Livingston Reporting - page 103

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Renovation

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Kitchen and bathroom renovations are the most popular for homeowners looking to update rooms in their homes.  The one issue that arises with many home improvements is that homeowners jump right into them without planning which just ends up dragging out the renovation process as issues arise. It is a good idea to start with a plan of action and enlist the assistance of a professional contractor to ensure your project becomes a reality.  Below is a list of common mistakes that are found to delay or even ruin your renovation.

Excess Bargaining

There are some areas in life where bargaining can ensure a great deal however updates in your home is not one of them.  It is true, you get what you pay for especially in the materials that you choose to use in your renovations.  If you are doing a full-on bathroom or kitchen renovation it is necessary to spend the money and invest in good quality products and contractors.  It is money that you won’t regret spending.

Forgetting About Your Budget

Create a budget and stick to it when planning out any renovation.  Bathroom and kitchen renovations can quickly run over budget.  It is important not to lose site of your budget.  It is easier to do this when you have determined a realistic budget to begin with.  Don’t start your renovation with just a sketch of what you hope to achieve instead get a solid visualization of what you desire, and the costs involved when deciding on a realistic budget. If you don’t have the funds set aside for the renovation and materials, you desire you will know this before your kitchen or bathroom is in shambles.

The Unexpected

There are a number of elements within a renovation.  There will be times in which the most experienced contractor runs into an issue that they didn’t previously see becoming a problem.  In a bathroom this could consist of rotting floor boards under the tub, in a kitchen it could be something such as the electrical needing updates to accommodate new appliances.  Whatever the issue it is important that you have the wiggle room in your budget to accommodate it.  It is extremely rare in any renovation let alone one with so many pieces working in conjunction with one another as is the case in bathroom and kitchens, that everything goes as predicted.

Getting Derailed

We all want our renovations to turn out perfect however even though we have a design stuck in our heads it is important to realize that things will not always go as planned.  Sometimes renovations run into issues when materials are on order.  If the perfect tile becomes backordered and when they will become available is a mystery, it may be time to consider other avenues, so you don’t go an undermined time without use of the space. 

Over Renovating

Yes, we want what we want but it is important that we don’t out price our home by over renovating.  This concept is simple, starter homes don’t often have kitchens designed for a professional chef.  These kitchens alone would cost the same as most starter homes.  Consider the average cost of homes within your area and make sure your renovations keep your home within the range.  Buyers won’t spend extra on a home that the area dictates should be at most $200,000 no matter how upgraded the spaces are within it.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/



Jason Foldenauer Construction

, , ,

I Just Got Engaged! Where Should I Start?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Yay, you just got engaged and get to marry your best friend for life!  Once the love of your life has finally popped the question, the ring is securely in place on hand, your tears have passed, and you have announced to the world you are getting married it is time to get started on the hard part, planning a wedding.

At this point if you are breathing at a quicker pace don’t worry, we will get you breathing normally in just a few minutes.  Anxiety is just one of the many feeling’s brides will experience when planning a wedding.  One thing that can help with this overwhelming feeling, is to of course hire help from a wedding consultant/planner to help but we will get to that in a little bit.

Here Are Some of The First Steps to Take Once You Have Taken the Plunge and Gotten Engaged

Take Some Time to Just Be Together

Our world is so full of ways to connect to the outside world that sometimes we forget to take time to just live within the moment.  Our first piece of advice surrounding your engagement centers around social media; take time to just live in the moment, don’t rush to announce your engagement the minute it occurs.  Yes, it is a happy moment and the news is share worthy but the announcement doesn’t have to occur the moment it happens.

The electricity of the moment is something that cannot be recreated so just soak it in.  There should be no pressure to start calling people or letting the world of social media in just yet.  Instead, try taking a day or two to let it set in.  Share the moment with one another and just savor the secret of your engagement between the two of you without others input for just a little bit.  When the chaos of planning a wedding begins you will be glad you did.

Announce Your Engagement to Your Parents, Family, Important People in Your Life, & Then the World

It might be tempting to put a picture online right away but hold back, the people closest to you should be the first people in line to hear your news.  There is a hierarchy to announcing good news.  Milestones in your life are something that your parents should hear about before your middle school teacher. Instead of texting try actually picking up the phone to make this announcement to your family if you can’t be there in person.

Make Sure Your Ring Is Properly Sized and Insured

Yes, the plan is to always present a properly fitting ring however, sometimes this just doesn’t occur.  If your ring doesn’t fit properly it is important to take it to be properly sized, yes you will be without it for a little while, but you don’t have to risk it slipping off into the abyss of missing jewelry.  The next step is to take the time to have it properly insured.  Insuring your ring is the only way in which it will be replaced if it gets lost without you having to purchase a new one.

Choose Your Wedding Party and Plan an Engagement Party

There aren’t a lot of important decisions that you need to make once you are engaged but if you think you want an engagement party, right after you are engaged is the time to do it.  An engagement party is a great time to bring the families together to mingle.  It is also a great opportunity to choose and announce your bridal party.  Most brides and grooms have these people in mind long before becoming engaged.

Create a Timeline

The one question you will be asked over and over again is in regard to the wedding date.  It is not required to choose a wedding date upon getting engaged you should expect it at least once a day.  It is important however once a date is chosen to create a timeline to keep you on the same page as your partner.  The wedding can be anywhere from weeks to months to years away, the importance of a timeline doesn’t change.

Start Booking

Once you have set a date and created a timeline you are set to start booking vendors.  This is when most couples decide to call in the big guns and look into hiring a professional wedding planner to help.  The last thing you want is for your relationship to start to center for the sole purpose to plan for this day.  To alleviate that wedding consultants can help by taking your vision, completing the leg work, and let you make the end decisions.  This is an easy way to ensure that your time is not completely devoted only to planning a wedding but instead to better your relationship as you head into a new realm together.

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations.  More information can be found online at https://www.eventplanningdc.com.

Event Planning DC

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Preparing to Buy A Home This Spring

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Mid-Michigan homebuyers know as spring approaches they will begin to face some stiff competition for available homes for sale.  With home prices on the rise and fewer homes for sale, buyers need to make sure that they are fully prepared to purchase a home this spring season. To prepare buyers should look at becoming mentally and financially prepared. 

Clarifying Your Home Buying Budget

It is irresistible to peruse photos of homes, tour open houses and day dream about everything you want in a home however, it’s much better to be prepared for what you can realistically expect to afford.  It is crucial for home buyers to have a definitive budget in mind when looking at homes.  It is easy to be swayed into a higher price point when you aren’t prepared.  This often occurs with home buyers who may have been outbid on a home previously.  Bumping up your budget may seem like a surefire way to ensure you get the next house you bid on however be careful.  A home even a few thousand dollars over your cap can really derail your goals.

Purchasing a home is more often than not the largest investment that people will make.  It requires people to dive deep into their past, current, and present finances.  It is crucial to know how much you spend on a monthly basis on fixed and flexible expenditures and to understand how these expenses will change when you become a homeowner.  Lenders provide a preapproval that allows homeowners a maximum at which they will be able to borrow.  This is a starting point for establishing a comfortable price point on a new home and monthly mortgage payment. 

Benefit from Real Estate Professionals

When homebuyers get serious about finding and purchasing a home it is time to consult a professional realtor.  Locating a seasoned professional in real estate will help to ensure you have access to as many homes in your budget as possible, as soon as they become available on the market.  A professional realtor agent will guide you through the real estate process from start to finish.

Another professional you will want to meet with is a mortgage broker.  They will go through the process with you to get you prequalified and go through different loans and options that are available to you.  In some markets first-time homebuyers are fortunate enough to receive special financial credit offers to help make buying a home possible. 

Detail Your Needs Verse Wants

It is important for homebuyers to know what they absolutely need to have in a home verse the luxury wants.  In the fast pace real estate market, we are experiencing right now, buyers need to make sure that they are ready to make an offer when they find the right property.  In order to do this buyer, need to research their priorities and areas where they will be able to compromise.  Limiting your searches to homes that match your needs will also help save time as well as you won’t be wasting time on homes that don’t fit your need.

C21 Lady of the Lakes is a full-service realtor serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas with all their real estate needs.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com/.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

, , , , , , , ,

Radiation Therapy 101

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


There is a lot of information on radiation therapy online.  The process of delivering radiation isn’t exactly the same between facilities however it’s similar.  In this installment we will look into radiation therapy generically to provide a general overview. 

Methods For Treatment

There are a number of ways to treat cancer with radiation; the method used depends on the nature and position of your cancer.  The most prevalent method of radiation is known as external beam therapy.  This is often done using a linear accelerator from the outside of the body directing radiation to the tumor. 

Radiation therapy is known to affect both cancerous and normal cells.  Radiation has a greater effect on cancerous cells.  Treatment is given at the highest dose possible, within a safe limit, to kill cancerous cells without causing damage to normal, healthy cells.  If the goal is to reduce the size of the tumor in order to relieve symptoms or to shrink the tumor for surgery, low dosages are often used.

Radiation Professionals

Radiation therapy is planned out by a specialist cancer doctor known as a radiation oncologist.  Then radiation is delivered by a radiation therapist.  A team of specialists including nurses, health care assistants, counselors, and dieticians will work together to ensure the best possible outcome for your treatment. 

There are many benefits included in how radiation treatment is planned.  Each patient has a unique treatment plan that is designed to meet each patient’s particular need.  During the initial visit a course of treatment will be planned.  This is done using simulators, x-rays, and scans to pinpoint the tumor.  The skin will be marked to define the treatment area. 

Life With Treatments

Most individuals receiving radiation therapy will not need to stay overnight in a hospital after receiving radiation.  Therapy is done on an outpatient need unless your radiation oncologist determines that treatment would be more effective if done while admitted.

Patients are allowed to continue life as normal during their radiation treatment.  It should not cause too much interruption to your day, in fact it should be looked at as another daily routine activity.  Radiation is given using a linear accelerator which works by delivering radiation from the outside through your skin.  Patients receiving treatment lay on a treatment couch and are asked to remain completely still.

Radiation oncologists will determine the length of treatment needed when first evaluating your situation.  The course of treatment can last anywhere from a week to six and can be performed on a weekly or daily basis.  This will depend on a number of factors including the area that is being treated, the aim of the treatment, and more. Each session of radiation varies depending on the machine used.  Most sessions last between five and fifteen minutes.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.



Acceletronics

, , , , , ,

Dispelling Aluminum Fence and Gate Myths

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a number of fencing materials available when searching for a fence for your backyard.  There is also a lot of information available to consumers online, much of which is useful however, as with any information gained online you want to make sure it is not based on internet myths.  You don’t want to make the wrong decision for your yard and landscape because you were swayed by information that is based on incorrect myths. 

Common Myths About Aluminum Fencing

Myth: Aluminum Is Lightweight and Weak

Truth: Aluminum is as Strong as Wrought Iron and as Lightweight as Other Fencing Materials

A widely spread misconception about aluminum fencing is that it is weaker than other types of fencing, including steel and wrought iron.  Consumers should not judge the strength of the fencing material based on the weight of the fence.  This is an inaccurate representation.  Aluminum is highly durable and also tends to be lighter in weight than wood, vinyl, and other fencing materials.  The lightweight nature of aluminum is a bonus, not a negative. 

Myth: Aluminum Fencing is Expensive

Truth: Aluminum Fencing is Affordable

Aluminum fencing is an affordable option.  Often consumers only take into consideration the initial purchase of the fence panels however, it is important to consider the upkeep costs of fencing as well.  The initial purchase of aluminum fence panels can be a little bit more expensive however there is absolutely no cost involved with maintenance unlike all other fence materials.  Wood fence requires yearly staining which can add considerably to the cost of the fence.

Myth: Aluminum Needs to Be Replaced Sooner Than Other Types of Fence

Truth: Aluminum Fence Last for Decades

Aluminum fencing is in fact one of the longest lasting fence materials available on the market today.  The powder coated finish on aluminum fence panels and gates is weather-resistant which ensures a long-lasting fence.  Wooden fences tend to require more maintenance than aluminum and do not hold up well in harsh weather conditions. 

Myth: Aluminum Fence Comes in Only Black and Is Plain

Truth: Aluminum Fencing Comes in a Variety of Colors and Ornamental Styles

There are a number of colors and decorative aluminum fence styles to choose from when working with a company like iFenceUSA.  Consumers tend to picture basic, black aluminum fencing when considering options for their home however, this is far from where aluminum fence options end. There are a number of options that can be added to aluminum as well.  It is in fact one of most customizable materials in fencing. 

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation.  As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered.  More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.



iFenceUSA

, , ,

Types of Network Infrastructures Explained

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Network infrastructures are the mainstay of businesses today.  They are used to connect workstations together in a way that allows data to be shared with one another, it allows workstations the ability to access the internet, print documents, download attachments from emails, and so much more. Instead of managing a number of devices spread across different locations, networks can manage the same duties from just a handful of gadgets. 

This is a guide on different network infrastructures that are used in business today and how they are used.

(PAN) Personal Area Network

A minimalist approach to building a network is known as a personal area network.  They are usually comprised of a wireless modem, a workstation or two, telephones, printers, scanners, tablets, and such.  The devices are all centered around one workstation.

(LAN) Local Area Network

The most common type of network that is installed is known as a local area network.  It is commonly used in businesses and is one of the most modest types of networks.  A LAN joins workstations and other low-voltage devices within a location or group of locations in a close vicinity of one another, allowing them to share information and resources.  Often a company will employ an individual (s) or outsource an individual(s) to manage their network services.  A router connects the LAN to wide area networks, WAN, that quickly and securely transmit data. 

(WLAN) Wireless Local Area Network

Much like a LAN, WLANs use wireless network technology like WiFi.  This type of network does not require devices to rely on tangible cables to join together the network.  A LAN unlike a WLAN requires the use of physical cables.

(CAN) Campus Area Network

A campus area network is larger than a LAN however smaller than a MAN.  A CAN is typical for use at schools, universities and medium sized businesses.  Resources can be shared throughout several buildings that are close to one another. 

(MAN) Metropolitan Area Network

A MAN incorporates features from both LANs and WANs.  A metropolitan area network is effective throughout a geographic location such as a town, city, or sometimes even large university campuses.  There is usually one owner, either an individual or company, that maintains the network. 

(WAN) Wide Area Network

Wide area networks are more complex than a LAN.  WANs are used to connect workstations throughout a larger physical area.  Workstations and low voltage devices are connected remotely to one another using a larger network to communicate.  This type of network can work across several miles. 

The most familiar WAN is the Internet.  The internet connects computers throughout the globe.  A WAN’s has the ability to reach a great distance.  They are most often owned, operated, and maintained by more than one administrator. 

Other types of networks include:

  • (SAN) Storage-Area Network
  • (SAN) System-Area Network
  • (POLAN) Passive Optical Local Area Network
  • (EPN) Enterprise Private Network
  • (VPN) Virtual Private Network

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.



Creative Programs and Systems

, ,

Common Myths about Cataracts

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


When it comes to taking care of your eyes as you age you will certainly receive a lot of information both accurate and inaccurate.  Wading through the information received can be daunting.  Cataracts are often a center of myths and tales associated with seniors and vision care.  We have centered this installment around breaking the myths that surround the formation and surgical procedures associated with cataracts. 

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness throughout the world, more than glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration collectively. They are more common in seniors than any other demographic.  Estimates suggest fifty percent of Americans will have had cataracts by the time they are eighty years old.  It is important that seniors have correct information, an understanding of their vision condition, and what options they have for correction.

The Myths and Truths of Cataracts

Myth #1: Cataracts Grow on The Eye

Truth: Cataracts have thought to be a growth on the eye however that is not the truth at all.  Cataracts are a result of protein fibers that clump together and creating a clouding of the lens of the eye.  The cloud causes light to be scattered or even blocked completely as it passes through the lens.  This does not allow the retina to receive a clear image.  Cataracts are caused by:

  • Overexposure to Ultraviolet Light
  • Eye Injury
  • Result of Diabetes

Myth #2: The Only Symptom of Cataracts Is Blurred Vision

Truth: Although blurred vision is the most common symptom individuals report when experiencing cataracts, it is not the only one. Other symptoms include:

  • Extreme Light Sensitivity
  • Changes in Vision Prescription
  • Double Vision
  • Changes in Perception of Colors
  • Night Vision Difficulty

Myth #3: Cataracts Are Preventable

Truth: Cataracts are not preventable.  There are different strategies that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing cataracts or to slow the progression of the disease.  These include:

  • Yearly Eye Exams
  • Healthy Diet Rich in Fruits and Veggies
  • Don’t Smoke
  • Avoid Excessive Alcohol Usage
  • Wear Sunglasses with UVA & UVB Protection

Myth #4: Cataract Surgery is Dangerous

Truth: Cataract is in fact not dangerous, it is actually one of the safest vision surgeries.  With advancements in technology, individuals need minimal sedation and cataract surgery has a success rate of over ninety-five percent.  Recovery from cataract surgery includes:

  • Refrain from Eye Rubbing
  • No Lifting of Heavy Objects
  • Avoid Driving

Myth #5: Cataracts Come Back

Truth: Once a cataract is removed from the lens through surgical means, it will not return.  A “secondary” cataract may develop.  This occurs when the membrane holding the foreign lens implant in place becomes cloudy.  This is corrected with a simple, painless procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy.  An eye surgeon will create a small opening in the membrane to assist in restoring the sharpness in vision.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.



Rohr Eye & Laser Center

, , ,

A Sampling of Different LINAC Components and What They Do

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


A drive stand is a large part of a linear accelerator.  It is a cabinet in the shape of a rectangle that is attached to the floor within the treatment room.  The horizontal axis bearings that the gantry rotates on are positioned within the drive stand.

Components Within the Drive Stand

  • Klystron or Magnetron
  • RF Waveguide
  • Circulator
  • Cooling Water System

Klystron:

A Klystron is responsible for the microwave power that is used to accelerator the electrons.  This process occurs through intensification of present RF (Radio Frequency) electromagnetic waves.  The basic description of the operation of a Klystron is that it is a RF amplifier. A Klystron is often chosen for LINAC needing larger amounts of electron energy.

Magnetron:

A magnetron can be used in place of a Klystron.  A Magnetron is an electron tube that is responsible for providing the microwave power to accelerator electrons. A Magnetron is often chosen for LINAC needing smaller amounts of electron energy such as 4 MeV to 6 MeV LINAC.

RF Waveguide:

The structure in which the microwave powered RF electromagnetic waves are accelerated from the Klystron or Magnetron.

Circulator:

The circulator connects the Klystron or Magnetron to the RF Waveguide.

Cooling Water System:

A cooling system is in place to prevent overheating.  It creates a stable temperature environment within the Drive Stand and Gantry.

A gantry rotates three hundred and sixty degrees around a single point.  It works by directing the radiation beam from the LINAC to the tumor without moving the patient. 

Components Within the Gantry

  • Electron Gun
  • Accelerator Structure
  • Treatment Head

Treatment Head:

The treatment head of a linear accelerator encompass the components that shape and monitor the radiation beam.  These components include bending magnet, collimator, ion chambers, tray slots, wedges, blocks, and compensators.

Modulator Cabinet:

The modulator cabinet is the loudest components of a linear accelerator.  This component is located within the radiation treatment room.  The modulator cabinet includes a fan control, auxiliary power distribution system, and a primary power distribution system.  The fan control is used to cool off the power distribution systems.  The power distribution systems include the emergency off button to shut down the power to the LINAC.

Bending Magnet:

A bending magnet is a component of a LINAC that changes the direction of the beam down towards the patient.  It bends the beam towards the target and produces different paths for the beam for different energy needs. 

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.



Acceletronics

, , , , , ,

Hard Water Myths Dybunked

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


There are many myths surrounding hard water.  Although hard water is often not detrimental to your health it can be a considerable nuisance.  Below we will look further into the most common hard water myths and debunk them.

Myth #1: Hard water is responsible for clogging ALL types of plumbing materials

Truth: Hard water contains minerals including calcium and magnesium both of which are known to stick to the interior of galvanized steel pipes which leads to build-up and in turn clogs pipes.  Galvanized steel plumbing is commonly found in homes that were built between 1940 into the late 1970’s. 

Homes built after the late 1970’s or homes that have had their plumbing replaced most often use pipes that are made from copper.  Copper plumbing does not allow for calcium or magnesium build up to form.  Thus, not ALL types of plumbing materials are responsible for hard water clogs.

Myth #2: Hard water minerals are contaminants

Truth: Hard water does contain a number of minerals however, minerals are not contaminants, minerals are nutrients.  Drinking water that is rich in essential minerals like calcium and magnesium is healthy for individuals.  Mineral rich drinking water helps protect the health of individuals and can lead to lower risks of heart disease and stroke. 

Myth #3: Water softeners produced filtered water

Truth: Water softeners do not in fact filter water at all.  Softeners use a process of ion exchange which is used to exchange minerals in the water for sodium.  Water softener units take “tainted” tap water and create water that can be used for drinking, cooking, showering, laundry, dish washing, and more.  The water processed through a water softener is NOT filtered and can often have a salty taste depending on a number of different variants.  To remove the saltiness from water that has gone through a water softener a point of use filter can be installed to faucets.  Most individuals are not bothered by the taste of drinking water that comes from a softening unit however a filtration system does remove the sodium in water if a homeowner is bothered by the taste.

Myth #4: Hard water works well for bathing, cleaning, and laundry

Truth:  Hard water often leaves behind a residue that contains minerals which are not the best for bathing, cleaning, or laundry.  Water that goes through a water softener is known as soft water.  Soft water is ideal for bathing, hard water is known to create dry hair and skin because of mineral deposits that it leaves.  In laundry and household cleaning hard water is known to leave stains and create a filmy residue that is not found in water that has gone through the rejuvenation process that takes place within water softening units.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.



Reynolds Water

, , ,

Gutter Installation: Should Homeowners Hire a Professional or DIY

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


There are plenty of homeowners who feel like hiring a professional contractor for jobs they deem “simple” is a waste of money.  We see it time and time again, do-it-yourselfers that get in over their heads and end up in a situation that costs them more than if they would have hired a professional from the start.  This is a common situation we run into, especially when it comes to roofing and gutter installation.  Believe it or not, installing gutters or replacing your roof is not as easy as it appears on television or in YouTube videos.  Below are the most common issues that arise when DIYs tackle gutter installation.

Incorrect Pitch:

If the pitch of your gutter is off even slightly it can create an issue.  Although gutters look even from a distance, they are in fact slightly pitched from one end to the other.  Striking a balance is key. A gutter with too little of a pitch allows the gutter to fill up until it overflows, while a sharp pitch is not pleasing to look at.  For every forty feet of gutter that is installed the gutter should slope between one to two inches.

Incorrect Pitch:

If the pitch of your gutter is off even slightly it can create an issue.  Although gutters look even from a distance, they are in fact slightly pitched from one end to the other.  Striking a balance is key. A gutter with too little of a pitch allows the gutter to fill up until it overflows, while a sharp pitch is not pleasing to look at.  For every forty feet of gutter that is installed the gutter should slope between one to two inches.

Forward Tilt:

Even though your gutter must be installed on a slight downward angle to allow for drainage, it must be completely level from front to back.  If it is not level it will spill over the edge.  Professional gutter installation takes time.  A level must be used to accurately level gutters and properly install the fasteners that will hold the gutter in the proper position.

Improper Positioning:

Gutters do not just hang on the edge of your homes roof.  Instead a gutter must be installed a couple of inches below the roof line. If a gutter is installed too high cause water to runoff down the back side which can cause staining on the exterior siding of the home.

Unsuitable Hanger Spacing:

Try as you may to properly slope gutters, improper positioning of gutter hangers can cause the gutter to sag.  Gutter hangers need to be properly positioned no more than three feet of space between one another.

Seams:

Gutter seams are the source at which the most damage can occur.  Sometimes the sections of a gutter will separate at the seam completely.  It is important to keep the number of seams to a minimum when installing gutters in fact, seamless gutters are made to help prevent this issue.

Gutter Damage During Installation:

When hanging gutters, it is important to be cautious to prevent damage to the gutters (and to yourself).  Bent or dented gutters should not be installed.

There are quiet a few issues that can arise when installing your homes new gutters.  Before you jump into DIY gutter installation, contact a professional to get a free quote.  This will allow you to visually see the cost difference between professional gutter installation that come with a warranty vs the time and cost of materials involved in doing it on your own.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.



Kearns Brothers

, , ,