line the entire perimeter of the roof. If you notice that there’s a section missing or loose, this is a huge red flag for repair. Remember that your gutters should be slightly pitched downward towards the downspout as well.

Overflow - If you’re “lucky enough” to have your walk-through scheduled on a rainy day, take the opportunity to investigate how well the gutters work. If you notice rainwater pouring out over the sides of the gutters there may be a clog -- or worse, loose, sloping or damaged gutter sections.

Siding Damage - Peeling, warping, or staining all indicate that water has run amuck on a home’s siding. If you don’t happen to catch the grand tour on a rainy day, looking out for siding damage is one way to detect faulty or clogged gutters before signing on the dotted line.

Missed Redirection - So you’ve inspected the gutters thoroughly and found no issues with the system itself. But what about after the water has been funneled down the downspout? If you don’t see a means of redirected drainage or a splash block, you may need to consider the foundation damage that may be lurking around the home.

Have you recently purchased a new home on Long Island, Queens or the surrounding areas, and are unsure if your gutters are still in good shape? If so, give All Aluminum Gutters a call. Whether it’s a good cleaning, gutter repairs, or even new installation that you require, we’ve got you covered no matter the circumstance!

For more information about our services, or to schedule an estimate, call 631-816-2498.