Half Round Replacement with Rain Barrel Install

Half Round gutters- you will often see half rounds on homes with slate roofs.  Half round gutters are easier for cleaning.  While some choose this type of gutter for style, the idea behind their openness is that wind should be able to blow out debris.  The cost when in need of replacement is roughly double that of standard K-style gutter.  We were called out to this particular home as they had suffered damage due to snow and ice pushing on the gutters last winter.  Some of the aged brackets bent and broke off as well as some of the gutter bent beyond repair.  You can see in the before and after pictures where we replaced gutter in some sections.

The half round bracket comes in two pieces when installing new.  At times, you may only need to make an adjustment and a 5/16 inch ratchet will be required.

While there to fix the gutters, a few downspouts needed to be attached more securely.  The customer requested that we cut and place elbows in three locations as he had purchased rain barrels.

All set and ready for the next rainfall!

Repair or Replace Gutters?

Starting off like I usually do.....the call comes in for our service...this time: "Do you replace gutters?"

Of course we can and do, but the question you need to ask though is if we will attempt to repair.
We do.

You see, I think most customers are so used to things being run a certain way.  Your gutter got banged by a tree branch?  Rip it all down, and put up new, right?  Well, that would be the most profitable for the company (generally they run a markup on the parts).  Is it sensible though- for you the consumer? I mean- is it necessary? Fyi, most of the time you can bend the gutter back into shape.

Recently, I received a call asking if we install gutter.  Again, of course the answer is yes.  However, after asking a few questions, we found out that the downspout had fallen down and needed to be reattached.  The only new materials required were new brackets.  The thing is, we don't mark up our parts and the cost of labor would be the same whether it was installing a new piece of downspout or using the existing gutter.

We are a service company.  We seek to perform our services in the best interest of our customers.  If you reside in our area, of course we hope you call on us for your gutter needs.  However, if you're outside of Central, Pa and you're reading this, consider asking different questions when scheduling service on your gutters or other home maintenance items.

Leaky Gutter

Big annoyance, easy fix....

We've seen it many times when we're out clearing debris from clogged gutters.
There are two main reason why the gutter would be leaking at a seam- particularly the inside miter as shown here.

1- Silicone deteriorates over time.
2- The gutter has been left unattended, clogged with debris, had water sitting in it over colder months, and froze.

The solution is to re-caulk the connection.
Simple, right?