Posted by MyGutterGuy

The Roof Is On Fire | Roofing Tiles

Solar Powered Roofing Tiles

Energy has always been a constant in the development of humanity. From fire to electricity we have utilized these elements as fuel to build and grow. As consumption of energy steadily increases experts and visionaries look for creative and effective solutions to ensure we will be ready to meet the demands of tomorrow. Alternative energy has and will continue to grow in popularity and potential. Promising to deliver the energy we need without any of the harmful by-products the current energy choices produce.

Solar energy is among the most readily available renewable energy we currently know about. Our very own fusion reactor in the sky has been sending us wave after waver of energy. The planet around us has produced and sustained life as a result of this energy. Recognizing this potent energy source scientists have developed ever more efficient ways of harnessing this power. Today we utilize what is known as a Photo-voltaic (PV) for creating shingles! Imagine your whole home covered in small solar panels, potentially decreasing your energy bill by 40 percent to 70 percent.

Unfortunately Solar Panels Don’t Grow On Trees

Thinking about the future of roofing tiles

A bright idea, solar energy

This material is made from thin film solar cells (TFSC) which is comprised of copper indium gallium selenide, a semi-conductor allowing for a conversion rate of 10 percent to 12 percent. There is a more capable product available however, it tends to be a lot more expensive. This product is known as Mono-crystalline silicon (Mono-Si). This is a high demand material and will cost quite a bit more for only a small increase in conversion rates, 15 percent to 20 percent.

As the world moves forward we all will have to become more creative with solutions to our everyday problems. Fortunately for everyone, experts exist. Whether it be solar roofing panels or your homes drainage system, someone is always ready to assist. Allowing us to focus on more important aspects for the future, such as that anniversary you almost forgot!

Source:

Solar Power Authority

7 Feb 2017|Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Stay Ahead | Check Your Drain Lines and Gutters

Pig Skin, Drain lines, and Gutters

Super Bowl LI has certainly given us something to talk about in the best, or worst way, depending on your team. We all watched a dominant lead get destroyed, fast. Without digging to deep we can all see the Falcons became negligent with their lead. Whether it be Football, personal goals, or your responsibilities it is always a good idea to stay ahead!

Super Bowl LI

Spring is just around the corner and that means so is the rain. Just like Tom Brady destroyed the Falcons the rain can bring a similar kind of destruction to your home. During this time of year we would like to emphasize the importance of the drainage systems that protect your home. Gutters may have become clogged with debris. Drain lines can develop issues from the freezing temperatures as well. Here at Professional Gutter and Drain we are dedicated to helping you stay ahead of your drainage problems. Don’t let your home become a Super Bowl LI.

2 Feb 2017|Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Size, Does It Matter?

Water Volume Vs. Your Drainage System

Knowing Is Half The Battle

Knowing the correct size gutter to install or have installed on your home can be beneficial to any homeowner. Customers call us about gutter overflow issues everyday. Sometimes debris simply needs to be removed. Other times we simply need to adjust the pitch. Now while we do everything in we can to determine the issue and use the right crew for the job we have times where the homeowner simply doesn’t know. They are not sure why this is happening. They clean the gutters twice a year and someone has checked the pitch and found it to be correct. So now what? While we like to think every home built has the correct size gutter we live in a world where fact-checking has become a necessity. So let’s check the facts on water volume.

Numbers Never Lie, Says Pi

We can easily determine if our gutters are capable of handling the water volume using a simple formula. First we will need to determine the square footage of your roof, we will refer to his as the “roof drainage area”. If you don’t know this your local county auditor should have this information. Now that we have the roof drainage area we need to determine our roof pitch. You can look for a roof pitch tool online to help if you are unsure. Now your roof pitch will have a “roof pitch factor” that correlates to the pitch. These are as follows:

12/12 pitch is 1.3

9/12 or 11/12 is 1.2

6/12 or 8/12 is 1.1

4/12 or 5/12 is 1.05

3/12 is 1

Now multiply your roof drainage area by your roof pitch factor. Now that you have this number we only have one more step, accounting for the maximum rainfall intensity in your area. This is something you will have to research as it varies city to city. Multiply the answer from the previous equation by the maximum rainfall intensity. This will give you the number you’re looking for.

5″ K-style gutters can hold an average maximum ( depending on pitch and amount of downspouts) of 5,520 square feet. 6″ K-style gutters can hold an average maximum of 7,960 square feet. If you find your number is close to the maximum average and don’t want to upgrade your size you can always look to ensure your pitch is optimal for your gutters to increase the rate of drainage or, you can add additional downspouts for the same effect. Downspouts should be placed at least every forty feet of gutter.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/how-to-size-gutters-and-downspouts

1 Feb 2017|Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Water getting in the home

Water from the walls?

Often times we will receive a phone call in regards to water getting into the home. Sometimes we hear how the basement is becoming a flooded mess! Other times we hear some off the more unique situations. Things such as “Hi, yes I have water coming from my electrical outlet.” No matter how many times I hear it I am still surprised. Now if this was a Hollywood movie your next move would likely be to call a priest. Fortunately we won’t have to be performing any exorcisms. While this can be a scary situation it is not an impossible problem. Let us pull back the veil of mystery, absolve the fear, and getting moving in the right direction!

Did You Leave The Water Running?

There are two main causes. We will break it down and keep it simple by focusing on the first possibility. All through your home various pipes and lines are carrying water under pressure. Even the smallest crack in these pipes and lines can at times cause a lot of water to leak very quickly. Some cases the line can even be a slow drip. So how can we narrow down this problem? Well we can simply start by locating the main water valve for your home and shutting it off. You may have to wait to see if this corrected your issue if you have a slow leak. Calling your local plumber to identify and correct this issue can prevent mold and a lot of repairs!

It’s Raining Inside!

The second reason can be a hole or exposed area on the roof allowing water in. During rain events water will enter your home, running down the framework. Eventually we will start to see dry wall damage, electrical damage, and even carpet damage. Mold can accumulate inside the wall as well. If you have shut off your water and can not get the problem to stop we recommend calling your local roofer. Inquire about a roofing inspection to identify the source of the water.

Hmmm… well that can’t be good.

20 Dec 2016|Drains Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Is my sump-pump running too much?

Holiday Checklist

Now that winter has arrived we are all busy running about. Holiday shopping has us running around. Holiday meals have us running around. In-laws are coming in town, better run around and get this house spotless! Will all this running around we can feel overwhelmed and overworked. Fortunately we will soon be able to relax and recover. Unfortunately not everything that runs constantly can fix itself. Snow and ice melting is going to make your sump-pump work to keep your basement dry. Tis the season to check your drain lines!

Drain Line Inspection

Checking your drain lines can help ensure your sump-pump won’t get overworked this holiday season. If the ice and snow melting off your home is unable to flow through the drain lines it can cause serious problems. One thing we don’t need this holiday is a costly replacement. Here at Professional Gutter and Drain LTD. we recommend having your drain lines checked for any issues to better prepare you for the long cold months ahead. Checking your Drain Lines can help avoid burning out your sump-pump and will help prevent moisture from getting in your basement.

14 Dec 2016|Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

SDR 35 Vs. Schedule 40: The Give and Take

Downspout Drain Lines: SDR 35 or Schedule 40?

Should I use SDR 35 or Schedule 40 for my underground downspout and sump-pump drain lines? This question has been asked more then a few times and in this short article we will go over which should be used. Initially Schedule 40 looks better on paper. All around it is stronger, harder to crush. Should this not be the obvious choice? I mean when it comes down to it you always want to pick the stronger material, right? In order to answer that question we must first look at what strength means in this context and how it applies. Hold your conclusions until the end and lets get into it.

The Strength of Flexibility

When we think of strength we usually go right to the core of what strength is, which can take more punishment? While this may lead us to believe that Schedule 40 is a better choice we have to take a deeper look at the two types. SDR, or standard dimension ratio, was designed with the intent of being more flexible than Schedule 40. Compromising structural integrity for flexibility. Doing this does not seem like it would go along with what most people would want. Why would anyone want the line to have less strength? What would be the benefit? The quick answer is flexibility. Mother nature is always shifting and settling. Since these lines are installed underground they will be subject to these changes. Here is where the flexibility of SDR outweighs the strength of Schedule 40. SDR will bend with the shifting and settling. Having a higher flex tolerance means less breaks from the soil conditions. Schedule 40 is so rigid that in the event the ground shifts or settles this pipe has no give. It will simply snap or break from the pressure. In the winter Schedule 40 also becomes more brittle from being outside. After a few seasons the weather alone will have compromised the structural integrity of the schedule 40 pipe.

To the Victor Goes the Spoils

So in the long run we recommend using SDR on the exterior of your home. The flexible nature of the line will help keep the line from breaking from these adverse conditions. Additionally these lines will utilize a solvent weld or gasket to ensure the connection points are secure. Completely closing the system between the entry and exit points will help keep roots from infiltrating your line. Furthermore SDR 35 is less susceptible to the elements. When installed correctly it is one of the top choices available on the market today! So make sure you are protecting your investment with a small investment into a superior quality line.

9 Dec 2016|Drains Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Underground Drain Lines

Buried and Forgotten

As we prepare for the long cold months ahead we begin to look up. Falling snow illuminated by bright and colorful holiday lights. It is a wonderful sight to behold and helps fill us all with holiday cheer. With so much to do during this time of the year from buying gifts to making travel plans it is hard to remember the little things, like your underground drain lines. Throughout the year we all can see the importance of underground drain lines. Helping keep your basement dry and helping to protect the very foundation of your home. Now that winter has come we tend to forget about our underground drain lines. So before we kick back by the fire make sure you are ready for winter.

What To Look Out For In Your Drain Lines

Ice forming inside the underground drain lines can potentially pose a problem. How does this happen though? What can I do to prevent this? Well the first step in any good method is observation. Take some time and examine the exterior of your home. Have you noticed any water backing up? Can you find evidence water is draining out of your curb hole, or in some cases to the respective exit points? Do you hear the sump-pump running excessively? Have you noticed any moisture in the basement? These could all be signs of a problem. If you don’t know what you are looking for or aren’t very handy we can perform a drain service for you. Allowing a professional to examine the drain lines will give you peace of mind.

Being pro-active with your drain lines will ultimately be your best bet. Throughout the winter the ground will become frozen and harder to dig through, making repairs more difficult. So making sure you examine your drain lines for any negative pitch, low points or “bellies”, and blockages will help keep your lines from freezing during the winter. One small thing you can do is keep your curb clear where the water exits. Snow plows and snow fall in general will often block these exit points causing water to build up in the line and freeze. Just a simple drain service can help determine if you are ready for winter.

1 Dec 2016|Uncategorized Gutters

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Winterizing your gutters

Frozen Spears and Christmas Cheers, Keep your Gutters Clear!

Once again winter is upon us! While we all take time to admire the changing of the season we may not notice the danger forming right over our heads. Icicles. These icicles could come loose at any moment and come crashing down. Frozen spears have no regard for those below. Not only can these icicles fall and injure anyone below they can also tear off your gutter! Ice accumulation will increase your chances of your gutters being pulled away or even torn from the home due to the added weight. So what does this term winterizing your gutters mean? Well we will discuss briefly some things that you can do to help prevent those beautifully dangerous icicles from forming on your gutters. Before you invite your family and friends over for the holidays make sure to winterize your gutters.

How the Icicles Form

We need to understand what causes these icicles to form in order to prevent it. The icicle formation is a result of ice damming. As snow accumulates on your roof it will build up with the natural slope of your roof. Heat rises in your home and escapes through your roof it will melt the snow that is closest to the top of the roof. As the snow melts it will run down the roof freezing as it reaches the edge of the roof due to the temperature being reduced to freezing by the accumulated snow. Ice will begin layering under the snow. Thus a barrier known as an ice dam will form. This ice dam is where the icicles come in. Progression of this process will cause accumulation of ice according to the natural slope, towards the gutters. Eventually forming icicles.

We are all familiar with that slightly uncomfortable feeling of walking under these frozen fingers of death. With no way to be certain if they will or will not fall we are left with a few options. We can play a winter version of Russian roulette every time we are going in or out of our home or, we can winterize our gutters. Here are some quick tips to help you winterize your gutters for the winter! icicle-coloring-page-1

Keeping the Long Frozen Fingers of Death at Bay

Check your gutters to make sure they are clear of debris. If the gutters can not drain water that is running down the roof edge then the water will inevitably freeze in your gutters. Adding weight and wear. Simply clean your gutters! It is often the simple solutions we tend to overlook. With our gutters free of debris the water can be drained away from your home. This will help prevent accumulation of ice. Hopefully we have been keeping our underground drain lines clean!
Make sure your attic is properly insulated. Don’t forget the air sealing! This will help keep the precious heat we are paying for in our homes! Not only will this reduce your heating bill it will also minimize the snow being melted on the roof. Less snow being melted into water is less water being frozen on your roof edge.
You can always install a heat cable in your gutters. These heat cables are electric powered and will keep the temperature in your gutters and downspouts above freezing. We would hate to burn our friend Jack Frost but, he started it.
Our last tip would be to explore attic ventilation. At times the heat sources can travel through the attic itself. With no way to relocate these heat sources we are left with limited options. We recommend looking into attic ventilation. Allowing excess hot air that is accumulating in the attic to escape will prevent your roof from being caught in a fierce battle of hot and cold!

29 Nov 2016|Drains Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Drain Snaking

Welcome to Professional Gutter & Drain!

How important is it to have a drain snaking? It is very important! Not only so that the underground drain lines function properly, but also so that water doesn’t leak next to your foundation. When water leaks next to the foundation, it continues to erode the cement or brick holding the structure in place. As the erosion continues, water will begin to leak into your basement.

Now that the water is in the basement, water damage continues to threaten your valuables, as well as, your health. Mold will begin to spread and cause real problems for your entire home.

How often should you have a drain snaking? We recommend every 3-5 years to have your drains snaked, cleaned, and/or diagnosed, in order to ensure they are in proper functioning order.

But, how does a homeowner know what to get? You want to be sure that you are first working with a reliable & trustworthy company. There are many companies out there that will leave a bad taste in your mouth, but there are a select few that will go above and beyond to impress you. A good way to find these select few companies is research, research, & more research! Be patient and always remember “good labor isn’t cheap labor, & cheap labor isn’t good.”

If you would like to schedule a drain snaking or diagnosing of your underground drain lines, give us a call! We have been in business for more than 30 years. We take pride in all work that we perform, and we want to leave you impressed, instead of stressed. If you have questions, you can always call our office and speak with one of our highly trained professionals to help you through the process. Thank you for visiting and we hope you have a great rest of your day!

28 Nov 2016|Drains Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Drain Replacement

When you buy a new home, one of the important maintenance items is ensuring your underground drain lines are functioning properly. During the inspection phase, it is important to ask the inspector if the underground drain lines are needing attention. Many previous homeowners who are now putting their house on the market, have neglected their underground drain lines for many years. In many cases, this will result in a costly drain replacement. The last thing any homeowner wants to face is having to replace their underground drain lines on the newly purchased home. If you are unsure that they need replaced, a full service underground drain line inspection will need to take place in order to determine the condition of the underground drain line. A full service inspection will include the following: a snaking, camera inspection (as needed), and/or spot repair. A drain service calls functionality is to try and get the underground drain line in proper functioning order. If it is not able to be fixed at the time of service, then a drain replacement will be needed. If you would like to schedule this drain service call to find out the condition of your underground drain lines, then feel free to give us a call.