Those dark and stormy nights may seem fun in a story book or on the big screen. But for the unprepared homeowner, they can mean costly repairs. With storm season upon us, we’ve put together a few quick tips to help you get your home ready for the unexpected. Read on as we discuss how to prepare your home to stand up to the elements.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Your gutters carry rainwater away from the foundation. As such, they play a critical role in protecting your home from water damage. Clogged gutters can lead to water seeping into your basement and crawlspace. What’s more, if they get too heavy, those gutters can collapse. Consider installing a gutter protection system like LEAFAWAY®. You can then check this task off your list forever by keeping your gutters debris free all year long.

Trim Those Trees

If you have a lot of beautiful trees on your property, be sure to take care of them. Now is a good time to call in an arborist to see if any branches need to be removed. That way when the wind picks up, those branches won’t come through your windows or roof.

Get Your Roof in Top Shop

Speaking of roofs, no one wants to find out their roof needs a repair by discovering a leak in the middle of a heavy storm. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends having your roof inspected twice a year. You’ll know if repairs are in order before your roof becomes a problem.

Upgrade Your Siding

Not all siding is created equal. This is especially true when it comes to withstanding high winds, hail damage, and the impact of falling branches. Our United States Seamless® Steel Siding provides superior strength and a finish that’s resistant to harsh weather.

If you’re looking for professional help to prepare your home to stand up to the elements this storm season, call on Spotless & Seamless. We are your top Twin Cities contractor for home exteriors needs. Contact us today for a free estimate!

In a previous blog, we discussed spring weather and its effects on your home and property. Warmer temps often mean the potential for intense storms. We wanted to reiterate the importance of being prepared and offer a few tips to get your home ready for the elements.

In the Yard

Look around on any given day, and you probably notice things around the yard that need work or tidying up. Before stormy weather rolls in, be sure to take care of those tasks that could otherwise cause damage to your home during severe weather.

• Trees. Trim any branches that have contact with your home’s roof or siding. Also, clear dead tree limbs so they don’t come loose during heavy winds and damage your siding or break a window.
• Lawn furniture. Take inventory of your lawn or patio furniture and anchor it down or secure it in a garage or shed. Close and fasten any deck umbrellas as well. Your home’s exterior may become damaged if strong winds throw these items around during a storm.
• Fence. Check fence doors and/or boards to ensure they’re secure. Again, these things can come loose during a storm and get blown into siding, doors, or windows.

Inside

Keep yourself and your family safe from the effects of inclement weather with a storm kit. This may come in handy if you lose power or need to shelter in place for any length of time. Include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit and necessary medications, a phone charger, and enough food and water for each family member. Once the storm is over, remember to restock your kit.

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use a storm pack, but you’re better off being prepared in case of emergency.

Outside

Check the gutters. Tighten any loose connections and replace sections that may be cracked or broken. Clear out any debris to avoid clogs or water overflow during a downpour. Also, make sure downspouts are pointed away from your home. This will keep rainwater flowing out from the foundation and help keep things dry.

Additionally, make sure your doors and windows are set to withstand a spring or summer storm. Exterior doors should be supported by at least three hinges and have a solid locking mechanism, preferably a deadbolt.

Close windows to keep water from damaging your home’s interior and to help protect the roof. A strong wind coming in through open windows can create upward pressure on the roof from the inside. So, it’s best to keep windows sealed up.

You’ve probably already checked your roof for any damage after the winter season, but give it another look as the weather dictates. After all, this is your home’s canopy and one of the most important means of protection. Secure or replace and loose or cracked shingles to help shield the roof from rain and wind.

Be Ready for the Elements

Taking care of your home is a full-time job, and we hope these tips will help get your home ready for the elements. At Spotless & Seamless, we understand the responsibility that goes along with home ownership and want to help make things easier for you. Ask our Twin Cities home exteriors professionals about ways to protect your home this storm season and all year long. We offer seamless siding, roofing, window and door, and gutter solutions to keep your home safe no matter the weather. Contact us today to learn more.

The calendar is turning toward spring, but your home may still feel the harsh effects from winter. The best way to know for sure is to walk around your yard and take note of anything in need of attention. If you don’t know where to start, we can help with these exterior care to-dos for your spring list.

Roofing

Your home’s roof has endured a lot – cold, wind, ice, and snow – over the past several months.

Give the roof a good examination and look for signs of distress, such as loose, missing, or curled shingles. Pay attention indoors for signs of leaks originating from the outdoors. Take note of the roof’s appearance, as indentations or depressions may indicate larger issues beneath the surface.

Any and all of these issues should be addressed as quickly as possible. Taking care of them now will help you avoid bigger and more costly problems down the road.

Gutters

More than likely, you cleaned out the gutters last fall. Now, you’ll want to make sure the snow and ice melting from the rooftop have a designated and safe route for escape.

Give the gutters another look in case branches or other debris got stuck in them over the winter. Or maybe you notice gaps in the system or loose connections. Replace and repair anything that’s broken or loose or reach out to a trained professional to handle the fixes.

Maybe now is the time to upgrade your gutters and consider a LEAFAWAY® protection system. You won’t have to clean your gutters or worry about drainage again.

Siding

Check the siding for any pieces that may have come loose or become damaged or warped over the winter months.

You’ll want to take care of any issues right away to prevent moisture from getting in as the spring thaw continues. Moisture can wreak havoc by causing wood rot or issues with mold, creating costly headaches and potential health issues for your family.

If your home’s siding is in need of full repair, United States Seamless® Steel Siding provides a superior option for ideal performance and protection.

Windows

Seasonal temperature fluctuations put your windows to the test, and winter’s frigid conditions are especially brutal. Thoroughly clean the windows so they’re ready for warmer weather, and check for cracks in the glass or damage to the panes or sills. Determine what, if anything, should be mended immediately to protect your home. You want to be sure to keep the unconditioned air and water outside where it belongs.

Perhaps this is the year you upgrade to energy efficient windows. Save on heating and cooling costs while increasing comfort, safety, and curb appeal with high-performance Ply Gem windows.

These are just a few ideas of exterior care to-dos for your spring list, but they’re enough to get you started. If you notice any issues that seem troublesome, Spotless & Seamless is here to help. Our Twin Cities home exteriors experts can assess roofing, gutters, siding, and windows and go over ideas for repair or replacement to fit your lifestyle and budget. Contact us today.

The gutter system on your home is meant to help protect your investment no matter the season. For gutters to effectively work, you should address a few key points. Now that winter has officially arrived, we can expect wicked weather and colder temps. But don’t worry; we can help you avoid frozen gutters with these ideas.

Keep Them Clear

If the channels are clogged, gutters cannot guide rainwater and melting ice away from your home.

Clean gutters at least twice a year and especially after all the trees have shed their leaves in the fall. When the weather changes, remove any icicles from the edge of the roof to prevent those from dropping off and collecting or freezing inside the gutters.

Check the Pitch

Gutters should be sloped a bit to ensure they properly keep water moving down and away from your home and its foundation. Check to make sure your system slopes at least one-quarter inch for every 10 feet of gutter.

Melt Away Ice

Ice that builds up in your gutters can create dams, which can allow melting snow and ice to seep into your home. Melt away any ice and avoid potentially costly damage to your roof and your home.

Try installing heated cables. Most often these cables clip to the shingles and lay in a zig-zag pattern at the edge of the roof, just over the gutter system. They gently warm any snow or ice and prevent it from building up in the gutters.

You can also sprinkle roof melt or sodium chloride to help prevent snow and ice accumulation. Be careful to avoid using rock salt, which is corrosive and may damage your gutters and your yard.

Rake the Roof

Keep the edge of your roof clear of snow so that it doesn’t fall into the gutter system. Use a roof rake and gently remove excess snow from the fringe of the roofline. This will help protect your gutters and decrease the burden of weight on your roof.

Check Insulation

Poke your head into the attic and check to see if your roof is properly insulated. Adequate insulation will keep the shingles cool and prevent melting snow from collecting and freezing in the gutters.

Ice and snow can collect in your gutter system during winter months and cause all kinds of issues. If gutters are frozen, they cannot properly function and protect your home. Furthermore, added weight inside the gutters can cause them to become overwhelmed and buckle, become loose, or break away completely. These ideas can help you avoid frozen gutters and keep your home safe and sound. If you do notice issues with your gutters, the Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. We can answer your questions and even discuss with you how the additional benefits of a LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system. Contact us today.

We have reached that leaf-falling time of year, which is a good reminder to keep up on gutter maintenance. Ideally, you should clean gutters in the spring and again in the fall to prevent water flow problems and other issues. The process can be challenging, but we hope these tips for safe and effective gutter cleaning helps you get the job done.

Get Your Footing

Gutter cleaning likely involves working from a ladder. Be sure the ladder you use is sturdy and extendable and that the ground is stable and level. Remember to practice safety; don’t overextend your reach and stay below the second-to-last rung at the top of the ladder.

Prepare to Get Dirty

Depending on what sort of clutter is in your gutters, the task can be messy. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and durable pants. Additionally, a pair of hardy work gloves will protect your hands from potentially sharp twigs, debris, and metal gutter edges. Gloves also create a barrier between you and rough roofing textures and help prevent callouses from handling work tools.

Have a bucket handy for collecting gutter sediment and sludge or spread out a tarp below your workspace. Gathering the gunk this way will also keep your lawn and landscaping looking neat and natural.

Dig In and Flush

Use your hands to clear out leaves and twigs. To dig out the more packed-down muck, use a gutter scoop or small plastic shovel. Make sure the tool you use doesn’t scratch or otherwise damage the gutter surface.

Once the gutters are clean, flush the channels with a garden hose to remove any remaining debris. This is also a good time to check for leaks, make sure gutters are correctly sloped, and ensure the downspout is free from blockage.

Repair as Needed

Seal up leaks in joints or seams and secure any loose sections or brackets. If you find any standing water, you may need to adjust the pitch. Gutters should slope at least ¼-inch but usually ½-inch for every 10 feet. You can also rely on a home exteriors expert to assist with your gutter needs.

Give Up Gutter Cleaning

Hopefully these gutter cleaning tips will help you safely and effectively finish the task. If you’re tired of digging through the debris and gunk twice a year, we have the solution. The LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system keeps your gutters clear all year round. The professionals at Spotless & Seamless can discuss options for your home. Contact us today.

That crisp air and those colorful trees mean fall weather is officially upon us. With each changing season comes a new list of home maintenance tasks. The roof does its job of protecting you and your home all year, but how do you look out for it and keep it sturdy? Read on to learn simple ways to protect your roof this fall.

Remove Debris

Clear your roof of tree branches, leaves, pine needles, and other debris. These things can hold moisture and eventually mold or rot, which could cause shingles and roofing material to deteriorate.

Use a broom or blower to remove debris. Also, keep an eye on lower areas where slopes meet. Rainwater collects in these valleys to flow off the roof, so it’s important to make sure the passageway is open.

Additionally, look for and trim any low-lying branches or those that hang over the edge of your roof. This will help prevent moisture and debris from resting against or collecting on the rooftop. Remember to use caution: Be aware of and careful around any power lines near your home’s roof. Don’t hesitate to contact the utility company to do the trimming for you.

Look for Damage

Now that your roof is free from debris, check the surface for any signs of damage. Look for broken, missing, or curled shingles and repair or replace them right away. If you find significant flaws, have a qualified expert inspect the area to determine whether you may need a full roof replacement.

Also, check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. This material directs water away from those vulnerable areas of the roof, so be sure it is in fine working condition.

Clear Gutters

If you have a gutter system along your roofline, be sure to keep it clear.

That debris from your rooftop often ends up in your gutters, which creates clogs and prevents the system from properly draining water. Rainwater can then overflow and damage your roof, siding, and trim boards. If the gutters become too heavy from rain-soaked debris and standing water, the system may start to pull loose or even collapse.

Save yourself from potentially expensive repairs by clearing the gutters throughout the fall. Once the trees around your home have lost their leaves, do another thorough cleaning to ensure the channels are unobstructed.

Or, to avoid the hassle of gutter cleaning altogether, consider installing a LEAFAWAY® Gutter Protection System.

With cooler weather finally here, be sure to get outside and keep up with home maintenance. These simple suggestions will help protect your roof this fall. If you have concerns about possible roof damage or questions about gutters, the Twin Cities area home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. Contact us today to learn more.

If you have recently purchased a home, congratulations! Homeownership offers a host of opportunities, with some required maintenance and upkeep. Now that you’re situated in your new place, you’ll want to be sure it’s ready for the changing season. Use these traditional tips to protect your new investment this fall.

Windows and Doors

As the weather turns cooler, keep your home’s warm air from escaping. Check around doors and windows for gaps in caulking and weather stripping. These materials depreciate over time, so perform regular checks to ensure a proper seal.

Repair or replace any gaps with the appropriate materials. Additionally, check the seals around cable, gas, and electrical entry points to be sure they are properly secured.

If you feel your home may need new, high-performance windows or doors, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced professionals.

Gutters

Safeguard your home’s exterior – and interior! – by keeping the gutters clean. Clogged gutters can lead to water buildup that can damage roofing and siding. Be sure to clear out leaves, branches, nests, and other debris. Also, consider covering your gutters with a LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system and never clean gutters again.

Prevent potential foundation issues by checking downspouts. Keep them free from obstructions and make sure they’re directing water several feet away from your home, sidewalks, and driveways.

Roofing

If you notice sand-like particles in your gutters, this may signal a shingle issue. That grit protects the roof’s shingles from sun damage. Inspect the condition of your shingles to make sure they’re still protecting your home from the elements.

Also, look for cracked, missing, loose, or warped shingles and replace them as needed. Check areas around ventilation pipes or chimneys to be sure the flashing is intact and secure. If it’s not, water can seep in and lead to expensive repairs.

Siding

Clean any dirt, mildew, or other debris from siding to protect its durability and keep insects away. Check for any damage, especially in corners and areas where trim boards connect. Any cracks or holes in siding should be addressed and fixed as soon as possible.

Trim tree branches and shrubs, especially if they’re close to the house. This will prevent scratches or other damage during high winds and help keep moisture from potentially seeping in through constant contact with exterior siding.

For better peace of mind, consider installing United States Seamless® Steel Siding. This maintenance-free option provides proven performance and offers a wide range of design and color choices.

Your new home is a big investment. These traditional tips should help you protect that investment this fall. If you have questions or concerns about your home’s windows and doors, roofing, gutters, or siding, the home exteriors experts at Spotless & Seamless are here to help. Contact us today for recommendations or to schedule an estimate or installation.

As a homeowner, you want to do what you can to protect your investment. You have probably planned for everything under the roof, but what about alongside it? Perhaps you haven’t thought about the ways in which a gutter system provides protection. We can help with that and keep you informed with these gutter fundamentals.

The What

Simply put, gutters help safely drain water from your rooftop. Think of it as plumbing for your home’s exterior. The system collects rainwater and channels it to the ground, away from your home and its foundation.

Gutters should be correctly installed, accurately positioned, and free of debris to function properly. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to build up or overflow and seep into your home. Check gutters regularly to ensure they are securely fastened and free from leaves, twigs, animal nests, or other debris.

The Why

Minnesota sees its share of spring and summer rains, and we know about those winters. All that melting snow needs to go somewhere. A gutter system helps protect many areas of your home.

• Roof. A roof is designed to shield the structure but not to sustain water buildup. Gutters gather that water and carry it away from the roofline and your home.
• Siding. Rain and roof drainage can take a toll on your siding. Gutters help keep it from becoming saturated, which could lead to issues with mold and rot.
• Basement and foundation. An effective gutter system will direct water away from your home’s foundation to help prevent structural deterioration and damage. Rainwater that drains too close to the home can pool along the foundation and seep into cracks or other openings in the basement. Downspouts should extend six feet from your home.

The Where

Installing a gutter system will help protect the overall investment in your home and help give you peace of mind year-round. Be sure the work is done by a qualified professional, like the experts at Spotless & Seamless.

Go one step further with a LEAFAWAY® Gutter Protection system and eliminate the need to clean your gutters – ever. Ask us about this or any other gutter fundamentals, and contact us today for a free estimate.

If you built or purchased your home with gutters already installed, you know the value of such a system. But if your roofline isn’t currently equipped with gutters, do you need them? Keep reading and discover some of the benefits of these water-draining methods to help you decide whether to invest in gutters to protect your home.

To Gutter or Not to Gutter

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, the average annual rainfall in the state ranges from 20 inches in the northwest to 35 inches in the southeast. With such a wet climate, it’s probably worth your while to invest in gutters for your home.

A gutter system can protect your property in more ways than one.

Preserve the foundation. Minnesota summers are notorious for storms and heavy rains. When that rainwater pours down from your roof, it can lead to erosion as more soil washes away time and again. This can eventually cause damage to landscaping, sidewalks, and even your driveway.

Erosion that extends too close to the house can damage the foundation. Indicators include cracks in walls and chimneys or warped and uneven floors, all of which could be costly to repair.

Keep the basement dry. Rainwater that drains straight from the shingles often collects around the home’s foundation. As the soil becomes more saturated, it gets heavier and can cause cracks in basement walls. Those small cracks allow water to seep in, which may cause flooding or moisture buildup. This presents a danger on its own. Damp basements often harbor mold growth, which could affect the health of your family.

Safeguard your siding. Water streaming down can carry with it all sorts of debris, which over time can damage or discolor your siding – depending on which type you have. Stains, chips, or cracked paint can affect your home’s curb appeal.

What’s more, water damage can wear down the siding and cause it to crumble or rot, inviting unwelcome critters and pests inside. Compromised siding also allows in moisture, which again leads to issues with mold.

Installation

Once you make the choice to invest in gutters, be sure they’re property installed by professionals, like the experts at Spotless & Seamless, to ensure proper measurement, fastening, and fitting. Also, be sure to keep your new gutters free of debris and in working order.

To avoid gutter maintenance, ask about the LEAFAWAY® Gutter Protection system. Our Twin Cities home exteriors professionals are here to help with all of your home exterior needs. Contact us to learn more or to request an estimate.

The month of April is known for its proverbial showers. Make sure your home’s gutter system is clear and ready for that rainy assignment. Clogged gutters create all sorts of unpleasant situations for homeowners, costing time and money. Continue reading to learn some of the reasons why it’s important to keep your gutters free of debris.

Water Damage

Obstructions such as leaves, dirt, pine needles, and other debris can accumulate in your gutters and prevent them from guiding water safely away from your home. Instead, the water overflows and moisture increases. This can eventually lead to rotting fascia boards and soffits, causing damage to your home’s exterior and potentially triggering damage to your home’s interior.

Foundation Issues and Leaks

Water that cannot properly drain can build up along your home’s foundation. If enough water collects, it likely will find its way into your basement. The excess moisture can damage structural integrity and lead to mold issues.

Large pools of water can also soften the soil around and under your home, resulting in possible cracks in the foundation and expensive structural fixes down the road.

Insects and Pests

Leaf-filled gutters are ideal places for mice and squirrels to take up residence. Once these critters move in, they can cause trouble in and around your home. Likewise, accumulations of moist leaves can attract insects, which can lead to an infestation inside as well as outside. Keep clutter from your gutter to help limit mosquitoes and deter wood-eating insects such as ants and termites from moving in.

An Alternative

Depending on your surroundings, gutters should be cleaned one to four times a year. One simple way to avoid gutter cleaning hassle is to consider a LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system. This one-piece rain-carrying system is structurally designed to let rainwater flow through while keeping leaves and debris out.

When working properly, your home’s gutter system is a crucial element to its protection. Be sure to keep your gutters free of debris to avoid the pitfalls of water damage, foundation issues, and pest infestation. To evade gutter maintenance altogether, ask your Minnesota clog-free gutter experts about LEAFAWAY®. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless are available to assist with your home exterior needs. Contact us today.