1.Why do I need gutters?
This question is asked by customers on a daily basis, and it has
one simple answer; water. Water damage is the main reason why there
needs to be gutters on a home. No matter what age of the house
or building, roof water can cause the following problems:
- Backsplash- the water falling from the eaves of the roof hits
the ground with so much force that the backsplash that is causes
can leave stains on your home. Mold and mildew can also form
where the water has stained the home. Repainting or replacement
of the siding will not solve your problem; gutters are the only
solution to stop the backsplash.
- Washouts and erosion- where the water hits the ground from
the roof, erosion will start to happen. If left unfixed, the
ground erosion will become quite deep. Washouts can also occur
if there are plants or landscaping under the roof eaves.
- Flooded basements- whether you have a finished or unfinished basement,
the water will find its way in. What happens is when the water pools
on the ground from the roof, the water has no place to go but into
your basement. It will slowly soak into the ground and eventually
into the walls of your basement. Roof water can be as much as six
tractor trailer loads, and imagine that falling around your foundation
walls. What the gutters will do is take that roof water and direct
it away from your basement, preventing pooling around the foundation
and essentially preventing a flooded basement.
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2.
What are the advantages of gutters?
The main advantage of gutters is that they will save you thousands
of dollars in home repairs. They will prevent backsplash, washouts,
erosion and flooded basements. Also, if gutters are installed correctly,
they will enhance the curb appeal of your home. Gutters and downspout
come in many colors, so there will be a color that matches your home
close to perfectly. Gutters are a professional matter, hiring a professional
gutter company will save you thousands in costly home and gutter
repair.
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3. Is your gutter company the same as the rest?
No, the truth is we all use the same materials, but the biggest
difference is the customer service that we offer and the professionalism
of all our employees. Lewis Construction and Seamless Gutter has
been in business for over 21 years, and has no plans of stopping.
Because we have been serving all of central New York and the surrounding
areas for 21 years, customers have a piece of mind that we are
here to stay and serve you for many years to come.
The experience and professionalism of our employees is second-to-none.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our contractors, gutter
installers and office staff can help customers with any problems
that arise.
We are also the only gutter company in central New York to offer
three types of gutter protection systems. What this means to you
is that there will be one that will fit your home perfectly.
Many gutter companies claim to be the best, but Lewis Construction
and Seamless Gutter has been serving New York for over 21 years,
and the original is always better.
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4.What type of hanger do you use in
the gutter?
Hidden hangers are used on our gutters; they are the strongest hangers
on the market. How they work is they clip into the front lip of the
gutter, and then snap onto the back. The hangers are invisible from
the ground, hence the name hidden hanger.
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5. What type of gutters do you offer?
5” and 6” K-style gutters are the most frequently
installed. Half-round and copper gutter are available on special
request; the cost of these will vary depending on the copper market.
Although K-style gutters are seamless, half-round gutters are not.
Separate from the gutters, we offer gutter protection systems. The
Leaf Terminator is the most popular of the three systems because
it comes with a lifetime warranty, and is the only system, that we
carry, that will actually strengthen your gutters.
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6. Do you repair/clean out gutters?
Yes, this would be a service call charge. For the latest price, call
the office during normal business hours.
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7. Can you install a
gutter protection system on existing gutters?
In most cases, we can install gutter protection on existing aluminum
seamless gutters. If your existing gutter is not seamless or made
out of plastic; gutter protection cannot be installed. Please note,
that if you have existing gutters they must be in excellent condition,
meaning no sags, bends or leaks in order to install gutter protection.
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8.
Why are my gutters overflowing?
The number one reason that gutters overflow is because the gutter
is clogged. It may not look clogged from the ground, but in 99
percent of overflowing gutter issues they are clogged. Before calling
the office with this problem, please make sure that your gutter
is not clogged in anyway; this means check the gutter itself, the
downspout and the elbows. If after checking everything there still
is a problem, then we will take a look at the problem. But, please
be advised that if we come to your home and the gutter is clogged,
there will be a service charge applied.
Always remember, that like a car, gutters require regular maintenance
to keep it performing correctly. If cleaning your gutter is a hassle,
please look into a gutter protection system.
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9. What is the true cause of Ice Dams
Contrary to popular belief, gutters do not cause ice. As a matter
of fact, neither roof, gutters, nor gutter protection systems can
ever cause ice problems. It is easy to blame either the roofing
or the gutters, especially if you have never had the problem before
and just received a new roof, gutters, or gutter protection system.
The cause of the ice problem is either because of inadequate insulation,
ventilation or both. Heat loss from your home to the attic is the
primary culprit of ice dams. The reason ice and ice dams form is
because warm air leaks from the living space below. It then melts
the snow, which trickles down to the colder edge of the roof, and
refreezes. The more snow that accumulates on the roof acts as an
insulator on the roof; this keeps more heat in the attic,
which makes the roof warmer and this melts more snow. The more
snow that melts and the colder the temperature mean more ice at
the eaves of the roof.
So, this winter season don't blame the gutters, your problem is
due to inadequate insulation and improper ventilation.
If you do not believe us, here is an article by M. Douglas Myers,
a home inspector who writes for Upstate House magazine.
For this article, click the link below: www.upstatehouse.com/archive/article.php?issue=18&dept=11
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