BELLA VISTA — When it comes to preventive maintenance around the home, perhaps one of the least considered areas is the gutters.
They are designed to take rainwater and snow melt away from the house. But if they are not maintained properly, that water can eventually cause structural damage.
Tim Gamel, owner of Leaf Shield Gutter Systems, has seen it all in his more than 15 years of installing gutters and downspouts.
He said the biggest mistake he sees people make is not cleaning their gutters. When leaves and other debris are left to build up along the guttering, it keeps water from properly flowing to the downspout and away from the home.
It also allows that water to spill over the back of the gutter andeventually damage the wood behind it, he said.
In addition, in those areas where the water is dropping straight down to the ground, he said it could eventually damage the home’s foundation.
“That water can also cause the nails or fasteners to pull out,” he said.
Gamel said a well-maintained gutter system should last 30 years or more.
Whether replacing an entire gutter system or just a few feet, Gamel said there are a number of things to consider.
First, he recommends using aluminum rather than vinyl.
“It just has more durability,” he said of aluminum.
For the big jobs, Gamel suggests getting several cost estimates and hiring a professional.
“You need lots of tools the average person doesn’t have,” he explained.
When looking for a contractor, Gamel said they don’t need to be bonded in Arkansas for this type of work, but do look for somebody who has their own insurance.
Ask for references and go see some of the person’s work, if possible. Talk to the homeowner and see if he or she is impressed and satisfied with the work that was done.
Gamel, working with one or two others, can install a system on the average home in one day. The average size job is about 200 linear feet, he said.
Not only does he install guttering and all the other parts of the system, he also offers his personally designed cover to keep leaves out of the gutters.
His creation is called Leaf Shield, and it fits on top of the gutter. It allows the water to flow but forces leaves and other debris away from the gutter.
“Leaf Shield saves you money bypreventing rotting eaves, interior mold and mildew, water damage to insulation, eroded landscaping, flooded basements and winter ice dams,” it states on Gamel’s website - http://leafshield.com/index.php/ homepage.
There also is a 30-second video on the site that shows the system at work.
Gamel can install the Leaf Shield on new installations and existing gutters.
Simple guttering costs about $4 a foot; with the shield, it’s $11.50, he said.
Gamel said his system is different from those sold in local stores for do-it-yourself installation. Those devices are made of plastic, which will eventually curl and crack due to heat and extreme cold.
Once installed, if the system is maintained properly, the homeown-er should never have any problems, he said.
Gamel will give homeowners a free estimate. They only need call 366-2006.
“Our goal is always 100 percent customer satisfaction. We are confident that we can bring you the best in quality service, workmanship and products,” Gamel said.
He offers a number of products, including two different sizes of seamless guttering, half-round guttering and several different sizes of downspouts.
Gamel’s business is listed with the Better Business Bureau and belongs to the Northwest Arkansas Homebuilders Association and the Remodelers Council.
While Gamel recommends having a professional install a gutter system, sometimesthe job is such that the homeowner should be able to complete it as a do-it-yourself project.
Take for example a tree limb falling and damaging a section of gutter or a downspout.
If that occurs, Don Atkins, with T.H. Rogers Home Center, said the homeowner will need a few standard tools to do the job.
First, they’ll need a safe and secure ladder, one that will allow them to safely reach the work area without having to stretch or extend themselves.
He also recommends having somebody there to “spot” the person on the ladder.
As far as hand tools, Atkins said a screwdriver and a saw to cut the gutter or downspout is about all thatis necessary. A pair of tin snips might be needed if the work requires attaching the gutter to the downspout.
To match the existing guttering, the homeowner needs to know the size. It should either be 2.5 inches or 3.5 inches, Atkins said.
They normally come in 10-foot-long sections, so measurements need to be taken on the length of the area to be replaced.
The gutter will be secured to the home using screws, so no special attachments or adapters are needed.
For people wanting to keep leaves and other debris out of gutters, Atkins said his company sells products just for that purpose.
T.H. Rogers Home Store located at 1451 Bella Vista Way. The phone number is 855-3053.
Lifestyles, Pages 35 on 10/26/2011