Mill Creek Gutter Pros
Tools and Hardware
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Rodent Guards
Rodent guards as they're commonly called keep small animals out of your downspouts. They affix to the bottom of a downspout, or a downspout extension, and create a grate which water can exit, and that animals cannot enter. They are an inexpensive upgrade for your downspouts, and are easily installed by hand. Orient them over a splash guard to move water away from your foundation for added protection. |
Downspout Extension
Downspout Extensions all look a little different, but play an important role. These pieces of plastic attach directly to your downspout, and direct water away from your house or building foundation. This is ideal for moving water a few feet over to an outlet, driveway, or drainage. Plus, they can be covered with grass or mulch to create a clean look. They're also fast to install, require no digging, and help to keep rodents out. Some come equipped with an integrated rodent guard - shop around for this low cost improvement, and install it in seconds. |
Splash Guards
Splash guards are simple, yet helpful tools that move water away from your house or building foundation. They are especially helpful at protecting concrete and brick, and mitigating against flooding, which helps home owners avoid damage. Splash guards are also beautifully simple - a mere section of plastic with an open end. Orient the guard under a downspout drainage to move water away from the foundation and into the yard or street. Once placed, walk your property periodically to ensure they haven't moved after a lawnmowing or storm. Best yet, these come in all sorts of colors! Downspout Guards |
Here is another simple, low-cost fix. The downspout guard fits into your gutter (atop your home or structure) and keeps leaves, twigs, and debris in your gutters from entering the downspout. Typically mesh, these guards only cost a few dollars, but are easily placed in position, and (unless bumped or hit) will remain in place. We highly recommend them.
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Gutter Helmets / Gutter Guards
Gutter helmets or gutter guards are an add-on that generally fit over, or inside of your gutters, and help keep debris out of your existing gutter system. While there are many different kinds on the market - the idea is simple: completely cover the gutter so no debris can get in, and leave a small channel along the side so water can cling to the guard, and drip into the gutter - then flow down through your downspouts. Gutter helmets and guards are a great way to further protect your gutters - and if they function correctly, could reduce required cleaning to once per year. We have seen a number of high, and low quality guards and helmets. Spend some time doing research before making a selection. Then give us a call, and we can help to source and install your guards. Want us to help with the entire thing? Give us a call and we can help find the best guard for your property. Our team will order and install, and ensure everything is working as it should.
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Seamless Gutters
Where traditional gutters consist of a number of 10, 12, or 15 foot gutter sections, seamless gutters are actually much longer. Like 60-100 feet long. They are a single piece of gutter (rather than several connected sections) and are made on the spot where they will be installed - usually by machines mounted in the back of trucks or vans. These long, single pieces have a few advantages. They are produced from metals or aluminum, and are typically stronger than plastic or other type materials. They also minimize the chances of leaks, because they require far fewer joints and connections with adjoining pieces (and this is typically where leaks occur). Additionally, seamless gutters further reduce the chances of items, leaves, debris, and plants becoming lodged inside, because there are no seams, gaps, or connections for these items to get caught on. Just a single, long trough for water to run out of. These gutters are mounted similarly to regular gutters, but just use less pieces. Ask our team if seamless gutters may be a good idea for your structure, and we'll be happy to assess during a call with you, or visit to your property.
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Gutter Glue
While we don't want to get into the business of recommending brands, or glue application techniques, we can generally suggest glue as an alternative to replacement - if minor leaks can be fixed with the right compounds. There are an infinite number of glue types - consult experts at your local hardware store to understand what's best - given the material you're applying to, the issue itself, and environmental factors (temperature, water, etc).
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Limitless Accessories
There are hundreds, if not thousands of additional gutter-related pieces, hardware, tools, etc on the market today. We realize this, and know that we can't completely and accurately reflect all of them. The tools, hardware, and components discussed here should get you started. But check with your gutter professionals, or give us a call - or head to the local hardware store and there you will find additional connectors, gadgets, glues, and everything you might need.
Mill Creek Gutter Pros is ready and willing to help today. We look forward to learning about your project, and working hand in hand to keep your home, and Washington looking beautiful! Call today! |