Because of climate change, the weather lately has been noticeably erratic; today may be warm and sunny but torrential rains may arrive the next day. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe during these confusing weather patterns, it is always advisable to keep your home in good condition all the time. In this way, you are assured of your family’s safety and comfort should heavy rains do occur.
This article from baltimoresun.com provides DIY tips on how you can keep your gutters and roof in top shape:
The job of a gutter system — directing water away from the foundation or lower level of a house — is hardly noticed until it stops working. But the water damage created by a faulty system will only get worse over time and more costly to replace. So when it rains and puddles of water settle around the house, or worse, in the basement, don’t wait to replace them.
To replace a 100-foot section of damaged gutter and downspouts with a new vinyl system, a contractor will charge $509, which includes the labor and material. If you have carpentry skills and tools, and like working on a ladder, you can buy the material for $225 and do it yourself, pocketing a 56 percent saving. You’ll find sections of gutter and downspouts and fasteners sold at most home centers and lumberyards. You’ll need a measuring tape, straightedge, chalk line, carpenter’s level, cordless drill and hacksaw. It’s a good idea to have a helper who can hold the components in place while you install them, so you’ll need two ladders.
While fixing the gutters yourself can save you some money now, it could really be a backbreaking affair. With the heavy lifting and having to climb up and down a ladder, this can really be stressful, especially to those who have never done it before. Furthermore, doing it yourself might cause more problems when the materials are not well fitted. This would lead to higher costs with the repairs you would need to do.
Roof and gutter installation requires years of experience to ensure they’re fixed properly. That is why it is more sensible for homeowners not to do their own repairs and contact reliable roofing companies in Maryland. You don’t really want to sacrifice your family’s safety and comfort just to save a few bucks, right?
There are a lot of roofing contractors in Germantown MD, Silver Spring and Rockville, and if you are not sure who you can trust, take a look at the Roof Masters difference. We are the most reliable when it comes to roofing, gutters, siding, skylights, windows, chimneys, and masonry. The fast and simple way to fix your roof and gutters is by calling us. Call us today and get a free estimate. Take note that the price quoted by the article isn’t final, and that Roof Masters will have to see the gutter issue before making a quotation.
(Article Excerpt from Replace Gutters, www.baltimoresun, May 5, 2014)