Archive for category: Sacramento

When we mention rain chain installation in Sacramento, many of our customers are surprised because they have never heard of them. Accordingly, they often have questions, including “what are rain chains?” and “what do rain chains do?” Fortunately, we have the answers to these and other questions.

Rain chains are essentially a decorative form of downspout. They are placed where traditional downspouts would normally be, or where a regular downspout won’t work. They carry water from your gutters away from your home the same way that downspouts do. The only difference is that instead of moving water through a closed channel, the rain moves down a series of cups or bowls that are held together with chain. This provides a very aesthetically pleasing appearance, and partially gives the illusion of a cascading waterfall.

A basin or container is often placed just beneath a rain chain in order to catch excess water. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone who would like to harvest rainwater. In fact, Monsters Gutter has performed rain chain installation in Sacramento for quite a few homeowners who have elected to harvest their own rainwater, now that it is legal to do so in this state.

Rain chains carry a great deal of water, and must therefore be made from rust-proof materials. One of the most common materials we use when performing rain chain installation in Sacramento is copper. Many homeowners enjoy the look of copper, particularly if they also have copper guttering. Copper will also develop a nice patina over time that only adds to its visual appeal.

Stainless steel is another popular option that Sacramento homeowners choose. As with copper, stainless steel is rustproof and durable, and supports a number of ornate, decorative rain chain options.

When considering rain chain installation, Sacramento homeowners are often amazed at the selection they have to choose from online. In fact, many clients tell us that the most difficult part of rain chain installation was deciding which style to go with. There are too many different styles to mention; however, a few that we often encounter have features such as:

• Decorative scroll work
• Architectural links
• Fish, honeybees, birds, or other animals
• Flower petals
• Flowerpots
• Decorative buckets
• Spoons
• And much, much more

The rain chain you choose will largely come down to style and personal preference. Most homeowners are looking for a rain chain that complements their home’s exterior, yet also reflects their own personality. While looks are important, there are also a few other features to consider.

Material

The material your rain chain is made from is very important. Choose a rust-proof material such as copper or stainless steel, both of which will also be durable enough to withstand cascading water. At the same time, these materials are not excessively heavy and will not cause damage to your fascia.

PVC or vinyl downspouts are sturdy enough to carry large amounts of water straight down. However, they may crack or break when exposed to the multiple rushes of water that are common among rain chains. Accordingly, you should avoid buying a rain chain made from these materials as it will likely be very low quality and will not withstand the temperature changes that Sacramento see over the course of a year.

Chain

The chain that connects the decorative cups is an equally important component of your rain chain. Ensure yours is sturdy enough to handle large volumes of water without being too heavy for your fascia. Most rain chains weigh between five and seven pounds. This makes them heavy enough to be durable without weighing down your roof.

The links themselves should be sturdily constructed. They should allow for some movement without turning too freely and causing unnecessary friction. Ensure that the links are closed completely and do not contain any gaps that might allow other links to slip through.

Aesthetically-Pleasing Sacramento Rain Chains

Now that you know a little bit about these downspout alternatives, you may be wondering why you should consider rain chain installation for your Sacramento home or business. The biggest reason our customers choose rain chains over downspouts is appearance. Many customers feel that downspouts give their home an industrial appearance, whereas rain chains provide a softer, more natural look.

The various styles that are available mean that you can easily pick a rain chain that you’ll enjoy looking at. Also you are not limited to only one style of rain chain for your whole home or business. If you are having a hard time choosing, you may want to install a different style along each side, to compliment the landscaping. This is something that is not really feasible when installing downspouts, apart from changing the paint color to match your siding.

Appearance is not the only reason our clients in Sacramento and the surrounding area choose rain chains. Some other benefits include:

1. Durability and longevity: Rain chains in many cases will outlast downspouts because they are made from more rugged materials.
2. Low maintenance or need for repairs: Rain chains do not become dirty like downspouts do, and will therefore not need to be power washed. They do not need to be painted. They also will not develop cracks, holes, or rust.
3. Clog resistant: Rain chains do not develop clogs that would affect water flow. Unlike downspouts, you will not need to clean out rain chains in order to remove leaves and other debris.
4. Curb appeal: Rain chains can be a major selling point that can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
5. Protection: They provide protection for your home’s roof and foundation.
6. Customizable: Rain chains are available in a variety of lengths, making them suitable for multi-story structures.

Cost of Rain Chain Installation Sacramento

People often wonder about the cost of rain chain installation in Sacramento. If you have always enjoyed the look of rain chains but worry that they are too expensive, you may be surprised to find they are actually very affordable. In fact, we can often install rain chains for about the same cost (sometimes even less) than what traditional downspouts would cost.

If the idea of rain chains sounds good to you but you are worried about the cost, please contact us. We’ll be glad to provide you with an estimate so that you can see just how affordable rain chains can really be.

Now that you know a little bit about rain chains, you may be wondering if rain chain installation is right for you and your Sacramento home or business. Many California homeowners can benefit from having rain chains installed. You may want to consider them when:

• You have a section of gutter where, architecturally, a downspout will not work
• You have been told it is time to replace your old downspouts and you would like to switch to something unique and different
• Harvesting rainwater is on your to-do list
• Starting a rain garden is something you dream about
• You want to add more curb appeal to your property
• You want to quickly boost your home's value, yet you do not have a great deal of money to spend on external home improvements.

In many cases, the only way to determine whether rain chains are the best choice is to do a side-by-side comparison between them and downspouts. If this is something you would like to set up, please contact us. One of our knowledgeable installers can meet with you to discuss your needs and help you make a more informed decision.

After deciding to go with rain chains, you may then wonder whether or not professional rain chain installation is really necessary. After all, the only thing that is involved is hanging a piece of chain, right?

Actually, rain chain installation is more complicated than it seems. For example, you must correctly measure each length of chain, place it at just the right location and secure it for it to receive water from your gutters. It must be securely fastened to keep it from coming loose, clattering against your property or falling out of the gutter during heavy winds.

If even one of these details isn’t right, your rain chain may not perform as well as it should. Why leave anything to chance when you can have us perform your Sacramento rain chain installation for you? With our years of experience, we know all the ins and outs of installing rain chains, and will ensure the work is performed correctly. You will enjoy its great performance without having to worry about your rain chain failing when you need it the most.

We begin rain chain installation by determining the exact location where it should hang. We will remove any old downspouts or cut a small opening in the bottom of your gutter. After inserting a thin, flexible liner into the hole, we will make the necessary cuts and adjustments to provide flexibility.

Next, a hanging bar will be placed into the opening. A leaf filter may also be added at this time, to keep debris from gathering. Then, we will hang the rain chain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it is in place, we will cut the chain to length.

The final step involves checking your rain chain to make sure it is working at optimal performance. Using a garden hose, we will add water to your gutters and observe as it makes it way down the rain chain. We’ll see that the water flows smoothly and that an excess amount does not spill out the sides. If you have a basin underneath, we’ll make sure it sits in the right location to catch your water as it drains.

Are you wondering if rain chains would be a good investment for your Sacramento home? Would you like to know more about rain chains or get an estimate? If so, please contact us at Monsters Gutters. In addition to rain chains, we provide all sorts of gutter related services such as gutter cleaning, repairs, and installation. We would like to be your one-stop shop for all things related to gutters. Give us a call today at (916) 333-0329 to find out more.

When fall hits Sacramento and you call to have us clean your gutters, remember to ask us about cleaning your roof too. At Monsters Gutter, we work hard to ensure we protect the residents of Sacramento from serious water damage in their home by proactively taking action to prevent damage. That means doing a great job cleaning your gutters and, when it’s needed, recommending roof cleaning and treatment.

Many Sacramento home and business owners forget about their roof. They may clean their own gutters or hire some friend or neighbor but then neglect to clear the leaves from all over the roof. Those leaves and other debris end up in the gutters next week, or ends up decomposing on the roof, compromising the tiles or composite material. Roofing material does not last forever. All types of roofing have a lifespan. Roof cleaning and moss treatment are essential to getting the most life out of your roof. Some companies provide cleaning with a pressure washer but in most instances, blowers and only light user of water is recommend to prevent shifting and damage to roofing material, followed by chemical application specifically designed to treat moss build-up.

Employee Safety:

We hold weekly safety meetings in compliance with OSHA standards. We express to all our employees that no job is worth injury. When working on roofs, we prevent injury by using a fall suppression system, sometimes referred to as a roof safety system. We also require our crews to wear safety glasses and nonslip boots as well as other safety gear when necessary. Even with this, if there is a lot of moss and the roof is too slick to safely walk on, we may take an alternate approach.

The proximity of neighbors:

Sacramento is known as the City of Trees, which means roofs can get pretty filthy from all the leaves and detritus coming from your own trees as well as those of your neighbors. The main problem with this dirt is that it quickly becomes mildew, mold and mud that doesn’t just go away. It has to be removed or it will continue to build up and cause costly issues to your roof. Our roof cleaners take the proper precautions to prevent a mess from blowing over to your neighbor's property.

If you do not have a good Sacramento roof cleaning service that is mindful of this, you can end up with some unhappy neighbors. It is the standard practice of Monsters Gutter to make sure not only your property but also your neighbor's properties are as tidy and free of debris as they were when we arrived. We want to help you keep good neighbors, so depending on how dirty your roof is, we calculate the time it will take to clean any blown off material from their property as well.

Pools:

Depending on how close your pool is to the roof and how dirty the roof is, we may ask that you cover the pool to prevent debris from getting into it.

Pitch of your roof:

Another consideration is the pitch of your roof, meaning how steep it is. Roof pitch can be determined as a ratio of height and horizontal length. Some Victorian style roofs have a much steeper pitch which makes for a more dangerous work environment. For roofs with extreme pitches, a lift will need to be calculated into the cost. For standard roofs, it is safe enough under normal conditions.

Clean Up:

Sacramento roof cleaning is dirty work. What we enjoy most about being roof cleaners are the immediate results that can be seen simply by looking at the roof after we have completed our work. There is no doubt that by the time we are done you will see a huge difference. However, what good is a clean roof if all the leaves, mud and mess that were cleaned off is now on the ground around your home? We always perform a cleanup that includes blowing off the debris that came down from your roof.

Pressure washing is an effective way to clean concrete driveways and some siding at your Sacramento home or business. It can also be used on hard surfaces such as metal or concrete tiles, but make sure to use a PSI that will not damage the roof or shift the tiles. One reason we use pressure washing is to make sure that we remove embedded dirt. Concrete tiles are typically more porous than clay tiles making them a little more challenging when it comes to removing debris before performing a moss treatment. That being said, it is important to NOT pressure wash:

Do not Pressure Wash:

1. Comp Shingle Roofing
2. Rolled Comp Roofing
3. Wood Shake Roofing
4. Metal Shingle Roofing
5. Clay Tile Roofing

The safest way to be sure the job is done right is to call Monsters Gutter.

At Monsters Gutter, we are huge on safety. It cannot be stressed enough to our crews that safety comes first. Many gutter cleaners performing this type of work do not have insurance and do not use proper safety gear. This can lead to disaster for you the home or business owner, which is why we always maintain insurance coverage and use proper gear.

There are many different styles of roofs. Sacramento roof cleaning requires an understanding of each so that cleaning them is effective, efficient and safe. Cross-gabled and cross-hipped roofs are pretty common. Cross-hipped roofs create problems where the dirt and grime from one side gets over to the other. For these types of roofs, we typically clean from the top down to make sure we get it all.

Most roofs have at least a few leaves, pine needles or other bits of debris scattered around. This is true even if you don’t have trees on your property, as things can blow into your yard form neighboring yards and fields. When leaves, pine needles and debris accumulate, they become a threat to the integrity of your roof. Piles of leaves tend to attract bugs or absorb moisture which becomes heavy and moldy, causing problems with your shingles and reducing the over the life of your roof.

Most of us love luscious tall trees and the shade they provide. However, many property owners neglect tree trimming. It is recommended that you keep trees and branches from growing over your roof. By regularly having your trees trimmed back, you will prevent excessive leaves and twigs from gathering on your roof and in your gutters and causing expensive problems on down the line. By pruning back tree limbs, you will be preserving the life of your roof and gutters for several additional years.

If you need roof cleaning in Sacramento, it is recommended that you seek out a qualified service provider. Anyone out there can say they can clean your roof and they may even do a decent job, but if they haven't taken the steps to become insured, how can you trust them to pay attention to details or to safety while working on your home or business?

You can always go to the online to see if a your vendor is a licensed contractor and if they are bonded and insured. When you are ready for a roof cleaning or moss treatment in Sacramento, do your homework and you will be led to Monsters Gutter. Give us a call. We assure you that you will not be disappointed.

Three Signs You Need A Roof Cleaning Sacramento

Some Sacramento residents and business owners may not need roof cleaning that often but knowing when it’s time to schedule an appointment is key to maintaining a beautiful lasting roof as well as curb appeal. If you have any questions about roof cleaning, Monsters Gutter Sacramento can perform a quick inspection of your roof and gutters and make recommendations. Here are a few things you can look for before calling us:

1. Visible water stains on your roof are a sure sign that cleaning, and possibly repairs, are needed. Stains often appear as dark streaks or circles on certain areas of your roof. Water stains may even extend past your gutters and onto your siding.
2. Although the largest debris will be blown off your roof with the first strong breeze, areas that continue to be bogged down with leaves, dirt, and other debris after several weeks, means you are definitely in need of professional roof cleaning.
3. If you see moss, mildew, or algae growing on any part of your roof, particularly between shingles, it is a clear signal that professional roof cleaning is needed.