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.

What If I Don't Maintain My Gutters?

All Aluminum Gutters

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

Gutter maintenance is an important part of a homeowner’s seasonal to-do list. Without properly maintained gutters you leave your home unprepared and unequipped to handle the harsh weather ahead. Don’t believe us? Here are some of the most common issues that homeowners may face when they fail to clean and repair their gutters regularly.

Gutter Leaks - If you fail to clean your gutters they can become clogged, causing water to spill over and leak down your home’s exterior. The weight of debris can also cause your gutters to sag or break along a seam, which causes leaking as well.

Roof Damage - If your gutters are not functioning properly, water will pool and spill out onto your home’s roof. If overflow accumulates on the roof it can cause damage and leaking indoors from excess water-weight and rot.

Flooding - Your gutters are meant to steer water away from your home’s base, but unkempt gutters may not be successful. If water spills down your home’s side it can pool around your foundation and in basement window wells, eventually seeping its way in and causing a flood.

Wood Rot - Gutters protect your home from being saturated by water during heavy rainfall. However, if they’re not maintained the water can settle and accumulate in and around your home’s wooden structure or siding and cause rotting.

Foundation Damage - Your home’s foundation is porous in nature, which is why it is important to keep water far away. If water infiltrates your foundation it can cause cracking, shifting and even mold growth.

Pest Problems - Many pests are drawn to the moist conditions of rotting wood and stagnant water. Without a properly maintained and functioning gutter system you put your home at a greater risk for attracting insects like, carpenter ants, roaches, earwigs, mosquitoes and termites.

Waterlogged Landscape - Without a way to redirect rainwater the flower beds, shrubs and grassy patches surrounding your home can become overrun with water. This can cause them to suffocate, develop fungal diseases and eventually die.

Cleaning your gutters is a dangerous, dirty and difficult job. That’s 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!

How to Redirect Water Away From Your Home

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Water is one of nature's most destructive forces, which is why it’s so important to have a fully-functioning gutter system on your home. Does the thought of a soggy, waterlogged landscape, water damaged or peeling siding, and a potentially flooded basement scare you? If so, here are a few ways to make sure that your gutter system is in great shape in order to ensure that water is safely dispersed as far from your home as possible.

1. Keep gutters clean. An annual or semi-annual gutter cleaning regimen will keep your gutters clear of debris so water can flow freely through the system.

2. Use an extension. An elbow piece can be attached to the end of your downspout in order to accommodate an extension, used to carry water even further from your home’s foundation.

3. Secure a slope. If your downspout directs water towards a splash block, make sure that the splash block and ground slope away from your home for optional water diversion.

4. Stay away from pavement. Water should be redirected away from the home, but no where near a driveway or sidewalk. During winter, water can freeze, causing cracks in the cement.

5. Dig a trench. For maximum protection, dig a trench and insert a PVC pipe, attaching it to the downspout. This is a great way to carry water far, without sacrificing the aesthetics of your yard.

With the wet weather rapidly approaching, now is the time to inspect your gutters and correct any drainage issues you find. While gutter maintenance and repair can be handled as a DIY project, it’s always best to consult a professional to make sure that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently for maximum protection against the elements.

For more information about the gutter cleaning, repair and installation services that All Aluminum Gutters provides, call 631-816-2498 to speak with a representative and receive a complimentary consultation and estimate.

How to Avoid Major Gutter & Home Repairs

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Your gutters serve an important purpose, keeping water away from the foundation of your home to avoid unwelcome structural and water damage. However, like almost everything in your home, in order to function properly your gutters must be maintained on a regular basis. To help you avoid potential gutter problems and damage down the road, here are a few great tips to keep him mind as you monitor your gutter maintenance.

• Look for leaks. Clogged gutters do not allow water to be dispersed away from your home, which can lead to crawl space or basement flooding. Be on the look out for suspicious puddles or water stains on the walls.


• Check for cracks. If water is pooling around your home’s foundation it can weaken the footing and create visible cracks in your foundation wall. As the weather cools down these cracks can become more visible due to the natural freezing and expanding of water.


• Spot the rot. Clogged, backed up gutters will overflow and cause rotting to occur on the wood fascia around the house. If you notice wood rot, clean the gutters immediately and call a professional to replace the damaged fascia boards.


• Inspect the pavement. If you notice sagging or cracking on your driveway or walkway, this could indicate that water is not being redirected properly by your gutters. This may be due to a clog or interruption in the system’s water flow.

The best way to prevent major damage is to have your gutters cleaned by a professional regularly who will always be on the look out for suspicious inconsistencies within your home and gutter system. That way you’ll never have to worry about finding the time to clean before it’s too late!

All Aluminum Gutters proudly serves Long Island, Westchester and the 5 Boroughs of New York City, providing gutter cleaning, repair and installation services all year round.

To learn more about how we can help keep your home protected from water damage, structural issues and unnecessary flooding, click here or call 631-816 2498 today.

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.

How to Tell if Your Gutters Were Properly Installed

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

About All Aluminum Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

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 over 30 years, All Aluminum Gutters has been serving customers in the Long Island, Queens, Bronx and Westchester areas. We strive to stay well-connected within the gutter cleaning and gutter installation industry to ensure that our clients receive the latest information and most innovative services on the market. Our gutter professionals are committed to providing our customers with prompt, professional and friendly service, at an affordable price.

Below, we’ve listed some of the many services that we provide to both commercial and residential clients:

• Leader and Gutter Installation

• Gutter Cleaning and Repairs

• Siding Installation

• Eaves, Soffits, Wood Fascia

• Leaf Guards and Protection Systems

Our outstanding customer service, high quality products and affordable rates are what makes All Aluminum Gutters the perfect option to fit your needs. Give us a call at 631-816-2498 today to schedule a free estimate, and have all of your gutter questions answered! Don’t forget to take a look at our YouTube video below too for more information about the All Aluminum Gutters team.

Easy DIY Tips to Repair Leaky Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Leaky rain gutters can be a real drag, and if left untreated they can potentially lead to serious water damage to your home and its foundation.  Have you noticed leaking, sagging or overflowing gutters lately?  If you need a quick fix before the professional arrives, try these simple do-it-yourself tips to get your gutters back on track.

Give your gutters a facelift:  Sagging gutters are common, especially after a heavy rain or snow season.  As you begin your spring cleaning, make sure to check your gutters for signs of standing water or water marks along the inside of the gutters.  When gutters sag they lose the ability to drain water properly, which only leads to more sagging!  Your best bet is to adjust or change out the old gutter hangers for new ones.

Bursting at the seams: Usually where there is a leak, there is an issue with the gutter joints between sections.  After identifying the culprit, first clean out any stagnant water and allow the gutter system to dry completely.  Then, clean off the delinquent seam and seal it with with silicone-rubber caulking compound.  Be sure to caulk both the inside and the outside of the seam, to ensure the best possible seal.

Holes in your hardware: If your seams are intact, you may find that there is a hole in the gutter that is causing the leak.  If the hole is small enough, try patching it with roofing cement and a putty knife.  If roofing cement if not enough to patch a larger hole, try covering a base layer of roofing cement with a sheet-metal patch, and adding a second layer of cement on top.

Overflowing from the elbows: If left unattended, overflowing gutters can lead to serious structural damage. In most cases, the presence of an overflow means a clogged gutter or downspout.  (Sagging can also lead to overflow, so don’t forget that facelift!)  Many times downspouts will spring loose due to clogging in the elbows of the gutter system.  If this occurs, be sure to remove the section completely and clear it of any leaves or debris that might be causing the blockage.  Then refasten the downspout to its adjoining sections.

So, you’ve tried it all and still can’t get your gutters in tip-top shape?  Visit us on our website or call us at 631-816-2498 today, and let All Aluminum Gutters solve your gutter woes! Serving Long Island, Queens, the Bronx, and Westchester for 30 years, there’s no gutter problem that we can’t handle.

Three Types of Gutter Damage to Look Out For

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Spring has sprung, and we’re sure you’re looking forward to a little spring cleaning action. While you’re pruning your bushes, mowing your lawn and undoubtedly cleaning all of those leaves and winter sludge out of your gutters, make sure to keep an eye out for these three types of damage that can be caused by faulty or unkept gutters.

Foundation Damage: As you know the primary function of any gutter system is to funnel water off of the roof and safely away from your home’s foundation. Failing to thoroughly clean your gutters can lead to clogging from debris, which will cause water to spill over the side of the gutter system. So, what’s the big deal? As a result, water will drip down the side of the house and can begin to pool around the foundation. This can potentially lead to cracks and damage to your home’s foundation, and in many cases also fosters a breeding ground for pesky mold to grow.

Wood Damage: Fascia boards, which are the long, straight, wooden boards that run along the lower edge of the roof, are responsible for supporting the gutter system in its entirety. Since a clog will cause your gutters to fill with water, if left unattended for long enough the fascia boards will begin to deteriorate and rot. Overflow can also cause significant damage to homes with wooden siding.

Landscape Damage: Springtime means that your gardens will be blossoming in no time! Don’t let overflow from clogged gutters pool in your flowerbeds. Over-watering can cause severe damage to your landscaping. It will cause the plant roots to become too saturated to be able to absorb and store the water. Since plants need water to breathe and perpetuate, the roots of your lavish landscapes will begin to rot and die. Keep an eye out for wilting, curling or yellowing foliage, as this can indicate a watering or gutter issue.

Keeping these three possible types of gutter damage in mind should make your spring gutter cleaning a little more bearable!

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.

Spring Gutter Maintenance Tips

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Although we may not be at desired seasonal temperatures yet, and although rain has been predicted for the next few days, our 10 day forecast suggests that sunshine is headed our way. That being said, we recommend using the weather (as it comes) to get started on your spring maintenance. Below are a few tips to guide you as you come across your gutters:

1. Check for gutters that are starting to sag or downspouts that have become noticeably loose. When gutters and downspouts are not secured in the way that they should be, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to perform the way they are expected to.
2. Remove debris that has built up in your gutters from the previous season. Between leaves and small branches alone, gutters can become clogged easily when not properly cleaned and maintained. This may very well be the most important task on your entire maintenance to do list!
3. Invest in gutter accessories such as gutter screens. Although you may feel that your cleaning routine is enough to keep things flowing smoothly, gutter screens or cap systems can go a long way in terms of keeping unwanted debris out.

As you're reading this we know what you're thinking - what if I don't have the time to perform my spring maintenance right away? What if I have more pressing issues to address before I can focus on my gutters? If you're concerned with when you'll be able to tend to your gutter system, if at all, All Aluminum Gutters can handle all of your maintenance for you! Through our gutter cleaning, gutter screening and gutter repair services, we have everything needed to ensure that your home is in tip top shape for the spring season.

For more information about how we can help you in your Long Island, Queens or Westchester home, visit us at www.allaluminumgutters.com or contact us at (631) 816-2498.

Problems To Look For When Preparing Your Gutters For Spring

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

With another winter storm touching down on Long Island and the surrounding areas this week, it seems almost impossible that spring is just about two weeks away. However, though it might still seem out of reach, the reality is that it is almost here, and that means it's about time to start thinking about the maintenance you need to complete once it arrives!

As you prep your gutters to handle the change in season, be sure to keep an eye out for the following problems:

Clogs due to leaves and other environmental debris

Missing spikes and any "loose screws"

Holes in your gutters or downspouts

Sagging gutters or gutters that have detached from the home

Being that we had an especially rough winter this year with excessive accumulations of snow, there is a good chance that your gutters did not respond well to the weight that was placed on them. But if that's the case, there's no need to worry! All Aluminum Gutters is your gutter repair and installation expert and would be more than happy to provide a solution to get your gutters up and running for what is typically the rainy season.

Serving customers in Long Island, Queens and Westchester, the team here at All Aluminum Gutters is available to handle any and all gutter problems that come our way. For more information about our gutter cleaning, repair and installation services, visit us at www.allaluminumgutters.com or contact us at (631) 816-2498 today!