A well-functioning guttering system is essential for protecting a home against water leaks and foundation problems. However, many homeowners tend to make mistakes that adversely affect the efficiency of their guttering. Here are eight common errors – four of which occur during installation and four which homeowners make while maintaining their guttering.

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INSTALLING GUTTERING

1. Putting guttering up in the wrong spot. This may seem silly, since all you have to do is hang the gutters at the edge of your roof, right? Wrong. Guttering should be place a few inches below the roofline. That way, runoff water flows into your gutters and doesn’t drip over the their back edges and onto the ground next to your home.
2. Improperly pitching the guttering. Gutters aren’t supposed to be level with the ground. They should be pitched slightly (about 1-2 inches per 40 linear feet) toward the downspouts so the water will run downhill. Otherwise, the water will just fill up inside the guttering and then spill over the sides.
3. Not spacing the gutter hangers correctly. Guttering is attached to your home with hangers that are placed just under your roofline. If these hangers are spaced too far apart, the guttering won’t get the proper support and will eventually sag under the weight of the runoff water. If this problem isn’t addressed, the guttering could be pulled right off of your home.
4. Having too many guttering seams. The seams are the weakest points of any guttering system. So you must strive to minimize the number of seams that you will have when attaching the gutter sections together. The more seams you have, the greater the chance of damage from heat, cold, or water.

MAINTAINING GUTTERING

1. Forgetting to clean your gutters often enough. You should clean out your guttering at least twice a year. Otherwise, all of the pine needles, leaves, twigs, and sludge-like debris will build up and cause clogs. When that happens, rainwater starts falling onto the ground near your foundation.
2. Forgetting to flush your downspouts. Gutter cleaning is more than just scraping out the stuff sitting inside the gutters. You have to make sure that your downspouts are free of clogs as well; otherwise, all of your hard work won’t amount to anything. Take a hose and spray water into the top opening and make sure that it flows out of the bottom one.
3. Forgetting to check for leaks. After you remove all of the debris from your guttering, inspect the gutters themselves for rust spots, holes, or cracks. Focus on the seams where the gutters are soldered together. If a gutter section is leaking, replace it as soon as possible.
4. Damaging your guttering during cleaning. The most common way this occurs is by leaning a ladder against the guttering instead of your home itself. The extra weight may cause the gutter sections to bend, buckle, or separate at the seams. It’s also important not to lean your body on the guttering or brace your weight against a gutter section while up on a ladder. We recommend investing in a ladder stabilizer to give you easy access to your gutters while not damaging your system.

It’s a sad reality that property crimes — robberies, home burglaries, and business break-ins — tend to increase during poor economic times. This trend may also manifest itself in other ways, like thefts of raw materials, scrap metal, and other items which can be sold or redeemed for cash.

Copper: A Hot Commodity
Across the country, criminals are going to construction sites and pilfering copper wire and pipe as well as sheet metal and other valuable items. Thieves are even ripping out these items after they have been installed in homes or buildings. They’re also targeting public infrastructure, like train signals, rail yards, and streetlights.

This crime wave has gotten so bad that homeowners are now discovering that their copper gutters are being stolen right off of their houses.

How Gutter Thieves Operate
Some thieves only grab the downspouts because they are easily within reach. Others either reach up or step on low walls to get the copper gutters along the roofline. Once the gutters are removed, thieves flatten them out by stomping on them, and then fold them up “accordion-style” for easy transport.

Gutter thieves generally target vacant homes or those that are in foreclosure so they don’t have to worry about getting caught by homeowners. But they have also been known to steal copper gutters while their occupants are either away on vacation or at work for the day. With copper selling at up to $3 a pound or more, the incentive for such thefts is high.

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Fighting Back
Many municipalities are trying to crack down on this practice. For example, the state of New Jersey has passed new legislation which is intended to curtail gutter thieves from cashing in on their stolen goods. To accomplish this, lawmakers are placing restrictions on the state’s scrap and metal yards where criminals bring their copper gutters. The new law requires businesses to document and photograph every transaction involving scrap metal (the previous law only required that this be done for transactions involving over $50 or more than 100 pounds of metal). Also, the dealers must wait five days before selling any scrap metal acquired from a trade-in of this nature.

Also, police throughout New Jersey are enlisting the assistance of homeowners to curb the rash of copper gutter thefts. They’re asking homeowners to trim back bushes, add motion detectors around their home, check vacant properties frequently, and secure basement doors. They have even suggested that homeowners paint their copper gutters black to throw off would-be thieves.

However, until the economy improves and/or scrap metal prices drop, homeowners must continue to be vigilant and guard their copper gutters – so they don’t “walk away” and end up in a scrap yard.

When people think of gutter cleaning or replacement, they often view it in terms of how much money it will cost them to do it. But they don’t realize the potential cost savings that well-maintained gutters provide for a homeowner. Here are six examples of how gutters actually save you money.

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1. Foundation repair. This is the mother-of-all repair costs that a homeowner wants to avoid. Without a properly-working gutter, rainwater tumbles down to the base of the home near the foundation. Over time, the excessive moisture can cause the foundation to buckle, crack, or shift. Foundation repair bills rarely come in under $5,000 and can run as high is $40,000 – and it’s nearly impossible to sell a house that has a compromised foundation.
2. Flooded basements. If that runoff water collects near your basement, it tends to find a way inside through wall spaces or windows (path of least resistance). Then it can start doing some real damage – to your basement walls, ceilings, flooring, furniture, and appliances. Those costs could run as high as $10,000 – after you shell out up to $5,000 to have the standing water pumped out and your basement dried out.
3. Flooded landscaping. That beautifully-ornate landscaping near your home? It can dissolve or be washed away if enough runoff water is permitted to fall into it. If you pay a landscaping service to repair it, you’re looking at a bill that could run  up to$7,000 in some cases. But no amount of money will replace the hard work and sweat that you spent getting the landscaping just the way you wanted it.
4. Exterior damage. If your gutters are either clogged or leaking, the water may start to seep out of them and into your home’s exterior. That could lead to rotting fascia boards and siding, as well as peeling or chipping paint. To fix these problems, you’ll need to replace the decaying wood and/or repaint areas of your home – which could cost you as much as $5,000.
   
5. Mold and mildew. Water that is misdirected may not stop at your home’s exterior. If moisture penetrates your roofline or your basement, it could seep into your ceilings, attic, or crawl spaces and facilitate the growth of mildew and mold. It only takes several days for these toxic substances to form, and it’ll cost up to $3,000 to eradicate this health hazard.
6. Rain barrels. This is an example of how a gutter system can actually work for you. Catching rain water in a rain barrel can save you money that you might spend on water for irrigating your garden, sprinkling your lawn, or even flushing your toilets. Granted, it’s probably no more than 1% of your water bill – but every little bit helps!

We all expect a certain amount of wear and tear to plague our home. If finances are an issue, then addressing many of these problems can be put off for a while. But there are certain trouble signs that shouldn’t be ignored if you want to avoid a major (and costly) disaster in the future. Here are eight of those home problems:

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1.) Broken or missing shingles. These are the initial indications that your roof is getting close to needing repairs. Failing to replace shingles can lead to leaks in the attic and even mold growth. You may not have to get a whole new roof, but be sure to deal with the areas where you do need new shingles.

2.) Clogged, leaky, or separated gutters. Runoff water can do a lot of damage to your foundation if left unaddressed. Cleaning your gutters, removing clogs, and maintaining proper gutter pitch can facilitate the flow of the water from your roof and away from your home. Replace gutters or gutter guards which have holes, corrosion, or broken clips or hangers.

3.) A filthy chimney. It doesn’t have to be spic and span – but if wood-burning byproducts build up in the flue of your chimney, they can ignite and cause serious damage. A call to a chimney sweep once a year can handle this problem for you.

4.) Dimming lights. Lights that flicker or change brightness when appliances are turned on are not part of an older home’s charm. They’re a warning you that your home may at risk of being destroyed by an electrical fire. Call a licensed electrician as soon as possible to repair your fuse box or rewire your home.

5.) Mildew and mold. It’s more than just an unsightly stain and an unpleasant smell. Mold and mildew can lead to runny noses and breathing problems for your family, and also cause walls, floors, and ceilings to deteriorate. Clean up small outbreaks yourself or call in a professional for more widespread problems.

6.) Drafty windows and doors. Feel that breeze? That’s what wasted money feels like. When outside air sneaks into your home through improperly-sealed doors and windows, your energy bills go up. A tube of caulk or two can fix that problem quickly and cheaply. An energy audit can help identify air leaks that you might not even know are there.

7.) Pest infestations. Rodents, insects, and birds can enter a home through gaps in the roof, siding, or exterior walls; plugging these holes will help get rid of them. Termites can compromise a home’s studs or beams in a few years (or even months). Look for piles of sawdust or rotting wood around window sills, doors, and siding – and then call an exterminator to treat your entire home.

8.) Foundation cracks. If you notice buckling, pitting, or gapping near your foundation, or if a crack in your exterior brick is creeping up the wall, then you likely have foundation problems. Even though it may be expensive, fixing your foundation is essential if you ever want to sell your home – or prevent it from falling down on top of you.

The 2012 edition of the Pittsburgh PA Home and Garden Show was record breaking in terms of attendance. Show patrons came from all over during the two weeks to check out the latest and greatest from the home improvement sector, a Princess Diana collection, and a chance to win $50,000 in a home-makeover contest.

One of the highlights for us this year, and since it was so close to our Gutter Helmet booth, was the Home Ice Synthetic Rink which was unlike anything you have ever seen. Instead of water, the rink was made of durable plastic and show patrons of all ages were encouraged to test their skills on the 2000 square foot surface.  According to those individuals that skated, they said it was just like skating on frozen pond or an ice rink.

Mrs. Harry Helmet had me go check out the Gluten Free Zone which featured a broad selection of quality foods. We had the opportunity to taste everything from breads to meats to cereals. In addition, they had a lot of great resources available to educate consumers about gluten issues which I found very valuable. Unfortunately, Manny’s Bar-B-Q is still on my radar for next month when the Pirates season gets underway at PNC park! Don’t tell the missus!

Traffic was steady during the two weeks and we had a lot on interested patrons stop by our Gutter Helmet booth to book a free estimate and receive a 20% OFF coupon. Given the uneventful winter this year, we saw some drop off in overall interest compared to last year but still very good overall. As always, it was wonderful to see our existing customers in the area who have Gutter Helmet stopped by and tell us how much they love it.

For 2013 show information, please mark your calendars for March 1-10th, 2013 and visit http://www.premierhomeshows.com/show/duquesne-light-home-garden-show

Show Location:

Baltimore, MD — March 13, 2012 – Americans anticipating tax refunds this year are more likely than in years past to invest their refund check into home improvements. Because the U.S. housing market is still in early recovery mode, many homeowners want to make improvements to their homes for the long term, both to improve their own enjoyment of their home, and to give them an edge in selling once the housing market picks up again.

A survey of 1,000 people by TD Ameritrade found that 63% of respondents expecting a tax refund this year plan to invest at least part of the money they get back from the IRS. In another study of 8,700 people by the National Retail Federation, respondents indicated that they are less likely to use their refund to splurge on a vacation or high-end item than in years past. In 2011, the average tax refund was more than $3,000.

With more people looking to make their tax refund work for them, investing in their home is becoming a popular way to use the money. Long term investments like siding, a new roof, gutter systems, or other home investments that maintain their value are becoming more popular, as people choose to remain in their current home rather than navigate a difficult real estate market. Some investments, like the advanced gutter guard system by Gutter Helmet®, last for the lifetime of the home, and is transferable when people do end up selling their home.

“People today want to make the most of their homes, and it’s hard to do better than adding a proven gutter guard system like Gutter Helmet that is guaranteed for the lifetime of a home. Even if the homeowner sells, the guarantee transfers to the new owner,” says Del Thebaud, owner of Gutter Helmet Systems, authorized Gutter Helmet dealer for MD, VA, DC, PA, NJ, and OH.

Spending research shows that after several years of sluggish economic growth, people are more careful about how they spend, and that extends to how they spend their tax refunds. In 2012, all signs point to people wanting to spend their money on things that last. “In terms of home improvement, gutter systems are hard to beat when it comes to increasing home values, cutting down on home maintenance, and paying off for many years to come,” says Thebaud.

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About Gutter Helmet:

Gutter Helmet makes gutter guard systems that eliminate blockages, preventing damage to roofs, foundations, and siding, and conducting rainwater efficiently through the rain carrying system. Gutter Helmet products also improve your home and makes maintenance simpler because you will never clean your gutters again®. www.harryhelmet.com

Original article: http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/more-people-investing-tax-refunds-their-homes

If you did not have a chance to make it out to the Dulles Expo Center last week, you missed a great home and garden show put on by our good friends at Marketplace Events. The show got started on Friday, February 24th and the dream gardens were a big hit and our Gutter Helmet booth with 3 running water displays and two televisions playing our consumer video on a loop.

On Saturday, traffic was very heavy all day until about 5pm. Outside the weather was chilly and very windy. Show patrons were stopping by our booth all day to talk about how they already have Gutter Helmet on their home and those who didn’t were scheduling a free in home estimate for Gutter Helmet. The biggest treat of the day came at 2pm when Chris Core, from WTOP radio and Washington Examiner, was at our booth, talking to all the patrons about Gutter Helmet and how it was one of the best investments he made for his home. As always Chris Core’s fan base turned out in droves. All in all Saturday was a terrific day at the 2012 Capital Home & Garden Show.

On Sunday, traffic was about half of what it was on Saturday. The weather was about 50 degrees and sunny outside. We had a decent number of patrons stop by our booth to talk with our veteran exhibitors Buzz, Bill, Al, and of course Harry Helmet was talking about the importance of clean gutters.

In conclusion, Gutter Helmet has participated in this event since the 1990′s and we can always count on a great turnout at the Dulles Expo Center. We enjoy Marketplace Events and all the marketing they do prior to event to get serious patrons & consumers to attend.

For more information on this year’s show and the upcoming 2013 show, please visit:

Website: Capital Home & Garden Show

Location: Dulles Expo Center

4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20153

Telephone: (703) 378-0910

www.dullesexpo.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/homeandgardenevents

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/homeshows

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MarketplaceEvents

Many homeowners face a conundrum when it comes to gutter maintenance. On the one hand, they recognize the importance of keeping their gutters clean. They know that allowing precipitation runoff to flow through their gutters freely will prevent water from pooling around their home and damaging their foundation.

But, on the other hand, these people may not be very motivated to climb up a ladder and/or onto their roof to clean out their gutters. Perhaps they don’t trust the quality of the ladder they own. Or maybe they are not fond of heights. Or perhaps they dislike the incessant nagging they get from their spouses to “Be careful! Don’t fall! You’ll hurt yourself!” (As if this hasn’t occurred to them already.)

Thankfully, there are several tools on the market today that allow homeowners to clean their gutters without every setting foot on a ladder. Here are five of them:

1. Gutter Cleaning Applicator

Photo credit: www.improvementscatalog.com

Gutter maintenance starts with the exterior of the gutters. This specially-shaped applicator with a lambswool pad fits perfectly onto the end of any painter’s pole. It’s an easy method of wiping away the grime and dirt that accumulates over time on the outside of gutters.

2. Gutter Vacuum Accessories

Photo credit: www.amazon.com

If the gutters are filled mostly with dry leaves, twigs, or pine needles, they can be vacuumed out easily without getting on a ladder. These attachments will fit on the end of a standard Shop-Vac or leaf blower. The curved portion can curl over the edge of the gutter to suck the debris into a bag or vacuum chamber.

3. Gutter Cleaning “Tongs”

Photo credit: www.improvementscatalog.com

Sometimes, the material found inside gutters is too wet and heavy to be vacuumed out. In these cases, this tool provides a simple way to grasp the debris and lift it out of the gutters. The convenient “tongs” are operated by a rope attached to a metal pole, which can even be extended to reach second-story roofs.

4. Gutter Flusher and Cleaner

Photo credit: www.amazon.com

Many homeowners prefer to just blast away gutter clogs using a power sprayer. For them, this extendable metal pole makes gutter cleaning practically effortless. The pole, which attaches to any garden hose, has three spray settings and an ergonomically-friendly trigger; plus a detachable mirror to view the insides of the gutters from the ground.

5. Rotary Gutter Cleaning System

Photo credit: www.marketwatch.com

This revolutionary new gutter cleaning system combines the force of power spraying with the handiness of a rotating brush. The lightweight, extendable pole sections can be hooked up to either a garden hose (for power washing) or a cordless drill (for operating the brushes). It even comes with a mountable bracket that holds a digital camera, so the insides of gutters can be inspected with ease.

Of course, the best gutter cleaning tool is our own Gutter Helmet, which eliminates the need for cleaning gutters ever again. Click here to learn more!

The gutters that encircle your home’s roofline are great for collecting runoff water and preventing it from seeping into the ground next to your home’s foundation. But they won’t do you any good if the water is not successfully directed out of your downspouts and away from your home.

Splash blocks may work for small amounts of water, but they won’t be able to handle a major downpour. Downspout extensions will often do the trick, but they can be unsightly and aren’t always practical.

Here’s a solution: pop-up gutter drains.

Image: wbtv.com

How to Install a Pop-Up Gutter Drain

These drains are attached to the end of a pipe that runs underneath the surface of your yard. Here are the steps to installing a pop-up gutter drain system:

Step 1: Dig a hole underneath your gutter downspout and place a catch basin in the hole.

Step 2: Dig a trench from the catch basin to a curb, creek, alley, or other area where the runoff water can easily drain.

Step 3: Fasten a pipe near the bottom of the catch basin and run it along the bottom of the trench.

Step 4: Put in the pop-up drain at the discharge point of the pipe and position it at the same level as the ground’s surface.

When the next rain event takes place, the water will run through your gutters, down your downspout, into your catch basin, and through the underground pipe. The pressure of the water will force the mechanism to “pop up” and allow the water to drain out of the pipe. When the water stops flowing, the absence of water pressure causes the mechanism to lower back into the ground automatically (much like a sprinkler head). This helps keep debris and animals from making their way into the pipe.

Potential Problems
Like the gutters on your home, pop-up gutter drains must be installed appropriately in order for the system to work correctly. That means making sure that the underground pipe continuously slopes downward from the catch basin to the pop-up mechanism. Otherwise, the water will not flow adequately, and may even collect inside the pipe and eventually flood back into your yard once the catch basin fills up.

Also, the underground pipe should be at least six feet in length (10 feet is better) in order for the water to drain properly.

Pop-up gutter drains aren’t for every home. But for homeowners who want to make sure that runoff water is being kept away from their home’s foundation, pop-up gutter drains can be an effective solution.

This past Sunday concluded our participation as an exhibitor at the 2 week long Philadelphia, PA Home Show, organized by Marketplace events. Our Gutter Helmet booth location was excellent. We spoke & met with a lot of prospective customers about the importance of gutter protection for their home rain gutter systems.

The first weekend was cold and beautiful weather in the Philadelphia metro area which drove a lot of patrons out to the PA convention center in center city. This past weekend, mother nature unfortunately played havoc on patron turnout Saturday when the local region saw an icy wintry mix fall in the wee hours Saturday morning.

Overall the consensus among all of the other exhibitors was that the shows attendance was up from 2011 and that the shows attendance will always fluctuate due to the time of year it takes place.

For more information on this year’s show and the upcoming 2013 show, please visit Marketplace events websites below:

Philadelphia Home Show

Pennsylvania Convention Center
Exhibition Hall F
12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia PA 19107

www.paconvention.com

Social Media Links:

http://www.facebook.com/homeandgardenevents

https://twitter.com/#!/homeshows