Gutters Full of Debris ? Pre-schedule your gutter cleaning!!!
Don’t wait too long….the trucks are filling up quickly. We are currently scheduling for the Fall season and are here to help.
Pre schedule the gutter cleaning NOW!! 
Scheduling your gutter cleaning before the harsh winter is one of the most important chores you have to do. A gutter cleaning will ensure the gutter is debris free. Any debris when wet can add extra weight causing stress to the fascia board holding the gutters onto the house.
Scheduling your gutter cleaning before the harsh winter is one of the most important chores you have to do. A gutter cleaning will ensure the gutter is debris free. Any debris when wet can add extra weight causing stress to the fascia board holding the gutters onto the house. Snow and ice are extremely 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. If your gutters are not properly secured or your fascia has begun to deteriorate due to the everyday weather conditions your gutters can fall off. Once a gutter falls off and gets bent it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. This type of repair can be expensive and easily avoided with regular maintenance of your gutters.
A yearly gutter maintenance check-up will alert you to any issues that may be going on with your gutters. Keltom Gutter Service offers a maintenance plan to fit every home....if you have tons of leaves and debris all year long or if only in the Fall we have a maintenance plan to fit your home.
Check out more information on the importance of regular gutter maintenance on our website; keltomgutters.wpengine.com
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A GUTTER CLEANING.
973-852-7100
GUTTERS, DRAINAGE, DAMAGE - HOW TO AVOID!!
There are 3 main aspects of your gutter system, gutters which collect the water, leaders (or downspouts) that distribute the water and the area where the drained water ends up. Simple, yet many homeowners neglect the last and most important aspect. Let's just think about this for a minute...you are really good at cleaning the gutters and downspouts but during a heavy rain the gutters overflow and may cause mild to extreme damage. Take a look at where all the water is going and where it ends up. The idea is to make sure the water ends up at least 7-10 feet away from the foundation of the house. There are 2 main ways to accomplish this.
1. Underground Downspout Drains
Downspouts are the part of the gutter system that works to get all the rain water off the roof to an area away from the home. If water is not redirected away from the foundation of the home, a lot of damage can be done to your yard, foundations or flower beds. It is recommended that the water be directed at least 7-10 feet away from the home. Because the water needs to go 7-10 feet away, a lot of people choose to have the water redirected underground so downspouts and extension pipes aren’t laying in the middle of their yard.
Under ground drain pipe damage, how to know they are not working and how to maintain
Under ground drain pipe damage, how to know they are not working and how to maintainUsually, underground drains are piped anywhere between 5-100 feet depending on the terrain and the preference of the homeowner. However, when a drain is placed underground it becomes susceptible to being damaged or clogged. Where the downspout connects to the underground drain is an important area to inspect frequently. Inspecting the connection from the downspout to the underground can help eliminate a problem later. How does the connector get damaged?
Many times the landscaper weed-wacking around the area may slowly weaken the coupling connecting the downspout to the underground.
The downspout is damaged and is not tight into the connection.
The underground is clogged and water is backing up constantly weakening the connection.
Here are a few reasons why a drain can get damaged or clogged.
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Drain crushed by vehicles or heavy equipment above ground
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Drain cut or busted near the underground entry point or the exit point is full of weeds and debris. The water cannot flow through if there are obstacles in the way.
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Drain damaged by roots growing or animals building nests in the underground.
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Underground drain maintenance needs to be done every couple of years. Call your local drain cleaner to snake or blow out the drains. Remember all year round debris is falling into the gutters and flowing through the underground drain. The larger the amount of water flowing through the downspouts and underground helps keep the drain flowing. If we do not have enough rain the debris will settle in the drain.
2. The other way to direct the water away from the home!!
The simplest and least expensive way to re-direct the water is to have your gutter company measure for downspout extensions and connect to all the downspouts! Contact us now for a free estimate. Serving NJ and PA.
NEW MicroGuard Leaf Shredding System - Lifetime Guarantee
Keltom Gutter Service is happy to announce we now carry the new MicroGuard Leaf Shredding System. Manufactured from heavy gauge 032 aluminum this durable leaf protection filter offers over 2000 micro-perforations per foot allowing water in but keeping even the smallest debris out of the gutter. The product won't bow, bend or separate from the gutter. This will keep the bottom of your gutters clear, allowing water to flow freely through the gutter trough and downspout and safely away from your home.
Keltom Gutter Service is offering a lifetime guarantee on the gutter area including entire house where the MicroGuard is installed. If the gutters clog we will clean them for free!
Why MicroGuard is different....
Does not interfere with roof lines - can be installed on all or isolated sections of gutter with heavy exposure to trees - it's virtually invisible from the street. The Micro-filter system will not penetrate roof shingles and therefore won't void roof warranties. Easy install on 5" or 6"new or existing aluminum gutters.
Need more information? Give us a call 877-535-8660 to schedule a free estimate and visit the site below to view the color brochure.
https://www.englertinc.com/sites/default/files/2020-12/microguard-brochure.pdf
Historic Home? Why choose Copper Gutters?
Greek Revival, Craftsman Bungalow, Victorian, Queen Anne or Colonial Revival . If you have any type of historic home you may want to keep the appearance with copper gutters. The most popular is the half round. Half round gutters were popularized in the early 1900s when metal roll machines came into regular use. They are, just as the name implies, a half round design with either a single or double bead rolled edge for added strength.
Traditionally, many homes use aluminum for their gutters and don’t give much thought to the overall appearance or necessary upkeep that may be needed later down the line. While aluminum gutters may be reasonably priced , copper gutters are most definitely worth the investment if you care for the aesthetic and longevity of your home.
Copper gutters not only look nice, but are also extremely durable, making them more resilient in all weather. Because of this, they are less likely to weaken. Properly maintained copper gutters can last for around 50-150 years. This is longer than any other gutter material on the market. Other materials typically last for around 10-30 years. Often homeowners can recoup the higher initial installation cost of copper with fewer replacements needed over time.
In order to properly install copper gutters, a specialist is needed because the copper gutters must be customized and tailored to each specific home. This allows for not only ensuring you get the look you desire, there will likely be less seams which results in less leaks in the future. To prevent corroding the copper, all nails and other associated material must be copper. Soldering is used, this added attention to detail in making sure all of the copper gutter materials are secure and will last is what makes copper gutters a very nice option for longevity.
Copper gutters will acclimate to the environment over time and result in what is known as “patina” – a green or brown film on the surface of copper or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period. This beautiful green hue accentuates homes to give it that historic era look, showcasing the beautiful vintage era in the copper gutters. Not only are they durable, but they surely bring attention from any onlookers that may look at your home.
If you have poorly installed gutters, your home is in jeopardy! This is especially true in four season states like PA and NJ. Rain, snow and sleet brings water back to your home causing rot damage to exterior doors and windows. This can result in extensive damage and will require repair work. A dirty clogged gutter is worse than no gutters at all! If you’re unsure of the quality and state of your gutters, please contact Keltom Gutter Service. 877-535-8660. We service 14 counties in NJ and also service Bucks, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton PA counties.
We want to help you keep your largest asset safe, your home!
Spring Gutter Maintenance: Remember Gutters First
Spring is on the way, and after the harsh winter we just had Spring Maintenance is a must!!
Always start at the top…….. chimneys, roofs, gutter repair, or replacement are on top so start there. You don’t want to fix the gutters after you have the windows washed! We do our best not to dirty the windows but as the gutters are cleaned debris can splatter onto the windows.
Here is a simple gutter maintenance checklist to help you out.
Exterior Inspection check everything high up! You don't want to forget anything!
Spring Gutter Maintenance Checklist – Spike & ferrules in older homes pulling away from the gutter where you can see the nail head popping out.
- Lines in your landscape below the gutter
- Mold in areas below where gutters are in place
- Rotting deck boards, windowsills, windows, garage doors, and regular doors below where gutters are in place
- Erosion in landscape or mulch beds
- Cracking or upheaval of sidewalks, patios, driveways and stairs
- Dips or back pitch in gutters
- Gutter hanging off the home
- Downspout disconnected from gutter or home
- Water in the basement and home
- Overflowing gutters that have been properly maintained may indicate a more serious problem
Roof Maintenance - Check for shingle shift, cracked or missing shingles. Maybe there are nail pops where water to get in. Slate or cedar roof? Always get the roof repaired as water can seep into the underlying material and get into the attic.
Chimneys - If you have a masonry chimney, check the joints between bricks or stones. Have any fallen out? Each signals water infiltration. Also, look for efflorescence—”a white calcium-like deposit that indicates your masonry joints are no longer repelling water.
Exterior Walls - Whether you have wood siding, stucco or brick, look for trouble spots, especially under eaves and near gutter downspouts. Water stains normally indicate that your gutters are not adequately containing roof runoff. If you have wood siding, check for openings, damaged areas or knots that have popped out, making way for carpenter ants, woodpeckers and other critters that may nest in or burrow through.
Foundations - When inspecting the exterior of your home, be sure to examine the foundation from top to bottom for masonry cracks. Consider re-sealing masonry with a clear, impermeable or water-resistant barrier material (like Thoroseal products). Brush it on, small areas at a time; let it absorb for 15 minutes, then reapply—it may need a couple of applications.
Hope this helps and as always give us a call for a no-cost estimate for gutter repairs, replacement, or cleanings!!
Don't lose your man!! Let Keltom Gutters clean your gutters!!!
Every fall the man of the house says he is going to clean the gutters because…well he thinks he can. Keltom Gutters knows they can. Don't lose your man.
It can be a dangerous job and requires skilled professionals. Keltom Gutter Services has been repairing, cleaning and installing gutters for over 23 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 and carry NJ workers compensation. Remember, an injury on your property may put you in a position of responsibility.
According to the World Health Organization the US leads the world in ladder injuries. Each year there are more than 175,000 emergency room-related injuries and 300 ladder fatalities. All it takes is one little slip, over reach or a malfunctioning ladder and serious injury or death is possible.
Love the men in your life? Make sure you get that special man a gift certificate so he doesn't fall off the roof or ladder!!! Available for any size home in your choice of monetary value and we will mail or email it.
973-852-7100 or keltomgutters.wpengine.com
$15 OFF Gutter Cleaning (First Time Customers Only)
SNOW, ICE, ICE DAMS AND YOUR MAIN INVESTMENT.......
Contrary to popular belief, gutters do not cause ice dams.
It is not your gutters fault that the ice dam has formed, it is your insulation.
Ice dams form when melted snow refreezes at roof edges. Anyone who has lived in cold climates has seen ice dams. We’ve enjoyed the sparkling beauty of ice formations built along roof eaves (of other people’s homes). However, most of us don’t stop to understand why these ice bands form until they damage our homes.
Three things are required for an ice dam to form: snow, heat to melt the snow and cold to refreeze the melted snow into solid ice. Ice dams can form when as little as 1 or 2 inches of snow accumulates on a roof – if the roof is poorly insulated and air sealed, and the snowfall is followed by several days of sub-freezing temperatures. Ice dams develop as snow on the upper part of the roof melts. Water runs down the roof slope under the blanket of snow and refreezes into a band of ice at the roof’s edge creating a “dam”. Additional snow-melt pools against the dam and eventually leaks into the building through the roof or roof trim.
The reason ice-dams form along the roof’s lower edge, usually above the overhang, is straight-forward. The upper roof surface (toward the ridgeline) is at a temperature that is above freezing. And the lower part of the roof surface (along the eaves) is below freezing. The upper roof surface is located directly above the living space. Heat lost from the house warms this section of the roof, melting snow in this area. During periods of sub-freezing temperature the lower regions of the roof deck remain at sub-freezing ambient temperatures. Roof overhangs are not warmed by indoor heat-loss.
Below is an explanation of what an ice dam is and how to prevent them.
What is an ice dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Figure 1 shows a cross section of a home with an ice dam.
What causes ice dams?
There is a complex interaction among the amount of heat loss from a house, snow cover and outside temperatures that leads to ice dam formation. For ice dams to form there must be snow on the roof, and, at the same time, higher portions of the roof's outside surface must be above 32 degrees F while lower surfaces are below 32. For a portion of the roof to be below 32, outside temperatures must also be below 32. When we say temperatures above or below 32, we are talking about average temperature over sustained periods of time.
The snow on a roof surface that is above 32 will melt. As water flows down the roof it reaches the portion of the roof that is below 32 and freezes. Voila! - an ice dam.
The dam grows as it is fed by the melting snow above it, but it will limit itself to the portions of the roof that are on the average below 32. So the water above backs up behind the ice dam and remains a liquid. This water finds cracks and openings in the exterior roof covering and flows into the attic space. From the attic it could flow into exterior walls or through the ceiling insulation and stain the ceiling finish.
Preventing and dealing with ice dams
In all Northeast communities it is possible to find homes that do not have ice dams. Ice dams can be prevented by controlling the heat loss from the home.
Immediate action
- Remove snow from the roof. This eliminates one of the ingredients necessary for the formation of an ice dam. A "roof rake" and push broom can be used to remove snow, but be careful it may damage the roofing materials.
- In an emergency situation where water is flowing into the house structure, making channels through the ice dam allows the water behind the dam to drain off the roof. Hosing with tap water on a warm day will do this job. Work upward from the lower edge of the dam. The channel will become ineffective within days and is only a temporary solution to ice dam damage.
Long-term action
- First, make the ceiling air tight so no warm, moist air can flow from the house into the attic space.
- After sealing air leakage paths between the house and attic space, consider increasing the ceiling/roof insulation to cut down on heat loss by conduction.
Any person on the roof during the winter or performing work on the roof from below is risking injury and risking damage to the roof and house. It is important to contact professionals to carry out this job
Snow, Ice and the extra weight
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. Frozen debris in gutters will add weight to the gutters increasing the stress, clean your gutters regularly to prevent additional damage. 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. Check out the information on our website regarding gutter cleanings, repairs, installations and Service Agreements.
keltomgutters.com 973-852-7100
HUNTERDON COUNTY - FALL, FARMS, FIELDS, FESTIVALS, FUN
Yes, Keltom Gutter Service is located in NJ and services 13 counties, yes, we have a fleet of trucks that travel on all the major highways but once you pass Exit 22 on Route 78 you know your no longer in the main stream. Hunterdon County is paradise compared to the immediate counties surrounding NYC. The site of rolling fields, barns, silos and cows after exit 22 is a breath of fresh air. Fairs, festivals, and farmer markets abound during the Fall months. Between watching balloons float through the skies (yes they are still flying), buying corn stalks, pumpkins and just driving the scenic roads checking the Fall foliage Hunterdon County is the best place to live in New Jersey. Not only is there is such a variety of things to do it is # 1 ranked per capita income in the state and # 6 of the wealthiest counties in the country.
Now is the time to pre-schedule your gutter cleaning so you can take advantage of the sights, sounds and smell of Fall in the country! To schedule call our office 908-464-3280 and with just a few questions we can provide a gutter cleaning quote over the phone. Our technicians are out 6 days a week cleaning all kinds of gutters - copper, aluminum, galvanized. Do you have a slate or wood roof? We don't walk on specialty roofs and all gutter cleanings are performed by hand - no mess from blowers. Need a repair or gutter installation? We do that too...we only do gutters and have been for 25 years.
I wanted to share a few Fall happenings in Hunterdon so take a look at the short list of some of the highlights of things to do in the upcoming weeks. Get out of the house and enjoy the weather before the miserable ice and snow come!
Red Mill Haunted Village
October Fri & Sat
The journey begins inside an 1810 wool mill with three stories of twists and turns. Outside, a vintage tractor awaits to take you through the forest of fright. Eventually, you arrive at a dark maze, where more horror is to be had.
Fri-Sat, 7-10 pm. $25-$100.
56 Main Street, Clinton (908-735-4101)
Schaefer’s Farm Fright Fest
October weekends
This excursion begins with a hair-raising, 45-minute hayride to the middle of nowhere. Abandoned, visitors must trek the trail of terror, outrun chainsaw-wielding zombies and ward off killer clowns.
Fri-Sat, 7-10 pm; Sun, 7-9 pm. $30.
1051 Flemington Whitehouse Road, Flemington (908-782-2705)
Melick’s Town Farm, Califon
Daily, 9 am-5 pm. Free. Weekend horse-drawn carriage rides, $4 adults; $2 kids.
472 County Road 513
Harvest Food Truck & Wine Festival
October 24-25
Sample dishes from award-winning food trucks while enjoying Alba Vineyard’s panoramic views. The event features live music; wine tastings available at an additional cost.
Noon to 5 PM. Adults, $10; ages 13-20, $5. Alba Vineyard, 269 Riegelsville Warren Glen Road, Milford (908-995-7800)
HUNTERDONCOUNTYLIVE.COM
PERFECT PITCH - GUTTER PITCH ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANCE
Winter weather can alter the gutter pitch causing problems.
Below are the guidelines for the "perfect pitch".
Gutters may look perfectly even, but it’s a carefully crafted illusion. Gutters actually have a slight pitch that allows water to flow towards the downspouts. It’s very gradual and not noticeable, but it helps sweep away debris and keeps your gutters clean, and allows water to flow to the downspouts without overwhelming them, thus backing up the system Gutter runs 30 feet long or more should have a downspout installed at each end, pitching the gutter from the center towards each downspout.
Experienced gutter installers know how to pitch the gutters. Many times they will use a level to insure accuracy. Sometimes the structure on which the gutters are installed, will determine the appropriate amount of pitch to have the gutters work efficiently.
Why do my gutters look frozen??
Even though it is December the temperature seems more like January or February. The leaves haven't even finished falling and already there is frost on the roof and frozen debris in the gutters.
If you are looking out the window wondering where that drip, drip, drip is coming from, it is likely caused by the build-up of water that froze inside your gutters — resembling ice cube trays. Everything freezes including the debris in your gutters. Clogged downspouts, improper gutter pitch and clogged underground drains can contribute to the cause of frozen gutters.
To clean out the gutters the debris needs to thaw a little bit. Yes, you could scrape out the debris but why take a chance of damaging the gutters? A hole in the gutter is not good! As the day warms the debris softens and can be removed without to much trouble.
Below is some information on how to determine if your gutter is improperly pitched, downspouts are clogged or the underground drains are clogged.
Clogged downspouts:
“Knock” on the side of the spouts beginning where the spouts connect with the gutter and work your way down to the base of the spout. If the knock returns a dull thud sound, then the spouts are clogged in that area. If the noise resonates like it’s hollow inside, then that area is okay. Test the full length of the downspout for clogs. If you have older gutters that are not seamless check the seam that runs down the back of downspouts. If the seam has separated, then the downspout is clogged, no longer operational, and will need to be replaced.
Clogged underground drains:
Disconnect the downspout from the pipe and check for clogs. This is an area where leaves accumulate, and the drainage pipes will need to be cleaned out by hand, snaked, or the downspouts will need to be rerouted above ground depending on the scope of the problem.
Improperly pitched gutters:
If you were diligent about cleaning out your gutters, and water has frozen inside the gutters, call us to check to see if your gutters are pitched properly. Frankly, it doesn’t matter if your gutters are old or new, improperly pitched gutters are commonplace and will cause water to pool inside the gutters and freeze like ice cube trays.
Call - 973-852-7100