Blog Posts - Gutter King Wichita

Why Gutter Maintenance is Important

September 12, 2020September 12, 2020Gutter King WichitaLeave a Comment

Gutter maintenance is important for many reasons. Gutter neglect over a long period of time is expensive. Your home’s foundation and structure is affected by clogged or neglected gutter systems. Learn more with the information below.

Repair Any Damage

Regular gutter maintenance will ensure repair on damaged gutters. Additionally, damaged gutters add weight to your gutter systems and will eventually destroy fascia boards. Rain gutter systems will support so much weight before they fail, whether they fail by leaning or becoming detached!

gutter maintenance is important clogged gutter

Get Ready for Winter!

As we move into winter, gutter maintenance is more important than ever. You’ll want to be sure that your gutters are in good repair and clean. The frigid winter months can bring winds, precipitation, and extra debris into your gutter system. Keeping your gutters in good condition while we go December, January and February will give you the confidence that they will not become weighed down by additional fall debris remaining in your gutters.

Clogged Gutters Will Damage Your Home

When it comes to home maintenance and repairs, there are few things worse than clogged gutters. Why? The costs of repairing damage from clogged gutters far outweigh the cost of merely maintaining them well. At Gutter King Wichita, we care about the health of your home. Give us a call at 316-680-6708 to schedule a fast, affordable quote.

Maintain Gutters and Clear Away Summer Storm Debris

Now is the time to have your gutters cleaned, if you haven’t yet cleared away summer storm debris. Gutter maintenance is more important than ever, and you want clean gutters before leaves begin to fall. That summer storm debris is heavy, clogs drains and will contribute to rain gutter damage.

Protect Your Home’s Foundation with Regular Gutter Maintenance

The purpose of a gutter system is to lead stormwater away from your foundation. Foundation damage happens when water pools near the foundation of your home. The best thing to prevent foundation damage is to keep your gutters clean. Besides, a clogged underground yard drain system will lead to flooding your yard, which also leads to pooling water at your foundation. Gutter King Wichita is your Gutter Maintenance expert in Wichita and the surrounding areas.

Taming the Leaves to Maintain Gutters

Your gutters are only functional when water can flow through them. This is why gutter maintenance is important. Keeping the leaves at bay is an essential objective in fall gutter cleaning. Wet leaves can weigh down your gutters and potentially damage the fascia on the side of your home. Fascia repairs are expensive and preventable. An obstructed flow can cause issues like water pooling around the base of your home.

Gutter maintenance is important for many reasons. Gutter neglect over a long period of time is expensive. Your home’s foundation and structure are affected by clogged or neglected gutter systems. Call us at 316-680-6708 to schedule a fast, affordable quote on gutter cleaning, gutter repair, gutter guards, or new seamless gutters.

Ladder Safety – If Any of Our Readers…

August 6, 2020September 12, 2020Gutter King WichitaLeave a Comment

Ladder Safety

We love to laugh. But cleaning gutters is no laughing matter. According to the Industrial Safety and Hygiene News, there are 500,000 falls annually and 97% of these falls occur at home or on farms.

ladder safety

LADDER SAFETY WHEN CLEANING GUTTERS

1. Choose the correct ladder. Use a fiberglass ladder if there is any chance of contact with electricity. Choose a sturdy ladder with slip-resistant pads.

2. Inspect your ladder. Be sure there are no loose bolts, cracks or corrosion.

3. Never stand on top of a ladder. Make sure your ladder extends three feet above the landing.

Gutter King Wichita

Stay safe, relax, and learn more about how Gutter King Wichita can help you.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Fall for Gutter Cleaning

April 22, 2020April 22, 2020Gutter King WichitaLeave a Comment

What if we told you that one simple trick could save you thousands of dollars and provide you with peace of mind worth far more? We will explain why you shouldn’t wait until fall to have your gutters cleaned.

Each year, we get calls from customers, always late in the fall, whose gutters are starting to sag or come loose due to the excess weight from leaves and debris clogging the system.

shouldn't wait until fall sagging gutter wood rot fascia

A sagging gutter is not just an eyesore; it’s a liability. And home maintenance matters.

A little oversight on your part can lead to thousands in unexpected and potentially costly repairs.

How to Keep Your Home and Your Gutters Safe

A clean gutter system is a functional, valuable gutter system. Furthermore, even a small amount of debris concealed in your gutter system is a problem. You shouldn’t wait until fall to have your gutters cleaned. The reason for this is simple.

shouldn't wait until fall fascia rot wood

Consider an avalanche. It starts with a falling rock. And a small problem uphill causes real havoc downhill.

This analogy is valid for your gutters.

For example, imagine your gutters are already one-third full before fall leaves begin to accumulate. At this point, you may not be able to see this amount of debris from the ground level. But this hidden debris is the small problem uphill, which causes real havoc downhill.

shouldn't wait until fall trees growing in clogged gutter

All of this debris compounds the stress your gutters put on the sides of your home. The fascia board upon which gutters attach is not rated to hold the extra weight of leaves, sticks, and muck that collects in your gutters over time.

Don’t Wait Until Fall and Why Regular Gutter Maintenence is Like an Insurance Plan

Your home’s soffits and fascia anchor maintained gutter systems and can support a minimal amount of debris.

When you don’t get your gutters cleaned regularly, you’re likely to rack up incremental damage over time. This is why you shouldn’t wait until fall to have your gutters cleaned.

Gutters packed with debris can lead to problems like cracked and rotting fascia and soffits, which can put your home’s exterior at risk as well as leave your foundation open to bombardment from water. This overload of water can lead to costly damage and basement flooding.

Leaky, clogged or damaged gutters can also damage your home’s exterior paint, and repainting your house can cost thousands in unnecessary costs.

Compare all this trouble to the relatively small cost of protecting your gutters under regular cleanings with Gutter King Wichita.

Finding the Right Gutter Cleaning Solution

When you hire Gutter King Wichita, you’re getting a home services partner who cares about you and your home.

Cleaning out gutters is a challenging and potentially dangerous job you should not take on by yourself. Check out our recent blog post on ladder safety. And this article about the 500,000 falls from ladders annually where 97 percent occur at home or on farms!

When we clean your gutters, we take care of removing and disposing of the debris and leaves at no added cost to you.

If your home’s fascia boards have damage as a result of your current gutter situation, we can help. In addition to seamless gutters and gutter repair, we perform fascia board replacements. Read on for more about why you shouldn’t wait until fall to have your gutters cleaned.

In addition, Gutter King Wichita can help you keep up with gutter maintenance this year so you can drop it from your to-do list. Just ask to be put on our recurring appointments calendar. We will give you a reminder call just before your appointment.

Don’t Wait Until Fall and How Gutter King Wichita Can Help

All our work comes with the Gutter King Wichita Guarantee — your satisfaction is our number one priority. If you’re not happy, we go back to your home and make it right.

We are your full-service gutter professional and insured with proper business liability insurance to do work at your home. Furthermore, full-service gutter work is what we do every day. We are your number-one-rated gutter professional in Wichita and the surrounding areas.

See the Gutter King Wichita difference for yourself. Call 316-680-6708 for a fast, affordable quote.

This was inside the downspout!

Ladder Safety – No Laughing Matter

April 20, 2020Gutter King WichitaLeave a Comment

We love to laugh. But ladder safety is no laughing matter. According to the Industrial Safety and Hygiene News, there are 500,000 falls annually and 97% of these falls occur at home or on farms.

There are more falls associate with standard home ladders and residents than any other accident at home. Furthermore, most people are not accustomed to climbing a ladder every day, multiple times each day. Equilibrium and balance may be off without a person knowing until it’s too late.

Safety is our business, especially ladder safety. In addition, we carry proper business liability insurance.

gutter cleaning on roof gutter king wichita

We have business liability insurance coverage to do work on ladders at your home. Conversely, a landscaper carries insurance to cut your grass—what happens if that same landscaper falls from a ladder? The answer is simple: the insurance company will refuse to pay and you become responsible.

Our insurance not only protects us, it also protects you.

See the Gutter King Wichita difference for yourself. Call 316-680-6708 for a fast, affordable quote.

Gutter King Wichita

Stay safe, relax, and learn more about how Gutter King Wichita can help you.

Trees and Clogged Gutters

March 19, 2020April 20, 2020Gutter King WichitaLeave a Comment

Trees and clogged gutters are typically a pair. There are many reasons why.

Trees are an essential source of oxygen in our environment; they can filter the CO2 emitted by vehicles. And they provide habitats and food for a vast number of animals. Trees are beautiful components of the natural landscape of any property, adding harmony and peace. However, you need to be thoughtful when planning placement and type of tree.

tree seedlings grow in gutters clogged gutters

How to Manage Trees and Clogged Gutters

The type of tree and its location determine different aspects that should be considered by homeowners. For example, the distribution of shade, how the tree will function in your yard and, the frequency of maintenance. To make your lives easier, we gathered useful tips to help prevent clogged gutters. Here’s a look:

tree leaves and weeds grow in rain gutters clogged rain gutters

Careful Planning

Before planting trees, you need to be thoughtful about some aspects that may interfere with your roof, utility lines, or foundations.

trees and clogged gutters

Also, large trees can potentially damage your property during heavy rain or high winds since the large branches or the tree itself can collapse over your house. Look to a professional to plant trees that best suit your property. We highly recommend JoJacs Landscape and Mowing in the Wichita and surrounding areas.

Tree Maintenance

Non-maintained, leafy trees and rain gutters don’t mix. Specifically, the reason is that when leaves and twigs land in rain gutters, they can clog and damage your gutters, especially during the rainy season. For this reason, you need to have trees maintained and trimmed so that they do not touch your home, gutters, windows, etc. If your trees are close to power lines, we recommend you look for the help of tree service or the electric company, and they will trim them for you.

gutter king wichita installs number one rated gutter guards

Regular Rain Gutter Maintenance and Gutter Guards Installation

As part of your yard maintenance, rain gutter system maintenance is just as important. Regular gutter cleaning will prevent costly damage to your foundation and prevent water intrusion into your basement.

Additionally, in many situations, gutter guards are a great option to keep your rain gutters free from most debris. Although they may still need occasional blowing, this is minor compared to cleaning gutters, which are full of weedy growth, insects, and sludge.

trees and clogged gutters

Trees and Clogged Gutters

Finally, our recommendation is to have your rain gutters cleaned at least once each year, but if there are trees around your house, more frequent cleaning is necessary.

Why You Should Have Gutters on your House

March 15, 2020March 15, 2020Gutter King WichitaLeave a Comment

Every home in the Wichita and surrounding areas should have gutters installed. Gutters are a necessary investment and serve several essential functions. On any structure, keeping the ground surrounding the foundation as dry as possible is critical. Rain gutters help control this problem by taking rainwater that falls on the roof and draining it away from the foundation. Wet soil surrounding the foundation can lead to severe structural problems.

gutter king wichita installs seamless guttering

Gutters Prevent Rot

Houses without gutters are more likely to experience wood rot on the fascia and soffit as water exiting the roof finds openings in the paint and caulking. Properly installed and maintained gutters keep water away from wood and funnel it to the ground or stormwater system.

People Stay Dryer

Gutters prevent water from flowing off the roof and over entrances to the home and porch. They keep people dry as they enter and leave home. Even a light rainfall can create a sheet of water that runs off the edge of the roof.

Gutters prevent water damage — Gutter King Wichita – Seamless Guttering

Houses Stay Neater

Water falling from the edge of a roof can splash dirt on the lower part of the exterior walls as it strikes the ground. It can harm flowers and delicate shrubs and break down mulch.

Gutters Prevent Erosion

Water that falls uncontrolled from a rooftop has to go somewhere. In heavy rain, a high volume of water flowing away from the house can erode the dirt around it. Dirt erosion can cause ponding in the yard, which can lead to muddy soil and damaged grass.

Keep Foundations Stable

Water sitting near a foundation wall eventually works its way under the foundation, causing it to settle. The walls on the settled part of the foundation can then separate from the rest of the house.

Keep Basements Dry

The most important task of a gutter is to funnel water away from basement walls. Water that falls from a roof can saturate the ground near the foundation. Over time, the water will find its way down and through the foundation walls due to hydrostatic pressure. The result is cracking in basement walls and eventually flooding in the basement. Even without cracks, sitting water can soak through the basement wall and result in a buckled foundation and costly repairs.

damage to home foundation clogged gutter — Rainwater leaks from the outside and onto the basement wall, causing water damage.

Gutter King Wichita Installs Seamless Guttering

Call us at 316-680-6708 for a quote on seamless guttering.

More about gutters here.

Can Clogged Gutters Damage My Home?

February 5, 2020February 21, 2020Gutter King Wichita1 Comment

Clogged Gutters

Gutter Cleaning

Do you find yourself wondering, “What’s the worst thing that can happen if I don’t have my gutters cleaned?”

clogged gutters wichita how will I know when my gutters need to be cleaned

And when it rains does water spill from the sides of your gutters?

Furthermore, is water backing up in your home?

Most homeowners know that they need to keep their gutters clean, but not many know exactly what can happen when clogged gutters go unchecked for too long. Seasons in Kansas can wreak havoc on old, worn or sagging gutters. From the seasonal fall leaves to the spring “helicopters” and other tree seeds, most homeowners can’t catch a break.

Having gutters cleaned might seem like a trivial task, but failure to do so can cause major problems for a home. From costly foundation damage to detrimental roof leaks, clogged gutters can lead to expensive repairs when left untreated.

Here is what you need to know:

Clogged Gutters in the Fall Create Ice Dams in the Winter

Our winters aren’t kind to gutters. During the coldest months, ice dams can form on your gutters or on the lower edge of your roof. Clogged gutters prevent water from draining, which increases the chance for ice dams. Ice dams cause water to pool and eventually seep into the home. The excessive weight of winter ice dams will likely cause your gutters to sag or pull away from your fascia board.

Leaking or Overflowing Gutters Can Damage Your Home’s Foundation

The job of a well-maintained gutter system is to whisk water away from your home. A clogged gutter stops your gutter system from working and too often allows water to pour over the sides of your gutters. Water is a home’s worst enemy. Over time, this water builds up around the foundation of your home causing mold, cracks and in some cases, foundation collapse.

Foundation damage can be caused by more than just rain overflow. Are your downspouts endangering your foundation? Make sure that your downspouts extend well beyond the perimeter of your home. You can purchase an extender inexpensively at a home improvement store. Placing pavers, stones or concrete around the perimeter under downspouts can also create better drainage and prevent water from invading your home.

Backed Up Water Causes Your Home’s Exterior to Rot

Fascia boards that hold your gutter system are often made of wood. When debris builds up in your gutters, clogs cause water to build up in your gutters. The water build-up causes wooden fascias to deteriorate and rot pretty quickly. Even worse, if your home is wood and/or has wooden siding, the water backup can cause expensive damage to the structure of your home.

What You Can Expect

When you call us to clean your gutters, you can expect us to:

remove all debris from your gutters and downspouts
reseal and tighten gutter systems as necessary
test the gutters to ensure proper flow
visually inspect the roof and gutter systems
photograph your service when complete
clean up after ourselves

Gutter King Wichita has the #1 Rated Gutter Guards

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Fall: A Stunning Time of Year

October 21, 2019February 21, 2020Gutter King WichitaLeave a Comment

Fall is a great time of the year to get outside with family

When the weather cools down and the leaves change colors, you know you’re in the best season of the year. Fall is a time to enjoy all sorts of autumn activities with your family and friends.

Take a scenic fall day trip in Kansas
Go camping and enjoy fewer bugs
Visit a National Park
Create a list of blessings
Unplug (your phone) for the day
Go to a football game
Take a photo for your Christmas cards
Cook a treat and give it to a neighbor
Roam through a Pumpkin Patch
Decoupage a pumpkin

Whatever it is that you like to do to celebrate this great time of year, just get out there and do it!

And remember, we haul the ladders while you relax. Give us a call at 316-680-6708 for all of your gutter service needs.

Are Bees and Wasps Hanging Around Your Gutters?

August 26, 2019September 12, 2020Gutter King WichitaLeave a Comment

If you have bees and wasps hanging around your gutters, you may have a hive or nest in your gutters or downspouts.

Watch closely, to see if they are swarming around and disappearing inside.

There are several steps you can take to prevent bee and wasp infestations in your gutters and downspouts. Make sure there is no standing water or water damage around your home’s foundation. If there is, this is a sign that your gutters may need cleaning or repair.

Furthermore, be sure to keep trees and bushes trimmed away from your roof line, gutters, siding, and windows.

Your first line of defense is to make sure your gutter systems are in working order and that you’re moving rain water away from your home.

Give us a call at 316-680-6708 for a free inspection.

3 Ways to Prepare for Spring Rains

March 15, 2019February 21, 2020Gutter King WichitaLeave a Comment

Spring is almost here! And spring is the time for heavy and saturating rainfall. Of course, flooding is a serious threat to some areas this time of the year; however, it is the combination of heavy rains and pounding winds that can really mess up a home. Read on for 3 ways to prepare for spring rains and protect your home.

1. Ensure Good Drainage

The number one way to keep water away from your home’s foundation and to protect your home from spring rains is to ensure correct drainage.

Positive Grade

Make sure the ground around your home is graded away from the foundation. The soil should slope at least six inches within 10 feet of the foundation. If this is not the case, you need to add a dense soil to the area, to fix the grading and prevent water damage to the foundation.

Install a French Drain

Another option is to install a French drain. Dig a trench around the foundation, line it with gravel, and place a drain with perforations in it to pull the water away. Cover the drain with gravel and add soil over it. Be sure the trench has a 3-5% down slope, so that rain water drains away from the foundation. This is a great way to protect your home from spring rains that bring heavy rainfall.

2. Check Your Basement & Foundation

Be sure there are no cracks.

Look for cracks or deteriorating mortar joints in the walls of your home, especially the foundation walls. If you find any, seal the small cracks with a caulk which is specifically designed for masonry repairs. Fill larger gaps with a hydraulic cement.

Inspect your sump pump.

Another way to protect your home from spring rains is a sump pump. Most homes need a good quality sump pump in the basement floor, to prevent water damage to the home’s foundation. Be sure your sump pump has power to it and test it regularly to make sure it actually pumps water out.

Do not let the soil around your home dry out completely.

When the weather is particularly dry, the soil around your foundation may dry out and shrink. When this happens, you will see a gap between the soil and the foundation. Then when we have a big rain, the rain water will expand and put a lot of pressure on your foundation walls. So monitor the soil at your foundation level, especially during a drought. Keep ground cover near the foundation, but below siding levels. And keep the ground just moist enough to prevent shrinking.

3. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean and in Good Repair

Dirty gutters protect your home from spring rains — Dirty gutters

Keep the gutters free from leaves and debris.

You need rain water to run freely through your gutter systems. If they’re blocked or damaged, heavy rain sends water down the sides of your house and into the ground close to your foundation.

Check all gutter seams.

Your gutter systems should not leak at the seams or mitered corners. If you see water dripping along your gutters, call us for a free gutter inspection. If you hire us to clean your gutters, we include sealing and tightening your gutters as part of your cleaning service.

Be sure gutters are secure.

rotten fascia board and falling gutters — The fascia board is rotted and the gutters are falling away from the house

Make sure the gutters themselves are properly attached to your home. If loose, not only will the pitch be incorrect and rain water will not flow to your downspouts, but your gutters may easily tear away from your home in high winds.

Downspouts should lead rain water at least six feet from your home.

You may need to extend the downspouts to be sure they do not discharge water right at your foundation. You can use downspout extensions, recessed downspout extensions, or buried extensions.

In conclusion, water damage to a home is easily prevented with a few simple steps. And spring is a time of heavy and saturating rainfall. Call Gutter King Wichita if you need assistance at your home to prepare for spring rains and prevent costly water damage.