Gutter And Downspout Myths Debunked

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Gutters are a necessity for every home - true or false? While we would have to agree that this statement is true, there are several others pertaining to gutters and downspouts floating around that happen to be false. And since following incorrect information could cause the structure of your home to fall victim to serious damage, we as gutter repair, replacement and cleaning experts want you to know the truth behind the common myths that are so easy to believe; check out a few of them below:

Myth | You do not need to clean out your gutters when you have a gutter screen.

Truth | Although gutter screens help prevent larger debris from entering your gutters, they do not keep all of it out. Therefore, you will still need to clean your gutters regularly, just perhaps not as intensely as you would without gutter screens.

Myth | If your covers are covered, you will never have to clean out your downspouts.

Truth | Like the previous myth explained, having your gutters covered does not mean you won't have to clean out any part of the system. Smaller debris that makes its way to your gutters will still make its way to your downspouts eventually, so you will need to check them every so often to prevent them from getting clogged.

Myth | All-in-one gutters will keep leaves, sticks and animals out of your system.

Truth | Let's face it, when it all comes down to it, there is always the potential for outside elements and small critters to get into your gutters. Regardless of what kind of system you have, you must always be weary of an excess of leaves or sticks, not to mention the furry friends that choose your yard as their resting place.

What have you heard about gutters lately? Are you not sure what to believe about this crucial component of your home? If you have questions about your gutters and aren't sure which answers possess any credibility, contact the experts at All Aluminum Gutters!

All Aluminum Gutters offers gutter cleaning, repair and replacement services to residential and commercial customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Queens and Westchester. Our mission is to serve our customers with the knowledge and expertise we have gained in our industry, while also offering the finest in customer service. For more information about how we can help, visit us on our website or contact us at (631) 816-2498.

Three Questions To Ask A Gutter Contractor Before Hiring THem

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

The first time you realize you are in need of gutter repairs or replacement, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is not necessarily what materials or brand you will use, but rather, who will install them for you. When it all comes down to it, the contractor you choose will determine how successful and smooth your project really is.

So how can you determine who is right for the job? With help from HouseLogic, we have put together a list of questions that you should be asking any potential contractors before hiring them:

1. Do you offer fixed estimates?
Depending on who you ask, you will either receive a fixed price (meaning it won't be changed) or one that is exactly that - an estimate. Often times home improvement projects uncover hidden damage, which for the homeowner, generally means more money will have to come out of their pocket. When comparing contractors and the possible costs, ask if any of the proposed numbers will stay the same regardless of what happens once the project starts.

2. What credentials do you have?
Between training and experience, you should feel confident that your contractor has the knowledge and expertise needed to do the job correctly. If information about their history and/or experience isn't available on their website, do not hesitate to ask for how long they have been in business, where they received their training from and who their referrals are.

3. Which manufacturers do you work with?
Before you agree to have anything installed on your home, you should become familiar with where your products are coming from. Therefore, we recommend asking your contractor which brands and materials they plan to use.

If you are located in Queens, Westchester or anywhere on Long Island, make All Aluminum Gutters the contractor you choose! From gutter cleaning to gutter repair and replacement, we offer a comprehensive list of gutter services to improve the quality of any home or commercial building. To learn more about us, visit us at www.allaluminumgutters.com today!

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.

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.

Why Do I Need Rain Gutters?

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

As a homeowner, you have probably heard time and time again about how important it is to have rain gutters on your home. Whether it was when you were buying your home, selling your home, or remodeling your home, at one point or another mention must have been made about this particularly critical feature of your home's drainage system. 

But with so much focus and attention on rain gutters and the need to have them installed, have you ever wondered what purpose they serve and why your home needs them to function? If you have racked your brain in the past for answers to these questions, we have exactly what you need:

• When your home does not have rain gutters installed, any water produced from rain or melted snow may find itself pooling up next to your foundation. If the ground becomes overly full with excess water, your foundation may crack and start to leak. 
• Homes without gutters tend to feel the effects of water more since it comes into contact with the home on a greater scale. If runoff occurs down the exterior of your home rather than through gutters, mold and mildew can start to form or the paint on your siding may peel.
• If you rely on your basement for storage or spare rooms, then we bet you'd prefer not to be swimming in it. Should your home lack functional gutters, water could start to seep through even the smallest cracks in your walls or foundation and wind up on the bottom floor of your humble abode. 

While you read through this list, did something trigger you to take a look at the rain gutters on your home? The next time you step outside, take a moment to inspect the exterior of your home and make sure that your gutters are securely fastened and working properly. In the event that they aren't (or in the event that you don't have any) contact All Aluminum Gutters to get your home back in working order. For more information on the gutter repair and installation services we offer, visit us on our website or contact us at (631) 816-2498 today!

Three Gutter Maintenance Tips For Winter

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

In order to prolong the lifespan of your gutters and ensure that they will be able to keep water away from your home, it's necessary to perform seasonal maintenance. With Winter Storm Juno hitting Long Island and the surrounding areas earlier this week, there is no better time than now to talk about how you can take care of your gutters during one of the coldest and possibly messiest times of the year. Thanks to HGTV, we've put together a list of three gutter maintenance tips you can use at home below:

1. Remove debris - When gutters become full, they are unable to properly divert water away from your home. Therefore, in order to allow the water from melted snow and ice to make its way down your gutters, it is important to keep them clear of debris such as leaves and sticks at all times.

2. Check direction - While the purpose of your gutters is to keep water away from your home, if your downspouts and diverters are not facing the right direction, water can pool up along the foundation. Every so often - especially before and after a storm when you suspect large amounts of water will be traveling downward - make sure these components are pointed in the right direction.

3. Secure your gutters - At no point should your gutters be detached from your home. During the winter season, make sure that there is no space between your fascia and gutters to ensure that the water from wet wintry mixes ends up in the right place.

In addition to performing your own winter maintenance, one of the best ways to ensure that your gutters are ready to perform during the winter season is to have them inspected by a professional. Not sure who to call? If you're located in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, the Bronx or Westchester, contact us for help! Here at All Aluminum Gutters, our services include gutter cleaning, gutter repairs and more. To learn more, visit us at www.allaluminumgutters.com or give us a call at (631) 816-2498 today.

Best Practices to Remove Icicles From Your Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

If you're located on Long Island, then you're probably aware of the winter weather advisory alert that has been announced for tonight into tomorrow. With a mix of snow and rain in our forecast accompanied by low temperatures, there's a chance that winter conditions - such as icicles - will be left behind.

Although groups of icicles can be a pretty scene to look at, it's important to realize that they pose a threat to our homes due to the way they hang from our gutters. That's why it's important to spend some time getting rid of them before they get too heavy and weigh down vital pieces of our homes. If this weekend leaves you with such shimmering sticks hanging from your gutters, use the following techniques to remove them:

1. Using the proper tool, such as a roof rake, gently prod or scrape at the icicles to weaken them. However, keep your body position in mind and avoid standing directly under the icicle in order to keep it from falling on you.
2. Place heat tape on your gutters near where the icicles have formed to encourage the melting process.
3. Carefully pull the icicles off by hand. Since you will likely need to use a ladder to reach them, avoid leaning on your gutters in the process so that they don't have to carry any extra weight. When taking them off, be sure to not pull too hard so that your gutters remain securely fastened to your home.

Do you have another helpful tip on how to remove icicles from your home? What about ways to prevent them from forming? If so, we'd love to hear it, so be sure to visit us on our Facebook, Twitter or Google+ page to let us know!

Here at All Aluminum Gutters, we specialize in gutter cleaning, repair and replacement. If winter weather conditions land you with gutter damage this year, contact us for help! Our services extend to Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, the Bronx and Westchester. For more information, visit us on our website or give us a call at (631) 816-2498 today.