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Why do we have gutters and downpipes on our homes?

Gutters and downspouts have been constructed for the purpose of funneling water away from the soil, roofing materials, siding and foundation of a property. With too much water infiltration on roofing materials, you can expect rot, damaged insulation, moss growth and more that can mess up the integrity of your roof. As far as too much water on the ground, you can erode soil and compromise the foundation or basement of a home. With wet soil, you can drown your plants as well as cause a shift in your foundation. With a moving foundation, you’ll risk damages to your pipes that are connected to it which can cause pipe corrosion, leaks and slab leaks. 

When should gutters be replaced?

Your gutter system should ideally last for at least 20 years, yet there are many signs that can point the need for gutter installation. It’s important to realize that in order to catch problems before they escalate it would be best to have seasonal maintenance done with your gutter systems. Certain signs to consider with gutter replacement can be fairly obvious, as seem with holes, cracks or rust spots. These can be fixed with sealant or even flashing yet if there are more than 6 sections where this is occurring it would be best to rely on gutter replacement. Another issue that can point to repair is with broken fasteners or missing nails or screws. Replacement can be easy as sometimes a particular storm may loosen them, yet if they are problems that continue if could be that gutters are not fitted correctly to the home or they have been worn. Other issues that can point to faulty gutters are by paying attention to visual cues being displayed outside of the home. Namely when you see sagging gutters, separated gutters, broken gutters, gutters that pull away from the roof, exterior paint peeling on the siding or trim, dirt channels, pooling water, eroded landscaping or flooded basements.

What is the difference between seamless gutters and regular gutters?

Seamless gutter installation is advantageous to regular gutters as they are designed to match the specifications of each property in order to avoid mismatched areas or gaps. With a seamless gutter installation, you can resolve issues seen with previous models as seen with splits, breaks, and gaps as a result of numerous joints. When you have joints eliminated there will be less of a change for debris build-up or the development of clogs. Water can be more easily flushed as there will be less of a likelihood of blockages from leaves or twigs. This design essentially makes them less of pulling factor for critters or nesting birds. Due to the above factors, there is minimal maintenance duties required with seamless gutter installation options.  Finally, you can expect greater property value with higher resale values. The curb appeal is heightened due to superior products and attractive looks.

Gutter Installation Cost

Gutter installation costs will range in price depending on the materials chosen as well as design. With aluminum or galvanized steel gutter installation, you may expect $4-$9 per linear foot. With vinyl gutter installation prices are generally $3-$5 due to being easier materials to install. finally, stainless steel can be known to be higher in cost at $9-$20 per linear foot with copper coming in at a high $25-$40 per linear foot. 

What To Know About Gutter Installation

Gutter installation should be done by keeping your roofing specifications in mind and should be properly fitted in accordance with it. As far as who does gutter installation, it’s important to get into contact with your local professional gutter installation contractors, commercial or residential roofing services.

If you’re interested in gutter installation in Frisco, TX call (972) 895-5140 with Kilker Roofing and Construction, LLC!

On average, for most homeowners with an asphalt shingle roof, you can expect your roof to last about 20 to at best 30 years. For tile or metal roofs, you can expect the roof to last 50 years or more.

If you’ve owned your home from the time it was built, you probably know how old it is. But many homeowners are unaware of the age of their roof. One of the best ways to figure out how old your roof is and to find out if it needs to be replaced or requires repairs is through a professional roof inspection. At Kilker Roofing and Construction, LLC, we provide a free roof inspection before we ever do any work on your roof.

The inspection gives our roofers, and you, a good picture of your roof’s condition. We can advise you from there about whether or not it’s time for a roof replacement in Frisco, TX.

Attic Check

After checking any records, one of the first places to check for problems is the attic. With a flashlight in hand, you can get a really good idea of your roof’s condition with a peek in your attic. The main thing you’ll be looking for is signs of leaks.

If you look inside your attic on a clear day and see light streaming in from the top of the house, that’s indication you may have a leak. Other signs of leaks include seeing stains or streaks, as well as damp insulation or mold growth.

While in the attic, you may also catch structural damages such as cracks in the framework that may signify weaknesses in the structure.

In some cases, leaks may be repaired, but if they’ve gone unchecked for a long time, the leaks could have caused further damage or created structural weaknesses requiring replacement.

Shingle and Flashing Inspection

Following your venture in the attic, it’s time to check the roof itself for damages. Key areas you’re going to check are the shingles or tiles and the flashing around vents and chimneys.

When you are inspecting your shingles, you want to make sure they are laying flat against the roof. If you spot areas in which shingles are missing or see cracked,r buckled, curled, or otherwise damaged shingles, you will definitely need repairs and extensive damage may require replacement.

The metal strips around vents, chimneys and skylights is known as flashing. Flashing helps keep water away from the inside of your home and aids with drainage. Any cracks or breaks or other damage to the flashing, may mean water has gotten inside the home and could be causing a leak. In older homes the flashing could be made of cement or roofing tar. If this is the case, an upgrade may be in order.

Sags

If you gaze up along your roof line, it should appear straight. If it drops down in any place, your roof structure is seriously damaged. Sags indicate your sheathing is rotting or deteriorating and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Letting a roof sag too long is dangerous. Your roof is at risk of collapsing.

Moss, Mold or Fungus Growth on Shingles

If you note any growth of moss, mold or fungus on your roof, moisture is probably trapped underneath it. This could lead to leaks or cause the structure to rot or deteriorate and could be a sign it’s time for a roof replacement.

If you see any of these signs, it may be time for a roof replacement. While a roof replacement might not be in order, repairs need to be made as soon as possible to prevent further problems.

If you are uncertain about any of these problems consult with a professional roofer and get a roof inspection. We recommend a yearly inspection as part of your regular maintenance to make sure your roof is in good condition. With regular maintenance, your roof’s lifespan will not be shortened and an early replacement will not be required.

Call Us Today

If you are ready for a roof replacement in Frisco, TX or surrounding cities, make sure to rely on the professionals at Kilker Roofing and Construction, LLC. To schedule a service call us today at (972) 895-5140.