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General

Sep 06
118

Gutter Cleaning Tips For Fall

By | General

Fall is just around the corner, and for those of you without K-Guard gutters, that means that it is time to get started on yet another round of seasonal gutter maintenance.

Ideally, your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, but you may need to clean them more if you have trees within 10 to 20 feet of the exterior walls and roof. Although it might be tempting to procrastinate on this, doing so puts your house at risk for serious water damage. Since time is of the essence, use these gutter cleaning tips to get rooftop drainage systems ready for fall.

Ask For Helpleaves sticking out of gutters

Gutter cleaning requires potentially dangerous activities such as climbing on a ladder and getting up on the roof. If possible, work with a partner. Even if all they do is hold the ladder still, you have that extra bit of a safety net. Many people have trouble with heights, and having someone there to ensure your safety can make the whole process smoother and less nerve-wracking.

Practice Ladder Safety

Gutter cleaning is not for people who are afraid of heights, and a sturdy ladder is one of your most important tools. Start by choosing a ladder that has non-skid bottoms on the legs so that it does not slip. Also, you should always inspect your ladder for defects before you begin to climb. As you choose one, keep in mind that it may need to be moved multiple times as you work around the perimeter of the roof. Look for a sturdy, reliable ladder that is also easily portable.

Dress For the Job

As with any household maintenance task, you need to wear the appropriate clothing and safety gear. Be sure to find a quality pair of gloves that are waterproof and made from a scratch-resistant material to protect your hands from cuts. Then, put on a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from potential splashes from bacteria-laden clogs as you spray out the gutters. You should also wear a comfortable pair of rubber-soled shoes to reduce your chances of slipping off of the ladder or roof.

Remove All of the Debris From Your Roof

Cleaning out the gutters is pointless if you leave behind leaves and dirt on the roof. This debris can pile up and fall into your gutters the next time it rains or snows. Therefore, you should begin the cleaning process by using a broom to sweep away any debris that is not in the gutters. As you do, try to sweep hard enough to push the leaves over the gutter system. Then, you can rake them from the ground later or gather them in a bag.

Pull Out Big Clogs By Hand

Once you’ve removed the surface debris from the roof, you are ready to begin cleaning the actual gutters. You can use a special scooper to remove large chunks of debris from the gutter, or you can use your gloved hand. As you remove the clogs, put them into a bucket or other type of container so that you have an easier time cleaning up afterward. You should also be cautious as you clean these clogs because they often havens for rodents, birds, and insects that use the materials for nests.

Spray Out the Gutters

Clearing the clogs out by hand first helps to make sure that you do not inadvertently spray large chunks of debris down the gutters and into the downspouts. Therefore, you must make sure that all of the big debris is completely clear before you move to this step. To spray out the gutters, you can use a power washing tool, or you can just grab your pressure sprayer that attaches to the garden hose.

Keep an Eye Out For Damage

The process of cleaning out the gutters makes it possible for you to get a closer look at the roof and gutter system. Keep an eye out for signs of damage that need closer attention such as cracks between the seams of older gutter systems or areas where the gutters have become detached from the roof. You might also spot signs of a malfunctioning gutter system while you are cleaning them out such as seeing water stains from spillovers caused by clogs or pooling water where it should naturally flow down.

Check the DownspoutPerson with gloves clearing leaves out of gutter

After the main gutters are clean, your final step is to make sure that there are not any clogs in the downspout. If you’ve seen large amounts of debris in the gutters, then you can easily assume that it has worked its way to the downspout as well. Typically, you can give it a good tap or two to get clogs to fall down with the force of gravity. However, more serious clogs may require you to take apart the downspout and use special tools to get them out.

Upgrade to K-Guard

Cleaning out gutters is hazardous and exhausting work, and older gutters may require you to clean them out more often due to issues such as bends in the seam that collect more debris. Fortunately, K-Guard leaf free gutter systems are an option that allows you to ditch this annoying part of your fall home maintenance routine. These patented systems have special covers that keep leaves out of the gutters while allowing the rain to flow into specially-designed slots that wash it down the downspouts so that clogs become a thing of the past.

This year, stop dreading the monumental task of cleaning your gutters by upgrading to K-Guard. Give us a call today!

Sep 13
149

Tips For Cleaning Your Gutters This Fall

By | General, Gutter, Tips

maple-leaves-1030957_1920When winter hits, ice and snow can cause damage to your home. To make sure that your gutters are ready, it is important to follow some fall gutter cleaning tips.

Proper Gutter Cleaning Technique:

During fall, your gutters may become filled with sticks, acorns, leaves, and other natural debris. To make sure that everything is removed, following some maintenance tips will keep problems from occurring.

  • Use the Proper Tools. To safely clean your gutters, you should have two ladders. One will hold your tools, and the other will hold you. Gloves, buckets, and a hose are necessary supplies as well.
  • Begin with Large Debris. Removing large debris first will make the cleaning process much easier. Commonly, large items cause blockages. If it is difficult to eliminate the large items, you may need to use a plumber’s snake.
  • Use Your Hose Correctly. You hose is your best friend, especially during fall gutter cleaning. Spray your hose and uncover where blockages are located. This will help detect leaks as well. If drainage is slow after you have removed large debris and sprayed water, a clog most likely exists.

Consider K-Guard Gutter Systems:

Since gutter cleaning can be dangerous and time consuming, you should consider installing a K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System. The patented design protects your home from water damage, keeps gutters from sagging, and eliminates the need to remove leaves and other debris from your gutter channels.

The system uses gutter guards that fit on top of your gutters and prevents items from becoming stuck and causing clogs. Thanks to the smooth and curved appearance, K-Guard pieces are more attractive than similar products. Since it is constructed of aluminum, corrosion is never an issue, and the unit can withstand all weather conditions. The K-Guard System provides extreme durability as well. To learn more gutter tips or to receive more information about the product, contact your local K-Guard Gutter System dealer today.

Mar 11
161

Ladder Safety Tips

By | General, Ladder Safety, Tips

Screen Shot 2016-03-11 at 2.05.15 PMHere are general ladder safety tips applicable to just about any ladder in your inventory, from the common step ladder to combination and telescopic ladders, brand new or not.

Avoid ladder-related accidents by doing a quick visual inspection of the ladder you plan to use in doing home repairs this spring time. Check for visible cracks, splits and bends that are telltale signs of ladder damage. The steps and the base of the ladder should not show signs of corrosion. If you see rust spots in any part of the ladder, don’t use anti-rusts spray or any temporary fix to avoid risking your life and limb. Instead, buy a new one or borrow when you can.

Use a damp wash cloth and thoroughly wipe the rungs of the ladder clean to remove any presence of grease and oil. Majority of the accidents involving step ladders are slips caused by greasy and slippery steps so make it a habit to always wash any ladder first that you plan on using to ensure your safety.

Never put a ladder on an uneven surface particularly if you are working alone. If it’s really necessary and working it’s the only option you have, put large wooden boards on the ground to give the ladder better footing. Ask someone to hold the ladder when you’re using it for optimum safety.

Never carry light tools by hand when on the ladder. Instead, mount the tools in a tool belt. Not only is it safe, it’s also more convenient and allows you to carry more tools than you can using your hands. Setup a pulley or wench system for heavier tools or materials that are too heavy to raise by hand lines.

No matter what’s written in the equipment manual, always use the ladder one person at a time. Although some ladders are sturdy enough to carry more than one person, any sudden shift in weight distribution or uncoordinated movement could make it a highly unstable and dangerous work platform.

Use a wooden ladder when doing electrical repairs to avoid exposing yourself to the unnecessary risks of being electrocuted standing on a metal ladder that’s accidentally in contact with an exposed electrical wire or overhead lines.

Jan 11
170

What You Should Know About K-Guard Gutters In 2016

By | General, Gutter, Tips

gutter covers

A new year has arrived. You have started to list the home improvement projects you want to accomplish in 2016. Wouldn’t you love to cross off cleaning your home’s gutters from your to-do list?

Instead of climbing up on a ladder to clean out all the gunk from winter and then removing all the leaves in the fall, why not do what thousands of homeowners have done and upgrade your home with K-Guard gutters in 2016?

K-Guard gutters are a unique and complete covered gutter system that not only prevent leaves and most debris from entering, but also whisk water away more efficiently from your roof and eaves. One of the biggest advantages of this system is the 5-inch wide trench style gutters that, when combined with oversized downspouts, remove water much more quickly than traditional gutters, along with downspouts that are 3/4-inch wider than those manufactured by the competition.

This system has a host of other features that make it the ultimate low maintenance gutter system that will last for many years. Made of heavy-duty aluminum, its chassis won’t rust or deteriorate. The system is also inherently strong thanks to its internal bracket system, making it able to withstand virtually any weather.

The K-Guard system is also beautiful and will complement your home perfectly. It has a baked on enamel finish that will stand up to years of wear and tear and continue to look good, along with curved corners that will complement your home.

Another big advantage of the K-Guard system is how well these gutters protect your home from water damage. When traditional gutters clog due to leaves and other debris, water can overflow, flowing down the sides of your home and ultimately leading to damage to the foundation and other structures. K-Guard eliminates this potential by whisking away rainwater and snowmelt in an efficient manner.

In addition to coming in many different colors to match the exterior of your home, K-Guard also attaches to fascia board and rafter tails to increase strength. It will not interfere with your roof or roof lines and presents a smooth appearance that mimics crown molding.

Jan 11
141

What You Should Know About K-Guard Gutters In 2016

By | General, Gutter, Tips

gutter covers

A new year has arrived. You have started to list the home improvement projects you want to accomplish in 2016. Wouldn’t you love to cross off cleaning your home’s gutters from your to-do list?

Instead of climbing up on a ladder to clean out all the gunk from winter and then removing all the leaves in the fall, why not do what thousands of homeowners have done and upgrade your home with K-Guard gutters in 2016?

K-Guard gutters are a unique and complete covered gutter system that not only prevent leaves and most debris from entering, but also whisk water away more efficiently from your roof and eaves. One of the biggest advantages of this system is the 5-inch wide trench style gutters that, when combined with oversized downspouts, remove water much more quickly than traditional gutters, along with downspouts that are 3/4-inch wider than those manufactured by the competition.

This system has a host of other features that make it the ultimate low maintenance gutter system that will last for many years. Made of heavy-duty aluminum, its chassis won’t rust or deteriorate. The system is also inherently strong thanks to its internal bracket system, making it able to withstand virtually any weather.

The K-Guard system is also beautiful and will complement your home perfectly. It has a baked on enamel finish that will stand up to years of wear and tear and continue to look good, along with curved corners that will complement your home.

Another big advantage of the K-Guard system is how well these gutters protect your home from water damage. When traditional gutters clog due to leaves and other debris, water can overflow, flowing down the sides of your home and ultimately leading to damage to the foundation and other structures. K-Guard eliminates this potential by whisking away rainwater and snowmelt in an efficient manner.

In addition to coming in many different colors to match the exterior of your home, K-Guard also attaches to fascia board and rafter tails to increase strength. It will not interfere with your roof or roof lines and presents a smooth appearance that mimics crown molding.

Aug 06
157

Top Tips to Market K-Guard Gutters

By | General, Gutter, Tips

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Climbing up a ladder to clean clogged gutters is perhaps every homeowner’s nightmare. What they want instead is a simple, clog-free solution that saves them both time and effort. With K-Guard Gutters, it’s possible to meet consumers’ needs for a hassle-free experience.

As a marketer, your challenge is to find the best ways to market gutters to your customers. Here are some useful consumer tips for you.

Listen to What the Customer Wants.

Listening to customers’ needs is the first step in fixing their concerns. The trick is to let the customers tell you what they want, instead of you going by your hunch and past experiences. Listen keenly to what they are looking for and give them the opportunity to share their problems with you.

Focus on How the Product Can Solve Your Customer’s Problems.

A customer is always interested in a solution that can make his or her life easier. They appreciate it when a marketer tells them what’s in it for them when choosing a particular product. Therefore, smart marketers make sure to highlight the benefits that the solution provides to their target audience. For example, instead of highlighting how beautiful the K-Guard gutters are to your customer, you could point out how well they complement the aesthetics of their home.

Share Testimonials.

Positive endorsements from happy customers always work when marketers are trying to pitch a product to new prospects. Customer testimonials build trust and inspire others to believe in you and the products you are trying to sell. Therefore, it is advisable to ask happy customers to share their experiences. They could post a message on your company’s Facebook page or simply tweet about it on a B2B or B2C forum.

Give Customers Reasons to Choose K-Guard Gutters Over Others.

For a customer, finding tangible differences between two similar products is a huge challenge. You should make life easier for them by giving them concrete reasons and evidence to support their decision to buy K-Guard Gutters. Highlight differentiating factors, such as the width of K-Guard Gutters that allows for more water to drain out, is important.

Prepare well before you meet a customer to ensure you tell them why K-Guard Gutters are the best option for them.

Jan 12
136

What To Know Before You Climb: Ladder Safety Basics

By | General, Ladder Safety

Ladders are necessary equipment for many jobs, but unfortunately, they can also be very dangerous. Ladder danger exists in a variety of occupations, but it’s also something that many homeowners face when trying to tackle various home improvement projects. Improper use can lead to serious injuries, so it’s very important to follow these ladder safety basics before you climb up.

The easiest way to avoid a fall from a ladder is to simply not get up on one.  Investing in a K-Guard Gutter System means that you will never have to clean your gutters again, and you will have one less reason to ever get up on a ladder and risk injury.  Click here to find a local K-Guard Gutter dealer in your area.

If you do find yourself on a ladder, be sure to employ the following safety measures:

Level Ground

The first step is to make sure that the ladder is in good working condition. Check it over visually to see if there’s any damage to any part of it. If everything appears to be in good shape, then you can proceed to set it into position. A ladder must be set up on level ground in order to be safe. Make sure that you have a flat, stable surface that can support your weight. Placing it on soft ground, such as loose soil, stones, sand, or other uneven surfaces increases the chances of it becoming unstable.

Getting Into Position

Once you have the ladder secured on level ground, you can then prepare to climb up and get to work. You always want to have either both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot on the ladder at the same time. Stay centered in the middle of the rungs as you ascend, slowly and cautiously. Never climb up the rungs backwards, and don’t try to carry heavy tools or other equipment up with you as you go. Always maintain a forward facing position as you’re going up and coming down.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Don’t use a metal ladder near exposed electrical equipment or power lines. If you can have someone spot you by remaining at the bottom of the ladder, it’s a good idea to do so. For ladders that have locks or extensions, make sure that those are engaged and secured.

Falls from ladders are a common cause of injuries. Proper use can prevent you from having an accident on a ladder, so be sure to keep these important safety tips in mind the next time you’re ready to use one.