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Discover the Most Common Gutter Issues & What to Do About Them

Looking to buy gutters in Montague, or searching for gutter installation in Siskiyou County? Then chances are, you have gutter problems. Gutters are an essential element to a happy home. By collecting rain from the roof and directing it through the downspouts and away from your home’s exterior and foundation, your gutters protect your home from flooding, moisture damage, and damage to your landscape.

With the rainfall this part of California is known for getting, homeowners should definitely keep their gutters clean at all times. Proper gutter maintenance and fixing common gutter problems is essential for expanding the lifespan of your gutters and maximizing their effectiveness.

Unfortunately, there are many problems Siskiyou gutters can encounter. Today, we’re going to show you the most common gutter problems and what you can do about them.

The Most Common Gutter Problems

When it comes to gutter malfunctions that require gutter maintenance, one of the main culprits is heavy storms. The abundant amount of water coming off the roof, coupled with the debris from nearby trees, can cause serious damage to the gutter system, which is why we always advise everyone to inspect their gutters after a storm.

However, there are other causes of gutter damage, such as ice formation, pest infestation, and clogging. Even leaning your ladder up again the gutter can cause stress on the metal and could cause it to sag.

Gutter Problems & What You Can Do About Them

  1. Clogged Gutters

Clogged up debris, such as leaves, twigs, and small branches, will prevent the water from properly flowing through your gutters. Not only can they prevent the flow of water, but the weight of the water and debris can cause your gutters to sag and pull away from the fascia boards, causing even more problems for you.

To prevent this catastrophe from happening to you, try cleaning your gutters regularly, at least once a month and especially after heavy storms.

  1. Holes in Gutters

Leaky gutters are your number one nightmare. When water falls through holes in your gutter and drops to the side of your home, it renders your gutters useless.

Caulking the holes might work for a little, but sealants deteriorate with time. Large holes might need professional patches. If you’re unsure about what to do in this situation, you should contact us today at 530-410-4395 so we can come out and evaluate your gutters.

  1. Gutters That Are Not at the Right Pitch

Gutters that are not at the right pitch or not sloped properly will also prevent water from working its way down through the downspout and could lead to water standing in the gutters.

Gutters that aren’t pitched correctly, at least a quart-inch for every ten feet might need to be repaired. You might be able to get the gutter back into its appropriate position, but if it doesn’t work, then you need a new gutter system.

If your gutters are too damaged and need to be replaced, or you’re currently looking for Siskiyou County seamless rain gutters, contact us today at 530-410-4395 and ask for a FREE estimate. We’re the number one providers of gutter repair and gutter installation in Siskiyou County.

Find Out How Seamless Gutters Boost the Value of Your Home

Seamless gutters are very important to a home.  Whether you’re a homeowner, a local investor, or a realtor selling a single-family home, you know that every square foot counts and that some improvements are more profitable than others.  An improvement that can make a major difference and improve a home’s value into the tens of thousands is one that is often overlooked.

So what is this awesome investment that can increase the value of home overnight?  Simple: seamless gutters!  Having a brand new gutter system will put your home ahead of the competition, especially in a competitive market like here in Northern California.

Believe it or not, a gutter system alone can make or break a home sale.  By replacing your old rain gutter system with a new one, you’ll greatly increase the value of the home and reap the financial rewards.  Let us show you how a new gutter system can boost your home’s value.

How a New Gutter System Can Boost Your Home’s Value

  1. The Right Gutter Improves Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is perhaps the most important thing when selling a home.  It is the first impression that hits buyers in the face from the very first moment.  Really, from the second they pull up to your property, a lot of their focus will be placed on the exterior of your home and the feelings they first get when arriving.

Of course, having a nicely manicured lawn and trimmed hedges works, too.  But having an up-to-date seamless gutter system will also improve the curb appeal.  You should have a brand new gutter system installed before you even list your home on the market.  Why?  Because you will immediately notice an improvement to the exterior aesthetics.  For example, copper gutters look spectacular on a heritage-style home, while black on black aluminum looks sleek on a contemporary home—both of which are sure to capture everyone’s attention.

  1. Gutters Protect Your Home’s Exterior

When you install a brand new gutter system on your home, you will immediately add an unbeatable layer of protection.  Gutters will properly direct water away from your home, preventing the paint from peeling, molding, and rusting.  When combined with the right downspout, your home’s landscape and foundation will also be protected.  You see, so not only are you adding value to your home, but you’re also protecting it, too.

  1. Gutters Protect Your Home’s Interior

When your home is protected from rain water on the outside, it only makes sense that it’s protected on the inside.  If you have old gutters that leak or no longer serve their purpose, rain water can easily flow through the cracks and find its way to the foundation, causing you a lot of damage that can cost you a lot of money.  But foundation problems aren’t the only problems.  Water can cause mold and mildew, which will cause healthy issues for you and your family.  All of these concerns and issues can easily be eliminated by having a brand new gutter system installed.

Are you listing your home on the market?  Are you a realtor who is looking to help a client list their home and make the max?  Then perhaps you need to invest in a new gutter system or convince them to.  If you’re looking for seamless gutter installation in Redding, California and want to increase the value of your home, contact our gutter specialists at 530-410-4395 and ask for a FREE quote today!

DIY Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Seamless Rain Gutters

Cleaning seamless rain gutters is a dangerous job, not one recommended for the do-it-yourselfer.  Often, the sight of someone falling off a ladder or roof brings us laughter, but that’s only in the movies.  Unfortunately, in real life, falling off a ladder or roof can cause a lot of bodily harm, even death.  There are too many things that can go wrong if you attempt to clean your gutters yourself.  Without taking the proper precautions, you can put yourself and other people at risk.  In our many years of experience providing seamless guttering in Redding, California, we’ve heard it all.  Our gutter specialists know how to do the job right, the safe way.  Today, we’re going to share the biggest mistakes to avoid when cleaning your gutters yourself.

  1. Putting Convenience Ahead of Safety

Climbing to the second level of your home to clean your seamless rain gutters can be a very difficult to do.  Gutter professionals—like ours here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters—use harnesses to get the job done right, along with the proper gutter cleaning equipment.  If you have a steep pitched roof or one that is difficult to reach, you need to plan for safety—not convenience.  Never (and we’re greatly emphasizing the word NEVER) place a stepladder on the roof of your home so you can reach the second level.  You need an extension ladder that can reach the second story from the ground to prevent a hazard.

  1. Not Having Someone Hold the Ladder

Stepladders can be very dangerous for homeowners because they give a false sense of security.  Yes, the stepladder might be braced against your home, but there is nothing stopping it from moving sideways.  You need to have a spotter hold the ladder for you, no matter what type of ladder you’re using.  They need to hold the ladder from the ground to prevent it from moving and you from slipping.

  1. Overreaching

Ladders aren’t lightweight.  Since ladders are heavy equipment that proves awkward to transport, it might be tempting for you to reach out as much as you can so you don’t have to move the ladder.  Don’t do it!  Lean too much to one side and you’re going to be on the ground.  Instead, you need to climb down and reposition the ladder closer to your work area.

  1. Not Inspecting the Ladder Beforehand

A ladder should be inspected for cracks and broken parts before using it.  Failure to do so can cause severe injury, and no one wants that.

  1. Wearing the Wrong Shoes

When moving up and down a ladder, you need to wear clean shoes that have rubber soles; otherwise, you run the risk of slipping and falling.

Taking the right precautions when cleaning your rain gutters will make the difference between you enjoying the night with your family or spending it in the hospital.  For many individuals, cleaning their gutters is just too risky and not worth the chance, and it’s pretty clear to see why.

For homeowners who are not comfortable with the idea of cleaning their own gutters, we’re the company for you.  From gutter cleaning to full rain gutter installation, OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters will take care of maintenancing your gutters so you can forget about climbing up the ladder and risking personal injury.  For all your guttering needs, contact us at 530-410-4395 and ask for a FREE quote today!

Keep Them Clean! Top Reasons to Clean Your Gutters Regularly

As the leading provider of rain gutters in Medford, Oregon, we know firsthand what happens when you don’t keep your gutters clean. Gutters have a huge purpose, which is to protect your home. It crucial to perform regular maintenance on them to ensure they can properly do their job. In fact, you should have your gutters cleaned at least three times a year. Your gutter system is designed to redirect the flow of rain water away from the roof of your home. However, as a Medford, OR resident, you know how common it is for leaves, branches, and other debris to fall in your gutters, which can cause them to perform inefficiently.

In our many years installing rain gutters in Medford, Oregon, we’ve seen so many clogged gutters we’ve lost track. When gutters get clogged and fail to perform their job of properly driving water away from the roof of your home, it can eventually cost thousands of dollars in repairs. Let our gutter experts here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters show you a few problems that can arise when you don’t have your gutters cleaned regularly.

1. Water Staining

If leaves, branches, dirt, and grime clog your gutters, the water will have nowhere to go and will eventually leak over the edges of your gutters. Instead of the water draining away through the downspout like it’s supposed to, it will run down the side of your home, leaving a trail of dirty watermarks.

2. Rotten Wood

When rainwater is unable to flow through the gutters and downspout, it will eventually accumulate on wooden parts of your home. Every homeowner knows that rotting wood doesn’t go away but rather gets worse with time. Substantial rot damage can end up causing structural damage to your home that can run in the thousands of dollars to repair.

3. Sagging Gutters

Water will undoubtedly accumulate in your gutters, making them very heavy, especially during the winter months when the water freezes. The weight of your clogged gutters combined with the rotting wood means your gutters have a possibility of falling. Over time, those sagging gutters could collapse on you, a family member, or a car.

4. Pests & Infestation

Moist places are a breeding haven for pests, termites, bacteria, mosquitos, and ants. These insects will quickly find their way into your home, especially if the clogged gutters have caused damage to your home. A tough to fight termite infestation could be the result of not properly maintaining your gutters.

5. Mold

If water doesn’t have the appropriate time to evaporate, mold and mildew will grow. When mold grows, it will spread like wildfire. In our experience, it’s very difficult to remove. By simply having your gutters cleaned every season, you can prevent mold damage to your home.

As the leading provider of seamless rain gutters in Medford, Oregon, we want you and every homeowner reading this blog to maintain your gutters regularly. We know it’s not an enjoyable task, and it’s certainly not something you look forward to doing on the weekends, but it needs to be done. However, if you can’t do it yourself due to your age or the architectural style of your home, it’s best to leave a professional do the maintenance and cleaning for you so you aren’t putting yourself in harm’s way.

If you are looking for a reputable gutter company in Medford, OR, call us today and let us take over the burden of the job for you. Call 530-410-4395 for a FREE quote today!

Why Gutters Are the Most Important Defense for Your Home

As the leading providers of rain gutters in Redding, CA, we know most homeowners don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their gutters.  In fact, they probably don’t think about them at all.  But if they only knew how important rain gutters really were, and how their gutter system could save them a lot of headaches and money down the road, they would start thinking about their gutters more often.

After many years of installing and maintaining gutters in Redding, CA, we’re here to help you and other homeowners understand the importance of your gutters.  Gutters drive water away from the roof and push it away from your home, which will protect your siding, windows, doors, and foundation from water damage.  While that sounds important, many homeowners don’t understand the damage clogged or broken gutters can cause.

When a gutter system isn’t working properly, rainwater can’t run off the roof and will eventually find its way to the home’s foundation.  The heavy California rains will create standing pools of water and cause a multitude of other problems.

Why Is a Gutter System So Important to Your Home?

  • It prevents your home’s basement from flooding.
  • It prevents your foundation from cracks and damage.
  • It prevents infestation. A lot of mosquitos and other insects love standing water.
  • It prevents mold. Overflowing gutters are the ideal environment for mold to grow.  The mold can find its way into crawlspaces and basements.
  • It can prevent erosions. Topsoil protects the foundation of your home.  If water isn’t properly driven away from your home, then the topsoil will erode, leaving your home exposed.
  • It prevents staining to your home’s fascia, wood framing, and soffit. It can also protect your decks, patio, outdoor furniture, walkways, and driveway.
  • It can protect your home’s paint.
  • It can protect your home from rusting and rotting.
  • It can prevent damage to your landscape. Fungi can damage and kill your flowers and gardens.

We know this list might sound a little bit dramatic, but it’s all true.  In our years of providing gutter services in Redding, California, we’ve seen every single one of those items on the list.  Remember that you don’t have to live in an area that experiences a lot of rain to suffer from clogged or broken gutters.  If you live in an area with a lot of trees, all of those falling pine needles, branches, and twigs can clog your gutters in no time.  Now, imagine the damage that can cause to your home.

Imagine if you live in an area with a lot of heavy rain storms.  We know that you’re thinking about your gutters now, right?  There is no need to panic, OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters is here to help you.  We can come out and evaluate your gutters because a simple checkup can save you a lot of headaches and money down the road.  Your gutters should—or shall we say MUST—be cleaned at least three times a year in this area of California.

So tell us, when was the last time you had your gutters checked?  If you’re looking for gutter services in California or Oregon, contact us at 530-410-4395 and ask for a FREE quote today!

Discover the Importance of Keeping Your Gutters Clean

In our many years of providing gutter installation in Yreka, CA, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when homeowners neglect to keep their gutters clean.  We know that not every homeowner thinks about the importance of keeping their gutters clean; however, it is quite important, especially here in Yreka, California, where we get a lot of heavy rain and snowfall.  Upon inspection, we can see how much gutters suffer due to neglect from homeowners.  There are many problems that can arise due to the lack of maintenance and cleaning of your gutter system, which can get expensive quickly.

Over our many years of providing gutter installation in Yreka, CA, we’ve seen a lot of damage to foundations.  Foundation leaks are one of the most common problems that arise when gutters are clogged with debris.  Water will overflow due to the clog and find its way down to the home’s foundation instead of properly being directed through the drainage system.

Eventually, due to the accumulation of water in the foundation, this water will crack the foundation of your home.  Here in Yreka, California, the temps drop and cause the water to freeze in winter, causing further damage to your foundation.  That’s right, the foundation of your home can be compromised simply by neglecting to clean your gutters.  When the foundation is compromised, your home can settle, move, or sink, and we don’t have to tell you the nightmare this will bring.

Another common problem we’ve seen many times while providing gutter installation in Yreka, CA, is rotted fascia.  When the gutter is clogged, unwanted water makes its way down to the fascia of your home, causing the wood to rot if it’s not treated quickly.

Clogged up gutters and the result of overflowing water pouring out in different directions can also lead to poor conditions for the landscape and plants around your home.  Excess water can completely erode the soil around your home, destroying everything in its path.  There is also a risk for bugs and infestations that are drawn to the moisture created by the undrained water found in your gutters.  We can tell you one thing: this makes for one very foul odor, not to mention risk for disease.

All of these problems that we’ve seen in our many years of providing gutter installation in Yreka, CA can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance of your gutter system.  When and how often you should clean your gutters depends on the area you live.  If you reside in an area where there are a lot of trees, then you might want to clean your gutters between 3 to 6 times per year.  But if you don’t live in an area near trees, follow the rule we tell our customers and clean it in spring or late fall.

In order to prevent your gutters from being clogged in the future, make sure that all the leaves are off your roof.  You can also invest in a gutter cover to protect your gutters from clogging.  Gutter covers are a great solution and will lessen the workload on you.  Don’t be fooled into thinking you don’t have to care for your gutters because even pine needles can quickly accumulate and clog them up.

Here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters, we’re happy to educate our customers and answer any questions.  If you need gutter services in Yreka, CA, feel free to call 530-410-4395 for a FREE quote today!

Top 5 Reasons to Clean Your Gutters Every Year

In our many years of providing gutter installation in Redding, CA, we know that cleaning gutters is certainly not one of the most exciting projects out there, but it’s very important nonetheless.  While it’s certainly easier to sit back and drink a few beers while grilling on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, neglecting to clean your gutters can cause a lot of damage to your home.  There are a number of problems that arise when debris gets clogged in your home’s gutters.  If you cannot do it yourself, then it’s crucial to call a professional who can do the job for you, like our experts here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters.

When we provide gutter installation in Redding, CA, it’s often because people neglected to clean their existing gutters, which led to damage that could not be repaired but rather required being replaced.  Homeowners don’t often stop and think of the problems that can arise from not properly caring for and cleaning their gutters.  If the water isn’t properly flowing through the gutter system, the water can overflow and damage many parts of your home, from your roofing to the foundation.  So if you have been neglecting to clean your gutters, you might want to read this and find out the reasons why it’s so important to do it at least once a year.

As the leaders in gutter installation in Redding, CA, we’re here to educate you on the reasons why you should never neglect caring for your gutters.

  1. To Prevent Roof Damage

When leaves and debris get clogged up in your gutters, to the point that water starts to overflow, you can end up having roofing problems because the wood will rot.  This is one of the main reasons you should clean your gutters regularly.

  1. To Keep Pests Away

Clogged up gutters are breeding grounds for pests, critters, and bugs.  From birds to mosquitoes, your clogged gutters will be appealing to a lot of animals and insects, all of which can transfer disease to you and your family.

  1. To Prevent Damage to the Fascia

The fascia is the board that sits right behind the gutters.  If your gutters aren’t properly cleaned, they’ll clog and the water will overflow and damage this wood.

  1. To Prevent Damage to Your Landscape & Plants

If your gutters are clogged to the point that water starts dripping to the side, it can damage your plants, garden, and trees around your property.  Overwatering can be as harmful as not watering your plants because it kills them.

  1. To Prevent Cracks in the Foundation

If water overflows and collects in the foundation of your home, it can freeze when temperatures get low. This can cause the water to expand and create cracks in your home’s foundation.  Foundation damage can cost thousands of dollars to fix, but it can easily be prevented with regularly gutter cleaning.

If you’re looking for any type of gutter services in Redding, California, be sure to get in touch with us today by calling 530-410-4395 and asking for a FREE quote!

Seamless Gutters in Yreka

Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Gutters Regularly?

In our many years of providing seamless gutters in Yreka, California, we’ve seen just about everything in people’s gutters. Some gutters are so clogged that water can’t get through, while others literally have plants growing out of them. Your home’s gutter system is responsible for keeping your home waterproof and protecting your home from all the elements. Here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters, we’re the experts on gutter cleaning, and we’re going to show you why you need to maintain and clean your gutters regularly.

Because we are the leading providers of seamless gutters in Yreka, California, we know firsthand the damage that clogged gutters can cause for a homeowner. Clogged gutters can shut down the flow of the water and cause unnecessary damage to your home’s exterior and even the interior. If you are able to clean or replace your gutter before it’s too late, you might be able to avoid severe damage that a clogged gutter can cause. But here is what could happen if you let it go.

Foundations & Leaks in Your Basement

This is the number one problem with clogged gutters. When water from your roof overflows because your gutter is clogged, it will head directly to your basement. If left untouched, the water can wear away at your foundation, weaken it, and cause it to crack, which will is the worst damage to your home. Water can also damage the personal belongings you have in your basement.

Rotting Fascia

Due to excess water, the moisture will destroy the fascia boards, which can cost a lot of money to fix.

Landscape Erosions

The water leaking from your gutters can damage your yard, because it’s not draining properly. Downspouts are designed to drain away from plants, landscape, and your home.

Animals & Insects

A clogged gutter will immediately attract wild animals and insects. Mosquitos will see the water in the gutter as breeding grounds, rats and mice can nest in a clogged gutter, and believe it or not, you might even find a few plants growing from your gutter. Hey, we told you earlier: we’ve seen it all!

Caving Walkways & Driveways

The excess water draining improperly from your gutters will crack your walkways and driveways and could even make them sag and become lopsided.

Foul Odors

The stagnant water sitting in your gutters will cause a stench. This odor is very foul, and even your neighbors may be able to smell it—yuck!

Overall, water will do nothing but cause damage to your home. Your yard, sidewalks, driveway, home exterior, basement, and even personal belongings will all suffer from having clogged gutters.

Here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters, we suggest you clean your gutters at least twice a year, during the spring and fall. You will need to do it more often if you have large trees in your yard or if you live in an area where there is heavy snowfall. It is also wise to do regular checkups to ensure there isn’t any debris.

If you suspect that your gutters are clogged or are in disrepair, don’t panic. Contact OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters and let us come and evaluate your gutters. Our gutter specialists are only a phone call away from coming out and servicing your gutters. We always suggest you let a professional take care of the job because getting up on a ladder can be very risky, especially if you’re older. Call 530-410-4395 for a FREE quote today!

Expert Guide to Clean Your Rain Gutters

As the leading provider of seamless gutters in Redding, CA, we work with a lot of homeowners and always like to ask our clients when they last cleaned their gutters. Some say they didn’t know they had to, others explain that they didn’t know how to, and some even tell us they thought they would drain on their own. Even though your gutters are out of sight and out of mind, they still need to be taken into consideration and cleaned regularly to prevent damage to your home and property. So, when was the last time you cleaned your gutters? If you’re like most people, then you probably can’t remember the last time, right?

When we install seamless gutters in Redding, CA, we always explain to our clients that they need to clean them regularly or have it done professionally. Leaves, pine needles, and debris can prevent a rain gutter from draining properly. Whether you have a cast iron, plastic, or seamless gutter system, you need to clean it at least two or three times a year and more if you have big trees on your property or live in an area that gets a lot of snow.

Read on to find out how to clean your gutters to prevent damage. Remember to use safety precautions when cleaning your gutters.

  • Always have someone that can hold the ladder for you. This person will be your spotter to keep the ladder tight and prevent you from falling.
  • Use a strong but light aluminum ladder and ensure it’s in good condition. You also want to use one that has a shelf for you to put all the debris you clean from the gutter.
  • Use a garden hose with a pistol to blow away all the debris that has been accumulating in your gutters.
  • Use a gutter scoop to dig away all the gunk that has been accumulating in the bottom of your gutters. Use a plastic gutter scooper as it won’t damage the gutter and make it susceptible to rust.
  • Be sure to wear gloves if you’re digging at the gunk with your hands, because if you have any cuts on your hands or fingers, the bacteria from insect and animal feces can cause an infection.
  • Always use eye protection because the gunk can fly into your eyes—or worse, flying insects, debris, or bees can cause permanent injury to your eyes.
  • Power wash the roof and rake off the leaves.
  • Use good shoes that will prevent you from slipping.
  • Don’t forget to unclog the downspout and make sure that water runs freely from the gutter through the downspout.
  • Do a visual inspect of powerlines. If your gutter is too close to powerlines, call our professionals here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters and let us do the dangerous job for you.

How Can You Prevent Clogged Gutters

Install Gutter Toppers

Protecting your gutters should be one of your top priorities as a homeowner, which you can easily do by investing in gutter topper systems. There are many on the market that are perfect and will prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters. The protectors go on top of your gutters and have holes to let water in while preventing leaves, debris, animals, and trash from entering the gutters and causing a backup.

Regular Maintenance & Cleaning

One of the best ways to prevent your gutters from backing up is to get them cleaned regularly and check for minor issues. While it might not be high on your priority list, it is very important. If you don’t have the time or knowhow to clean your gutters, call our gutter experts here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters. We will help you clean, maintain, or replace your gutters if they need it. Call us today at 530-410-4395 for a free quote.