Ernest Windows

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Tag: gutter cleaning

Gutters in Spring: Rain Overflowing

Fresh flowers blooming and the warm weather of spring are something to look forward to after a cold and harsh winter. However, spring cleaning is around the corner for many homes and maintenance is essential. One thing to include when making a list for your spring cleaning is your gutter system. Gutters struggle through winter because heavy ice and snow put a heavy load on your channels. As a result, the trenches loosen and pull away from your home. Here are some ways to prevent future damage to your gutter system and home.

Storms  

As the weather warms up, your gutters and downspouts need inspecting, cleaning, and repairing before spring rains begin. The gutter system will be ready to handle heavy downpours that are usually associated with difficult rainstorms. Unpredicted storms damage gutter systems where they fall off or give no protection to the roof. When you have a broken gutter and downspout, it harms all interior items within your household. Damaged or clogged drains can damage your home, like water from a full gutter will sometimes back up on the roof, which can creep under the shingle and down to the ceiling and walls of your home. 

Unprepared Consequences

Leaving your gutters in bad condition leads to water falling inside your house, falling upon your furniture, clothes, carpet, and more. If your gutters are left unchecked, water overflowing from the gutters can lead to soil erosion, landscape damage, basement, and foundational flood. Not cleaning your gutters raises the chances of your gutters and downspouts clogging. To prevent this, clear your downspout by running water from a garden hose down the top to the bottom. The water needs to be at least five feet from the foundation of your home. If your downspout is not five feet away, then it is highly recommended to buy a downspout extender to be transported safely from your house.

Conclusion

It can be a hassle trying to clean your gutters properly, especially if you haven’t done it for a while. Keeping the gutter system free of leaves, debris, and more can help you from any consequences.  One of the ways to make sure that you protect your home is by contacting Ernest Windows. We are a certified gutter installer and help our customers save time and money with our gutter cleaning services. Call us today at (630) 830-9867 or visit our website to help you with your gutter system. 

What Happens When You Don’t Clean Your Gutters?

It’s understandable that cleaning your gutters isn’t on top of your to-do list, especially if there’s only a few leaves. However, the accumulation of dirt and debris can become an issue for your roof. Pest problems and structural damage are just some of the reasons why maintenance cleaning is needed. Learn more about what happens when you don’t clean your gutters!

Pest Problems

If there is an abundance of leaves and dirt filling your gutters, it can create an environment for bugs and critters. Animals such as birds, mice, and squirrels may choose to use your gutter as their new home, which is something you don’t want. Additionally, standing water from rain can attract mosquitoes and form a breeding ground for the mosquitoes to thrive.

Structural Damage

When the rainy season hits, it’s essential to clear away debris in your gutters. According to The SpoutOff, clogged gutters cause soil erosion, shift the foundation, destroy gardens, flood basements and puts cracks in the foundation, walls, and even the chimney. Dealing with water damages such as these can be expensive to repair.

Messy Appearance

As a homeowner, you want to maintain the curb appeal of your home. However, if you have dirty gutters, they are definitely noticeable to guests and neighbors and just simply unattractive. Stay on top of cleaning by hiring a professional service to remove old foliage, caked on dirt, and other materials.

Final Thoughts

Look no further for gutter cleaning services than Ernest Windows. We keep your gutters clean and free flowing so you don’t have to worry about clogging. Call for a free quote or consultation by calling (800)-270-6228.

More Windows and More Privacy

Windows are wonderful attributes in the eyes of homeowners. They allow for natural light to enter the home, offer views of nature, and even make rooms appear larger than they really are. Windows provide many benefits but unless a home is located on private land, it can seem impossible to achieve maximum privacy. Below are three great options for homeowners who value their windows and their privacy.

Window Film

One of the most cost-friendly options for improved window privacy are window films. They come in an array of appealing finishes such as plain tint, frosted glass, and even textured stained glass designs. Not only do window films provide optimum privacy while adding a decorative touch, but they also help save money by enabling better indoor climate control as well.

Solar Shades

A more high-end option for added window privacy are solar shades. Solar shades have amazing UV ray blocking abilities which are great for not only your family, but your pets, furniture, and carpet too! Solar shades block harmful rays from entering the home but will not compromise your view outside. These shades also come in an array of colors and finishes.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are window coverings that are great for families who want to filter light and more efficiently insulate their homes. One of their best characteristics is that they are cordless, making them much safer options in homes with young children. Cellular shades bring maximum privacy and are adjusted by simply moving them to the desired height. These types of shades also have a highly desirable low price point.

Conclusion

Windows and privacy can coexist when you find the window coverings and that work best for your family’s specific needs. The number of beautiful and effective window coverings available today enable homeowners to be able to enjoy the view of the outdoors while also protecting what they love most. Ensure your view is crystal clear with our competitive and professional window washing services, contact us here for more information.

What Not to Pressure Wash in Your Home

Pressure washing your home always seems like a fun task to do. Now that spring is here, you might be considering spring cleaning your home and washing away all that winter left behind. And although using a pressure washing machine is fun, you shouldn’t get too carried away because there are plenty of areas that should not be pressure washed in order to prevent any damage to your home. Read along to learn about of few areas that you should refrain from washing with a pressure washer.

Wood Siding

If you are not a professional at using a power or pressure washer, we suggest staying away from washing your home’s wood siding. Yes, it is possible to wash these with your machine as long as your using the correct pressure, but if done incorrectly it could lead to damaging results. By using too much pressure, the water can puncture through the surface of the wood and damage insulation, electrical wiring, and can even initiate mold growth. If you are looking to wash wood or any other type of siding, call on us to provide you with clean and safe results.

Painted Surfaces

Unless you are looking to remove paint (although it is not recommended that it is done with a pressure washer) you should not use a pressure washer on painted surfaces. Pressure washing causes paint to chip, which is why it should be used in low pressure mode.

Gutters

After winter, your gutters might have plenty of residue left on them that will seem tempting to wash away with a pressure washer. Don’t! Gutters are best cleaned by removing whatever is in them by hand and then washed with a less intense water flow. They are able to withstand rainstorms or snowstorms, but the intensity of a pressure washer is more severe and can damage your gutters, causing you an extra expense to have them repaired or replaced.

Overall, these are only a few of the surfaces that we suggest you keep your machine away from. If you are unsure of what surfaces can be cleaned and which cannot, we suggest you rely on a professional. Here at Ernest Windows, we take great care of your home and have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the best results at affordable. For pressure washing services in the Bartlett, IL area, call on us.

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