Is the Zip Hinge a Good Investment? August 05 2014 243 Comments

Is the Zip Hinge a good and practical investment? Before we address the question you must understand the benefits of having one on your home. 

The purpose of the Zip Hinge

1. The Zip Hinge assures your downspout extension is firmly attached to your gutter system so it can protect your home's foundation and landscaping.

2. The Zip Hinge provides you the ability to move your downspout extension to a upright vertical position. Great when doing yard work; gardening, mowing, edging, landscaping, mulching, shoveling, and everything in between.

Installation

The Zip Hinge takes 1-2 minutes at most for a novice to install. It's a easy DIY project!

Common Installation & Repair Costs

Professional rehab or repair estimates for cleaning a flooded basement range anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 and up. The real problem is that most homeowners’ insurance will only cover disasters, and typically will not cover damage occurring from failure to perform routine maintenance.

*National Average for Installation and/or Repair of the Following:

Foundation Repair $4479
Patio or Pathway Repair $1565
Mold Removal $2000-$4000
Lawn Re-sloping $1940
Install Landscaping $3966
Install Sod $2023
Install Turf $4768
Install Drain $3737
Install Turf $4768
Install Lanscape Curbing $1405
Deliver Soil, Mulch or Rocks $866

National Average Fuel Costs and Rising 

Regular Grade $3.64~

Mid Grade $3.83~

Premium Grade $4.01~

Diesel $3.93~

Your Replacement Costs

Box Store Downspout Replacement Cost 

Downspout Extension Replacement Cost

• 2x3 $8.87 per piece
• 3x4 $12.56 per piece
• PVC $5.96 - $11.87 per piece

Your Personal Cost Formula to Repair Downspout (minus the Zip Hinge)

+ Fuel Cost

+ Big Box Store Cost - Downspout Replacement

+ Accessories

+ Tools

+ Your Free Time (x)

Your Total Cost = x

Zip Hinge Cost Formula

+ ZipHinge

+ Your Time

+ Free Shipping

- Gas

- Downspout Replacement

Your Total Cost = X

Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any questions.

Importance of a Home's Gutter System July 02 2014 59 Comments

 

Having a gutter system properly installed on your home is critical.

The function of a gutter system is to help control rainwater flow from your home's roof to the ground. It prevents damage to your home's exterior and surrounds, soil erosion, landscaping, foundation and substructure.

It’s important to keep your gutters in good shape and free of clogs, leaves and other debris that may interrupt the flow of excess roof runoff, i.e. melted snow and rainwater.

Maintenance & Repair

As time passes and seasons change leaves, ice, snow, rainwater, tree branches and so on can cause your gutters to get damaged, that's why gutter maintenance is crucial. Buildup creates extra weight which pulls the gutters away from your home’s fascia boards. With accumulation of debris buildup it can cause water to leak into your home. This usually will manifest in your attic or between the siding of your home, possible mold growth.

The ideal time to check your gutters for damage is in the spring and summer seasons and after a heavy storm. After a storm is a great time to assess whether water diversion and water flow is moving in the right manor. Circle your home and see where the flow is and where the flow is stopped by leaves and debris.

If your gutters have pulled away from the home it may be as easy as fastening them back into place.

If you are unable to repair them yourself then your best option would be to seek a qualified contractor to repair or replace your gutter system.

Replacing Gutters

Gutters are available in the following materials; vinyl, steel, aluminum, and copper-each carry their own pros and cons

Vinyl Gutters

Pro:

• Won’t chip or dent
• Easy and lightweight
• Cheap

Con:

• Will expand and contract in extreme cold and hot temperatures and possibly crack

Bottom Line: Not a great option and lacks quality.

 

Steel Gutters 

Pro:

• Sturdy and will support a lot of weight with minimum damage
• Relatively inexpensive

Con:

• Requires maintenance
• Will rust with improper drainage

Bottom Line: Decent option but not the best due to maintenance.

 

Aluminum Gutters

Pro:

• Won’t rust
• Seamless
• Affordable

Con:

• Can dent and bend with extra weight, high winds and falling debris.

Bottom Line: Best most practical option.

 

Copper Gutters

Pro:

• Attractive, beautiful and durable
• 70+ year life span
• Will oxidize and turn attractive green color

Con:

• A target for thieves
• Extremely expensive

Bottom Line: Expensive and not budget friendly but look unbelievably impressive and carry great curb appeal.

 

For more info check out the article "Gauging Gutters" on "This Old House."

Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for your time!