With the Grain » gutters

How to Repair Gutters

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:24:51 +0000

If you live in an area where there’s heavy snowfall, then you know how important (and how often) gutters need to be maintained. However, for those who are new home owners, this is a completely new experience. Beyond regular maintenance, there is also the need for gutter repairs.

Here are some links to lead you:

It’s important to keep up with these home improvements on a yearly basis. Inspect gutters with the changing of each season and, repair as soon as damage is found. Otherwise, other problems may occur.

How to Install a Rain Chain

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:00:40 +0000

It’s no mystery many parts of the United States is experiencing a lot of strange weather this year, and heavy rains is no exception. That reality is the inspiration for this blog post. Why not turn rain into an opportunity for water collection through use of a rain chain.

Here are some links to lead you:

ü HGTV: How to Install a Rain Chain

ü How to Make and Install a Rain Chain at Home

ü Rain Chains: A Beautiful, Functional Outdoor Water Feature

These resources are just the beginning. There are a number of retail outlets and home improvement centers carrying the supplies necessary to create this outdoor water harvesting system. Good luck!

Why Do Homes Need Gutters?

Jenn Greenleaf — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:11:01 +0000

Gutters serve a major role in the home’s construction in that they divert rainwater from attacking:

eaves
foundation
landscaping
soffit
walkways

Water rolls down the material the roof is constructed from, and directly into the gutter system. Gutters run along the edge of the roofline, otherwise known as the fascia. Water is channeled underground once it leaves the roof through the downspout.

Seems pretty simple, right? There are some homeowners who prefer not to install gutters because they feel they ruin the aesthetic appeal of the home’s exterior, but they truly are a beneficial installation. Beyond the basic maintenance from season to season, they’re pretty much worry-free.

Gutters, Downspouts and Damage

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:32:00 +0000

Before the leaves start falling daily, and the muck starts collecting quickly, keep up with your house gutters!

This home improvement project should be completed in autumn and in the spring, typically. Loose debris, dirt, and leaves have a way of blocking the gutters and the downspouts. Cleaning them out more often than just twice per year saves you from having a big mess and a more difficult job. The installation of a leaf-catching system will also make this job a bit easier when the time comes for cleaning.

clear out any debris that has collected in the gutters
use a hose to rinse out the down spout
clean the gutters using a stiff brush

What will happen if gutters aren’t properly maintained? Without proper maintenance, your home will not be protected against moisture damage. This includes damage to your roof, which may seem obvious, to damage to your foundation (which is often a less obvious reason to most home owners). So, be sure to take the necessary steps toward keeping your gutters and downspouts properly maintained.