The answer will have you scratching your head.

What’s most likely to destroy your home?

If you thought natural disasters were the most significant risk to your home’s integrity and long term value you’d be incorrect. However, and perhaps most surprisingly, the most significant and costly risk to your property is one of the simplest systems in your house. The rain gutters.

Water damage resulting from clogged, defective or non-existent rain gutters is estimated to cause in excess of $56 billion per year. This is more financial ruin than all natural disasters combined, according to statistics generated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. For example in 2006 the combined cost in terms of property damage from fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes amounted to about $43 billion. That is around 13 billion less than the effect of water damage from ineffective and/or malfunctioning gutters.

Many are surprised by these statistics because the damage occurs silently and usually without any discernible warning. Many times homeowners are not even aware of the underlying damage until they attempt to sell their property. Due to the high elevation of the gutters both homeowners and building professionals are prone to incorrectly identify basement leaks or foundation floods that are actually caused by improperly functioning gutter systems. These errant gutters and downspouts are also a fundamental cause of mold, dry rot, erosion and premature siding, paint and exterior trim damage. So, how does this happen?

Well, it turns out gutters are by far the most important element of the exterior water distribution systems of the home. This system includes the roof, flashings, gutters, downspouts and splash blocks (or sub-drains at the foundation level). Gutters have to collect all the rain being shed off the roof and transport it safely to the ground making them the critical link in the system. A leak or overflow at the gutter level means everything below the leak is a target for damage from cascading, wind-driven water. The usual victims are the windows, doors and exterior trim, but this cascading water can also erode the foundation, flood the crawlspace and find its way into the basement. A leak in a gutter at the back of the house can easily go unnoticed for many years.

These leaks often are a result of the design of gutters and leaving them unprotected. For example, standard gutters are open and exposed to the weather so they clog up easily with all kinds of debris like pine needles, leaves, twigs, bird nests, toys, balls etc. As soon as large debris enters the gutter it is only a matter of time before the downspout is plugged and the water begins to build up and overflow. This can be prevented by using a gutter protection system such as GutterBrush. Using a system like GutterBrush simple gutter guard can also help prevent the heavy weight of the water pulling at the gutter mountings and deforming them causing sagging. This weight will eventually break the sealed joints in the gutters making for even more leaks.

What can you do to make these critical parts work right? First, the gutters need to be designed and installed properly and they need a system like GutterBrush to keep them from clogging and overflowing. The simple gutter protection system like GutterBrush is made to keep debris out and water flowing. Basically filters, this product is a do-it-yourself solution. GutterBrush is worthwhile investments and the California Department of Forestry apparently agrees. The CDF determines fire codes in all urban/forest interface areas and in January 2008 they instituted new building codes requiring gutter protection and proper maintenance in all new construction in these fire prone areas. Apparently, gutters loaded with dry debris can easily catch fire and ignite the roofing substructure, even with fire-proof roofs. Typical gutter protection systems cost about $1500 but GutterBrush costs much less and works much better! However, considering the risks and damage associated with bad gutters and their 90% likelihood of failure, gutter protection should be standard on every building. And, as always, the GutterBrush Guys insist of putting safety first so be sure you take adequate precautions before you climb the ladder to inspect your gutters and/or install a gutter protection system.

Beware of this common scam this time of year!

The guys here at GutterBrush are always on the lookout for ways to help people protect their property. Here is a common scam that police are always warning homeowners about this time of year. The scam artists in this ruse target homeowners by pretending to be out-of-work handymen. they approach homeowners and offer to do work around their property, usually cleaning gutters or paving driveways. The suspects claim they are out-of-work because of the bad economy, but say they still have their equipment and can offer the homeowner a good deal. The scam artists then tell the victim they need cash up front to purchase supplies. After pretending to start the work, the suspects then take off with the money. Always beware of paying for any home improvement job up front. Also, ask for insurance certification from the contractor as well as contact information you can verify. We hope this helps you avoid becoming a victim of this common scam.

www.gutterbrush.com

Can it really be this simple?

Yes it can!

Even better, it is with GutterBrush Simple Gutter Guard.

www.gutterbrush.com

Gutters and GutterBrush are a Winning Combination!

Gutters help protect your home from damaging rainwater, but they can easily clog with leaves and debris. A gutter protection system like GutterBrush (www.gutterbrush.com)helps keep your gutters clog-free for total home protection.

Your gutters are there to do more than keep the roof from dripping on you when you enter and exit your home. They’re an integral part of your roof, working together to safeguard your home from damaging rainwater. But when leaves, twigs, and other debris clog your gutters, they can’t properly direct rain away from your home. Keep your home safe with gutters AND a gutter protection system for hassle free gutter maintenance and total protection of your home!

When it rains, water runs down your roof and into your gutters, which then direct the water away from your home. Without gutters, rain would simply pour right off the edges of the roof! Gutters collect and redirect the water away from the house, eliminating damage caused by this constant dripping, splashing, and erosion. From wood rot to foundation problems and mold growth, your gutters help prevent a whole variety of problems with your home. If your gutters are old, rotted out, or deteriorating, you should consider gutter replacement today. Installation will not negatively impact your roof or your shingles and will go a long way toward preventing the incursion of water into your home.

However, even new gutters can quickly become blocked by leaves. Especially if your home has overhanging trees, it’s easy for debris to fall into your gutters. Clogged gutters can also lead to major problems with your home, including:

* Foundation erosion and cracking
* Wet basements
* Roof damage
* Rotting wood
* Interior and exterior mold growth

One option is to regularly call a gutter cleaning service but a long-term and more cost-effective solution is a gutter protection system like GutterBrush simple gutter guard. GutterBrush will keep the leaves and twigs out of your gutters so they can do their job! Your best bet for complete protection from damaging rainwater is a full gutter and gutter protection system that includes GutterBrush. Visit www.gutterbrush.com today for more information!

Chores Done In The Fall Are Often Hazardous So Be Careful!

The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd. (www.gutterbrush.com) enjoy being outside and completing important home improvement/maintenance projects very much. But we are also always mindful of the safety of ourselves and those around us. Take a moment and consider taking health and safety precautions when raking leaves, cleaning gutters and performing other outdoor chores. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) taking a few simple steps and precautions can keep you from becoming injured while out of doors doing chores this autumn. "Many people work vigorously in the yard during the autumn season, and it often takes a toll on your body," AAOS spokesman Dr. Laurence Laudicina, said in a news release from the academy. "Raking leaves and cleaning out the gutters are popular seasonal chores that can lead to falls or strain to your back and upper body." In 2008 in the United States, about 617,000 people suffered injuries caused by rakes, other outdoor garden supplies and ladders, the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission noted.

So to help everyone avoid becoming one of those statistics we wanted to pass along some of the tips presented by the AAOS:

•Warm up for at least 10 minutes with some stretching and light exercise before beginning work in the yard.

•Use a rake that's comfortable for your height and strength. You can prevent blisters by wearing gloves or using a rake with a padded handle.

•Make sure that hats or scarves don't block your vision, and watch out for large rocks, low branches, tree stumps or uneven surfaces.

•Vary your movements and alternate your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not at the waist.

•Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.

•Don't overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. You should be able to carry bags comfortably.

•Don't throw leaves over your shoulder or to the side. That kind of twisting motion places undue stress on your back.

•Inspect ladders for loose screws, hinges or rungs, and make sure it is free of mud, dirt or liquids.

•Make sure all ladder legs rest on a firm, level surface. Don't use ladders on uneven ground or soft, muddy earth.

•Always face a ladder when climbing and descending.

•Confirm that the ladder is fully open and locked before you climb it.

•Angle ladders about 75 degrees from the ground.

•Don't sit or stand on the top of the ladder or on its pail shelf.

•Use the right ladder for the job. Step stools or utility ladders are good for working at low or medium heights, while extension ladders should be used outdoors to reach high places.

Learn more about GutterBrush simple gutter guard and all things gutter related at www.gutterbrush.com

GutterBrush Guys, Ltd. began offering their simple, affordable, and effective gutter protection system back in 2004 and continues to grow at a very strong yet responsible pace. GutterBrush Guys Ltd. continues to increase our customer base, retail network, and e-commerce presence. Gutterbrush Guys, Ltd. are now focusing on giving, roofers, contractors, painters, and any home service professional the most complete and comprehensive opportunity available for a very competitively priced and profitable professional grade gutter protection system.

Visit www.gutterbrush.com for complete gutter protection information, installation instructions, and an informative installation video for the gutter, roofing, and general contractor or home services professional. GutterBrush Giys, ltd. also encourages you to visit the web presence of the other gutter protection and leaf guard products available on the market today because they are certain that not a single one provides the same level of detail and information that they dodetail. The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd. present the quality, simplicity, and affordable nature of their product in a transparent way so you can see the value of the opprotunity they are presenting to you. They also spell out their warranty, have detailed installation instructions, as well as an abundance of information covering important safety issues surrounding working with gutter protection.

The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd. also are very happy to offer qualified partners a unique and very effective demo unit that clearly shows the consumer the simplicity, effectiveness, and professional grade quality of GutterBrush simple gutter guard. The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd. have a solid track record of offering a superior gutter protection product and completely believe that current economic challenges makes their product a welcome and profitable addition to any home service professional's product/service offerings.

Gutter Brush Guys, Ltd. would like to extend an invitation to any home services professional currently offering roofing and/or gutter protection systems to visit the GutterBrush web site at www.gutterbrush.com and consider becoming an authorized GutterBrush partner and/or installer.

Learn more about GutterBrush simple gutter guard and all things gutter related at www.gutterbrush.com

Cleaning Those Gutters So They Flow Freely This Fall!

The GutterBrush Guys want to share this informative video with you so you can be ready for the leaves and debris falling into your gutters. Feel free to visit us at GutterBrush.com for more information and fun!