Gutters

At Holencik we believe the two major aspects of gutters are thickness and hangers. In the Lehigh Valley, most gutters are .027 gauge (thickness), however we prefers to use .032. We also prefer to put hangers every 2 feet. While we believe this should be the standard, many installers stretch that out to 30 inches, 3 feet, 40 inches between hangers.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Gutters

If you think a few leaves and twigs in your gutter are harmless, think again. Clean gutters are the single most important key to avoiding major and expensive home repairs. Gutters perform one duty: controlling the water around your home. And if debris keeps them from doing their job, then you can wind up with some serious problems.

Holencik offers gutter cleaning services on an as-needed basis or we have maintenance contracts available. We offer a once or twice a year contracts which consist of a spring and fall cleaning. We will come to your home twice a year and take the worry of gutter maintenance off your mind!

DID YOU KNOW CLEAN GUTTERS HELP PREVENT:

Clogged gutters are the number one cause of basement water problems. Roof water overflows and accumulates around the foundation. If this happens, basement leaks may be moments away.

Excess water against the foundation wall can weaken the footing and lead to cracks. This is particularly true in the colder months when built-up water at the foundation freezes and causes a condition known as “frost-heave” which can cause severe cracks to foundation walls.

Water backing up from clogged gutters will cause moisture damage to the wood fascia around the house. The rotted area will get worse quickly if the leak is not eliminated by cleaning the gutters.

In winter, ice-dams can form on top of clogged gutters. Then snow builds up across the top of the gutter and freezes. During the next thaw, water running off the roof is blocked by the frozen snow and backs up into the house. This can lead to major wall and ceiling damage.

Overflowing gutters can deposit water on walks and driveways where it can freeze and cause a slipping hazard. Avoid this problem by keeping gutters clean and the spouts extended away from any traffic areas.

Misdirected and clogged gutter spouts often cause driveways and walks to sag and crack.

Any newly installed plants, grass or trees can be killed by excess water. Overflowing gutters can cause severe erosion and put and early end to young plantings.

Bugs love moisture. Keeping the soil dry around the foundation perimeter can force bugs to go elsewhere for a tasty snack of dampened two-by-four.

Rain-Chains

Rain Chains

Beautify your home and add architectural value with unique and decorative rain chains. By replacing your traditional downspout, rain chains capture the senses, channeling water from the gutter system and creating a fountain effect.Rain Chains originated in Japan hundreds of years ago for functional purposes. They were used to capture rain water to be used as running water in the home. This same technique was adopted throughout the world and utilized by the Purepecha Indians from Central Mexico.

Using the same technique as their pre-Columbian ancestors, artisans use the traditional Bonfire Method working the copper with nothing more than hammers and anvil to form beautifully crafted objects. New copper is a naturally rosy pink color that will oxidize with time creating a beautiful rich red or brown patina.

Rain Chains are manufactured by a member of the Fair Trade Federation. Holencik Exteriors values fair-traded products to ensure that our clients receive products that are produced by people who receive fair wages and ethical treatment, just as we pay fair wages and benefits to our own employees. We believe that the care and concern of workers ensure the production of a quality product.

Rain Chains integrate nicely with your gutter system and landscaping. Contact us for more information about how to incorporate them into your home.