Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

Leaves and debris have a tendency to build up in your gutters and downspouts. When not cleaned out, this debris prevents water from flowing freely and can cause damages to your roof and fascia board.

So how often should you clean out your gutters and downspouts? AT LEAST once every year, but it would be a good preventative maintenance habit to do so during the spring and then again in the fall. Because fall is here, we’ve offered some helpful tips for tackling your gutter clean out:

  1. First things first- safety is the most important. Make sure that your ladder is the right size and that you and the ladder are properly tied off.
  2. Start with the areas near a downspout.
  3. Remove the large debris first
  4. Flush out the gutters by running a hose at the end opposite of the downspout.
  5. If water is not draining, the downspout may be clogged. Try using a hose attachment with more pressure or use a plumbers snake tool to clear the blockage.

We understand that cleaning your gutters is a daunting task. It can also be very dangerous if you’re not comfortable on a ladder. To avoid the risk, call your premier Florida roofer, Gulf Western Roofing. In fact, our Roof Assurance Maintenance Program (RAMP) includes a gutter and valley clean out with the purchase of our white or blue key levels. We’ll be able to clean your rain gutters quickly and safely, keeping your roof protected from rainwater.

What’s That Stuff Growing on My Roof?

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

Most people think it is black or dark green mold, but actually, it is a prehistoric bacterium called Gleocapsa Magma. Gleocapsa Magma is the cyanobacteria responsible for the black and dark green stains often seen on roofs. It is transported to roofs primarily by wind, rain, insects, and animals.

In addition to causing unsightly streaks and stains, these bacteria can also wreck havoc on your roof. The growth of Gleocapsa Magma is most accurately described as colonization. These bacteria grow on and within tiles and shingles, dissolving and extracting the mineral components. Overtime, Gleocapsa Magma begins to break down the contents of your tiles or shingles by feeding off the minerals embedded in them. This negatively impacts the structural integrity of your roof and has also been known to increase air conditioning bills and lead to more frequent roof repair and reconstruction. Continue reading “What’s That Stuff Growing on My Roof?” →

What’d that Roofer Say? Roofing Terminology Defined

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Have you ever wondered what a roofer meant by a ‘hip’ or ‘valley’? Are you confused by the difference between a ‘rake’ and a ‘ridge’? Have you always been curious as to what a ‘gable’ is?

As with specialists in most industries, roofing contractors have developed their own lingo over the years for ease of communication. Doctors, artists, lawyers, and even diner workers use words and phrases that are unique to their line of work simply because it makes things go faster. Continue reading “What’d that Roofer Say? Roofing Terminology Defined” →