Gutter Glossary: Common Gutter Terms Defined

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

(631) 816-2498

Whenever you’re considering making home repairs or installations, it’s important to be sure you know the basics first. Well, the same can be said if you’re looking to repair or install a new gutter system. While most homeowners understand the basic function of rain gutters, they may not always recognize the vocabulary surrounding them. If you need a refresher on your gutter terminology, look no further!

Brackets - These are what holds the gutters onto a home. Generally, these brackets are secured directly to your home’s fascia boards -- which you’ll learn more about later.

Downspout Extensions - While a downspout is meant to funnel rainwater from your gutters down off your roof, an extension can help redirect and control the flow of water once it hits the ground.

Fascia Boards - The trim work that runs along the seam where your home’s siding meets the roof is called a fascia board. They create a layer of protection in between the exterior wall and the roof.

Gutter Guards - Any sort of mechanism that can be attached to a gutter system to protect it from filling with leaves and debris is considered a gutter guard. These may also be called gutter screens, covers, filters, brushes, or leaf guards.

Ice Dams - In winter, It’s not uncommon for ice dams to form on the lower edge of the roof, which can cause water to pool and prevent it from making it into your gutters. If water pools on your roof long enough, it will inevitably seep in and cause flooding and water damage.

Seamless Gutters - Just as their name implies, seamless gutters are created with no visible seams at all. Instead, measurements are taken and each piece is custom cut to fit the length of the home. Not only are these more attractive, but less seams also means less potential for leaking.

Soffits - When you look at a home’s roof, you’ll notice that the roof hangs out further than the exterior wall. The underside of that overhand, or it’s “ceiling,” is called a soffit.

Here at All Aluminum Gutters, we believe that each of our customers has the right to make a fully informed decision when it comes to selecting gutter products and services for their home. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation estimate for anyone in Long Island and the five boroughs.

To learn more about our gutter installation services or to schedule your free estimate, call 631-816-2498.

3 Reasons to Bury Your Downspouts

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

(631) 816-2498

When it comes to gutter installations, the material and style options are never-ending! There are a variety of ways to dress a new gutter system, but it’s up to you to find the design concept that’s best suited for your home. That being said, burying downspout components are one of the more popular options for homeowners looking to customize their gutter system , and here’s why.

1. More Secure - What better way to ensure that water is redirected away from your home’s foundation than by creating an extended tunnel system to do so. With just a splash block, there’s no telling where water will go once it hits the ground -- especially in a severe storm.
   


2. More Direct - For some people, the gutters or storm drains are quite far from their homes. This creates a problem redirecting rainwater runoff away from the house. However, tunneling your downspout can actually give a homeowner more control over where the water ultimately ends up.
   


3. More Visually Appealing - What do we do when we don’t want something to be so visible? We hide it of course, and the same goes for your downspout and rainwater runoff. Tunneling your drainage system helps to keep your home’s exterior seamless.

How are your downspouts and gutter systems holding up with all the rain we’ve been having in the Long Island area? If you feel like they could use a pick-me-up, allow All Aluminum Gutters to assist.

For more information about our gutter repair and gutter installation options, visit our website or call us at 631-816-2498.

Prepare Your Business for Winter Weather

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

(631) 816-2498

Residential properties aren’t the only ones that need a little bit of TLC to make it through the winter. If you’re a business owner it’s important to prepare your office building for the perils of winter as well. To get you started, here are a few tips to keep your office structurally sound throughout the season.

Determine how much your roof can handle. The amount of weight that a roof can take is dependent on the building’s overall structure. It’s a good idea to let a structural engineer come take a look to determine how much snow is too much, especially if the building and roof are dated.

Inspect and repair your gutter system. The weight of winter snow can also cause damage to your gutters, so it’s important to be inspecting them regularly. Should you find any issues with your gutters -- leaky or detached seams, broken fasteners, loosened downspouts, etc. -- make sure to have them repaired by a professional right away.

Keep your roof and gutters clean. Dirt and debris can become lodged on your roof and in your gutters, trapping snow and ice inside. This can put your business at serious risk for water damage, so keeping your gutters clear throughout the winter is essential.

Watch out for ice dams. The best way to prevent ice dams is by keeping snow off your roof and out of your gutters, and making sure that the attic of your office building is properly insulated. When heat escapes the building, it warms the roof and causes snow to melt run down the roof and refreeze at the gutters forming dangerous dams.

We know that running a business is hard work, so if you don’t have the time to tend to your roof and gutters on your own don’t worry! All Aluminum Gutters offers gutter installation and repair at an affordable price to customers in the Long island, Queens, Westchester and Bronx areas.

To learn more about our services, click here or call 631-816-2498 for a free estimate!

Vinyl Siding FAQ

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

(631) 816-2498

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices for homeowners when it comes to armoring their home’s exterior. Siding itself acts as your home’s first line of defense against potential damage from the elements, which is why it’s so important to choose the right type. If you’re considering installing vinyl siding, here are some frequently asked questions you might be wondering about.

Q: If I want to install vinyl siding do I need to remove the existing siding first?
A: While you certainly can, you can also have the vinyl siding installed right on top of your old siding, as long as it’s not riddled with mold or rot.

Q: If I choose vinyl siding, what are my color options?
A: Traditionally vinyl siding comes in neutral and pastel shades, but darker colors have also become more popular in the industry. Many paint manufacturers also sell paint specific for vinyl siding so you’ll be free to refresh creatively!

Q: Will the color of my vinyl siding last indefinitely?
A: Unfortunately the coloring of your vinyl siding will not last forever, but it can be expected to outlast the lifespan of traditional house paint -- which is pretty long!

Q: How secure will vinyl siding be against the elements?
A: Vinyl siding holds up very well with regards to the weather and is rated to withstand winds up to 110 mph. In the event that siding does become damaged, replacing damaged sections is much easier for vinyl siding than it would be for other siding material options.

Q: How is vinyl siding measured?
A: When you install vinyl siding on your home, you’ll notice that the amount of siding you need is measured in “squares.” A square encompasses 100 square feet of siding -- 10’x10’.

Q: What do I have to do to keep my vinyl siding clean?
A: Contrary to popular belief, using a power washer is actually not the best option. A simple garden hose, soft-bristled brush and diluted Windex or vinegar and water solution will do just fine.

Q: What makes vinyl siding so popular?
A: For starters, the price is right! Vinyl siding is the cheapest option when it comes to home exteriors, while also being a great and durable option to protect your home from the elements. Plus it’s easy to install, repair and maintain.

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 replacement or repair, just call 631-816-2498 for a complimentary estimate and we’ll have your home’s exterior looking like new in no time!