SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE - TOP TO BOTTOM
THE FLOWERS ARE OUT, SUNNY DAYS ARE HERE AND NOW YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT DOING HOME MAINTENANCE. Top to Bottom is the way to go......
To help you cover all the bases, we’ve come up with a handy spring-maintenance checklist. Consult it every year and your home will thank you.
- Inspect Brickwork and Stucco - Spalling is a chipping or popping away of a brick’s face, leaving the brick’s interior susceptible to moisture and crumbling. Look for this and any deteriorated mortar that typically occurs on older homes.
2. Replace Rotted Siding or Trim, and Repaint as Necessary - Repainting siding or trim is often more than a one-weekend project. For color consistency, you just can’t just touch it up—you need to paint a whole section.
If you live in a place where there’s a lot of freezing and thawing, gutters will expand and contract, so make sure they’re flush to the roof, with no sags or dips. When scheduling your gutter cleaning ask to have us check for repairs. You may need to have your gutters re-secured. 4. Inspect Your Roof - Shingles that curl (turn up) and claw (turn down) can make your roof inefficient and susceptible to leaks. Call a minimum of three roofers before committing to one for repairs. You’ll educate yourself in the process and end up with a better deal.
5. Get a Chimney Checkup - Have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect your active or decorative chimney. Professionals should also check the chimney flue and cap for cracks or leaking. 6. Check Your Heat/Air Unit; Change Batteries in Detectors - Change filters and clean the air purifier as needed. - Have your ducts professionally cleaned. It’ll make your indoor air quality healthier and your furnace more efficient.
7. Prune Landscaping and Create Good Drainage - Shrubs and landscaping help against soil erosion and should be planted to form a negative grade, which means water will flow away from the house. 8. Give Concrete a Little TLC - Seal and inspect asphalt or concrete driveways. Most of us put off sealing driveways until the fall, but the spring is an ideal time to do it. The sealer you use, the driveway material and climate will affect how often you need to seal your driveway. - Power-wash concrete patios, and inspect decks for rotting wood and secure railings. Seal both if necessary. 9. Don't Forget the Sump Pump - Make sure the sump pump is operating correctly, and install a battery backup pump. The backup, another pump that floats above the original pump, will kick on when the electricity goes out. If your sump pump fails, an alarm goes off, letting you know the backup is working. A few hundred dollars will save you thousands in water damage.
Happy Spring!! Enjoy the Summer!!
Beth
Print the handy check-list....http://www.hgtv.com/content/dam/documents/checklist.pdf
The weight of it all.....
Snow and ice are heavy and the weight of it in your gutters can cause serious damage to your current gutter system which will allow your home to be subject to water damage once the weather clears and everything starts melting. The problem that you run into is that after the heavy snow your gutter repairs and evaluation is too late. You also forgot to clean your gutters in the Fall so now there is even more weight in your gutter. This is why proper regular gutter maintenance is so important.
Below are some statistics from FEMA regarding snow and ice weight.
Range in Snow Weight - The weight of 1 foot of fresh snow ranges from 3 pounds per square foot for light, dry snow to 21 pounds per square foot for wet, heavy snow.
Ice - One inch of ice weighs a little less than 5 pounds per square foot, and 1 foot of ice weighs approximately 57 pounds per square foot. Ice weighs significantly more than heavy, wet snow per inch depth. In part, this is why it is important to prevent ice buildup on a roof structure and gutters. Ice dams are very heavy and dangerous.
This most recent snow fall is putting serious stress on your gutters and the fascia board that they are attached to. If your gutters are not properly secured or your fascia has begun to deteriorate due to the every day weather conditions your gutters can fall off. A fallen gutter that is not damaged is not as bad as a gutter that is hanging and bent. Once the gutter is bent it can not be repaired.
A yearly gutter maintenance check-up will alert you to any issues that may be going on with your gutters. Spring is around the corner and you might want to take the time to have your gutter system evaluated when you get your Spring gutter cleaning.
Check out more information on the importance of regular gutter maintenance on our website; keltomgutters.wpengine.com 973-852-7100
BERGEN COUNTY AND KELTOM WORK TOGETHER
Keltom Gutter Service is already in your neighborhood....from Heather Court in Allendale to Bristol Court in Alpine, stopping on Cedar Lane in Closter, Performing gutter cleaning and doing repairs along the way. We're scheduling service in Franklin Lakes, Woodcliff Lake, and Glen Rock. Have a wood, metal, tile, or slate roof? We don't walk on specialty roofs - at all. For any special needs you have such as heating cables, solar panels, or copper gutters we pay special attention and use the proper techniques and equipment to ensure that the job is completed to your satisfaction.
You do know that regular maintenance of your gutters is one of the most important things you can do to protect your most valuable investment. Water damage can be costly whether it's damaged windows and doors or foundation damage - the worst you can have. So if you didn't clean your gutters in the Fall now is the time before the heavy spring rains come and water run-off from clogged gutters saturates your home and landscape. When we clean your gutters we will check for any gutter or fascia repairs that you may not even be aware of and provide a written estimate to fix the issue. We like our customers so we send you an invoice and don't require a credit card to schedule a gutter cleaning.
Thinking of installing new replacement gutters? Not sure if your current configuration is appropriate for your home? We will send our trained field estimator to work with you on determining the best solution and to provide information on seamless aluminum gutters, color choices for gutters and downspouts, gutter guards, and copper gutter information.
Call us if you have questions about our gutter cleaning maintenance agreements, immediate guttering cleaning estimates, repair procedures and pricing, advice on gutter installations, or any other gutter-related issues!!!
Nor'easter to hit NJ, Keltom Gutters repairs gutters!
A pretty powerful Nor' easter is coming to the the eastern part of NJ with winds ranging from 30 - 60 mph. We all know that between the 3" of rain expected and heavy winds your gutters could be at risk. Gutter maintenance is the most effective defense from rain water damage to your home. Keltom Gutter Services will check your gutters for repairs whenever you schedule a gutter cleaning. Most of the time a simple repair such as a gutter re-secure, longer downspout extensions and corner miter replacement can fix the problem. Sure, we also do gutter installation for that wind damaged gutter that was already loose and is now laying on the ground bent and broken or for the gutter that just needs to be rehung since the winds caused it to be hanging by a thread off the house.
Properly working gutters keeps the water flowing where it should be flowing....through your gutter into the downspout and away from your home. To make sure that the water is flowing away from the home and not pooling next to the foundation is to make sure your downspout extensions are long enough, the gutters are secure and to make sure your underground drains are clear. A clog in the underground drain can cause the water to back up into the gutter and flow over the front side of the gutter right next to your foundation, or worse the water can go in back of the gutters if they are not secure and wreak havoc on the fascia board and your home......so regular gutter maintenance is a must.
We are open year round unlike some companies that stop cleaning are servicing gutters after the Fall season. Our trucks are out repairing, cleaning and replacing gutters in 13 counties - give us a call to fix your gutter problem
973-852-7100
keltomgutters.wpengine.com
Keltom Gutter Service Provides Service Year Round
So the fall cleaning season is over and 3700 customers later in 13 counties I want to say thanks to all our customers for their faith and trust in us. We hit a few obstacles, very cold temperatures (or as the weatherman likes to say "polar vortex", snow and frozen gutters. Did you know that gutter cleaning, roofing and exterior painting are listed as the 4th most dangerous jobs...this is why when your roof is frozen and there is snow or frost sometimes we get a later start or in case of snow we may not work at all.
Our company is working hard to make improvements all the time so give me a shout with your suggestions. I heard from many new customers that they were worried they would not get their gutters cleaned because other companies said they were not cleaning gutters anymore this year. Keltom Gutter Service is a full service company and we don't shut down...maybe the trucks don't go out when there is so much snow that it is unsafe to do the type of work we do but the office is always open. But that's it...if the weather cooperates we repair, install and clean gutters year round. Call now to get your gutters repaired, replaced or cleaned before the bad weather sets in.
Visit our new site for more information on specialty gutter cleaning, seamless aluminum gutter repairs and installations. Do you have a specific color of gutter or are thinking of installing a different color of gutter? Check out the gutter color chart under "Seamless Gutter Installation". Our main gutter coil supplier has just come out with some new and exciting colors which if you are interested just give me a call!
Beth - Keltom Gutters
908-464-3280
Ice Dams, Oh no!!!
WHAT IS AN ICE DAM?
- An Ice Dam is a hump of ice that forms at the edge of a roof under certain wintertime conditions. An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home. It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too.
- Ice Dams are a common sight in North Jersey winters. There are several things you can do to avoid getting an ice dam or to reduce the risk of damage after one has formed, but there’s really only one cure: a combination of better sealing, insulation, and venting in the attic and eaves.
HOW DO ICE DAMS FORM?
- An ice dam forms when the roof over the attic gets warm enough to melt the underside of the layer of snow on the roof. The water trickles down between the layer of snow and the shingles until it reaches the eave of the roof, which stays cold because it extends beyond the side of the house. There, the water freezes, gradually growing into a mound of ice.
WHY SHOULD I CLEAN MY GUTTERS
- The gutters play an important part when ice dams form. If the gutters are clogged with debris before the snow falls there is a cushion for the snow and ice to build up. Heavy snow and ice can cause your gutters to to come away from the fascia. Make sure that your gutters are tightly secured before the winter. Keltom Gutters offers gutter repair service
WHAT DAMAGE DO ICE DAMS CAUSE?
- When an ice dam gets big enough, melted water backs up behind it and seeps underneath the shingles. Eventually, it will drip into the insulation and down into the ceilings and exterior walls beneath the eave, ruining sheet rock and paint. If the ice dam breaks free, it can pull shingles and gutters off with it, and it will damage anything it falls on: shrubs, windowsills, cars, pets, and people. If the roof sheathing stays wet, it can form mildew and start to rot.
HOW CAN YOU DEAL WITH AN ICE DAM?
There are two avenues of attack: dealing with an existing ice dam and preventing one in the first place.
DEALING WITH EXISTING ICE DAMS
- Remove the ice dam by breaking it free in small chucks. Do NOT use an ax or other sharp tool! You’ll cut through the shingles OR bend you gutters. Instead, tap lightly with a blunt mallet. This is slow, dangerous work, so hire someone experienced at roofing. Even if you do it safely, the chunks of ice can take pieces of shingle with them.
- Clear out gutters and downspouts. Again, this is ladder work and an easy way to damage either plastic or metal gutters and spouts.
- Melt troughs through the ice dam with calcium chloride ice melter. Do NOT use rock salt! It will damage paint, metals, and plants beneath the eave and wherever the salty water drains.
PREVENTING ICE DAM
973-852-7100
CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR DAD - Keltom has the answer.....
Yes, you love your Dad but he can drive you nuts sometimes....he thinks he is still 32 years old and can go on the roof to clean his gutters.
- According to the World Health Organization the US leads the world in ladder injuries. Each year there are more than 164,000 emergency room-related injuries and 300 ladder fatalities. It can be a dangerous job and requires skilled professionals. Don't let Dad on the ladder!!
How We Clean Gutters
- With just a few questions and answers our fully trained office staff will provide a price quote immediately when you call
- Courtesy – our technicians will knock on the door to let you know they are on your property
- We bring our own hoses – all we need is an outside faucet available with water available
- Gutters are hand cleaned – we don’t use blowers
- All debris is bagged at the roofline and removed from the premises
- Gutters and downspouts are flushed (temperature must be over 40°)
- A door tag will be left at the site upon completion
- No pre-payment required – we will mail the invoice
Debris Clean Up
We will bag all debris at the roofline – reducing the amount of debris that blower usage may cause. We will remove it from the premises upon the completion of the job. It will appear as if we were never at your home, aside from your gutters being empty, fully functional and the door tag left on your door.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A GUTTER CLEANING FOR DAD. WE HAVE GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE.
877-535-8660
KELTOM GUTTERS, NY GIANTS WORK TOGETHER
Keltom Gutters has donated two Giants tickets to the NY Giants/Dallas game along with the generous donation of a signed poster of Odell Beckham Jr. from the NY Giants organization. Keltom Gutter Service provides gutter service to and is a huge supporter of Riding With Heart located in Hunterdon County. During Riding With Heart's Annual Farm to Stable Fundraiser in September, Keltom Gutters Services happily provided the two tickets to the Cowboys/Giant's game. It was a great addition to the Giants Football organization donated poster of Odell Beckham Junior and earned the non-profit over $500. The Dallas game on December 11th will be exciting with Dallas leading the NFC East and the Giant's looking to knock them down.
Riding With Heart is a Riding with HEART is a Top-Rated Non-Profit through GreatNonProfits, and offers a variety of programs.
- Adaptive horseback riding is a recreational activity that teaches horseback riding skills adapted to each individuals abilities and goals. Certified instructors focus on a person's abilities rather than a disability.
- Riding with HEART’s equine assisted learning (EAL) program provides at risk, vulnerable and /or disadvantaged students who are challenged in a traditional classroom setting the opportunity to succeed in a diverse educational program. The program benefits the at-risk student in non-traditional educational setting where their natural strengths are recognized, their special needs addressed, and their personal growth a priority. Equine Assisted Learning is an experiential learning mode that incorporates the horse as a member of the teaching staff. Horses have highly developed senses and offer a mirror into ourselves as we interact with them.
- Riding with HEART’s Social Skills Group is a specialized program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related developmental disorders, ADD/ ADHD and learning disabilities. The unique setting of the barn and working with and riding horses is used to teach, reinforce and generalize social skills.
The program uses specially trained therapy horses which are donated from our community supporters.
For more information on Riding with HEART visit the facility or contact:
639 County Road 513
Pittstown, NJ 08867
Phone: (908) 735-5912
www.ridingwithheart.org
Oh by the way...it's time to clean your gutters!! 973-852-7100
WHY DO I NEED GUTTER CLEANING?
Our gutter cleaning service is one of the easiest ways to avoid damage to your home. Regular gutter maintenance is one of the most important home maintenance chores you need to do.
Gutters or leaders act as the first defense against rain and snow damage on key parts of your home. When cleaned annually or biannually, we prepare them for any moisture by draining it away from the home and into the yard. It’s important to clean them out twice a year—especially in autumn after leaves fall—to avoid paying thousands of dollars on repairs to the roof, foundation, or siding from seasonal storms and improper drainage.
The downspouts also play a key role in the gutters as well. If they are filled with debris, then the water will not drain into the yard, which means back-filling the gutters which cause damage to the soffit, fascia and siding and very likely the house interior.
Several factors come into play with our gutter cleaning service: is the home multi-level or single level? How many sides of your house have gutters, what type of roof does the house have, does the house have any type of gutter guard or screens? Why do we ask about the type of roof you have? If you have a slate or cedar roof then our technicians will not walk on the roof. Solid gutter guards on top of your gutters need special attention....as a result you may think that debris will not get into the gutters but build up of debris over the years can cause your gutters to block and cause water damage. Birds like to build nests and small animals hide their food and treats in your gutters! Screens on your gutters also require special attention. Screens come loose and leaves and debris accumulate.
Have copper gutters? Ladder stabilizers are used to make sure the ladders do not touch the gutters.
NOW is the time to gt your gutters cleaned to protect your home.
Go to our website to see what we have to offer.
keltomgutters.com or call 973-852-7100. Serving 13 counties in NJ.
Don't lose Grandpa!!
Every fall Grandpa says he is going to clean the gutters because...he thinks he can.
According to the World Health Organization the US leads the world in ladder injuries. Each year there are more than 164,000 emergency room-related injuries and 300 ladder fatalities.
It can be a dangerous job and requires skilled professionals. Keltom Gutter Services has been repairing, cleaning and installing gutters for over 20 years and that is all we do. We're not landscapers, gardeners, painters or pool cleaners. We concentrate on just gutters, homes with asphalt shingle roofs, slate roofs, cedar roofs, Yankee gutters, copper gutters, seamless aluminum....I could go on but you get the picture. We are scheduling for the busy fall season NOW. Call to make sure you have a spot....serving 13 counties in NJ our fleet is ready to come to your home and we are fully insured
Oh...make sure you get Grandpa a gift certificate when you call to schedule. Available for any size home and we will mail it.
973-852-7100 or keltomgutters.com
$15 OFF Gutter Cleaning (First Time Customers Only)