Andre Savoie asked:


There are very few materials that maintain their technical function and shape over time as well as copper does which makes it an outstanding choice for tough jobs like gutter systems and rainwater collection.  Copper gutters are great for historical restorations or for adding an architectural, yet functional element to dress up any home or building.

Copper gutters aren’t something you just buy off the shelf – they require special expertise to measure and install properly.  As such copper gutters are usually more expensive than gutters made from more traditional materials such as aluminum.

But when they are installed correctly few things will add “splash” to an exterior like they do.  Add the fact that copper gutters will provide you with years of low maintenance service and the investment begins to make great sense.

Leader or Conductor Heads

As with any gutter system, copper gutters connect to downspouts which collect rainwater from the roof and direct it away from the building through the downspouts or drainage system.  However copper gutter systems often employ an ornamental element called a conductor head or leader head.  This is a large box-shaped element which attaches to the exterior wall just below the top of the gutters.

Copper Gutter Maintenance

Copper is considered a low maintenance natural material great for exterior use.  It does not require painting or sealing nor will it rust so it holds up very well as a choice for gutters.  Also because copper is such a strong metal you will generally get a stronger gutter screen (leaf guard) mesh to protect unwanted objects from making their way into your system.

If your copper gutters are properly sized and pitched the maintenance should be similar to those of regular vinyl gutters.  This means that a regular schedule of cleaning the filters of debris to allow for a clean flow of water should be sufficient to keep them working at best effort.

Why copper turns green and develops patina

When exposed to normal weather patterns, copper develops a blue-green color which occurs from the copper oxidizing to protect itself.  This process is known as “patina” and may include different shades and colors as your copper ages – especially depending on where you live.

Generally speaking copper will turn from shiny, penny-colored copper to a dark brown within the first year and will gradually fade towards green over the next few years.  Around 4-5 years you can expect the copper to begin taking on green shades and after 10 years to begin to display a finish closer to a green-blue.

This patina process is one of the reasons that copper is such a great choice for outdoor items like gutters.  The patina coating protects and encases the copper thus giving it greater durability than comparable natural metals.

Other reasons to like copper gutters:

Copper gutters add to the functional and aesthetic value of your home. Seldom can you make a single choice that represents an efficient and practical option, yet also brings distinct style and details.  Copper gutters present just such a perfect option.



Portable Closet

Krib Crazy asked:


I have a sick fish so i tried to make a tank divider out of gutter guard. One of my congo tetras swam into it and got stick in a little square, i had to push it out but it got a little graze on its head it looks like a little white spot i feel really bad that i hurt him.

What will happen and will it heal?

Bamboo Indoor Fountain

Vidya Garapati (GV) asked:


“A Little too soon

To start planning

Ahead for the winter

Because

Summer is not over

You would be a Fool

To be planning for Winter now” - Aldo Kraas

I found this poem called “A Little Too Soon,” while idly browsing through the internet. Well, if your poetic self wants you to relax on a couch, Best of Luck, because winter is here and there’s very little time before day turns to night!

You might still tend to go out with half sleeves shirt of the closet from summer clothing, and would realize that there’s no more sun. Kids are back to school and streets are empty. Leaves are turning yellow and almost ready to wither off. By the time all the leaf is gone… you will be entering full term winter.

1. Time to get the thick clothing out from your Self Storage or attic or large box that is hiding in a corner in closet.

2. Get the winter clothing washed or dry cleaned so you can avoid any possible allergy and have fresh welcome to winter.

3. Time for shopping some cold creams and lip-guards and any other protective skin creams.

4. Home Owners

a. Have your gutters cleaned after the fall and before full term winter. So drain gutters are clean enough to handle the rain water off your roof and sides and snow.

b. Have your snow blower ready, fill it up with gas, and start it for a few minutes to see if it’s ready for some work. Clean up the ignition plug; check the tire pressures etc…

c. Get some snow/ice melt (Salt) ready so you can have your drive way and walk ways clean from snow and ice. That would avoid any possible accidents from slippery walk surfaces.

d. Be sure to close and tightly lock all the open windows. You may have to use some packing strips to make sure the window joints are sealed properly from any possible air leaks. Detach any window air-condition units installed. Remember, if you have your house completely insulated, your heating cost you can at least keep heating cost to a minimum. Also, shut off your fireplace damper. It makes sure no heat escapes out of your home.

e. Before you switch on your heating unit make sure air filter is installed properly and it’s clean. If needed, please get the filter changed.

5. Parents

a. Kids and children who have a history of flu or have not yet had the complete flu vaccination need to be vaccinated now. The Department of Health and Human Services has released detailed instructions about how to go about doing this. Also, you would find other instructions like what you should do in case of a flu emergency. Please visit hhs.gov for more information.

b. If you’re using a heater, put it up on a level- just for caution’s sake- and out of reach of kids at your home. Also, make sure it is not anywhere near flammable substances like carpets.

c. Make sure everybody at your home is wearing proper protective clothing. Hypothermia and Frostbites are not unheard of. Some of the major reasons which lead to Hypothermia include improper diet and alcohol intake. The least you can do is eat a lot of fruits and other fiber rich food. Also, go a little easy on your scotch.

Actually, this list hardly ever ends. So, go ahead tell me about what you think I might have missed in the comments section.

Vidya Garapati (GV)

Movers.com Team.



Goodman Heat Pumps

Terry Edwards asked:


It goes without saying that rain gutters are an important part of maintaining your home’s condition. With that said, rain gutter maintenance is also something you should be mindful of in order to keep them in good condition. Here are some quick tips and things to keep an eye on.

Gutter Cleaning

Obviously, a clogged gutter will do you no good and can even do more damage over the long run. Rain water that gets backed up and overflows can rot out the fascia board as well as seep into your home’s foundation. The end result can be water in your basement and further damage.

In most cases it is a good idea to clean out your guttering system at least once a year in the fall. I recommend twice a year, but you can get by in most cases with once unless you have a lot of trees losing leaves over your home.

You can either clean gutters yourself using a garden hose or you can call a company to have it done for you.

Gutter Guards

To help in keeping your rain gutters in great shape you may want to consider adding a gutter guard over them. Guards work we4ll in preventing leaves, sticks and other debris from clogging up your guttering system.

The cost for gutter guards can range from fairly inexpensive to more costly for systems such as the Gutter Helmet.

Other Gutter Maintenance Tips

-Be careful when placing a ladder up against the guttering to get up to the roof. It can easily collapse the sides of some gutters.

-Replace any missing nails that hold the gutter to the roof.

-Be sure to use downspouts and that the water flows out and well away from your home.

Gutter maintenance is not that difficult if you simply spend the time keeping them clean each year. That alone can give you years of trouble free use around your home.



Plumbing Tips For Homeowners