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Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

After a roller coaster winter, we’re happy to say that spring has finally arrived, and the sun is shining. Heads up, though — all that winter weather could have made for cracks in your driveways and damages in your yard that the spring sun now spotlights. Follow this spring maintenance checklist, so you can get the chores done quickly and spend more time enjoying the nice weather.

Service Your AC Unit

Call an HVAC professional to inspect your unit, so it’s ready to go once the really warm weather rolls around. Having the coils cleaned and changing the air filters will keep it running more efficiently.

Check Your Outside Faucets

The winter cold may have caused your outdoor faucets to freeze. Turn on the water, and see if you can stop its flow by placing your thumb over the opening. If you can, the pipe inside your home is probably damaged and will need to be replaced.

Inspect Your Concrete

If snow or water froze in or under your concrete walkways, it might’ve caused cracks or movement. If you see any cracks, fill them with concrete filler or silicone caulk. Once the weather allows for it, power wash and seal the concrete.

Examine Your Shingles

Some roof shingles may have been lost or damaged during winter. If you notice any cracked, loose, or buckled shingles, you’ll need to replace them, so your home doesn’t suffer from water damage the next time it rains.

Check Your Gutters

Your gutters take some of the biggest hits during winter since heavy snow and ice dams can weigh them down and cause them to become loose or damaged. Check them for holes or cracks, and make sure your downspouts are clear of debris, so they can properly drain water away from your home.

If your home suffered any roof or gutter damage this winter, call All Aluminum Gutters for help! We offer gutter and roof repairs, as well as new installations. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust us to provide you with the best service. Get your home ready for spring, and call us today at 631-816-2498.

Signs You Need a New Roof

A lot of homeowners only figure out they need roof repairs when they notice a leak or walk outside and see chunks of their shingles missing. However, it isn’t always easy to know whether those damages are a sign for repair or replacement. These are some factors to take into account when figuring out if you need a new roof.

Roof Age

Do you know how many birthdays your roof has had? Most experts believe that a typical roof lasts between 20 and 25 years. If your roof has had pieces replaced, it may last longer, but in general, if your roof has multiple layers of shingles and is over 20 years old, you’re probably in need of a new one.

Roof Valleys

Your roof valleys are the places that the slopes of your roof meet. If there are shingles missing or other damaged spots in this area, you need a new roof. These areas are where snow and rain collect, so if there’s damage, you could suffer from leaks.

Shingles Curling

Look at the slopes of your roof that are hit by direct sunlight. If you notice any of the shingles are curling or buckling, you might be in need of a new roof. Curling could be a sign that the shingles are past their life expectancy or that there is a defect.

Daylight Through the Roof Boards

From the inside of your home, check the roof to see if you spot patches of daylight coming into your home. This is likely a sign that the underlying decking has been weakened from moisture exposure.

A damaged roof is not something you should wait to replace. All Aluminum Gutters has been doing residential and commercial roofing for over 30 years. We provide roof installation, roof repairs, leak repairs, and more so your home or business stays safe from the outdoors. For help with your roof on Long Island, in New York City, or Westchester, call us at 631-816-2498

Tips for Gutter Cleaning

With spring approaching, you should be thinking of cleaning your gutters so those April showers can drain safely away from your home. It may seem easy to climb up on a ladder and start clearing out gunk and debris from your gutters. However, it isn’t as easy or safe as some may think. In order to avoid injury, you should always follow these tips for gutter cleaning.

Ladder Safety

• Always use a sturdy ladder, ideally one with a shelf that can hold a five gallon bucket to put debris in.
• Try to avoid using wooden ladders since they can be wobbly and difficult to balance on.
• Inspect the ladder before climbing it to make sure there are no dents and that any screwed-in sections are tightened.

Use a Gutter Scoop

• Scooping out debris is the best method for gutter cleaning.
• It’s best to use a plastic scoop, as metal ones can scratch the bottoms and seams of your gutters.

Protect Your Hands and Eyes

• 
  Wear gloves to protect your hands from debris, dirt, and bacteria that could be living in dirty gutters.
• Aim to wear thick, suede gloves as these are the easiest to maneuver and don’t soak up water like other materials do.

• Make sure to wear work goggles to prevent any injuries from items that might fly out of the downspout.

Extra Tips:

• Wear shoes with rubber soles so you avoid any slip-and-fall type accidents.
• Never walk on your roof to clean your gutters as this is very dangerous.

In order to keep yourself safe from injury, it’s sometimes best to call a professional to clean your gutters. All Aluminum Gutters offers expert gutter cleaning and gutter repairs so your home is ready to handle all the rain spring throws its way. For more information about our gutter cleaning services for Long Island, Queens, Westchester, and the Bronx, call 631-816-2498.

DIY Gutter Fixes

Your gutters take a beating during the winter months. Snow, ice, & rain water can weigh them down and cause damage. If you notice that your gutters don’t look right, you shouldn’t wait to make those repairs. These are some DIY gutter fixes you can do to get them ready for spring.

Loose Gutters

The best way to make sure your gutters stay fastened to your home is by installing fascia hangers. Hook the bracket under the front of your gutter, and screw the other side into your fascia. Leave the old spikes in place so your gutters don’t have any unsightly holes.

Dripping Downspout

Do you find that your downspout sounds like a drum ensemble when it rains? There’s actually a very easy way to fix this problem. Snake a rope down your gutter after tying an end of it to one of the gutter hangers. The water droplets that normally hit the sides of your downspout will cling to the rope instead. Pro Tip: Don’t use this trick on gutters that clog easily since the rope limits water flow.

Split Seam

Let’s say a tree branch or heavy rainwater causes your gutter to split at the seam. You have to replace the entire piece, right? Nope! You can just add a small section to the seam, and your gutters will still look uniform. Purchase a gutter piece as well as an inside or outside miter box, then cut a three-inch section to create a custom slip joint. Hang the two gutter pieces next to each other, slip the joint on, and your gutters are as good as new!

Gutter fixes are necessary when leaves and debris cause your gutters to get damaged. If those damages are beyond your repair ability, call All Aluminum Gutters for all your gutter repairs needs. We provide our customers with high quality materials and service at affordable prices. For a free estimate, call us at 631-816-2498.

DIY Gutter Projects

In a world that’s trying to ‘go green,’ it’s wise to reuse and recycle as many products as we can. Sure, you probably recycle cans and bottles by throwing them into bins that your sanitation services pick up, but have you ever thought of recycling your gutters? If you replaced your gutters and still have the old ones lying around, use them in some DIY projects to upgrade and decorate your home.

1. Gutter Paint Rack: Do you have a garage littered with paint cans & bottles? How about a craft room rolling in ribbon? Cut and fasten old gutters to the wall to make an easy storage rack. You’ll free up space, and everything will be organized.
2. Gutter Book Shelf: Is your little one a book-lover? Use gutters to create simple bookshelves in your child’s bedroom or playroom. You can even hang them just a few feet above the floor so your children can grab the books themselves.
3. Gutter Cable Holder: Nobody likes having wires hanging from their desks. Attach gutters to the underside of your desk or table to cradle all the computer and charging wires. Now you won’t risk accidentally pulling on a wire with your foot.

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   PC: Hallmark http://bit.ly/2mjIZDS

   Gutter Lawn Edging: Do you have any unsightly spaces between your grass and the sidewalk or just want to add a nice touch to your lawn? Install old gutters filled with rocks or mulch in that space to add a pretty, decorative trim to your yard.
5. Gutter Wine Cooler: With summer coming up, what better way to keep your drinks cold than with a gutter cooler? Swap out the middle piece of a wooden picnic table for a section of gutter. Fill it with ice, and enjoy your drinks without even having to get up.

How are you supposed to work on all these awesome DIY gutter projects if you don’t have old gutters available? It’s important to recognize when your gutters have run their last race. All Aluminum Gutters can detect problems with your gutters and install new ones so your home stays protected from water damage. Call us at 631-816-2498 for all your gutter needs on Long Island.

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!

Dangers of a Leaky Roof

A good amount of people are probably guilty of putting off home repair projects: the squeaky drawer, the door knob that sticks, etc. However, there is one repair project you shouldn’t put off - fixing your leaky roof. Contrary to popular belief, a leaky roof can pose more dangers than just a structural problem.

1. Ceiling Damage: A combination of undrained gutter water and a leaky roof can cause major damage to your ceiling. Water can seep in and start to collect in your attic; if you don’t have an attic, the water will drip directly onto your ceiling and cause the paint to darken. The leaking water can also cause plaster to bubble on the ceiling and nearby walls. If you have lights or fans mounted to your ceiling, you can anticipate damage to those items as well.
2. Mold & Mildew Issues: If you let a leaky roof go unrepaired for too long, mold can develop on the ceiling and walls and can spread into your HVAC system. Once there, the mold can infest your carpets, furniture, and even clothing.This poses the risk (especially if black mold grows) of asthma, allergic reactions, and more serious health problems. Once in your home, mold is often difficult and costly to remove.
3. Higher Utility Bills: You probably didn’t think that water entering your home could cost you more money in utility bills, but it can. When your leaky roof allows water to spill into your attic, your fiberglass or cellulose insulation can become saturated and not work as efficiently. This will allow heat to escape your home and cause you to hike up your thermostat, increasing your energy bills.

Leaving your roof unrepaired can cause problems for your home and wallet. Most of the time, these issues are more costly to fix than patching up a couple of damaged spots on your roof. All Aluminum Gutters has been doing residential and commercial roofing for over 30 years, providing free estimates so you know what the cost is before we start. For roofing repairs in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, the Bronx, or Westchester, call us at 631-816-2498.

Draining Away from Your Home

A major way to save your home from weather-caused harm is by properly draining water away from your foundation. Standing water can result in damaged walls and ceilings, amongst other things. These are the precautions you should take to properly drain water away from your home.

• Always clean out your gutters after a storm or before it snows. This allows water to flow freely away from your home. If your gutters are full of debris, clogs can develop and cause water to sit against your roof and potentially seep into your ceilings and walls.
• Attach an elbow to the end of your downspout and connect an extension to it so water is carried farther away from the foundation. You should have water directed at least six feet from your home, but it is better to have the extension reach ten feet if possible.
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  Dig a shallow trench to daylight and bury a PVC pipe in it, guiding water to the farther end of the trench. If you can’t extend the downspout to daylight, dig the trench ten feet from your house and line it with a flexible drainage pipe.
• Watch where you water. If you water flowers or plants along the edge of your home, excess water could seep into your basement and cause mold to grow. Make sure to avoid this to prevent damage from happening.
• Don’t drain in the direction of a driveway. If temperatures drop and the water freezes, the resulting ice could lead to cracks in your driveway. The last thing you’ll want after driveway damage is car damage, too.

The methods you can take to drain water away from your home will depend on your home’s geography and building development, but it is important to always maintain good drainage to keep your home dry.  

A big part of proper drainage is having well-functioning gutters. All Aluminum Gutters of West Babylon offers seamless rain gutters and downspouts, as well as gutter cleaning to help you protect your home from water damage. Call us today at 631-816-2498 for more information!

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Winter snow can be very pretty - until it starts melting two days later. When it does melt, all that water will come draining down your gutters. Thing is, sometimes that snow can cause ice dams on your roof, which can seriously damage your home. Help yourself out, and follow these tips to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof.

1. Clean Out Your Gutters: We’ve said it time and time again, but keeping your gutters clean is a major key to preventing ice dams. Clogged gutters will force melted snow to stay on your roof, and if it’s cold enough, the water will freeze and potentially burrow its way underneath your shingles. If you really don’t want to clean out your gutters yourself, or just don’t have the time, use a professional gutter cleaning service. Better yet, install a gutter protection system to stop debris buildup in the first place.
2. Properly Ventilate: It is very important to have proper ventilation to draw in cold air and flush out warmer attic air. Add vents to your roof and soffits that equal at least 1 square foot of vent for every 300 square feet of ceiling/attic floor area. If your ridges are shorter than the roof edges, install a continuous ridge vent.
3. Install Heat Tape: This is a cable that heats up enough to melt snow and ice, but not too much as to cause damage to your home. If you opt for this form of prevention, make sure to turn the cable on just before it snows to achieve the best results. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or harsh winters, heat tape is a necessity.

We all can say that New York winters can get pretty bad - it just depends on what day you ask about. All Aluminum Gutters can provide you with several ice dam prevention methods. We offer gutter cleaning services, as well as heat tape installed under our gutter guard system. Let us help you protect your home from ice dams this winter.

For more information about ice dam prevention on Long Island, New York City, and Westchester, call us at 631-816-2498.