Seamless Gutter Installation in the Greater Chicagoland Area
Gutter Accessories
Improve Your Gutter System with Accessories
Beyond a well functioning gutter system, several accessories can improve performance, reduce maintenance, and even add aesthetic appeal. Andy's Custom Gutters offers and installs a range of options:
1. Gutter Screens (Leaf Protection)
- Benefit: A safe, effective, and affordable way to significantly reduce the need for frequent gutter cleaning and extend the life of your system.
- Our Recommendation: We often recommend the Shur Flo Gutter Protection System.
- Effective: Keeps leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other debris out of your gutters, allowing water to flow freely and prevent blockages at the downspout.
- Low Profile: Fits snugly onto the top of your existing gutters, creating a clean look from the ground.
- Safe for Your Roof: Installs without interfering with roof shingles, so it does NOT void any roof warranties.
2. Downspout Strainers/Filters
- Benefit: Specifically designed to prevent leaves and larger debris from clogging underground drainage systems or dry wells. A simple, effective preventative measure to avoid rodding of underground drains.
3. Underground Drain Cleanouts
- Benefit: Provides convenient access to underground drain lines connected to your downspouts. If a blockage occurs and access to the drain is needed, a cleanout allows for easier cleaning or rodding without disassembling the entire downspout. A filter can also be installed without a cleanout.
4. Rain Barrels
- Benefit: An eco-friendly way to conserve water! Rain barrels capture rainwater directly from your downspouts, to be used for gardening or redirection of water.
- Our Service: We can expertly connect your downspouts to feed directly into your rain barrels.
5. Rain Chains
- Benefit: A visually appealing and functional alternative to traditional downspouts.
- Aesthetics: Creates an attractive waterfall effect as water travels down the chain.
- Function: Guides rainwater from the gutter outlet to a designated spot (like a drain, collection basin, or decorative feature).
Interested in enhancing your gutter system? Ask the experts at Andy's Custom Gutters which accessories are best suited for your property and needs.
Effective Ice Dam Prevention Strategies Offered by Andy's Custom Gutters:
Taking preventative measures is key to avoiding costly repairs. We recommend the following solutions:
1.lHeating Elements/Cables:
- What they do: Electric heating cables create a channel for meltwater to flow safely off the roof, through the gutters, and down the downspouts, preventing ice buildup.
- Installation: Ideally installed in the Fall before the first snowfall. We typically install cables in a specific pattern (e.g., double loop or zigzag) along the eaves, extending into gutters and downspouts.
- Control: For efficiency and proper function, cables should be paired with a thermostat or controller that automatically turns the system on and off based on temperature and moisture conditions.
2. Improved Attic Insulation:
- How it helps: While not a direct gutter service, addressing attic insulation is crucial. Proper insulation minimizes the heat escaping from your living space into the attic, which keeps the roof surface colder and reduces snow melt – targeting a root cause of ice dams. We can advise if this seems like a contributing factor during our inspections.
3. Ice & Water Shield Installation (for High-Risk Areas or Repairs):
- When it's used: During roof repairs/replacement, installing a waterproof membrane (ice and water shield) under the shingles along the eaves provides an extra layer of protection against water intrusion should an ice dam form. This involves removing the bottom few courses of shingles, applying the shield directly to the roof deck, and then reinstalling new shingles.
Don't wait for water damage! Contact Andy's Custom Gutters today to discuss the best ice dam prevention strategy for your home and get a quote for heating cable installation.
Why Soffit Ventilation Matters:
Properly installed soffit (especially vented soffit) provides essential air circulation for your attic space:
- Reduces Moisture: It allows damp, warm air to escape the attic, preventing excess moisture buildup that leads to rot, decay, and mold growth.
- Regulates Temperature: It promotes directional airflow through the eaves and rafters, helping to keep your attic cooler in the summer (reducing cooling costs) and closer to the outside temperature in winter (helping to prevent ice dams).
- Protects Structure: By managing moisture and temperature, soffit ventilation helps keep your entire roof system and home interior efficient.
The Benefits of Aluminum Soffit & Fascia:
Covering your existing wood soffit and fascia with aluminum offers significant advantages:
- Protection: It protects the wood from damaging exposure to rain, snow, sun, and insects, which extends its lifespan.
- Low Maintenance: Aluminum soffit and fascia are virtually maintenance-free.
- No Painting Required: The color is baked into the metal finish, eliminating the need for painting maintenance.
- Durability & Aesthetics: Aluminum provides a clean, long-lasting solution that enhances your property's curb appeal.
Connection to Your Gutters:
Healthy soffit and fascia are vital for a properly functioning gutter system. The fascia provides a solid mounting surface for your gutters, and both components work together to protect the roof edge from water damage. Damaged soffit or fascia can compromise the pitch of your gutters and lead to water intrusion.
Ensure your soffit and fascia are in good condition to protect your investment. Ask us about options during your gutter inspection!
Beyond Gutters: Roof Repair
NO JOB TOO SMALL! Whether it's rain, sleet, or snow, your gutters must flow – and we're ready to go! Andy's Custom Gutters, Inc. is your licensed, insured, and bonded company, trusted to keep your commercial or residential gutter system safe, clean, and properly maintained throughout the year.
While specializing in gutters, Andy's Custom Gutters, Inc. understands that a healthy exterior involves multiple components working together.
Expert Roof Repair Services
Is your roof showing signs of trouble? Whether you're dealing with:
- Leaks inside of your home
- Damaged or Missing Shingles that come off during a storm
- Rotting Wood Components due to age or lack of proper protection
- Flashing Issues (around chimneys, vents, or edges)
- Ventilation Problems
- Expired life span
Andy's Custom Gutters, Inc. can help diagnose and address the issue. We provide thorough roof inspections to pinpoint issues and provide solutions. Our team, leveraging the right experience and tools, ensures necessary repairs are completed efficiently to restore your roof's primary function – protecting your home or business.
Quality Assurance: To ensure the highest standard of workmanship for specialized roofing tasks, we exclusively utilize experienced, licensed roofing sub-contractors.
Siding Considerations
Siding plays a major role in your property's curb appeal and acts as a critical barrier against the elements. When evaluating siding, consider the following:
- Aesthetics: Achieving the desired look with color and texture.
- Durability: How well the material withstands weather and potential impacts.
- Water Resistance: Its ability to prevent moisture intrusion.
- Maintenance: The level of upkeep required (e.g., painting, cleaning).
- Versatility: How well it suits the architectural style.
- Price: Will it add value and stay on budget.
While Andy's Custom Gutters focuses on gutter systems, soffit, and fascia, we recognize the importance of sound siding. Ensuring your siding properly integrates with your roofline components is essential for comprehensive protection against water damage.
For expert gutter service, siding and roof repairs, trust Andy's Custom Gutters. Contact us for inspections and solutions.
