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Do Gutters With Gutter Guards Need To Be Cleaned

Spring cleaning can be a very challenging situation. Consider the long list of items that need to be handled once the weather turns nice again. Cleaning your roof and the materials attached to your roof are definite tasks on the list. This is not only the shingles on the roof but also the soffit areas of the roof overhang and the gutters. If you have gutters on your home, then it is likely that over time you have invested in a product called gutter guards. Keep in mind that this product is meant to keep your gutters clear of any debris over the year. Do gutters with gutter guards need to be cleaned? Gutter guards should be cleaned and the gutters rinsed out.

Let’s take a look below at the advantages and disadvantages of the gutter guard system.

What Are Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are typically a type of metal mesh-style material that gets attached to the gutters. The object of the gutter guards is to keep the larger debris from entering your gutter system. This is a good idea. Leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other large items are kept out of the gutter. The expectation is that you can blow the debris off or let the wind do it for you, however, this isn’t always the case. In fact, it is recommended that no matter what type of gutter guard you have installed, you clean them twice a year. Gutters can still collect fine particles and dirt which can cause a backup of rainwater. If the rainwater backs up in the gutters you can have bigger issues, like flooding, house damage, or even mosquito outbreaks.

Gutter guards keep debris out.

Advantages Of Gutter Guards

The advantages of installing gutter guards are quite obvious to the homeowner. Let’s take a look below:

  • Maintenance – installing gutter guards reduces the amount of maintenance need and are keeping your gutters free from clogging. You won’t eliminate your maintenance needs 100%, but you will substantially reduce those needs.
  • Property damage – gutter guards reduce the risk of damage to your home because they allow water to flow more easily through the gutter system. Water does not pool up by being backed up due to a clog.
  • Safety – gutter guards are easier to clean and safer. You only need a long brush to sweep off the tops of the gutter guards. In fact, only twice a year would you need to use a ladder to pressure wash the gutter guards and gutters.
  • Home value – believe it or not, your home value can increase. If the gutter guards are installed properly by a professional installer, you can add gutter guards to a list of bonus items for any potential buyers.

Disadvantages Of Gutter Guards

The disadvantages of a gutter guard system is also quite obvious to the homeowner. Let’s take a look below:

  • Maintenance – although the big stuff is easily removed from your gutter guard system, debris and dirt can still get into the gutter and clog it up. Keep in mind that the gutters still require cleaning during the year.
  • Aesthetics – if the gutters are not in color coordination of the home, they can often be an eye-sore. Not every homeowner enjoys the look of gutters and downspouts taking over the sides and corners of their home. However, if gutter guards are installed correctly and the color matches the gutter system and home, then you’re going to increase the curb appeal.
  • Cleaning challenge – by installing gutter guards you now take away instant access to the gutters. Even though you are happy to have the gutters capped off. Keeping the big stuff out of the gutters is good, but allowing the small stuff in is bad. Over time, you will need to clean the gutters or hire a professional gutter cleaning service.
  • Warranty – keep in mind that installing gutter guards could actually void your roof warranty. If you have chosen the wrong type of gutter guard, your roof installation will be void of warranty.

What Are The Tools Needed

Every project requires some kind of tool, equipment, or materials. Cleaning gutter guards is no different. Here is a recommended list of tools and equipment needed to make your job easier.

  • Bucket – needed to hold the leaves and debris you got out of the gutters and off the gutter guard.
  • Ladder or extension ladder – this allow you to get up onto the roof safely
  • Garden gloves – worn to protect your hands from any insect bites or sharp objects that might be mixed in the debris.
  • Goggles – worn to protect your eyes.
  • Rope – allows you to drop the bucket down to the ground so that your partner can empty the bucket and you can pull it back up. Saves you from going up and down the ladder.
  • Drop cloth – in some cases you can brush or push debris off the gutter guards and onto a drop cloth. This protects your lawn from a huge mess.
  • Garden hose with a pistol-grip nozzle – allows you to have a strong stream of water shooting out for higher pressure against the gutter and gutter guards.
  • Garden spade – narrow garden shovel to pick the debris up and out of the gutters to place into your bucket.
Cleaning gutters while on a ladder

What Are My Maintenance Needs

The step-by-step process for taking care of your gutters is as follows. Keep in mind that everyone’s approach can be different.

  1. Place your ladder in a safe location where you have a sturdy base. Always count on someone to assist you at the home so the ladder stays safe. Make sure to secure the ladder.
  2. Prepare your safety by putting on your goggles, gloves, and old clothing. This protects you from dirt, pests/insects, and any other surprises that you might find while up cleaning the gutters and gutter guards.
  3. Take your bucket and climb the ladder. You can place the bucket on the roof and use it to drop your debris in as you clean.
  4. Once the debris is placed in your bucket, you can switch over to your garden hose. Use your garden hose to pressure clean the tops of the gutter guards. High water pressure can rinse through the gutters themselves after you have safely removed the gutter guards. Even though some gutter guards are permanently attached, you can remove the inserts and gain access to the gutter.
  5. If you have removed the gutter covers to clean the insides of the gutter track, go ahead and re-attach them once you have pressure cleaned with the garden hose.
  6. Make sure that the downspouts are free and clear and collect all debris. You wouldn’t want to go through all of this work only to clog up your downspouts.

How Much Does It Cost

Believe it or not, you will need to clean your gutter guards and gutters even if they are protected. Keep in mind that anything exposed to the elements outside should expect a cleaning. The national average for gutter cleaning, which can include gutter guards is $150 to $300. In most cases, the professional gutter cleaning company will charge per linear foot. That cost can range from $.50 to $1.50.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you know about cleaning your gutters even with gutter guards, you can decide if they are a waste of money or a great investment. This information can further enhance your decision to purchase gutter guards. Do some more research to make sure that the pros and cons line up with your needs at the home.

Next, understanding what is involved with your gutter system is important. Just knowing when and how to clean your gutters might not be the only need. There are a few working parts that are involved with your gutter system. Understand what they are and how they work so that you don’t end up with greater repair needs. For example, knowing how far your downspouts should extend away from your home is key. You will want to keep the water flowing as far away from the home as possible. This protects your foundation and landscaping.

Roof vent on a house.

Lastly, getting to know your entire home and what the parts and pieces do is important. While you are on the roof cleaning your gutters or even leaning on a ladder up against the gutter system, you will want to know what everything does. Your roof will have many vents and pipes coming out of it. Wouldn’t you like to know what they all do? While you are cleaning your gutters, you can get up on the roof and clean the roof vents to make sure that they are free of debris. Keeping them free from clogging is important.

When Do I Call A Professional

This is a great time to reach out to a gutter cleaning service. Having to concern yourself with climbing a ladder just to clean your gutter guards or even remove debris from your gutters can be a challenge. Getting your gutter guards and gutters cleaned out twice a year is a great idea. Having the tools in hand to get this project done is not always an option. Reach out to your local home inspection team before getting your gutter guards and gutters cleaned.

The home inspection can tell you if water from the gutters has caused any damage to the home. You wouldn’t want to waste time and money getting the gutter guards and gutters cleaned if you have bigger issues. Additionally, your home inspection team can recommend a reputable gutter cleaning service if that is the only project needed.

Conclusion

Getting to know your gutters and what they need is important for your home’s maintenance schedule. Much like remembering the schedule of your ac filter replacements, you need to make gutter cleaning seriously. If you have opted to install gutter guards on your gutter system, make sure that they are being cleaned. Reach out to your local home inspection team to make sure that the gutter guards haven’t caused any damage to your roof. In many cases, items that are out of sight are out of mind. If you cannot see the gutters, then homeowners will often forget that cleaning is needed. Your local home inspection team can refer a reputable gutter cleaning service and ensure there is no further roof damage. Call on Home Inspection Geeks for a roof inspection and gutter check when we come out for a home inspection Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL

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How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof

Having to replace a roof is never a fun task. Not only can it be costly, but it can be time-consuming and stressful. Do you just replace the shingles or do you go for something more trendy? This is just one of many decisions a homeowner must face when replacing their roof. Curb appeal is important in the neighborhood, in case you look to sell your home one day. How long does it take to replace a roof? Roof replacement depends on the type of roof and the damage to your current roof.

Let’s take a look below at some of the details involved with how long it takes to replace a roof.

How Long Does It Take

The time it takes to replace a roof varies based on the size, shape, damage of the roof, and the roofing crew. In some cases, you might need an entire roof reconstruction and this could take a couple of days. The roofing contractor that you hire will be able to give you the best timeline for the completion of roof replacement. Keep in mind that most licensed roofing contractors have multiple projects going on at the same time.

So, it is highly likely that you will see a team for demolition day, and then they might not return for a day or two. The standard timeframe is a single day to remove the old materials such as shingles and sheathing. Then you might need another day to install the new materials. This timeframe varies based on the damage to the roof and size of the roof.

Pitch of the roof can affect how long it takes to install.

Factors That Affect The Timeframe

The existing roof and the square feet of that roof are huge factors that can affect how long it takes for a roof replacement project.

  • Weather-colder months and the rainy season might delay the roofing replacement
  • Roof Shape and Size-the bigger the roof, the more material needed, the longer it will take.
  • Materials Used-type of roof materials selected, such as synthetic slate, shingle roof, metal roof, etc.
  • Accessibility-how easily the roofing contractor can scaffold and support his/her crew on the roof.
  • Historical Significance of the Roof-historically significant buildings have specific laws and code for reconstruction. Following to a specific detail can take time.
  • Damage to the Current Roof-shingle replacement or replacing the boards underneath can determine the length of the job.
  • Steepness or Pitch of the Roof-steeper the roof the more difficult it is to rip off the old and install the new. Safety first will require the roofing contractor to take their time and ensure that all is safe when working on a steep roof.
Asphalt shingle roof

What Is Different In Each Roof

The actual timeframe of a roof replacement can vary based on complexity, time of year, and size of the roof. Roofs can be categorized as easy to difficult, in terms of replacement and installation. Let’s take a look below at the differences.

  • Asphalt Shingles (easy)-can be completed in 1-2 days.
  • Metal (moderate)-can be completed in 2-5 days.
  • Membrane (moderate/difficult)-can be completed in 2-14 days.
  • Wood Shakes (moderate)-can be completed in 2-5 days.
  • Concrete Tile (difficult)-can be completed in 5-14 days.

So, when wondering how long it might take to replace your roof, consider the type of roof that you currently have and if you are going to use the same materials for your new roof. Do you have a flat roof or pitched roof? You might decide to change the roof look and switch from shingles to a metal or tile roof. Keep in mind that this changes the timeframe of completion by the roofing contractor.

How Much Does It Cost

Unfortunately, replacing a roof can cost a lot of money. The varying pricing across the country is vast. Depending on where you live, a new roof could cost $3.50 to $16 per square foot. So, the size of your homes roof, materials needed, and labor fees are all factors in determining how much you will pay. The national average for a new roof is $8,000 to $12,000. In many cases, roof damage is caused by a naturally occurring environmental factor and can be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Make sure you do your research prior to replacing the roof.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are getting your roof inspected, you will want to consider other roof inspection items. Check out this roof inspection checklist. The checklist will help you look for areas of repair, such as any exposed nails, missing tiles, or flashing to name a few. Lastly, if there are damaged shingles, they should be repaired or replaced. This might save you some time and money, rather than replacing an entire roof.

When checking your roof to see if it needs to be replaced, take a look at the plumbing vents as well. Plumbing vents stick out from the roof and their purpose is to keep methane gas out of the home. It is important to keep it clog-free, as in no bird nests, debris, rodents, or humans blocking it.

Lastly, gutters are great to have on a roof but sometimes homes don’t have them. Does this mean you must get them? Not necessarily. You can have a rain dispersal system, french drains, or a rain barrel collection system.

When Do I Call A Professional

Call a professionally licensed roofing contractor if you are concerned about damage to your roof. A professionally licensed roofing contractor will assess your roof damage and recommend any needed repairs. Also, if you are missing any of the shingles and have substantial damage, a professional can help with a replacement cost estimate.

Also, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can conduct a roof inspection at the same time as your home inspection. The home inspection team can give you a checklist of damaged areas on the roof, that allows you to share with your professionally licensed roofing contractor. Having both a home inspection team and a reputable professionally licensed roofing contractor saves time and money.

Conclusion

When working on a roofing project it is always best to contact your local home inspection team. They can recommend a reputable professionally licensed roofing contractor. In addition, the home inspection team can look at other damage to the roof, so that you can begin to get an idea of the magnitude of repairs that are needed. Getting the home inspection can save you money on your roofing project and ensure that you hire the best roofing company in town. Give Home Inspection Geeks a call. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your roofing needs when we come out for a home inspection in Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.

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What is a Roof Scupper

Imagine walking around in a city with huge buildings that have flat roofs. You will see these decorative downspouts or even side spouts on the buildings. They can be very decorative and fit the style of the architecture of the building. Let’s assume that you never asked yourself, what is that thing connected to the gutter system?

We can also assume that no one ever told you, that it was a roof scupper, which made you question, what is a roof scupper? A roof scupper is a drainage system for flat roofs that allows water to move through a gutter system. It is best to consult a licensed roofing professional when conducting roofing work. If you take a look at the image below you will see one of many examples of a roof scupper.

Let’s learn more about what a roof scupper is and its purpose.

How Effective Is a Roof Scupper

A roof scupper is very valuable to a flat roof drainage system and works in conjunction with your downspouts. Also, a roof scupper gives you a chance to have proper drainage on your flat roof. As long as the scupper is clear of debris, the water will drain nicely. Roof scuppers are vital pieces of a flat roof drainage system. It is important to check them for proper drainage regularly. If you live up north, you will want to make sure you get the snow off the roof and the roof scuppers are kept clear of ice. If not, the water will back up onto the roof and into the home.

Various Types Of Roof Scuppers

There are a few types of roof scuppers and they come in different shapes. The most standard roof scupper is a rectangular-shaped box. Here is a list of ones we found on Amazon (Note: We have not tested these products).

  • Open Scupper–three sided scupper with an opening at the top
  • Through Wall Scupper-usually a rectangular hole in the wall, connecting to a downspout
  • Round Scupper or Decorative-found in the sidewall of a building, allowing water to run off through a piping system

The Difference Between A Roof Scupper and A Drain

You will be surprised at the difference between a roof scupper and a roof drain. One would assume that they are very similar items in your roof drainage system.

A roof scupper is a part of your roof drainage system that allows water to run off the roof through a metal edge, parapet wall, or through the flat roof into the downspout. This will prevent the water from running into the interior of the building as it puddles up on the roof.

Roof drains are assemblies where water runoff transfers through the roof drain and into piping that runs out to the exterior of the building. Roof drains can be installed in the middle of the roof and connected to piping that will run through the attic and out to the sidewall of the building exterior.

Cost Of a Roof Scupper

A basic roof scupper can run you around $100-$150. However, there are additional materials you need to make the installation successful: Caulk to seal the joints and the potential for welding of the scupper to the downspouts of your gutter system.

Since there are so many moving parts to installing a roof scupper, it is best to consult a licensed roofing specialist. There are local roofing codes for each state and you will want to make sure you follow those roofing codes. These are the codes for Chicago and these are for DuPage County.

Installation of a roofing scupper will likely run you between $400-$800, depending on the time and materials needed for the job.

Let’s take a look at how to install a flat roof scupper drain.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Flat roofs can puddle after heavy rain. It is important to have the proper drainage system so that this doesn’t occur. Installing a roof scupper will allow for proper drainage off of your flat roof. However, if the drainage system backs up, you could end up with roof damage. Check the roof for clogged drainage and puddles.

Check the pipes on the roof and make sure the vent is clog-free, along with no birds or rodents making nests. Additionally, check to make sure are no humans blocking the vent or corrosion of the pipe.

When Do I Call A Professional

When it comes to roofing, you will want to consult a licensed roofing contractor. Getting up on a flat roof to install a roof scupper could prove to be more challenging than you think. In addition, there are various building and roofing codes for your state and you will want to ensure that those codes are followed. So, for the safety of you and the home, you will want to consult a licensed roofing contractor.

Conclusion

In many cases, it is easy to identify the need to repair a leaking flat roof. In this case, the installation of a roof scupper would be ideal. Additionally, making sure that the drainage system connects properly will ensure that no leaks will occur on your flat roof.

It is also highly recommended that you consult a licensed roofing contractor to conduct any repairs or new installations needed on your flat roof drainage system. This will save you time and money, as you might not know the state roofing code and more damage could be done.

Lastly, they will be able to assess all of the potential damages and provide a great estimate as to the cost of repairs. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your roofing needs when we come out for a home inspection in the Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.

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What Are the Pipes on My Roof?

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We see a lot of things on the roof of a house. Gutters, chimneys, sometimes solar panels, and pipes. It is obvious what the gutters, chimneys, and solar panels do, but what about the pipes? This may leave you wondering what are the pipes on my roof? Those pipes are plumbing vents. It makes sure that the plumbing works properly and keeps the methane gas out of the home. This is on all homes as it helps in preventing back ups, clogs, and sewer smells from entering the home.

Let’s take a look at why you need to know about the pipes on your roof, how the plumbing vent works, keeping the vent clog-free, signs of a clogged vent, other pipes seen on a roof, maintenance on the roof, and when to call a professional.

Why You Need to Know About the Pipes on Your Roof

You do need to know that there may be various pipes on the roof, they have an important purpose, and not there for decoration. This article will talk about the plumbing vent. It is important to keep the pipes clear of debris and clogging so there is no backup in the home, along with a smell.

How the Plumbing Vent Works

The plumbing vent is a pipe that runs vertically up through the walls of the home and out the roof. Connecting the drainage pipe of the plumbing system in the home, the pipe leaves the home and leads to the sewage pipe. The sewage pipe then connects to a septic tank or the public sewer system. This will depend if you have septic or sewer.


The purpose of the vent is to allow air to enter the drainage system. This then keeps the pressure even and allows the wastewater to flow out. The roof vent pipe helps regulate the pressure in the drainpipes and this allows wastewater from the home to flow out into the sewer. In the end, it eliminates the risk of methane gas from finding its way back into your home.

Keeping the Vent Clog Free

It is important that the vent does not clog. If it does, it will become smelly and messy in the home. Here are some reasons why the vent clogs and how to fix the problem:

Leaves and debris clog the entrance of the vent– Clean away any leaves or debris that are in, on, or near the pipe vent. If you don’t, they will clog the vent and cause a backup and smell in the home.

Bird nests or rodents can make nests or clog the entrance – Check to make sure these animals are not creating nests or getting trapped inside the vent. If there is, try removing it or contact a professional. Also, a professional can help clear the vent if it is stuck inside.

Humans may be blocking the vent – Having work done on your roof? A gentle reminder to the workers not to block the vent is a great idea.

Corrosion of the pipe – the pipe may become corroded and start to fall apart of break. This will be a good time to call a professional to fix it or add a new one .

Signs of a Clogged Vent

The signs of a clogged vent are much like ones you will find when there are broken pipes or clogged pipes inside the home. This is why it is important to investigate and possibly call a professional if you need assistance.

1. Gurgling Toilet

A gurgling toilet is one sign there may be a clogged pipe on your roof. This happens because the air that is coming through is reduced in the pipes. When you flush the toilet, it is competing against the pressure in the line and causes the toilet to gurgle. Here is a great way to think about this:

If you try to empty a milk jug by flipping it completely upside down you find that it gurgles and takes a while to drain. On the other hand, if you allow air to pass by adding a hole or pouring the milk slowly, the milk drains easily. Ultimately, you can see how water flows when air is able to get behind the milk versus when there is no way for air to reach behind the flowing milk. Vent pipes help do just that.

2. Slow Drains in the Sink or Bathtub

Now, a slow drain in the sink or bathtub could be many things like hair or other things clogging it. However, if you clean the drains out and find this is still happening, it can be a signal there is an issue with the vent pipes.

3. Dry P-traps

Having dry or missing P traps will lead to the methane gas escaping into the home and this can be hazardous to your health. This trap is located under the sink and also in the shower drain in the bathroom. As a result, it does a good job of keeping the sewer gases from getting into the home. Dry P traps can be due to the sink trap leaking so checking the connection under the sink is a good idea. Maybe it is the shower drain that smells? This can also be due to the P traps missing or dry or biofilm in the shower. Whatever it may be, taking care of it may solve your problem. If it does not, then it may be another area in the home that is causing the vent to clog.

You may also see dry P-traps in a home that has been vacant for a while. This is because there has not been water running through the system.

If there is a leak around the pipe, here is a great video about how to fix it:

Other Pipes On the Roof

There are often other pipes on the roof of a home, depending where you live. Some of those are:

  1. HVAC Vent Stack

This is for letting out the fuel that burns from the fireplace, burner, boiler, or water heater.

2. Small Box Vent

The small box vent is for the bathroom fan or the dryer. Cleaning the protective vent screen is important when maintaining this vent and think about adding a flap to make it more accessible. Add in cleaning the vent in the dryer to your maintenance once a year. In addition, there are different ways to clean the dryer vent that goes to the roof here.

3. Attic Fan

This is a fan that will pull the hot air along with condensation out of the attic. Attic fans work better in the southern states than colder and more northern states. However, in the cooler weather states, a whole house fan is the better choice as it can be used all year long.

Maintenance on the Roof

When keeping an eye on the vents on the roof, there are other things that you can make sure you are paying attention to. If you have solar panels, make sure they are in place, especially after bad storms.

If you have a chimney, take a look around it to make sure that the counter flashing was installed correctly. You also want to keep up with chimney maintenance during the warmer months to make sure the fireplace and chimney are ready for the colder temperature seasons that lie ahead.

If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, they combine nicely with the roof sheathing to provide protection against leaks. Lastly with maintenance, it is important to check there are no shingles missing or leaks into the house.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you have questions about the pipes on top of your house or you are finding there is a back up in your home. It may not be easy to diagnose and a professional can help. Lastly, don’t let an issue go too long, get it solved and fixed quickly!

Conclusion

Roof pipes are essential for the home and need to be kept clean and clear in order to function properly. Those pipes control many things in the home and keeping them working is essential. Many things can stop working in the home so it is important to figure out why and fix them. The last thing you want is a high repair bill. Home Inspection Geeks can check your roof pipes when conducting a home inspection in the Chicago area.

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