Hanging with your Rain Gutters

Posted on December 24, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

A common problem with rain gutters is their pulling away from the fascia board they are attached to. Not only does this sagging look bad, but it throws off the slope, and the water they catch will not drain to the downspouts properly!
There are many ways in which to hang rain gutters. Spikes, straps, brackets, or many different types of hangers such as K Style hangers, wrap-around hangers, screw hangers, t-straps, hidden hangers, bus bar hangers… it can get very confusing!
At the end of the day, it comes down to what type of gutter you have, what material they are made of, and what the conditions of your home are. Here in Southern California, we don’t have to worry about things like snow and ice weighing our gutters down and making them pull away from the house, however we do have to consider Santa Ana winds, which can do some real damage. Some materials corode more quickly when in contact with the salty air near the beach, too.
Since there are so many choices and there are so many specific factors involved, we take each home into individual consideration when deciding on hangers. There isn’t “one hanger for this type, one hanger for that” – each situation is given an evaluation and from there we make a recommendation. If you are having problems with your gutters sagging or pulling away from your home, give us a call and we’ll come out and give you a free estimate to determine what needs to be done to properly secure your gutter system. Let our 25 years of experience ease your mind and give you guidance!

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Stylin’ Gutters

Posted on December 10, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

There are different styles of rain gutters. The main two styles are half round and K styles.

What’s the difference?
K-Style gutters are also referred to as OG or OGEE gutters. (“Ogee” is an architectural term for a form that goes from small to large) They are arguably the most popular type of gutter installed today. When you look at a K-Style gutter straight on, they have an appearance on your roofline that resembles the shape of crown molding on your indoor ceilings. Their attractive shape appeals to homeowners, as does their reasonable price. They are highly effective, and can hold more water than a half round gutter with the equivalent diameter. They can be made of different materials, such as copper, steel, and seamless aluminum. K-Styles are often ideal for applications where a flat fascia has been installed. For canted or angled fascia, brackets are applied so that the gutter hangs correctly and securely.
Half Round gutters look exactly as you would imagine: like a round half-circle. With their classic simplicity, the half-round profile goes with virtually any style of home architecture. They can also be made of different materials; most commonly copper, aluminum, or steel. Half-round gutters are commonly used in custom homes, and the shape even allows for the material (most commonly copper) to be embossed, for a very elegant touch to the architecture of the home. Half-round gutters function the same way as K-Style gutters, however they are generally unable to hold as much water as an OG gutter with the same diameter. The half-round design is easier to clean, however. The surface is smooth, and there are no corners or creases for dirt or debris to become lodged.

There is a third, less common style of gutters known as Box Gutters. A box gutter does not hang onto the edge of a roof or on the edge or side of a house as many modern pre-formed metal gutters do. A box gutter is actually built into the bottom of the roof or into the roof overhang. They are usually made of steel. Box gutters date back to the 1800s and can be found on many older homes. They are still built and installed today. It is harder to control the slope on box-gutters, which is why most people today prefer other styles. Gutters that do not slope properly will back up and over-flow and also become clogged more easily.
Whichever style you choose, Prestigious Raingutters can make sure your gutters are properly installed and work to protect your home from water damage. Call us for a free estimate.

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Avoid Metal Mixing & Matching

Posted on November 26, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

Let’s say you have a nice steel gutter system and one day something happens to one of your downspouts and it needs to be replaced…. So you call around and do some research and learn that aluminum is less expensive than steel and comes pre-painted, so you decide you want to replace the downspout with a new aluminum one – simple, right?
Yes and no…

Galvanic Corrosion is an electrochemical process which occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, most commonly being moisture and oxygen. For example rain water and salt water make especially good electrolytes. An electrolyte could be any non-metal matter that will conduct an electric current and are predominantly liquids or moisture. Every metal has been rated for nobility and then placed on galvanic scales according to nobility. Basically nobility is a measurement of the resistance to corrosion, especially of one metal contacting another metal. Metals that are the least noble means they are very anodic, electropositive or high potential and will corrode most easily. Aluminum is the least noble, so it will corode the fastest. Metals that are the most noble, means they are highly cathodic, electronegative or low potential and will be the most resistant to corrosion. The most corrosive effects will occur between metals from the opposite ends of the galvanic scale or ranking of nobility. This difference in electrical potential between two or more metals causes galvanic corrosion. Dissimilar metals in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte causes current to flow through their points of contact at the expense of the metal with the higher potential or less nobility. The much less noble metal is gradually consumed in the Electro-chemical reaction and will deteriorate or wear away as the metal ions migrate away from the very anodic metal to the more noble cathodic one. The more noble metal’s corrosion resistance actually increases from this transfer of ions to it from the less noble metal, while the other metal is gradually getting consumed.

What does that mean?! It means that over time, with water flowing between the steel and aluminum, the aluminum is going to start to corrode and you will have a leak. This process speeds up near the ocean because of the salt water in the air. The good news is that we use bonderized or galvanized steel, which has a coating that prolongs the damage, and you can patch up a connection a few times before a whole section will need to be replaced. Also, if you are farther from the ocean, it will take longer for the corrosion to take place.So if you’re looking at the short term, it won’t be a big deal, but years down the line, mixing your metals can prove annoying and costly. It’s best to stick to one type of material in your gutter system if you can.

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Why you need rain gutters!

Posted on November 12, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

Los Angeles, your homes actually DO need gutters! Functioning rain gutters are a necessity for maintaining your home. The headaches that rain gutters can prevent — and the problems that can occur if they are blocked up, leaking, or simply not present — are very real!

Gutters take the rain water that falls onto your roof and they channel it away from your home, preventing water from damaging your roof, exterior paint, windowsills, and shutters. More importantly, they keep water from getting inside your walls, settling around your foundation, or getting into your basement. Anyone that’s had the displeasure of dealing with a flood knows what a nightmare that can be! Your floors, your furniture, anything on the ground can be completely ruined.

Without gutters, water can collect around your foundation, which can cause it to crack (or, for some types of foundation, slide or roll). Regardless, the stability and structure of your home are immediately compromised. That’s not only dangerous, but expensive too! Water around your foundation can also seep under your floors, which can cause rugs to start molding from the bottom up, wood floors to warp, and can cause electrical damage. All that water can also wick up the wooden structure of your house, and get inside the walls, where it can inspire the growth of unhealthy black mold, even in the relatively dry heat of the Valley.

All of this can be prevented simply by installing and properly maintaining a good rain gutter system. There are lots of options on the market, ranging from traditional aluminum to beautiful copper gutters and galvanized steel as well. All of them do the same job, so pick the material that best compliments your home’s aesthetics.

Once installed, you must keep your gutters clean. Gutter screens can go a long way toward making this job easy, but even with them, you should still check your downspouts at least once a year and make sure that everything is flowing properly. By performing this basic maintenance, you can get decades of excellent service out of your rain gutters.

Rain gutters are the best way to prevent all the painful damaging effects of loose water on, in, and around your home. You can’t blame it on the rain this time — get your home properly protected. Call Prestigious Raingutters for a free estimate!

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Copper Gutters

Posted on October 29, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

Copper rain gutters do the same important work as any other type of gutter, but they do it with elegance and sophistication! Why not put as much into the outside of your house as do the inside?
Copper rain gutters have been referred to as “jewelry for your house.” It’s true, the pretty looks are a huge reason to go with copper, but the material has many other advantages besides just being eyecatching!
One of the biggest benefits to copper gutters is their durability and how long they last. When you make the investment in copper gutters, you will replace them less often than other materials. Copper rain gutters do not rust or rot, which means they will stay in tact for decades! Copper rain gutters have been known to last for 50 years or more. They tend to require less maintenance as well. They can withstand exposure to extreme weather conditions such as baking heat and dryness of areas such as the San Fernando Valley!
Copper rain gutters add monetary value to your home and drastically increase curb appeal. You simply cannot deny the attractive appearance!
Over time, copper oxidizes and forms a coating known as a patina. The patina can be green or brown in color, and actually helps prevent further corrosion. Normally, it takes at least six years for the patina to form. However, if you like the natural look of copper, then you will have to apply sealants that prevent the copper from oxidizing. Many people prefer the patina though, especially in older homes. It gives them a stately appeal. You’ll often see them on homes that grow ivy, or on more vintage looking homes. It’s elegant and unique. It will certainly set you apart from your neighbors.
It is not recommended to attempt installing copper gutters yourself. With a material as expensive as copper, you want to be sure that your gutters are installed professionally. At Prestigious Raingutters, we have over 20 years experience installing copper rain gutters in the Los Angeles area, and we know exactly how to secure them in place for optimum performance and durability. Give us a call for a free estimate!

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What to Expect When You’re Installing

Posted on October 15, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

If this is your first time dealing with gutter installations, here’s a quick guide for you so you won’t be in the dark on the whole process.
It helps to do a little research so you have some idea of what gutters you’re going to want. Of course we’re happy to help you decide, but it’s usually helpful when you know what your opinions are before hand. You’re in the right place for that already! Our website has photos and this very blog is chock-full of information for you! The two main decisions you’ll need to make are gutter STYLE and MATERIAL.
The first step to get the ball rolling is the estimate. Give us a call, we’ll schedule a time for our estimator to come out and take a look at the property. Even if you know exactly what you want and how many feet you need, we will need to come out and see the property first hand. The estimator looks at many things that will help us to do your job the very best way, such as the slope of the roof, the condition of the rafters and fascia board, the drainage system around your home, and of course the measurements among other things! This is a great time to ask any questions! Our estimator will be happy to explain everything and offer advice if you’re unsure on any decisions along the way.
After you have the estimate, if you like what you see, call us back to schedule! We will set up a time to come out and put up your brand new gutters.
When the crew arrives, they will promptly do the job agreed upon. If you are getting seamless aluminum gutters, they will be made onsite with a special machine. If you are getting steel or copper, they will be hand-cut and soldered to fit your home properly. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to voice them to the crew.
When the job is finished and you are satisfied with the work, you may give the crew a check for the cost we quoted in the estimate. The price we give you will be the final price, there will not be any additional charges – unless we add more to the scope of the work, but that will always be discussed with you prior to billing. If you prefer to pay with a credit card, you may call the office and give us your information for us to process payment.
We have a warrantee for 5 years on original work and 1 year on all repairs. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work. If anything is not to your satisfaction, let us know! And if you ARE satisfied, let others know! Word of mouth is the best advertisement we could ask for.

Now that you know what to expect, give us a call to get started with a free estimate!

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Another kind of Hollywood Screening!

Posted on October 1, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

Any homeowner can relate to the importance of having the proper gutter protection around their house. But your gutters won’t work properly if they’re blocked, and you don’t have time to climb up on the roof every few weeks to clean them! So what do you do? Ask the trees to kindly drop their leaves elsewhere? Make a deal with the squirrels to NOT build nests in the gutters? In a perfect world, maybe. But in the real world, your best bet is gutter screens.

These units are designed to prevent leaves and other debris from accumulating in the gutters and backing up water. The problem of clutter in your gutter is most common where there are overhanging trees or other foliage which drop sticks and leaves onto the roof.
When the gutters are not adequately protected from debris accumulation, serious damage to the structure of your home can result. This can be in the form of rotted wood, fungus growth and the gutters themselves being torn from their fastening. In addition, water can seep down the building and damage the paint or even the foundation of the building. These kinds of problems can result in a very expensive repair bill.
Installing over-sized gutters and downspouts is one method people have tried, in order to solve the debris accumulation problem. But a bigger gutter is just a bigger area for debris to build up! When screens are added, a safeguard is provided, regardless of gutter size.

This type of protection reduces the problems incurred when trying to clean these units by hand. Manual cleaning can be dangerous. Many people have been injured while trying to clean their own gutters. This protection also stops the accumulation of organic materials which can attract insects, birds, and even squirrels that can cause further damage. Animals have been known to live in gutters, causing blockage, scratches, holes, and the excess weight can cause your gutters to pull away from the roof. The worst case scenario is that they fall, which could cause serious injury to any person or property below, especially if you have heavier steel or copper gutters.
You won’t be able to say goodbye COMPLETELY to the act of gutter cleaning, but you’ll definitely have to do it MUCH less often! Screens will save you time and money & will prove to be a valuable investment for your home.
If you would like to install screens to your gutter system, call us at Prestigious Raingutters. We offer competitive pricing and will be sure that your screens are installed properly.

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Sneaky Leaks

Posted on September 17, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

Drip. Drip. Drip….

You may think that the little leak from your gutters is not a top priority. But if ignored, a leaky gutter can cause serious damage to your home and even cause health problems for your family!  Here are a few issues that can stem from leaky gutters:

-Over time, water can create mold, mildew, and stains sometimes in places you can’t see. Mold can cause people with allergies and asthma complications. It’s unhealthy and unsightly. Stagnant water also becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects.

-A gutter leak that finds its way into your home can damage wood, drywall, and even carpeting which can be costly and time-consuming for your family.

-A larger leak can inhibit rainwater from saturating your lawn and eventually causing a leak into your basement. This can cause foundation problems. If you’ve never dealt with foundation problems, consider yourself lucky. It’s a headache on top of a headache.

The important thing to remember is that as soon as you notice a leaky gutter, you should take the time to fix or replace it as soon as you can. Give us a call for a free estimate!

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Blocked & Loaded! Dangers of Clogged Gutters

Posted on September 3, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

If you haven’t seen the inside of your gutters in the last five years, you could be doing serious damage to your home. In fact, a plethora of problems are caused by clogged gutters, which can eventually lower the value of your property or result in extremely expensive repairs. If you’ve noticed any of the following ten problems at your house, it might be a good idea to clean, repair or replace your clogged gutters.
1. Cracks in the Foundation
If you’ve ever had to repair a damaged foundation, then you know that this can be a costly home improvement project. Clogged gutters only add to the problem by helping water to pool around the foundation, which leads to weakened materials and potential penetration
2. Rotting Wood
Any wood fascia that exists around your house can start rotting due to clogged gutters. When the water starts to build up and stands stagnant for several days (or even just hours), the wood will start to break down and decompose, causing serious problems. Replacing all of the wood fascia around your home could cost thousands of dollars.
3. Leaky Roofs
When the ceiling of your living room starts to look pregnant, you know you have a problem. Clogged gutters can result in standing water which can overflow onto the roof. This will eventually weaken the shingles and wood on the roof, causing leaks into your attic and home.
4. Sagging Driveways
Just as large roots can lift the concrete blocks of your driveway into the air, clogged gutters can result in pooling water that breaks down the concrete from the top. This might cause sagging driveways or even large cracks down the center, which doesn’t look nice and can cause problems for your cars.
5. Ruined Landscaping
Remember all that money you spend on your beautiful landscaping? All of that can be destroyed in a few weeks by clogged gutters. The water exits the gutters with sufficient force to dig holes in your flower beds and gardens, resulting in over-watered plants and unsightly dips in the topography of your yard.
6. Insects
Because most insects thrive on moisture and humidity, you should avoid clogged gutters, which can cause a pleasant home for insects around your foundation. This is especially true if your home is constructed of wood rather than brick, which is also attractive to bugs of all kinds.
It’s important to inspect your gutters yearly. At Prestigious Raingutters, we can come out and clean your gutter system, re-secure it if needed to be sure it’s attached straight and strong, and also seal any spots that might be leaking. Call us for a free estimate in the Los Angeles area! 818-993-0493

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Are You Ready for the Rain???

Posted on August 20, 2012 by prestigiousraingutters

Well Southern California, we’ve all enjoyed a great summer, but it’s starting to wind down… Soon the kids will be back in school, there will be that cool crispness in the air, and it will start to rain. Is your home prepared?
When it starts raining in fall, if you don’t have a proper gutter system to protect your home, by the holidays you might have to put “fix water damage” at the top of your wish list. Water causes costly problems, such as damage to your paint, wood rot, leaks into your home, and damage to the whole foundation of your house!
“But I have gutters!” you say? Great! That’s the first step. But have you done yearly maintence to them? All summer debris has been collecting in them and perhaps a section has come a bit loose, but you haven’t noticed because it hasn’t been raining! Believe me, our first big rain storm is not when you want to find out about these problems! You need to have your gutters checked and cleaned NOW to save yourself headaches later.
At Prestigious Raingutters, we can clean your gutters and downspouts, re-secure them to your home so they will be nice and sturdy, and seal any unwanted leaks that you might have, especially around seams or corners. Your gutters will be up and running in perfect condition before the rain. Call us today for a free estimate!

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