Gutter Ice Dams – How To Prevent Ice Build Up In Your Guttering

Gutter Ice Dams form when water is unable to leave the guttering system due to blockages and other debris.  This in turn causes the water to sit in the gutters and with the onset of colder temperatures, the water will then turn into ice and at that point you are in a world of hurt.  Preventing ice dams in your gutters is a simple task but the methods used will vary depending on what area of the country you live in and how severe your winter is.

In most areas in the middle to lower United States, making sure that you gutter have been cleaned out on a regular basis will be enough to insure that you will not have any issues with ice dams forming in your gutters.  If your guttering is prone to collecting leaves, it is best to have it cleaned out a few times through-out the fall/winter to make sure that no debris is left in the gutters that could cause the downspouts from doing there job.

We suggest making sure your gutters are cleaned out once in late fall and once again in the middle of winter (during the occasional warm up periods). This way any debris that fell after the last cleaning will be taken care of and your guttering will be good to go throughout the rest of the winter.

If you live in the northern portion of the US, then you might have to take more drastic measures.  The first step, like your southern neighbors, is to make sure you had your gutters and downspouts cleared out after the fall leaves have fallen and that you are positive that nothing was left in them.  It is critical that the downspouts be tested and you know for a fact they are clear. A good way of doing this is by inserting a penny in them to see if it comes out at the bottom.  If it comes out, you know they are clear and will do their job.

Once you know the gutters are clear, the next step is to do a few things to assure that your roofing will stay the proper temperature so that the rain/snow/ice will melt properly.  You can do this in a few ways.  You can make sure that you have soffit and attic vents and that they are working properly as this will allow enough air circulation to aid in making sure the moisture on your roof melts off properly.

Another thing you can do is to make sure that you have adequate insulation in your attic to assist in keeping the temperatures level in your home and in your attic. The last thing that you can consider doing is installing heated cords that will run on the roof line and enter your guttering so that it constantly supplies a heat source that will melt any ice.  If you would like to read more on what you can do to prevent ice dams from forming, check out this article that we found.

No matter what you end up doing to solve your ice dam issue, the first thing you must consider is making sure your gutters are cleaned properly.  If you are the DIY type, be safe and do a great job.  If you prefer to hire out work like that, we would love to help.  You can get a quote for gutter cleaning here and enjoy your weekend while we do the work.

 

The post Gutter Ice Dams – How To Prevent Ice Build Up In Your Guttering appeared first on Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning.

Top 5 Flowers to Plant in the Spring

Springtime can offer unique challenges for gardeners because the weather isn’t always predictable, and if you plant too early you might kill your flowers’ chances of success. Luckily, there are several flower species that thrive with a cool-weather start and are tough enough to keep coming back year after year. Investing in these flowers will ensure that your landscaping looks great, despite the fragility of the spring season.

When selecting flowers for early spring planting, it’s important to pay attention to soil and sun exposure preferences. If your yard is void of shade, then opt for flowers that can handle the heat of the sun. Similarly, if your yard only gets partial sun, then choose your flower bed locations carefully and consider the flowers that do well in shaded areas.

1. Coneflower (Echinacea) 

This delicate looking flower is actually anything but! It sits on a tough plant that can survive the cooler weather and blooms in gorgeous pink and purple blossoms with copper-colored centers. The plant typically grows to 2 feet tall and boasts beautiful flowers of about 4 inches in diameter. If pink and purple aren’t for youl, you can look out for a hybrid in orange, red-orange, or yellow.

Planting tips: Plant the Coneflower seeds in well-drained soil about 1 to 3 feet apart. You can plant them in early spring with maximum sun exposure though they can manage some shade.

2. Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica)

These classically adored blue flowers are perfect for semi-shaded or wooded areas, and thrive in the cooler spring temperatures. Though the blooms are tiny, they are instantly recognizable and lovely to see throughout a garden. As wildflowers, they are resilient and self-sowing, so you will be able to enjoy them year after year. They typically grow to reach 6-8 inches.

Planting tips: Plant forget-me-not seedlings up to 12 inches apart in loosened soil. If desired, you can start them indoors in the winter, then move outside in early spring. They can survive frost, and will self-sow to produce more plants for the following year.

3. The Bride (Gaura lindheimeri)
A unique bloom, these white flowers sit perched on tall spikes, and bring gorgeous variety to any garden. They can grow anywhere from 2 ½ to 4 feet tall, and are a favorite perennial that you can enjoy year after year. Varieties include rose-pink flowers and white flowers that look remarkable atop their long stems. They add movement to a garden and are easy to pick and add to a vase or arrangement.

Planting tips: Sow seeds indoors during late winter for planting in May. Choose an area with lots of sunshine that is shielded from wind and give the plant plenty of space to grow. Once it has taken root, the Bride is exceptionally tough and tolerant of drought.

4.  Mrs. Bradshaw (Geum chiloense) 
 
Similar in appearance and resilience to wildflowers, Mrs. Bradshaw is actually a member of the rose family and is a great choice for spring planting. This species boasts lush foliage and lengthy flower spikes that average 15 inches in height. Varieties include bright yellow blooms and deep scarlet blooms, both of which are whimsical and easy to maintain.

Planting tips: Sow seeds indoors in potting soil and trays in late winter, then move outside after the last frost. When planting outdoors, cut back the seedling to promote continued growth and plant in well-drained fertile soil.

5. Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)
 
These colorful flowers are immensely popular for their recognizable “face” and multitude of color combinations. They can grow to be about 9 inches tall and are great for late winter or early spring planting. To achieve successful blooms pansies should be watered often.

Planting tips: Pansies can be planted in late winter or early spring in well-drained, moist soil. They prefer sun and cool temperatures, and should be planted approximately 7 to 12 inches apart. Dead flowers can be removed to promote continued growth.