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Gutterman of TN's Blog

Gutter Guards Also Provide Protection from Animals

Gutter Guard Protection from Animals - Nashville TN - Gutterman of TNThere may be more inhabitants living under your roof then just you and your family. Did you know that open gutters are a favorite spot for birds, insects, and rodents to live? The gutter professional, Gutterman of TN knows how welcoming open gutters are to these unwanted creatures and the damage their presence causes. Our gutter guards provide the perfect solution to closing your gutter “motel”.

Consider this:
Leaves and other debris accumulate in open gutters and allow vermin the perfect nesting environment. It becomes a vicious circle, clogged gutters attract pests, and the pests and their waste continue to block the gutters allowing the leaves and debris to further accumulate. Both block the proper and intended function of the gutters.

The buildup of rainwater not only feeds the animals but, as we know, provides the perfect nesting ground for mosquitos. Mosquitoes not only cause painful bites and prevent the use of outdoor spaces, but they also carry toxic diseases, some can be rare and even deadly.

Once the animals (insects and birds) have established themselves in your gutters, they often migrate to your roof, chimney, and find ways to get inside your home. Their excrement contains fungus, diseases, and are outlined by the Center for Disease Control. When they die trapped inside your home or gutter, the decaying bodies attract equally unwanted parasites.

Okay, we think you get the picture why you want to close the “gutter motel” to vermin. Now let’s look at other reasons why need to invest in covered gutters installed by a professional gutter company, FUNCTIONALITY.

The purpose of gutters is to deflect water from your home and its foundation. Open gutters require meticulous maintenance. While some may try, gutter cleaning is not a DYI project. Consider this report from ABC News:

  • More than 2.1 million people were treated in hospital emergency departments for ladder-related injuries from 1990 to 2005.
  • Almost 10 percent of those 2.1 million people needed to be hospitalized, about twice the overall admission rate for consumer-product related injuries.
  • Males accounted for nearly 77 percent of all ladder-related injuries. Fractures were the most common type of injury, and legs and feet were the most frequently injured parts of the body.
    The study also found that, among cases were location was recorded, 97 percent of injuries occurred at homes, farms and other non-occupational settings.
  • Ladder accidents have increased by 50% since 2005!

We know that many of the folks included in these numbers told themselves and their loved ones “I’ll be careful.”; “I won’t be on the ladder that long.”; and/or “Don’t worry, I will be fine.” Don’t risk it. Period.

One alternative is to hire a trained professional with experience in climbing and balancing along with the proper tools necessary to thoroughly clean your gutters. That’ll probably cost you about $500 a year.

The very best cost effective and efficient way to manage water drainage and have protection from all the problems associated with open gutters is to invest in Gutter Guards. Gutter Guards pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years and much sooner if you consider the price of falling off the ladder, structural damage to your property from water and moisture, and home invasion from rodents.

Remember, when you are dealing with such serious issues as home safety, value, and even aesthetics its best to seek professional advice and installation regarding proper gutter management. If you live in Middle Tennessee, The Gutterman of TN will meet with you, offer an objective evaluation and present a written estimate on the best way to protect your home.

Are You Watering Your Garden With A Rain Barrel?

Watering a Garden with a Rain Barrel - Nashville TN - Gutterman of TNIn today’s day and age, it’s all about conservation of resources. When you use a rain barrel you not only conserve water but your conserve your cash as well by reducing your water bills. The Gutterman of Tennessee recognize that using a rain barrel is both good for the environment as well as being an efficient and effective way to water your landscaping and garden. While we don’t sell rain barrels, we will happily install them while performing gutter services for you.

Homeowners in Nashville have plenty of rain to collect in their barrels. A rain barrel is an often decorative container that captures rain water from your downspouts and helps reduce your water costs and enable you to be the neighbor with “greener grass”.

When considering using a rain barrel there are several important considerations and concerns: Mosquitos. You don’t want to attract and provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Not only do mosquitoes bite, but they also can carry some dangerous diseases. Therefore it’s very important that your rain barrel has a very fine mesh covering for the hole that connects the barrel to your downspout. The other important consideration should be an overflow drain. When your rain barrel becomes full you want to a) be sure the rain doesn’t pool and attract the mosquitoes, and b) doesn’t pool and cause damage to your home’s foundation.

There are some important maintenance issues regarding your rain barrel, while not very extensive or time consuming, none the less, they are important. First periodically clean the protective screen. And when the weather turns cold, empty your barrel of any accumulated water, clean it with mild soap, and store the barrel upside down until spring.

Proper installation of your rain barrel is important. The Nashville Water Services Community Education program, offers this information:

  • Position the rain barrel (with blocks under it) adjacent to a downspout and remove enough of the downspout (with a hacksaw) so that there is ample room to attach a 45 degree elbow still allowing the rain barrel to easily fit underneath with approximately 2″ of clearance.
  • Your rain barrel must be secured on a raised, level surface (like concrete blocks). A full 55 gallon rain barrel weighs over 400 Ibs. and tipping is a risk if it is unsecured or on uneven ground.
  • Divert your overflow to a safe discharge location away from your homes foundation.
  • Do not use moss control or other chemicals on your roof that are not garden safe.
  • NEVER use water from the rain barrel for drinking, cooking or other potable uses.

Finally, homeowners should be mindful of these additional considerations as outlined by the EPA, “The roof construction materials should not be treated cedar shakes or materials containing asbestos. The gutter system should not have lead solder or lead-based paint, and bird droppings should be cleaned from gutters and the roof as needed.” []

Unlike city water that has been treated, rain water is much more pure and chemical free, especially when you follow the EPA recommendation requirements for proper collection of the water. When you call Gutterman to service and/ or repair your gutters and downspouts, ask us about rain barrels, we will happy to assist you.