gutters Archives - Schultheis Bros. Heating, Cooling & Roofing

How to Know if Your Gutters Need Replacing

Posted on August 31, 2023 | by Schultheis Bros | Leave a Comment

Gutters are a vital piece of your home. They direct potentially damaging water away from the most susceptible parts of your home, such as doors, windows, siding, and foundations. An effective gutter system will make sure that none of these areas are subjected to water buildup and help avoid the need for costly repairs down the road. After all, pools of water can result in serious damage over time.

The concern is that our gutters are often ignored because it can be difficult to remember to maintain them – a classic out of sight, out of mind. The problem is they are located atop the roof, and when we go outside, we might notice a flower bed that requires weeding or a vehicle that calls for waxing, but unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the gutter system.

If your present gutter system has been in place for several years, how do you know when it’s the right time to replace it? How do you determine if repairs will be sufficient, or if replacement is the only available option? Well, you begin by regularly performing maintenance on your gutters and inspecting them, that’s how. Okay, but if there is damage to your gutter system, how widespread does it have to be to necessitate total replacement?

These types of inquiries are routine for many homeowners in the Pittsburgh area who want to make darn sure their gutter system keeps working as intended.

Just what do gutters do?

They may seem simple but, as just mentioned, gutters are truly a very critical component of your home.

Your gutters are your home’s first line of defense against Mother Nature. They reroute rain to your drainage system so that your property looks as new as it was when it was built. There are reasons contractors install gutters on every home they build. Water is one of the most destructive forces on the planet.

After all, water created the Grand Canyon, and it will attempt to achieve the same effects around your house. Your gutters prevent that destruction while giving your roofline a crisp edge.

It’s approximated that a 1,000-square-foot roof sees over 620 gallons of runoff for the duration of a storm that drops an inch of rain. This is why your roof and gutter system work hand-in-hand to keep that water out of your house when it can lead to wood rot, mold, leaks, stains, and structural damage.

During the winter, clogged gutters can produce ice dams that also have the capacity to do a significant amount of damage to your home. They can actually destroy your roof and bring about interior damage as a result of water entering your home.

How long should gutters last?

Galvanized steel and aluminum gutters are likely to last around twenty years, but if you’ve installed hearty copper ones, that life expectancy will extend to 50 years! Mother Nature is a bit less damaging to downspouts, so you can add another ten years to their lifetime.

Love and attention can also add years to your gutters, so watchful maintenance is certainly worth the effort. A twice-yearly cleaning and consistent sealant reapplication will have a remarkable impact on the wear and tear. If you side-step abrasive chemicals and mechanical damage, you can postpone that gutter replacement even longer. Gutter guards will reinforce these activities.

Unfortunately, only a small number of homeowners appreciate the significance of regular maintenance. Become one of them. An annual inspection and service by the professionals at Schultheis Brothers will deal with minor gutter issues before they become disastrous.

Okay, what are the signs that my gutters need replacing?

While most of us aren’t disposed to think about gutter replacement, there’s a point when it comes time to replace your gutters. If you’re not sure what to look for when that time finally arrives, here are several signs your gutters may be arriving at the end of their lifespan.

Basement is flooding

One major sign that it’s time to replace gutters that many people aren’t aware of is your basement flooding. Gutters that are working properly will direct water away from around your house and foundation. When your gutters aren’t working as designed, water can run over the edges of the gutter, where it can seep into your foundation, and eventually into your basement.

If you’ve been detecting a lot of water pooling into the basement when it rains, or if your basement has flooded just after a storm, your gutters could be the issue.

Cracks or splits of any kind

As your home’s principal rainwater drainage system, the gutters should move the water without a drop to spare. However, cracks in the gutter prevent this, leading to water dripping down your home’s siding and directly onto the landscape.

While tiny cracks in your gutters may not look like a big concern, in time, tiny cracks will develop into big ones, and they very well might occur sooner rather than later. Cracks will only expand over time, particularly when colder weather arrives, and ice is able to seep into and widen those cracks. If you let these cracks stick around, water can not only further damage gutters, but it can also destroy the fascia boards behind, the shingles above, and the foundation beneath the gutters.

Flimsy fasteners

Fasteners are tiny pieces of metal used for attaching your gutters to the roof. Though these guys are small, they hold your gutters at a precise height so that water drains away from your roof and house as intended.

If you discover that fasteners are either unattached or missing, you might be able to fix it with a screwdriver and a few replacement parts.

If after you’ve tightened everything up, you still have problems with leakage or drainage, there may be a different underlying cause that requires further attention.

Appearance of nails and screws

While out doing yard work, you find random nails or screws. They might be coming from your gutters. As water, dirt, and other debris make their way into your gutters, they have to be able to carry the extra weight. Combine that with a bit of wind and you could have a mixture that will shake the screws loose.

When you discover that nails or screws are missing, you might be able to see where they came from and put them back where they belong. However, it may also be the result of parts rusting away or other such harm to your gutters.

Hardware falling from your gutters into your yard is a definite indication that maintenance or replacement is required.

Gutters sag or have started to pull away from the house

Sagging gutters aren’t just an eyesore – they are also a menace to your home.

Troughs are the chief gutter components that run along the roofline and direct water to the downspouts. These sections must be parallel to the ground, minus any sagging or bulging areas. Your gutters should never sag or pull away from the home. If they do so, it usually means they are full of water and are pulling away from the house as a result of the weight. A full gutter could also indicate the gutter system isn’t draining properly or debris is causing a blockage.

You can often solve minor sagging problems by tightening or replacing the system’s gutter fasteners. They will naturally loosen or break away over time. However, repeated repairs may indicate a support problem with the gutters. Likewise, broken seams and frequently failing fasteners may point to a malfunctioning gutter system and suggest the need for replacement.

This is one of the simplest ways to tell if you need gutter replacement since you don’t have to be on a ladder to inspect it.

Rust spots appear on the gutters

Just when you thought a crack in the gutters was harmful, rust in your system may be even more so.

Once the rust begins, it’s nearly impossible to stop. The rust is a warning that:

Your gutter’s protective coating has worn through.
The gutters are approaching the end of their lifespan.

The fact is, rust will only get worse, meaning your leaking problem will only get worse as well. The only valid tactic to stop rust and prevent it from harming your home’s foundation is to replace the gutters. Why not take a preemptive approach and look into replacing gutters before any substantial damage takes place?

The paint is peeling from the gutters

If you detect there’s paint peeling off your gutters, you probably don’t think much of it. After all, we anticipate normal wear and tear on gutter systems since they’re constantly subjected to the elements. But spotting paint chips in the water falling from your gutters can indicate there’s standing water in the gutters and that’s the reason why the paint is peeling away. And of course, standing water can signal that your gutters aren’t disposing of the water properly and may need to be replaced.

Water spills over the gutters

Talk about water spilling over the gutters. After a storm, you may again notice that the water begins to spill over your gutters. Maybe it’s just a rush of wind that makes the water come soaring out but, whatever the reason, you still need to think about getting to the root cause of the issue. After all, gutters are not meant to gather and keep water but rather send it running down and away from the roof and your foundation.

Pooling water will remain and might cause your gutters to sag and ultimately break if you don’t take care of the problem ASAP. This is extremely important in the summer months, too, as you’ll want to keep bothersome insects like mosquitoes and flies away from you and your home as much as possible.

What time of the year is ideal for gutter replacement?

Spring is the ideal time to install any type of gutter. Its dry skies and warm days are primed for a professional installation that’s unhampered by bad weather. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wait, however. Installations in the colder months might be a bit more problematic, but they aren’t impractical. In fact, you might even be able to negotiate a better price out of season.

Gutter maintenance quick tips

Looking after your gutter system and making sure of its functionality is important to your home’s security. Crucial gutter issues can result in critical foundation and roofing damage, endangering both your safety and your budget.

The list below reveals tips and tricks to keep your gutters in tip-top condition year-round. These regular maintenance chores will extend the lifetime of your gutter system and aid in averting harmful issues that necessitate expensive repairs or replacement.

Mount gutter guards to keep debris from building up.
Clean your gutters all through the year, giving them extra attention in the fall when leaves and debris are more apt to produce blockages.
Go for seamless gutters for your next replacement project. This particular design lessens the possibility of seams breaking or sagging.

Take note of the pitch of your gutters, too. They should be pitched a little towards the downspout. If you feel your gutters may be inappropriately pitched, a gutter specialist from Schultheis Brothers can tackle the problem before it leads to blockages and the need for gutter replacement.

The better you care for your gutters, the longer they’ll last. If you’re looking for a gutter specialist in the Pittsburgh area, contact Schultheis Brothers. We offer a full range of gutter inspections, repairs, and replacements.

Why You Should Invest in Seamless Gutters for Your Home

Posted on July 28, 2023 | by Schultheis Bros | Leave a Comment

Gutters are a critical piece of your home’s water management system. Minus any gutters, you will undoubtedly wind up with water damage on your roof as well as adjacent areas of your home’s interior and exterior.

Okay, no problem, your home has a gutter system. However, Pittsburgh’s thunderstorm season can be fierce. When the rain comes pouring down out of the western Pennsylvania skies, are your present gutters up to the task of guiding all that water gently off your roof and away from your foundation?

If they’re not, it’s time to consider your options. At Pittsburgh-based Schultheis Brothers, we install high-quality, custom, seamless gutters for your home to help keep it structurally sound despite deluges from intense storms.

In spite of this, many homeowners don’t know about the benefits of seamless gutters. This is particularly true if they’ve never replaced their gutters and are suffering from older sectional gutters that are leaking, sagging, or rusting.

True, sectional gutters are the traditional pick among homeowners mostly because they are more economical. However, most gutter contractors, including the pros at Schultheis Brothers, will recommend a seamless gutter system. As you’ll see, high-performance seamless gutters provide a variety of benefits to homeowners who opt to install them on their property.

What is the chief difference between seamless vs. sectional gutters?

Before reviewing the benefits of seamless gutters, let’s first take a glance at the chief differences between the more traditional sectional and contemporary seamless gutters.

The major distinction between these two types of gutter systems is fairly straightforward—sectional gutters are installed in sections with a visible seam between each gutter piece.

In contrast, seamless gutters are installed in a continuous system and constructed from one solid piece of material. A gutter installation company will employ a dedicated machine, usually onsite, to unroll gutter materials seamlessly along the edge of your house’s roof. This means that your new seamless gutters are assured to have the most specific measurements, allowing them to work effectively in dispersing water away from your roof and home. Remember, when gutters fit well, they function well!

Yes, seamless gutters have a higher installation cost, but the return on investment will make installation worthwhile.

Here’s where the rubber meets the road . . . the case for seamless gutters.

Advantages of installing seamless gutters on your home:

Seamless gutters experience fewer leaks

Sectional gutters employ joints where two sections meet, and as time goes on, spaces between the sections can develop and expand, with rainwater leaking through. Every joint is a potential water leak.

No doubt, you’ve seen gutters that drip and leak during downpours, leaving behind puddles surrounding the foundation of a house, bringing about additional problems.

This issue practically disappears with well-crafted seamless gutters.

Seamless gutters undergo fewer clogs and backups

With an abundance of seams and joints, it’s not uncommon for gutters to also experience clogs. Over time, buildups, such as twigs, leaves, nuts, and animal nests will lead to a number of difficulties. This buildup paves the way to blockages making it harder for water to move through properly. Large blockages can result in water overflow and uncontrolled runoff that can damage the roof, foundation, and landscaping of your home.

Unlike sectional gutters, seamless gutters lack lips and joints where debris often piles up. This is a huge advantage for any homeowner as it means much less maintenance throughout the year.

Note: Along with choosing seamless gutters for your home, you might also want to consider installing leaf guards to prevent leaves and twigs from clogging your gutters and downspouts.

Seamless gutters offer simple installation

A sectional gutter installation is a job that’s normally left in the capable hands of professional installers as it includes measuring and cutting gutters down to size. The process entails the correct training and know-how to make sure they all fit together properly.

The same goes with seamless gutters, but the process is much easier because most of it is performed onsite. Installers simply feed the roll of material into a machine, which then extrudes the gutters up to the exact dimensions measured beforehand. Your seamless gutter installation is a guaranteed custom fit for your home.

How about DIY?

Thinking of making a gutter installation a DIY project? Yes, doing it yourself is great for some things: homemade cookies, oil changes on your car, and so forth. Doing it yourself is never a good idea for anything that requires a ladder, because you create the risk of a fall. DIY gutters are also a bad idea due to the numerous opportunities for failure. Sure, cobbling together a random assortment of sheet metal from the local big-box store is rewarding. Once installed on your home, however, how do you think it will look?

Unless you install gutters for a living, it’s somewhat doubtful that you’ll do a very good job. Keep in mind, not only are gutters essential for drainage, but they also have a visual impact on your home.

Seamless gutters require less maintenance

Regardless of the type of gutters you’re having installed, you’ll have to perform at least a bit of maintenance work. This helps to prevent things such as clogging, which can be devastating for your roof if left unchecked.

As just noted, unlike traditional sectional gutters, seamless gutters don’t accumulate the same volume of debris. With far fewer areas where leaves, dirt, and ick can get caught, seamless gutters don’t often get clogged with debris. That means fewer trips up the ladder to unclog them. This is a massive advantage for any homeowner because it means much less maintenance throughout the year.

True, with any gutter system, you’ll need to check for clogs on occasion, but you will be amazed at how much less frequently seamless gutters clog than regular gutters do.

It also means you won’t have as many critters seeking shelter in your gutters.

Seamless gutters have a longer lifespan

Did you know that seamless gutters are also longer lasting than most other types of gutters? That’s because seamless gutters are much better equipped to handle severe elements, which means they won’t wear away as quickly as other types of gutters.

By eliminating the weak points that other gutters have, namely, the seams and the various screws and mechanisms used to connect the sections, seamless gutters are longer-lasting by design. The longevity of seamless gutters will leave much more leftover cash in your pocket after cutting down on maintenance and gutter repair costs.

Seamless gutters are also typically much stronger

Such gutters that come from a gutter machine are usually contractor grade and available in .027” and .032” thicknesses. Sectional gutters purchased from large box stores are typically constructed from a material with a thickness of .024”. These gutters can be more than 20 percent thinner than the contractor-grade gutters and thus will not hold up to the elements over time nearly as well.

How long will they last? Seamless gutters typically require replacing every 20 to 30 years, but they can last much longer with the proper amount of care.

Seamless gutters are custom-built and installed

Seamless gutters are planned to fit your home, with custom materials installed in custom lengths. No other home in your neighborhood will have exactly the same gutter system when you opt for custom-made seamless gutters.

Seamless gutters are an attractive choice because they are sleek, smooth, and lack the gaps between joints commonly seen in sectional gutters. Many find them more aesthetically appealing than sectional gutters. Worn seams and rust are an eyesore, that’s why so many homeowners prefer the look of seamless gutters on their homes. Not only do they maintain their quality longer, but they appear more uniform and blend in with your home’s design.

Moreover, they will fit perfectly to the lines and angles of your home’s roofline and unique geography. The experienced gutter specialists at Schultheis Brothers will design your seamless gutter system specifically for your home and its needs, giving you the best possible defense against rainwater and structural dangers from water flooding your foundation.

Homeowners have also discovered that seamless gutters are an excellent choice for those who wish to match their gutter system to their home’s siding. Seamless gutters come in an impressive range of colors to suit your unique needs and preferences, so you can choose a style that complements your house’s existing color scheme,

Keep in mind, too, that installing seamless gutters can boost your home’s value. A huge benefit of installing seamless gutters on your home is that they are an excellent investment and will stay in place for many years to come. The improved aesthetics and functionality can make your home more appealing to buyers should you ever decide to sell.

Here’s the sense and cents of seamless gutters

Let’s face it. While we’ve discussed aesthetics, gutters are really not meant to be stylish items. You don’t replace your gutters every two years to keep up with the Joneses. Yes, gutters installed by trained professionals will add sleek accents in beautiful colors to your home, however, most importantly, they are built to last while whisking away water from your foundations.

By just about any measure, seamless gutters both make sense and save you plenty of cents over sectional gutters. If a sectional gutter fails, and your foundation suffers, imagine the costs you could face:

Trenching around your home
Repairing the cracked or damaged foundation
Sealing the exterior of your foundation
Backfilling the trenches
Installing seamless gutters.

Save yourself both money and mental agony by opting for seamless gutters in the first place. Preserve both roof and foundation, avoid water infiltration behind the fascia boards, and keep gutters flowing freely.

Okay, exactly what types of seamless gutters are available?

There are several different types of seamless gutters, the most common of which are detailed here:

UPVC gutters – fast to install and economical to purchase, UPVC gutters look great on any property and are an outstanding option.
Aluminum gutters – lasting up to twenty years, aluminum gutters are easy to maintain and extremely weatherproof.

Seamless guttering is available in a range of styles, including European guttering, half-round gutters, fascia guttering, or K-style gutters. The right type of gutter depends on variables such as personal taste, property construction, roof profile, and the anticipated budget.

To seam or not to seam, that is the question!

When it comes down to choosing between sectional and seamless gutters, the benefits of seamless gutters far outweigh those of sectional gutters. Seamless gutters offer a long-lasting, more effective gutter option for your home. The added cost to have a custom seamless gutter system installed on your home is worth it for the added protection seamless gutters can offer.

While you might be able to save a few dollars by installing sectional gutters yourself, you’ll likely end up needing to spend time cleaning and maintaining them, as well as replacing them more often due to leaks or failures. In the end, your investment in seamless gutters will pay off for you and your home.

Schultheis Brothers is proud to offer seamless gutters. That’s because we know they provide our clients with a better product that requires less maintenance and upkeep.

If you’re interested in having seamless gutters installed on your home, let us know, or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.

Seamless vs. Regular Gutters: What’s the Difference?

Posted on April 28, 2023 | by Schultheis Bros | Leave a Comment

What’s the difference between regular and seamless gutters?

Ah, gutters, the silent hero of your house’s roofing system. When it comes to gutters, you can take your pick between regular gutters or seamless gutters. Seamless gutters are one lengthy gutter section devoid of seams, whereas regular gutters feature several sections with seams at the joints. However, both choices are intended to safeguard your home against water damage by moving water away from the house’s foundation and the basement.

Both types of gutters have their benefits and downsides. Whether you’re constructing a brand-new home or have detected symptoms that you need new gutters on your present home, our comparison guide below should help you decide which type is best for your precise home and/or budget.

However, we’ll give you a bit of a hint . . .we’re sold on seamless gutters, and we hope you’ll understand why after reading this blog. Okay, before proceeding, let’s be more specific about regular and seamless gutters.

What are regular gutters?

The regular gutter has been around for a long time, believed to have been used since ancient times, circa 2500 B.C.

Such gutters, also considered sectional or conventional, are produced in short, pre-cut sections that are then joined together on the house in 10-foot or 20-foot sections to create one extended gutter. The joints between each section must be sealed with sealant to stop leaking and dripping.

When going with conventional gutters, you can choose between various material options. In prior times, such gutters were constructed from wood. However, with the evolution of technology in gutter systems, you can choose materials such as vinyl, aluminum, copper, and steel.

What are seamless gutters?

As the name suggests, Seamless gutters are one-piece made of painted steel, copper, or aluminum. However, perhaps the most popular choice is aluminum since it has a lightweight design and outstanding durability.

As mentioned, seamless gutters do not have any seams. As a result, you won’t have to be concerned with leakage. It’s one of the reasons why they are so effective and well-accepted by homeowners. When you purchase a seamless gutter, the installer will bring a continuous portion of the material, such as aluminum, and cut it on-site to produce the gutter.

There are no joint in-between or numerous sections to contend with. With seamless gutters, the only connection points are the corners or the downspouts.

Which type of gutter do I go with?

When deciding on the type of gutters to install, homeowners want to know which is best. So, in terms of seamless vs. regular gutters, which one is most beneficial?

The decision will be governed not only by your particular home but also by your finances. Seamless gutters are more expensive upfront but entail decreased maintenance and will last noticeably longer than regular gutters.

Moreover, because regular gutters are made in sections, they can leak, costing you money in repairs down the road.

Bottom line: Talking to a professional roofer at Schultheis Brothers about which one you should get can make your decision much easier.

In the meantime, let’s chat about regular and seamless gutters.

Maintenance.

The average home has between 150 and 200 feet of gutters. That’s a lot of surface area for leaves, twigs, and other debris to clog. And when gutters clog, they can no longer do their job as intended. Water overflowing from clogged gutters can damage your home’s foundation, siding, and landscaping. It can also lead to interior water damage, mold, and mildew.

Minus any joints in the seams to trap debris, seamless gutters are less likely to back up or clog and do not need routine maintenance cleaning. Water flows freely and goes where it’s supposed to, out through the downspout, so you’ll spend less time cleaning your gutters. Plus, since Schultheis Brothers secure your gutters with the best existing hanger system, your gutters are tight to the face boards, stopping pests and wildlife from getting into crevices, producing more headaches.

Adding leaf guards to your gutters will further decrease the chances of blockages. This also means reduced general maintenance needed for a sectional gutter.

With sectional gutters, the joints between these sections entail resealing every one to five years. Moreover, these joints can also ensnare leaves and debris that must be cleaned out regularly.

Prone to leaks and damage.

Since seamless gutters are constructed of one continuous piece of gutter, they significantly lower the probability of leakage. Because most leaks occur at the gutter joints, leaks will largely be eliminated as there will be zero joints; the only joints are if you have inside or outside corners. No leaks mean no mold, rot, or water damage to your home or property triggered by faulty gutters.

While it simply isn’t true, seamless gutters have zero chance of leakage; they will leak substantially less than regular gutters.

Why so? Because with regular gutters, the connecting points of each section are their most vulnerable spots. Over time, they are most prone to rust, become disconnected, develop cracks, or experience other issues. In these instances, there’s little doubt that leakage will eventually occur.

Durability.

The durability of a gutter system ultimately depends on the material. You can purchase seamless and regular gutters in various materials, including steel, the most long-lasting material available. Vinyl is also a popular option if you’re on a budget, but it’s not the most durable, especially when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Over a period of time, as they’re exposed to extensive heat and then intense cold, they can deteriorate and crack.

Lifespan.

Seamless gutters can last well over 20 years with little difficulty, even with minimal maintenance. Seamless copper gutters, a more high-end option, can last up to 50 years. On the other hand, a typical regular gutter will only last around 20 years, assuming there has been routine maintenance, and then it still needs to be re-sealed every one to five years.

Curb appeal.

Attaching a seamless gutter to a house can make it look quite attractive. Since there is an absence of joints, the smooth, finished look of a seamless gutter customized for a specific home will bring a classy touch that regular gutters can’t match. Nor will you have to be concerned with unsightly drooping, leaking, or overflowing gutters. Seamless gutters are available in various design options to realize a thoroughly integrated look for the entire home.

Some homeowners even claim seamless gutters have significantly increased the value of their homes.

Installation.

Seamless gutters and regular gutters each have their own difficulties when it comes to installation. When seamless gutters are installed, they must be formed and cut on-site to fit your home perfectly. This requires a professional-grade machine that only a roofing contractor can access easily.

In contrast, regular gutters involve a “snap-together” system that requires components to be sealed together. These gutter systems have a lower initial installation cost because the average handyman or contractor will have little or no trouble installing a regular gutter system since the sections don’t have to be precisely measured. However, you must also factor in the costs associated with painting, routine maintenance, and a shorter lifespan.

Then, too, regular gutters can be bought at a home improvement store and installed DIY if you take the appropriate safety measures. However, it’s not often recommended due, in no small part, to the numerous risk factors (falling, etc.). Moreover, short regular gutter sections require numerous trips up and down the ladder and extra time to make all the necessary connections.

Repairs or replacements.

With a seamless gutter, you cannot isolate a single section for repairs or replacement like a regular gutter. Rather, you must simultaneously deal with the entire length of the seamless gutter, which can be a significant and expensive hassle, especially if you live in a storm-prone region.

As mentioned, you can replace the damaged section with regular gutters, normally a simple and cost-effective repair.

Price, price, and price.

Perhaps this should have been our introductory paragraph. Have you seen the TV commercial where the life insurance salesperson asks, what are the three most important factors you want to know about purchasing life insurance? His answer: Price, price, and price!

This could be the question a homeowner might ask regarding the type of gutter system they ultimately choose to install on their house.

Seamless gutters tend to be more expensive in comparison to their conventional counterparts. Homeowners on a budget should also be wary of installing seamless gutters, as they can be somewhat difficult to install, potentially adding to the final cost.

That said, if you’re looking for a long-lasting, hassle-free, and low-maintenance option for your gutters that adds to your home’s curb appeal, then seamless gutters are simply the right choice.

Yes, they’re a bit more expensive to purchase and install, but in the long run, the benefits of seamless gutters mentioned above will most likely make up for the higher initial cost.

Some final thoughts on a choice of gutters

If you’re a homeowner, you’ll know that one of the most expensive repairs you might incur for a specific room will more likely result from water damage. The destruction caused by water leaking into a room can cost anywhere from $450 to $12,000, according to Home Advisor’s Water Damage Calculator.

If you want to avoid such costly repairs, keeping your roof in proper condition is a great idea. This requires that you employ a professional for roof maintenance occasionally, but it’s also important to choose the correct gutters in the first place.

Now that we’ve compared regular and seamless gutters, it should be easy to conclude that the seamless ones are spot-on for this purpose. In addition, it’s rather straightforward to purchase and install a seamless gutter system that’s precisely constructed for your specific roof and can also match the décor of your roof.

Considering the advantages and disadvantages, seamless gutters are the best option for selecting gutters for your home. Our roof technicians at Schultheis Brothers manufacture gutters on-site, guaranteeing they are properly measured and fitted for your home. With various color options, seamless gutters are also one of the best ways to improve your home’s curb appeal.

Schultheis Brothers’ seamless gutters are available in a 5-inch or 6-inch option. You can allow our highly trained sales consultant to assess what size is best for your home.

As mentioned above, the bottom line is that if you’re still undecided, it’s best to call the roofing specialists at Schultheis Brothers, as they’re in the most suitable position to point you in the right direction when it comes to gutters. And, of course, if you’ve already made your decision, the professional roofers at Schultheis Brothers are waiting for that call, too.

Preventing Frozen Gutters and Downspouts

Posted on January 27, 2023 | by Schultheis Bros | Leave a Comment

One of the more frustrating winter weather challenges is frozen gutters and downspouts.

Winter can be taxing for homeowners in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities, particularly in climates such as the Pittsburgh region, where below-freezing temperatures are common in the winter months. The destructive effects of winter weather on your home can exhibit themselves in countless ways. Frozen gutters and downspouts create a multitude of potentially long-lasting consequences.

The weight of ice in a gutter can pull the gutter away from the house, bringing about lasting damage to your roof and siding. Icy wind can bring down trees and branches, freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze, and snow on the ground near your home for lengthy periods can even result in mold and rot problems.

Why are frozen gutters and downspouts such a problem?

While frozen gutters may seem like no huge deal, they are truly very destructive. Over time, ice dams can expand and cause melted water to overflow onto your roof. If water gets underneath your shingles, it can eventually make its way into your home’s interior, which can ruin ceilings and walls.

If water overflows adjacent to your home’s foundation, it can trigger structural damage that could bring about thousands of dollars in repair costs. When a weighty dam breaks free from the home, it can rip away shingles and gutters. Ice dams can also damage underlying shrubs, cars, and windowsills while placing people and animals in danger.

Downspouts are among the most critical components of a home’s gutter system. They guard your home against foundation damage, soil erosion, and other water-related problems.

With clogged downspouts, water isn’t able to escape appropriately. During winter months, water that has remained in your downspouts can freeze. The elbows of downspouts are especially susceptible to ice buildup since it’s a spots where standing water is likely to settle. Your downspouts can also freeze if their bottom mouth is obstructed by snow.

In short, if you live in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities, frozen gutters and downspouts can be more than simply an annoyance; they’re a downright pain in the neck to alleviate.

The professionals at Schultheis Brothers, a leading HVAC and roofing contractor in Pittsburgh, is to keep in mind that the best way to prevent the damage caused by ice in gutters and downspouts is to keep them from icing up and freezing in the first place.

First, let’s look at how to approach frozen gutters

Icicles may look pretty, but they can significantly damage your home, especially when they form on your gutters. Water expands when it freezes, which can cause your gutters to warp and crack under the added pressure.

Gutters blocked with ice can also form ice dams on your roof, which can produce severe damage. Melting snow that isn’t draining correctly can also puddle in the foundation area, leading to leaks in your basement and a host of other concerns.

One rather ugly situation we heard about took place a few winters ago. A homeowner had to cope with water coming into the home due to ice buildup in the gutters. As he watched the maintenance workers stand on the roof and ladders, chipping away at the ice, he felt the relief of not having to be the one out there in the cold.

Regrettably, that relief swiftly turned to horror as he watched those same men accidentally rip apart the gutters while attempting to remove the ice. Has that ever happened to you or a neighbor? Do you wish there was a better, safer way to deal with this problem?

Keep gutters clean to Prevent Frozen Gutters and Downspouts

More than any other means, the best way to prevent ice from clogging your gutters is to stop it from occurring in the first place. As part of your home’s routine maintenance, ensure that you keep your gutters clear of leaves and other debris. Dirty gutters worsen ice dams since the water flow is blocked and, hence, more apt to freeze. Installing gutter guards can also help prevent debris buildup in the first place.

Check your gutters for leaks, gaps, holes, and rust

In addition to consistent cleaning, you need to have your gutters checked routinely by a professional. They will look for indications of rust, leaks, or holes. These issues are more liable to arise at the joints of the system, on the welded edges of the metal. If your gutters are severely damaged, rusty, or deteriorating, it may well be time to consider replacing them.

Make sure your gutters are properly sloped

The correct gutter slope lets the water drain through your gutters into your downspout. If your gutters are too flat, however, the water can sit there rather than drain through. If you allow water to stand still in the gutters overnight, you run the chance of the water freezing and forming ice. So, be sure to measure your gutters and adjust the slope if needed. This way, you can avoid iced gutters caused by poor drainage.

Clear snow from your roof

You can purchase a specially designed roof rake to remove snow from your rooftop before it melts into your gutters. This can be quite helpful after a heavy Pittsburgh snowfall since it eases the overall load on your roofing while also safeguarding your gutters.

Attic insulation

Another method to help avoid ice dams is ensuring your attic is well-insulated and sealed. If you have heat escaping from a particular spot in your attic, it can produce the perfect conditions for ice dams to form. The escaping heat will cause snow and ice to melt off the roof and journey down the roof right into your gutters, where it can change back into ice.

Although it can be tricky to pinpoint these spots, the reward is certainly worth it. Not only can you ward off ice dams, but you might also reduce your home’s energy costs.

Install heating elements

Another possibility is to purchase heating elements. This is an easy and efficient job that will stop your gutters from freezing if regularly used. It entails installing a heating panel system and running heating elements adjacent to your gutters. Normally, this is not a huge cost, but the price depends on the size of your house. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that it will also save you money on any future repairs.

Now, let’s review some hints on how to prevent frozen downspouts

Install heat tape

You can fasten heating tape to your downspouts to help preserve an above-freezing temperature inside them. This heating tape is commonly employed to wrap plumbing to keep pipes from freezing; however, it can be attached to downspouts as well. Heating tape with a thermostat control will turn on by design to avoid ice blockages.

You can also run a heating cable inside the downspout as an alternate technique.

Clean your downspouts

What’s frequently helpful for the gutters is helpful for the downspouts. Leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other debris can create blockages in your downspouts. So, be sure they don’t have any clogs by routinely examining them visually from the top, probing with a tool handle, or disconnecting them from the gutters and completely cleaning them before reinstalling.

Clear away piled snow

Snow piled up at the bottom of the downspout can also form an obstruction, as any water that does try to exit can become trapped and freeze. Once the snow begins to fall, be sure the lower exit points of your downspouts are cleared. Simply add this to your shoveling or snow-blowing regimen.

So, your gutters and downspouts are already frozen!

Okay, your gutters and/or downspouts have already frozen. Now, what should you do? Here are some tips.

Thaw frozen downspouts

Only when it’s safe to do so, and you’re comfy with getting on a ladder, pour warm water into the top of the opening of the downspout. You might also attach a hose to a hot water tap and utilize it to thaw the ice. The warm water may be sufficient to thaw minimal ice buildup in your downspout or rid blockages produced by debris.

A safer option is to run hot water down the exterior of the downspout near where the ice buildup occurred. If you have metal downspouts, the heat may be enough to produce a way for the water to flow through the downspout again.

Clear away any snow buildup

Some professionals suggest that homeowners should leave their frozen downspouts alone. It may be better to wait until the ice melts if the temperatures in the area are expected to go up soon. If the source of the problem is snow buildup around the bottom of the downspout, removing snow from the area will probably do the trick.

Don’t use force

Never attempt to use heavy force if the water isn’t enough to thaw your downspouts. Under no circumstances do a hammer or a baseball bat attempt to break up the internal ice because it will do more harm than good.

Rather, you can use a consumer-grade heat gun or hair dryer to heat the downspout’s exterior near the ice blockage. Begin from close to the bottom of the downspout, working your way up. Remember that you never directly heat the downspout through the bottom opening. You could be at risk of electrocution if the ice suddenly breaks and water and ice come rushing through the opening.

Safely removing ice dams

There’s a slew of suggestions available on the web concerning how to safely get rid of ice dams once they have formed in your gutters and roof.

Almost all the experts concur that cautiously removing existing snow from the roof with a roof rake or comparable device is a first step.

From there, variants on a theme are suggested to remove the ice dam. First, you might want to mull over thawing the ice dam by using calcium chloride to assist in the melting of the ice. You should, however, steer clear of direct contact by filling stockings or long socks with the mixture and placing the socks on top of the ice-clogged gutter.

One more approach is to use hot water to melt the ice. While not a long-term answer, this choice can produce quick results. For minor blockages, use a ladder to climb up alongside your gutter and pour hot water the entire length of the gutters.

For larger ice dams, you’ll need to find a way to run a continuous stream of hot water through your gutters. This can present a substantial challenge for most homeowners, so you’re considerably better off hiring professionals to thaw your gutters for bigger blockages.

Call a pro to Prevent Frozen Gutters and Downspouts

The truth is, while most of these methods can be effective, calling for professional gutter help is always the best option for preventing damage to your house and yourself.

Bottom line: Winter weather can bring with it a slew of headaches, but with appropriate prevention and care, you can take frozen gutter and downspouts off your list of winter to-dos.

Why not give the Pittsburgh-based Schultheis Brothers Heating, Cooling & Roofing professionals a call? As HVAC and roofing contractors, they can offer assistance with any winter-related issues involving your gutters and downspouts.

Are there any benefits to a Roof Inspection? YES!

Posted on April 4, 2018 | by Schultheis Blog

Having a roof inspection performed is one of the best ways to help improve your roof’s lifespan. Schultheis Bros recommends having an inspection performed each year due to the extreme weather your roof is exposed to in the Pittsburgh area, especially after the winter months.

Springtime is the best time to schedule your annual inspection, which is right around the corner (we think…).

Rather than climbing the ladder yourself, our roofing experts at Schultheis Bros are well trained and ready to perform your annual inspection. It is important that the person you hire to look at your roof has the proper knowledge, insurance, and licenses to protect your home.

Our roofing experts will provide a written report with each inspection that examines all aspects of your roof.

What do our experts look for during a roof inspection?

Because your roof is one of the biggest investments for your home, it is important to have the roof and all components inspected to prevent any issues and costly repairs.

We provide the general condition of the roof, gutters, downspouts, flashing, decking, valleys, and skylights (if applicable), as well as any repairs that need to be done for routine maintenance.

Correcting any issues with your roof before they become a much larger issue will help save you money and provide peace of mind that your home is protected.

Wondering if you should replace your roof rather than have an inspection performed? Click here to learn the signs that it is time to replace rather than repair

Call Schultheis Bros today for pricing inquiries and to schedule your roof inspection with one of our experts.