Maintaining clean gutters that are free of excessive debris and dead leaves is one of the best ways that a homeowner can prevent pest infestation and the buildup of mold and mildew. Of course, keeping gutters clean and free of debris isn’t always an easy task.
According to Green Earth Services owner Scott Youmans, a gutter specialist and vinyl house siding contractor in the Atlanta metro area, the main reason why people do not keep their gutters as clean as they should is because they don’t have the proper tools, the time, or the inclination to get up on their roofs regularly to clear out the gunk that has gotten trapped. But for people whose homes are surrounded by trees, not cleaning the gutters regularly is simply not an option. Gutters that get clogged with debris can overflow during the rainy season, causing water to seep into the home’s woodwork, foundation, and even the drywall.
There is a solution, however, that Youmans says can save homeowners time and money on their gutter cleaning maintenance programs. By installing a seamless gutter system, people will cut down on the time they spend clearing out their gutters each month. Simply put, a seamless gutter system is the right option for anyone who doesn’t enjoy getting up on the roof and cleaning out his gutters.
The reason a seamless gutter system is so beneficial to homeowners is because the seams along the gutter line tend to trap leaves and other garbage. Youmans explains that the fewer seams along a gutter, the better as far as debris buildup and cleaning are concerned.
Additionally, gutters that have a seamless system installed are less likely to leak, causing fewer instances of mold growth. Although most people do not realize it, gutter leaks are one of the main causes of termite infestations and mold growth. As a vinyl house siding contractor servicing clients in the Atlanta metro area, Youmans has come across many homes that could have been saved from termites and mold if the homeowners had taken better care of their gutters.
The specific type of seamless gutter system that Youmans recommends above all others is called the Leaf Free gutter system. The way the system works is simple: A professional like Youmans will arrive at the home, clean out the gutters, and then slide the Leaf Free system underneath the shingles along the gutter line. The system actually clips into the gutters and acts as a helmet of sorts that protects the gutters.
During a strong Georgia downpour, the leaves from the trees will get blown into the Leaf Free system but they won’t get caught up and stuck, which is the goal. Although Youmans emphasizes that there is no perfect gutter system, the Leaf Free system does function properly 90% of the time.
In the 12 years during which Youmans has been working in the gutter business, he says he has never seen a product that worked as effectively as the Leaf Free seamless system. He encourages anyone who is sick and tired of cleaning out gutters to call his company and ask for a seamless gutter installation. In the Atlanta metro area, Youmans is a contractor who also offers vinyl house siding replacement for people whose gutters have already caused damage to their current siding.