3 Reasons Your Downspouts Don't Work

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

(631) 816-2498

Downspouts are an important part of your gutter system. While gutters themselves serve to collect rainwater and usher it towards a central location, the downspout itself is what carries water down and away from the home for protection. If you notice that your downspouts aren’t working up to par lately, here are three of the most common reasons why that might be:

1. They’re Dirty - The number one reasons for malfunctioning downspouts and gutter systems in generally is a clog from built up debris. While your gutters may look neat and clean, your downspouts are enclosed, making it easy for you to miss the build up. Make sure to clean out your downspouts each season as part of your gutter cleaning process.

2. They’re The Wrong Size - If your downspout is too small in width it has a better tendency to become clogged. Smaller downspouts are also unable to carry water away from a home as quickly and efficiently as larger ones would. In addition, if your downspout are too short they will not be able to redirect water properly away from your home.

3. There Aren’t Not Enough - Depending on the size of your home, you may need multiple downspouts in various locations. Some people make the mistake of only installing one or two, but when heavy rainfall hits the system is not able to funnel water down and out fast enough, causing overflow to occur.

If your downspouts are malfunctioning it’s important to identify the issue and correct it right away in order to keep your home safe from potential water damage, foundation damage, flooding and more.

Whether you’re in need of gutter cleaning to clear out clogged downspouts or gutter system repairs to correct the issue, All Aluminum Gutters is here to help. 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!

5 Creepy Critters That Hide in Your Gutters

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

(631) 816-2498

Keeping your gutters clean benefits your home in more ways than one. On one hand, it keeps debris from causing clogs, overflow and damage to occur to gutters, which can then cause costly damage to your home. On the other hand, it helps prevent unwanted house guests from taking up residence within your home’s exterior. To prove it, here are five of the most common critters that can be found hiding in an uncleaned gutter system:

1. Spiders - While they may be beneficial in keeping other pests at bay, no one can deny that these eight legged arachnids are some of the creepiest critters around. Still, they just can’t resist the cool damp climate that gutters provide!

2. Snakes - Since snakes are cold-blooded, they’re not a predominant problem in the winter. However, during the warmer months it’s not uncommon for snakes to crawl up your gutters in search of a mid-day snack.

3. Centipedes - Although centipedes have not been found to be dangerous, they can have anywhere from 30 to 100 tiny legs creeping and crawling all over your home. Dirty gutters present the perfect habitat for these scary scurriers, but eventually they’ll find their way inside as well.

4. Rodents - Cute and furry? Yes. Friendly and welcome? No! Rodents like squirrels, mice and rats can take up residence in your gutters, bringing with them filth and disease. Plus, they attract snakes, and other larger pests looking for a tasty treat.

5. Birds - Much like rodents, birds will often nest in gutters causing them to clog and stir up a ton of problems for your home’s drainage system, exterior siding, foundation and more. Plus, they can be riddled with bacteria and disease.

While gutter cleaning is important, it’s also s 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!

How to Hang Holiday Lights on Your Gutters

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

(631) 816-2498

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: The time when beautiful holiday lights begin popping up all over town to celebrate the season. If you’re planning to tackle your outdoor holiday decor this weekend, it’s important to remember to be careful when hanging lights from your gutters. Using the proper hooks and clips can make all the difference aesthetically and can save you a ton of money on costs to fix gutter damage caused by your holiday light display.

Here are two of the most popular types of fasteners to have your home looking festive, while keeping your gutters safe:

1. S-hooks can be fastened just over the lip of the gutter with the upper part of the s-shape, allowing the lower portion to hang downward. On the lower end of the hook is a clip, which makes hanging strings of holiday lights by the wire simple, safe and secure. If your gutters have a lip off ¼ inch or less, s-hooks are a great option for you.

2. Gutter clips are another safe alternative for hanging holiday lights. They can clip right onto gutters of all shapes and sizes, and allow you to position each light bulb precisely, giving your home a streamlined professionally decorated look. These clips are best used for C7 and C9 sized light bulbs.

Before you begin hanging, remember to check your light strings for blown bulbs or broken wires. There’s nothing worse than doing all that work, only to have to take them down and do it all again!

All Aluminum Gutters is a full service gutter cleaning, repair and installation company, servicing Long Island and all of New York City. We also provide siding repair and installation in a variety of styles and material options. To learn more about our services, click here or call 631-816-2498 to speak with a representative and receive a complimentary consultation and estimate.

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!

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!

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!

Your Post-Storm Home Checklist

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

November on Long Island is famous for its rainstorms. Whether it’s a hurricane headed up the coast or the tail end of a tropical storm, heavy rain can potentially cause a ton of damage to your home, and its gutter system specifically. In order to be sure that your home had withstood a harsh rainstorm, here is a comprehensive checklist of items to examine post-storm.

1 The Roof - Do a visual inspection of your roof either with binoculars, or by climbing up a ladder. Pay close attention for any missing or disrupted shingles and have them repaired right away to avoid water leaks.

2. The Vents - It’s possible for leaves and other debris to blow into your dryer, furnace or boiler vents during a storm, clogging them up and creating a very serious fire hazard. If you detect a clog, clean it out as soon as possible.

3. The Gutters - During a heavy downfall it’s possible for gutters and downspouts to become loosened or detached by the water pressure. It’s also common for clogs to occur due to debris whirling about in the wind. Your gutters are an important defense mechanism for your home, so it’s imperative that you have a professional fix and issues right way.

4. The Siding - It’s common for siding to become damaged during a harsh thunderstorm due to natural elements and even malfunctioning gutters. Check for missing, warped or peeling siding, and have any inconsistencies repaired by a professional. After all, your home’s siding is the best set of armor it has!

5. The Electric - Inspect any electrical wires leading to and from your home to be sure that they weren’t loosened or disturbed by heavy winds or falling trees. Unattended electrical issue can not only be a nuisance, but they can cause dangerous fires as well.

6. The Trees - The most common issues that occur during a heavy rainstorm are fallen or weakened trees. Check to make sure your trees are sturdy, standing up straight and healthy. A fallen or unstable tree can cause tremendous damage to your entire property.

Inspected your property and found some items that need repairing? All Aluminum Gutters offers gutter and siding 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 in-home estimate!