5 Tips to Picking the right Gutter for Your Roof

Gutters are an important part of your roofing structure.  They help keep water away from your house, which can be quite destructive.  Here are 5 general tips in choosing the right gutter for your roof.

1)     Material Type.  Gutters come in many variations and are made of many materials.  Some of these include: copper, steel, zinc, and aluminum.  Aluminum is more popular with most consumers because it resists corrosion, comes in many colors and is generally cost effective.  When choosing what will be your homes defense against moisture, these are all important things to consider.

2)    Gutters that blend with your roof and structure.  Choose a gutter that matches your home structure.  Gutters come in a variety of styles, colors and materials; some of which can be painted if needed if you want the gutters to match with the home colors.  When considering the aesthetics of your new gutter system, you might also want to see if they are seamless or sectional.

 

3)      Gutters that provide “debris” protection built in.  Some gutters come with a built-in “gutter guard” which is meant to keep leaves, twigs etc. from clogging up your gutter system which can cause problems.  Some may help you keep debris out of your system so they can be clog free.

4)      Check the Warranty period.  Most manufactures offer some kind of warranty, based on your gutter system.   Chances are you won’t need it, but it’s good to know you have one if you do.

5)     Are your new gutters allowed in your area? Check with your city, county, or local homeowner’s association before installing your gutters to make sure the type you pick out is allowed.   Restrictions based on just about anything can cost you and can cause headaches for you.  If your new gutter system isn’t allowed, you may be forced to rip out your new system which can be expensive.

A gutter system can be functional, important and add to the curb-appeal of your home.  Rain and water damage can be a destructive force to your home.  Your gutter system can help protect your most valuable asset; your home.

For more information in the St. Louis area, please contact us at 314-255-8940.

7 Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Fire Pit

Fire Pits can be a great addition to any backyard.  Not only do they provide you and your guests with warmth, they can be a great selling point should you choose to sell your home.

There are a few things to consider before choosing which fire pit is best for you and your family.

1)      Temporary or Permanent?  If you are a renter, a temporary fire pit may be for you.  The ability to move temporary fire pits around may also be an advantage to you.  Typically, not as aesthetically pleasing than built in fire pits, these fire pits are also affordable, and come in many styles and sizes to keep you warm on a cool night.  Permanent Fire Pits, usually made of brick, are a great addition to any outdoor living space.  Not only will they spruce up your patio space, but they will also keep you and your guests warm; not to mention ward off any bugs that may be flying around. 

2)      Fire Pit or Oven, or both?  If you are into cooking, a brick oven may be for you.  Fire Pits add ambience to your backyard.  An Outdoor oven is practical if you like to cook and can also add practical outdoor living for those who spend a lot of time outside entertaining.

3)      What are your local rules regarding your new space?  Most homeowners already know they have restrictions based on where they live; usually the strictest policies come from the home owner’s association (HOA) which may have rules on what can be added.   If you live in a condo or close proximity to your neighbors, you may want to check with them before adding a feature to your outdoor living space.  A new fire pit may bring late night entertainment that could annoy some close neighbors.

4)      Safety.  Having a fire outside is a great feature; If something goes wrong with your fire, make sure you have a safe way of taking care of the situation.

5)      Size – Will this look good and fit on your patio?  Maybe you need a larger patio to accommodate your new feature.  A nice looking fire pit can be a great focal point for your patio and will likely be the gathering space in cooler weather.

6)      Will you use gas or wood?  Costs are a factor in choosing which fuel you use for your outdoor fireplace or oven.   

7)      Does your feature blend in with home and neighborhood?  You may want a very modern fire pit or oven, but the homes in your neighborhood are very traditional. 

Any outdoor feature you choose will be an asset to you and your family.  Years of enjoyment with your new outdoor feature and the possibility of your home becoming more valuable to you and others are just a bonus.

What is BrickWork?

As a mason, I am surrounded by “brick work” on a daily basis.  Simply put, brickwork in the field of masonry is when a masonry contractor repairs (sometimes by tuck-pointing also known as re-pointing your bricks) or constructs a new project containing bricks (e.g. a fireplace or chimney).  Although a pretty general term for masons, most people in the masonry field use this term; those not in the field of masonry do not really know what brick work means.  Understanding why brickwork can be important, its first important to understand the basics.   

Bricks, although incredibly durable, are subject to deterioration over time.  The lifespan of a brick can be hundreds of years; your mortar around the bricks is a completely different story.  Water is a big culprit to the destruction of many structures.  The process of bricks and mortar breaking down can be accelerated by time and mostly by moisture; which St. Louis has had its fair share of lately.  The good news is that there is a way to stop the deterioration process.

Water can be the most destructive force to all elements of your home.  The best way to stop deterioration is to begin the repair process when you first see signs of wear and tear or even better is to take care of a problem before it starts; preventive maintenance of your brick structure may help save your building.  Taking care of your home chimney or other brick features through the practice of tuckpointing is one way to stop this damage.  Maintaining your home and all its components, including bricks, can assure you have an edge against water damage that can hurt your bricks structure and lead to potential future costly issues.  One sign you may need your building repaired is the crumbling of the mortar around your bricks.   Another sign may be water damage in your home.   Either way, it may be time to call someone to repair your brick structure before further damage occurs.