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Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Why Should You Hire Professional Gutter Cleaners?

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

It’s gutter cleaning season, but you haven’t gotten around to climbing up on the ladder just yet. Don’t worry, there’s still time to whip those gutters into shape and it might be easier than you think. Forgoing DIY and hiring a professional definitely has its perks, and here are some of the most beneficial.
1. Efficiency & Peace of Mind - When you hire a professional like the ones at All Aluminum Gutters, you can rest assured that your home’s gutters will be cleaned with care and precision. Our experts know exactly what they need to do to get the job done and leave your gutter system clean, repaired and ready to take on the elements.

2. Safety - Cleaning your gutters by yourself can be very dangerous. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates that about 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries each year, with approximately 300 of these incidents proving to be fatal. Instead of tackling your gutters as a DIY project this season and risking a fall, give the pros a call and let them take it from here.

3. Convenience - Gutter cleaning can be time-consuming and tiring. Wouldn’t you rather sit back and relax on the weekend while your gutters cleaned themselves? If you answered yes, then hiring a professional gutter cleaning team is the obvious choice!

Cleaning your gutters is a dangerous, dirty and difficult job, which is why we suggest leaving the gutter cleaning and gutter repairs to the professionals at All Aluminum Gutters. Serving Long island, Queens, Westchester and the Bronx for over 30 years, there’s no gutter job we can’t handle!

To learn more about our gutter cleaning and repair services, click here or call 631-816-2498. We even offer free in-home consultations and estimates!

Monday, August 10, 2015

How to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498
It’s National Curb Appeal Month, which means it’s the perfect time to reinvent and rejuvenate your home’s exterior. Whether you’re looking for a simple DIY upgrade, or want to give your home a completely new look with a professional makeover, there are tons of great projects to help you start sprucing things up! Here are some of the top tips to boost your home’s curb appeal this August.

1. Be creative with your siding. If your home’s siding looks like it’s ready to be replaced, consider mixing and matching siding materials for a unique exterior. 

2. Pick up a paint brush. For a simple yet dramatic difference add a pop of color to your front door, shutters or window boxes.

3. Pave the way to the entrance. If the cement path to your front entrance is lacking in luster, replace it with a professionally paved one! Stamped cement or custom cut stone create a visually appealing pathway.

4. Shine some light to show the way. If you’re satisfied with your current pathway’s aesthetics, show it off in the dark as well as the light. Adding some custom outdoor lighting to highlight your walkway and define outdoor living spaces can make a world of difference.

5. Add a charming porch. If you’re looking for a more drastic upgrade, hire a contractor to build you the perfect porch. This adds personality to your home and increases available outdoor living space.

6. Bust out the power washer. Give your home a good clean scrub down. If you don’t own a power washer head over to your local home improvement store and rent one for the weekend. Your siding, deck and pavement can all benefit from a good pressure wash.

7. Manage your home’s drainage system. If your home is without rain gutters, or your existing gutters need repairs, now is the time to invest in an installation. Already have working rain gutters? Adding a pop of color with some paint can help boost your curb appeal!

Want more makeover tips for your home’s exterior? Click here!

At All Aluminum Gutters, we know how important your home’s exterior is to you, which is why we provide gutter and siding repair and installation with a wid
e variety of colors and styles to choose from. Water stained siding? Rusted downspout? Rotted fascia boards? No problem! Just give us a call at 631-816-2498, and we’ll be there to help you beautify your home in no time.

Monday, August 3, 2015

How to Paint Your Aluminum Gutters in 5 Steps

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

Gutters come in all shapes, sizes and materials, but the aluminum gutter is the most popular choice among homeowners. It’s low cost, seamless design and easy-to-install qualities make it a crowd favorite. What’s the best thing about installing aluminum gutters? They are able to be painted as well! Whether you want to paint your gutters to camouflage them into your home’s existing exterior, or are looking to highlight your gutter system with a complimentary paint color, painting your aluminum gutters is fairly simple DIY task.
If you’re looking to paint your new gutters, or repaint old ones, here’s a list of steps you should take to get the job done:

Step 1: If repainting, strip away the old paint. You’ll want to make sure that your gutter surface are stripped and sanded before you begin painting. A paint scraper can help you peel off any old paint, followed by a pass of sandpaper to smooth the surface.

Step 2: Clean and rinse your gutters. Scrub your gutters down with a simple solution of dish soap and water. Without a clean surface your paint will have a hard time adhering to the gutters. Make sure you give your gutters a thorough rinse once you’re done cleaning them.

Step 3: Paint on the primer. Primer is essential to keep your gutters in great shape and your paint-job perfect for years to come. An oil-based metal primer is key, but be sure to choose a primer that is ammonia free, as ammonia may have a negative reaction with the aluminum.

Step 4: Apply enamel to your gutters. After about 48 hours your primer should be completely dry. An oil-based enamel helps to smooth over the surface and seal any inconsistencies within the aluminum. It is recommended that you choose either a satin or gloss enamel and apply two coats for best results.

Step 5: Finally, get to painting! Choose your desired paint color and apply 2 coats of paint, waiting for the first to dry before beginning the second. Make sure to be careful to fix any runs in the paint before it dries!

Need some help with aluminum gutter installation or cleaning prior to your painting project? At All Aluminum Gutters, we are committed to keeping your home healthy. We take pride in providing the highest quality materials and gutter cleaning services at an affordable price to the Long Island, Queens, Bronx and Westchester areas.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for your free consultation and estimate, please give us a call at 631-816-2498 today.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

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!

Friday, July 3, 2015

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.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Everything You Need to Know About Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498
Believe it or not, gutters are not one size fits all! The first step in deciding to install a new gutter system is learning about the different shape options and color styles available, and figuring out what works best with your budget, and your home's structure and design. For your convenience we’ve compiled a quick gutter overview, including the most popular styles and gutter materials for you to choose from.

First, let’s review the two basic gutter types, which are named after the shape of their cross sections:

  1. K-Style - These gutters have a flat bottom and back, and a decorative front side that resembles crown moulding. The K-Style gutter comes in many different ornate designs and patterns to suit your home’s personal style. This style is popular for it’s high water capacity, which doubles that of half-round gutters.

  2. Half-Round - Just as its name suggests, half-round style gutters are rounded from front to back. This style is typically found on historic homes, or older construction with natural character. Although these gutters hold less water than K-Style gutters, they are considerably cheaper at nearly 50% less cost.
Next, we’ll go over the most common types of gutter materials that you can choose from:
  • Aluminum - This is the most commonly used material because it’s in low cost and DIY friendly. Aluminum gutters will not rust and are available in a variety of colors, and can even be painted to match your home perfectly.
  • Copper - Choosing this option will be the heavier on your budget, but the beauty of copper gutter systems is unmatched. These gorgeous gutters don’t need to be painted, but will develop a natural patina over time. Copper gutters need to be welded together when installed, so professional installation is required..
  • Seamless Aluminum - Also referred to as continuous gutters, this option is custom molded right at the job site, and must be done by a professional. The gutter installation professional will form the appropriate gutter lengths to fit your home, using a large spool of flat aluminum and a gutter-forming machine. According to HouseLogic.com, “about 70% of all gutter installations are the seamless type.”This option is average in price and gives your home a fully-finished, sharp look.
  • Steel - Though slightly more pricey than aluminum and seamless aluminum, steel gutters are extremely strong and resist rust for up to 10 years. They come in a variety of colors and can be painted. Professional installation is recommended due to the material’s heavy weight.
At All Aluminum Gutters, we provide all of these gutter options and more! 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.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Gutter Cleaning Safety

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

Though extremely necessary, gutter cleaning can also be a very dangerous task. Without the proper tools and preparation, you may end up doing more harm to yourself, than good to your home. Before you get out there on the ladder, take a look at these gutter cleaning safety tips that we feel are essential to keep in mind when doing DIY gutter maintenance:
1. Ladder Height: It is important to use the proper sized ladder when doing any type of home maintenance to the face of your home. Generally, if you are doing maintenance on a one-story home, your ladder should be about 11 feet tall.
2. Hand Protection: Make sure to wear work gloves when digging out the debris from your gutters. Wearing gloves protects you from cuts and scrapes caused by sharp debris or torn gutters. Your gutters also have the potential to host harmful mold and bacteria, so it’s important that you eliminate hand-to-hand contact to prevent health issues.
3. Fall-Proof Plan: Don’t try to juggle all of your gutter cleaning tools up the ladder and risk taking a fall. Instead, put your tools in a bucket and tie the rope to the top of the ladder so you can hoist your tools up once you reach the top.
4. Strap In: Depending on the roof pitch, sometimes it makes more sense to clean gutters from the roof rather than on a ladder. If you choose this method, make sure to strap into a harness and attach it to the roof to prevent an accidental fall.
5. Helping Hand: It’s always a good idea to enlist help whenever available for any home maintenance task. A helper can be there to pass tools, hold the ladder, and assist in any other way you may need. If a helper isn’t available make a neighbor or family member aware that you’ll be cleaning your gutters so that someone is around to check-in and make sure you’re safe and sound!

DIY gutter cleaning isn’t for everyone, which is why we provide quality gutter cleaning services to Long Island, Queens, Westchester and the surrounding areas all year-round. If you’re looking for a convenient and efficient gutter cleaning experience, call All Aluminum Gutters at 631-816-2498 today! We offer a wide selection of cleaning and repair services to suit all of your gutter needs.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Summer Maintenance Tips for the Home

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498


Owning a home is a year-long maintenance endeavor. At All Aluminum Gutters, we know that there are always a ton of home improvement projects to complete. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick list of some summer maintenance musts to keep you on target with your home improvement tasks this summer.

Execute the fan fix. We all know how frustrating it is to manage through those sweltering hot summer days sometimes - almost as frustrating as seeing your utility bill at the end of the month with all of those air conditioner costs included! Don’t worry, there’s one great way to stay cool at low costs. Tweaking your ceiling fans a bit so that the leading blades are tilted a little higher will allow for a stronger breeze to be pushed downward and circulate the cool air through your home more efficiently.

Avoid the dryer fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 16,000 dryer fires are reported each year. The best way to avoid a dryer fire is by doing a little dryer cleaning maintenance. Use a vacuum or a vent-cleaning brush kit to give your dryer vent tubing a good cleaning, eliminating lint and dust that inevitably gets caught in the tubes causing a fire hazard.

Get rid of the gutter gunk. It’s no secret that winter and fall produce more gutter debris than the spring and summer seasons. It’s also no surprise that it’s a lot more difficult to try to gut your gutters in those cold months. That’s why summer is the perfect to time to perform some much needed gutter maintenance. Take advantage of the next sunny day to clean out your gutters and check for any necessary repairs.

Scrub the siding. The elements have certainly done a number on your home’s exterior this past winter. The best way to give your home a good cleaning is by power washing with a gentle detergent. The force exerted from the power washer will help you wash away any caked on dirt and stubborn natural residue. With a sparkling clean exterior, you’ll be able to detect any signs of damage caused by sagging or overflowing gutters more easily.

Home maintenance is extremely important and can cause irreversible damage if neglected. If you’re in need of a hand with gutter cleaning, or happen to notice gutter damage while you’re in the process, just give us a call at 631-816-2498. At All Aluminum Gutters, we have a sincere interest in the well-being of your home and pride ourselves on our friendly, professional and prompt service in the Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Bronx and Westchester areas.

Friday, April 3, 2015

DIY Tips To Repair A Loose Downspout

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

Depending on the severity of the problem and the situation, some people prefer to use a DIY approach when it comes to completing repairs around the home. However, although they might be able to figure out the steps to take through a process of trial and error, DIY projects are likely much more successful when some background knowledge is already known or if direction is previously provided.

If you’ve noticed that your downspouts have started to come loose and are in need of a solution, even if it’s only temporary until a professional like All Aluminum Gutters can come to the scene, the following can be helpful when starting the repairs:
All Aluminum Gutters, DIY Gutter Tips
Step 1: Dismember the sections and get rid of any debris that may have gotten caught in between.

Step 2: Take each section and put them back together in the correct way – you should be able to determine this based on how they fit.

Step 3: Drill holes if necessary and secure the pieces by using the appropriate screws; avoid using anything longer than 3/8 inch screws since debris may catch on to anything longer.

By following these three steps, repairing a loose downspout can be relatively easy - but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring in a professional! If you’re located on Long Island or in Westchester or Queens, All Aluminum Gutters is the gutter expert to call for all of your repair or replacement needs! 

To learn more about our gutter repair and rain gutter installation services, visit us at www.allaluminumgutters.com or contact us at (631) 816-2498 today.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Tips For Cleaning Your Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498
Once again, snow is in the forecast for cities and states across the North East this weekend. And aside from the fact that this may put a damper on your Valentine's Day plans, it is yet another opportunity for our homes (and especially our gutters) to be subjected to the water that comes from melted snow and ice.

If you'd like to avoid the need for gutter repairs once the next storm passes, here are a few tips that you can use if you make the decision to clean them before hand -

Apparel - To protect your body from dangerous debris, always wear protective gloves (ones designed for working would be best) and goggles or other eye gear. You never know what sharp objects may be hiding in areas that you can't see.

Equipment - Before you approach your gutters, check to make sure your ladder doesn't have any loose screws. Then, even if you feel confident that your ladder is fully functional, ask someone to spot you on the ground just in case there is an emergency.

Collection - Since the purpose of this task is to clean your gutters, you will need some sort of bucket or bag to collect any debris; where else would it go? Since you'll likely be resting it on top of your ladder, check to make sure it is completely secure so that you don't have to be concerned with your hard work falling to the floor.

Although cleaning your gutters can be a rather simple task, we realize how intimidating it can truly be. The next time you need to have your gutters cleaned, contact All Aluminum Gutters. We are gutter cleaning experts serving Long Island, Queens, the Bronx and Westchester. To schedule your next appointment, please contact us at (631) 816-2498 today.