How Can Clogged Gutters Damage My Home?

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

The most important benefit that gutters can provide for any home is protection from potential water damage caused by harsh weather conditions. Water, though a necessity for plant and human life alike, can be extremely destructive and even deadly if left to it’s own devices. In order to reinforce the need for gutters even further, here are a few very real ways that improperly functioning or clogged gutters can impact the well being of your home.

Cracked Foundation - Gutters are meant to redirect water away from your home’s foundation. When a clog is present, water has no choice but to spill over the side of your gutter system, down your home and to its base. Pooling water can infiltrate your home’s foundation, causing cracks and shifting over time, and in extreme cases it can lead to collapse.

Rotten Wood - Most gutter systems are supported and attached to the home by wooden fascia boards. Pooling caused by a clog can allow for wood rot to take hold, jeopardizing your home’s structure and welcoming pests like termites to infest your home. If your home also has wooden siding the overflow caused by the clog can spill down over your siding and cause rot there as well.

Waterlogged Landscape - While water is usually a good thing for your landscape, too much of it can be detrimental. When water cascades down your home's side and into your flowerbeds the ground can become over-saturated, suffocating flowers, trees and other shrubbery that may be surrounding your home.

Interior Damage - Once your home’s outer layer has been damaged and permeated by water, what’s to stop it from making its way inside? Damaged siding, rotten fascia boards and foundation cracks all provide points of entry for flooding water, mold growth and pests alike.

So, now that you understand how important it is to keep your gutters cleaned and unclogged, the next step is to pick up the phone and give us a call!

At All Aluminum Gutters, we guarantee all of our work and understand the crucial role that gutters play in protecting your home. As you now know, it’s very important to keep your gutters clean so that they can continue to work properly and protect your home from costly water damage.

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!

Are Gutter Guards Worth the Investment?

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

While most homes are equipped with gutter systems, they may not all be functioning to their fullest potential. Harsh weather conditions and changes in the seasons can present some pretty difficult challenges when it comes to keeping your gutters clean and unclogged. That’s where gutter guards come in handy! Instead of leaving your gutters wide open and vulnerable, gutter guards provide a porous cover, allowing only water to get in and keeping leaves and debris out.

While some might argue that adding gutter guards is just an extra expense, there truly is a huge benefit to having them. If you’re on the fence and are wondering “are they really worth it,” we're here to tell you why they are!

Convenience - While gutter guards won’t completely eliminate your gutter cleaning duties, they will certainly minimize them. Since leaves and debris won’t be able to get in, your gutters will naturally remain open and unclogged for longer with guards than without them. That means you’ll avoid those all-too-familiar trips up the ladder in the pouring rain to perform an emergency unclog, and can spend your fall weekends watching football instead of digging out those pesky leaves.

Safety - As you know, gutters work to keep your home safe from water costly water damage and pest problems. When they are not functioning properly due to clogs or sagging, your home is at risk. Gutter guards can minimize that risk by keeping clogs to a minimum, which promotes the best possible gutter performance. In addition, keeping your gutters covered will eliminate them as a place for birds and small rodents to nest.

Money Saving - Confused? Yes you’ll be spending money on installing gutter guards initially, but think about how much they’ll save you in the long run. The costs to repair waterlogged siding or a flooded basement is astronomical in comparison to the price of adding gutter guards onto an existing gutter system. Not to mention, protecting your gutters means you’ll save on potential gutter repair costs as well.

A good gutter system is a valuable asset to any house, which is why it’s important to protect your gutters the same way they protect your home.

At All Aluminum Gutters, we care about the well-being of your home and pride ourselves on our friendly, professional and prompt service. If you’re looking to install a gutter guard system, look no further! We carry a wide variety of options to ensure that you are able to choose the perfect style and fit or your home.

Give us a call at 631-816-2498 to learn more about our leaf guard systems and start protecting your gutters today!

3 Problems That Functioning Gutters Can Avoid

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

As many homeowners on Long Island will tell you, September through November is hurricane season, filled with stormy skies and rain galore. In addition to being a stylish accent on any home, rain gutters serve to collect water that comes down onto your home during a rainstorm and carry it safely away from the house to avoid destructive water damage. Not convinced? Here are three of the most detrimental issues that homeowners may face, and they can all be avoided by installing properly functioning rain gutters.

1. Flooded, moldy basement. If you have a basement but do not have a gutter system, you’re at risk of a flood. Without anything to catch and redirect the heavy rain, the water will spill down the side of the house and pool at it’s base, pouring into your basement window wells. Pretty soon the wells will become too full and water will begin to seep in through porous cement walls or unsealed window frames. If you don’t notice the water right away it can sit within your floors and Sheetrock, presenting the perfect cold, dark, wet conditions for mold to thrive.

2. Damaged, weakened foundation. When water pools at your foundation it can eat away at and erode the cement over time. Cracks can form and a study foundation can become weakened and shifted by water damage. Not only will your home lack a strong base, but your windows and doors will begin to sag, as the house will no longer sit evenly on its base..

3. Warped, stained siding. As the water cascades down the side of your home you risk the chance of having to deal with water stains, peeling paint, rotting, and more. Like a good gutter system, your siding is meant to protect your home. Without properly secured siding, water will get into your walls and can potentially cause damage to your Sheetrock and insulation. Gutters however, can catch the rain and redirect it so that it doesn’t pour down your siding.

If your home is without rain gutters or has a damaged gutter system, don’t wait until it’s too late. Call All Aluminum Gutters today and we’ll have a new set of gutters up in no time.

If you live in Long Island, New York City or any of its 5 boroughs and would like more information about our gutter repair, installation and cleaning services, call 631-816-2498 today!

How To Identify Unstable Trees Around Your Home

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Trees are a beautiful part of nature that provide sought after shade and privacy when planted around any home. However, over time trees can become weakened or sick, causing them to fall down with little warning. A fallen tree can cause tremendous damage to your home’s gutters, siding and more.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to identify unstable trees around your home to prevent a disaster from occurring.

Start with an inspection. After a heavy rainstorm or during the fall after a tree’s leaves have been shed are the best times to check out your trees for any inconsistencies. Look for differentiation between branches and bark, as cuts or peeling can indicate illness. If you don’t notice any physical symptoms, step back and ask yourself these three questions:

1. Are your trees leaning? Though it’s natural for trees to grow on a slight angle, heavy leaning can indicate uneven weight distribution among branches or root damage. Pay close attention to cracking or raised soil opposite of the lean, or exposed roots around the tree’s trunk.


2. Do you notice any trees with split trunks? Splitting at the trunk is a normal growth pattern for some trees, but the split can sometimes cause instability as the connecting point of the two trunks can be weakened over time. You may notice a long crack that begins where the split is and extends down the length of the trunk.


3. Has your home been under construction lately? Certain home improvement efforts can put nearby trees under a ton of stress. Damaged bark and prematurely changing or falling leaves can indicate disease. Be on the lookout for mushrooms and carpenter ants at the tree’s base, as they are a sure sign of rotting.

As we leave the sunny summer days behind and look towards the fall we’re also heading toward the heart of hurricane season on Long Island. Unfortunately, no matter how diligent we are, mother nature can strike at anytime.

If your gutter system or siding has been damaged by a falling tree, the repair experts at All Aluminum Gutters can help! Our gutters and siding come in a wide variety of colors and styles to match and home’s existing exterior. For more information, call 631-816-2498 and schedule your free consultation and estimate today.

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!

Gutter Types - Copper v. Aluminum

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

There are many style and material options to choose from when looking into installing a new gutter system for your home. Though aluminum gutters are the most common choice, copper gutters are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners recently. If you’re stuck between options, here’s a quick overview comparing the two to help you make your decision a little easier:

1. Price Point and Product Worth:
Copper

• More pricey than alternative options, but cost is justified by high durability.
• Copper adds an element of beauty to a home that is unmatched by other gutter options.
• Installing copper gutters increases your property value significantly.

Aluminum

• On the lower-end of the cost spectrum for gutter material options.
• Less durable than copper, so more prone to frequent repairs and replacements.

2. Installation Requirements

Copper

• Copper gutter systems are heavier, and therefore require extra support.
• Professional installation is recommended due to weight and difficulty of modification.
• Special handling is required to prevent copper discoloration.

Aluminum

• The easiest type of gutters to cut, mold and secure.
• Though professional installation is always recommended, aluminum gutters are the easiest product for DIY installation or repairs.
• Come in a variety of color options and are paintable.

3. Maintenance Needs

Copper

• Develops a patina which protects and beautifies the metal.
• Rarely needs surface maintenance.
• Must use gloves and special tools when cleaning out the gutters to preserve the metal.

Aluminum

• Has the tendency to rust over time, needing more frequent cleaning, and painting touch-ups.
• May incur problems in high wind due to lightweight material and less secure fasteners.

At All Aluminum Gutters, we provide a wide variety of gutter installation options, including both copper and aluminum materials. If live in Long Island, Queens, the Bronx, Westchester or the surrounding areas and need help choosing the perfect gutter system to fit your home’s needs, give us a call at 631-816-2498 and our gutter experts would be happy to assist you!

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.

Common Causes Of Overflowing Rain Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

If you have ever had to deal with overflowing rain gutters, then you know what an inconvenience it can be. Between the ground around your foundation being saturated and the potential for interior damage present, having a rain gutter that collects more than it can handle is a problem that requires immediate attention.

But how does it happen?

Rain gutters do not overflow on accident; something must trigger them to start losing their functionality. With help from Angie's List, we've compiled three causes of overflowing rain gutters so that you don't find yourself stuck on the "why" when you should be focusing on the "how" - how you'll fix it that is! See below -

1. Clogs - If your gutters and/or downspouts are clogged, the water that is collected will essentially have no where to go. Since it can't travel down your gutters and come out of your downspouts, the water will overflow from the top instead.
2. Lack of existing gutters - It isn't enough to just have gutters on one side of your home; you need to have them strategically placed all over! If the water does not have any place to go, it is only natural for it to begin to overflow.
3. Rain - Although you have no say over how much rain falls from the sky, it is one of the most common causes of an overflowing gutter. Prior to a torrential downpour, be sure to clean your gutters and make sure that they are fully functional.  

As a leading provider of gutter repair, installation and cleaning services, here at All Aluminum Gutters, we realize how troublesome overflowing rain gutters can be. To protect yourself from damage that will require costly repairs, connect with us to have your gutters cleaned or repaired before a problematic storm arrives. For more information on the services we offer, visit us at www.allaluminumgutters.com or contact us at (631) 816-2498 to schedule your free consultation and estimate today.