1.Why do I need gutters?
This question is asked by customers on a daily basis, and it has one simple answer; water. Water damage is the main reason why gutters need to be installed on a house. No matter what age of the house or building, roof water can cause the following problems:

Washouts and erosion- where the water hits the ground from the roof, erosion will start to happen. If left unfixed, the ground erosion will become quite deep. Washouts can also occur if there are plants or landscaping under the roof eaves.

Flooded basements- whether you have a finished or unfinished basement, the water will find its way in. When the water pools on the ground from the roof, the water has no place to go but into your basement. It will slowly soak into the ground and eventually into the walls of your basement. Roof water can be as much as six tractor trailer loads. Iimagine that falling around your foundation walls. What the gutters will do is take that roof water and direct it away from your basement, preventing pooling around the foundation and essentially preventing a flooded basement.
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2. What are the advantages of gutters?
The main advantage of gutters is that they will save you thousands of dollars in home repairs. They will prevent backsplash, washouts, erosion and flooded basements. Also, if gutters are installed correctly, they will enhance the curb appeal of your home. Gutters and downspouts come in many colors, so there will be a color that matches your home. Gutters are a professional matter, hiring a professional gutter company will save you thousands in costly home and gutter repair.
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3. Is your gutter company the same as the rest?
No, the truth is we all use the same materials, but the biggest difference is the customer service that we offer and the professionalism of all our employees. Lindstadt Seamless Gutter has been in business since 1961, and has no plans of stopping. Because we have been serving all of New York and the surrounding areas for almost a 1/2 a century, customers have piece of mind that we are here to stay and serve you for many years to come.
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4.What type of hanger do you use in the gutter?
Hidden hangers are used on our gutters; they are the strongest hangers on the market. The way they work is they clip into the front lip of the gutter, and then snap onto the back. The hangers are invisible from the ground, hence the name hidden hanger.

5. What type of gutters do you offer?
5” and 6” K-style gutters are the most frequently installed. Half-round and copper gutter are available on special request; the cost of these will vary depending on the copper market. Although K-style gutters are seamless, half-round gutters are not.

Separate from the gutters, we also offer gutter protection systems.

6. Do you repair/clean out gutters?
Yes, this would be a service call charge. For the latest price, call the office during normal business hours.

7. Can you install leaf protection on existing gutters?
In most cases we can install leaf protection on existing aluminum seamless gutters. If your existing gutter is not seamless or made out of plastic, leaf protection cannot be installed. Please note, that if you have existing gutters they must be in excellent condition, meaning no sags, bends or leaks in order to install leaf protection.
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8. Why are my gutters overflowing?
The number one reason that gutters overflow is because the gutter is clogged. It may not look clogged from the ground, but in 99 percent of overflowing gutter issues they are clogged. Before calling the office with this problem, please make sure that your gutter is not clogged in anyway; this means check the gutter itself, the downspout and the elbows. If after checking everything there still is a problem, then we will take a look at the problem. But, please be advised that if we come to your home and the gutter is clogged, there will be a service charge applied.

Always remember, that like a car, gutters require regular maintenance to keep them performing correctly. If cleaning your gutter is a hassle, please look into a gutter protection system.

9. What is the true cause of Ice Dams?
Contrary to popular belief, gutters do not cause ice. As a matter of fact, neither roof, gutters, nor gutter protection systems can ever cause ice problems. It is easy to blame either the roofing or the gutters, especially if you have never had the problem before and just received a new roof, gutters, or gutter protection system.
The cause of the ice problem is either inadequate insulation, ventilation or both. Heat loss from your home to the attic is the primary culprit of ice dams.

The reason ice and ice dams form is because warm air leaks from the living space below. It then melts the snow, which trickles down to the colder edge of the roof, and refreezes. The snow that accumulates on the roof acts as an insulator on the roof; this keeps more heat in the attic, which makes the roof warmer and this melts more snow. The more snow that melts and the colder the temperature means more ice at the eaves of the roof.

So, this winter season don't blame the gutters, your problem is due to inadequate insulation and improper ventilation.
Below is a link to an article about ice dams by M. Douglas Myers, a home inspector who writes for Upstate House magazine.

For this article, click the link: www.upstatehouse.com/archive/article.php?issue=18&dept=11

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