Blog Post

Flashing: What Is That Stuff, Anyway? 

  • By Rick Garrett
  • 25 Apr, 2019

Although flashing isn’t flashy or fun, it’s vital to protecting your roof and siding from unwanted moisture and water seepage.

Flashing, made commonly of aluminum, steel, or plastic, is an added material installed beneath a layer of something else; like the roof line to the inside of a gutter. It’s used most commonly over joints on the roof and wall construction. The goal of flashing is to prevent water from flowing behind gutters or shingles causing leaking, molding, or damage to your siding, roof, or foundation.

Flashing is often used around the base of overhang windows, roof valleys (where two sections of roofing meet), chimneys, skylights, and the edges of your roof line. Shingles last longer when flashing is installed. Gutters, too, have a longer shelf life as the flashing adds an extra layer of protection against the elements.

In Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters 20 years of experience on the job, we’ve found that water may stain and deteriorate the condition of your paint and/or wood siding when flashing isn’t installed. When you install new gutters, flashing should be taken into consideration. Our crew recommends you install some form of counter flashing on top of existing D-metal style flashing to extend the edge of the roofline so that the water will travel a path that leads it to the center of the gutter rather than down behind the gutter.

Flashing, aluminum or plastic, don’t last forever. When the flashing is too damaged to patch with roofing cement and a comparable material patch, it’s time to call Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters. Damaged flashing will affect shingles, roof planes, skylights, chimneys, and gutters. If damage occurs, it’s likely the metal itself is deteriorating, or else there are loose nails, holes, or dry, cracked caulking that needs repair. If there are more flashing issues other than the roof line where gutters are to be installed, we may refer you to a roofing or siding specialist.

If you have questions about flashing or seamless rain gutters, the team at Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters can help. Founded in 1992 as a local family owned and operated business, Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters protect you and your investment with a strong business that backs up our 20-year workmanship warranty on the gutter and 10 years on the corners. As lifelong residents of Spokane, we are active in the community through business, civic and charitable involvement and support. Contact our team if you would like more information on any of the services we offer!

By Rick Garrett 22 Jan, 2024
Gaining popularity over the last few years, rain chains are a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to downspouts. While part of their draw is their visual appeal; rain chains are also extremely functional as they manage rainwater run-off from your roof.

With its Japanese origins, rain chains are a series of decorative cups or shapes chained together, which guide rainwater from your roof gutters down to the ground. When it rains, the water flows down the chain to create a superb waterfall effect. Rain chains are typically easy to install, making them both a practical and user-friendly option for homeowners. They can often be hung directly from the hole in your gutter where the downspout was previously attached. Special tools are not required, and many rain chains come in kits with the pieces needed to help attach the chain to your gutter.

For environmentally conscious homeowners, rain chains fit the bill! Since rain chains guide the rainwater from your roof directly to the ground – or a barrel, or garden – the strain on local water treatment facilities is lessened as the water from your roof no longer funnels to storm drains. Moreover, rain chains are most often made from recycled materials, contributing to a reduced environmental impact – another bonus of opting for rain chains!

Versatile in design and installation, rain chains can be added to any building that has a gutter system. Whether you own a charming cottage, or a commercial building, rain chains are no stranger to versatility! With a wide range of styles and materials available, homeowners can choose a rain chain that complements their home's unique aesthetic.

Your friends at Rainman Seamless Guttersoffer rain chains made from stainless steel, aluminum, or copper and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. From monarch rings to cups and umbrellas or teardrops to lilies, rain chains come in decorative styles that will enhance your outdoor living space while serving a practical purpose. Whether your home is traditional or modern, rustic or Victorian, there’s a rain chain option for you.



Installing rain gutters is a specialized service. The crew at Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersis here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesman and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry-knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersfor more information, and request a free estimatetoday!
By Rick Garrett 15 Nov, 2023
Lasting up to 20 years or longer if properly cared for, you might find that you seldom think about your rain gutters. Your gutter system, however, is an integral part of your home as it protects your roof, siding, landscaping, and even your home’s foundation from water damage.


Signs and Symptoms You Might Need to Replace Your Gutters

It is important to check for these issues listed below during, or directly following a rainstorm; this will help you to gauge how well your gutter system works. Although some of these issues can be fixed via a gutter cleaning, if you find the issue continues despite your repair, then you may need to remove your existing gutters and install gutter replacements. You should be mindful that if you have just moved into a new home wherein the gutters have not been maintained properly, then unfortunately, you can expect a much shorter lifespan than 20 years or more.

  • Water pooling around your gutter downspout
  • Cracks
  • Peeling paint
  • Holes
  • Rust
  • Sagging gutters
  • Fallen nails or fasteners
  • Leaking water in basement or foundation


Repair vs. Replacement of Gutter System

Though we recommend you always speak with an expert if you believe your gutter system is compromised, it can be possible to replace only the sections of your gutter that are damaged. As an example, if the issue is with the downspout that has become dislodged by children playing or over-zealous pets, this could be a simple replacement you as the homeowner might choose to do yourself (DIY); however, one big hindrance is making sure the worn or damaged sections match. In other words, because gutter systems have such a long lifespan, the materials (i.e. material, color) may no longer exist.


Final Thoughts

Remember to be sure to watch for the warning signs of gutter damage described above when you perform regular cleanings. You should clean your gutters at least twice a year, in spring and fall. If you live in an area that is prone to more or heavier rainfall, plan to clean your gutters more frequently than twice a year to protect the integrity of your gutter system. (in the spring and fall) or more often if you live in an area with heavy rainfall.

Installing rain gutters is a specialized service. The crew at Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersis here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesmen and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersfor more information.
By Rick Garrett 13 Sep, 2023

If you are a homeowner living in the Pacific Northwest, exposed to elements such as rain and snow, then effective gutters are likely a top priority. Naturally, durability and the lifetime of your gutters is one of the biggest considerations in choosing the correct gutter type for your home. The crew at Rainman Seamless Gutters is here to explain how long seamless rain gutters last (as opposed to section gutters).

Section Gutters

Section Gutters are joined together in 10 or 20-foot sections, with multiple seams. Each section is linked together via connectors or couplings, and each section must be sealed/soldered at the joint with a roof and gutter sealant in order to prevent leaking or dripping. Gutter sealant will typically last around one to five years. Moreover, section gutters require frequent, regular maintenance, a process which entails re-patching, re-sealing and immediate cleaning of any blocked or overflowing gutters.

· Lifespan : A typical sectional gutter will only last around 20 years (assuming regular maintenance) and must be re-sealed every one to five years.

Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are also known as continuous gutters. Meaning, they only have joints or miters at the corners where they wrap around your roof, but they are manufactured from a single piece of material. Seamless gutters are usually made from aluminum, copper, painted steel, or zinc.

· Lifespan : Seamless/Continuous gutters last well over 20 years, even with such low maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Seamless Gutters are a long-lasting, less hassle and low maintenance option for your gutter system. In the long run, the benefits of seamless gutters will likely more than make up for the initial cost. Additionally, we, at Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters give you a lifetime warranty on the workmanship of your seamless rain gutters.

Installing rain gutters is a specialized service. The crew at Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersis here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesman and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry-knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersfor more information.

By Rick Garrett 26 Jul, 2023

Rain gutters can be an oft-ignored part of your home that can add function and flair to the overall aesthetic. Most importantly, rain gutters provide protection against the elements. At Rainman Seamless Gutters, we understand that it is your utmost priority as a homeowner to protect your home investment. Most experts agree that galvanized steel, or aluminum gutters are the most durable, however; it is important to have your home first assessed by a professional to determine your home’s structural needs and limitations and provide you with an appropriate recommendation based on their findings.

Galvanized Steel:

Galvanized steel is long-lasting (20-30 years lifespan or more) and more resistant to damage, and many experts agree is one of the best options for durability. Made of high-end metal, galvanized steel gutters can endure different weather and spend decades without damage. Galvanized steel is one of the heaviest materials for rain gutters, and for this reason, it’s typically not used for typical residential gutter installations. The steel rain gutter color options are a bit more limited, but with 20+ to choose from along with a metal fifnsh clear coat, they will still last 20+ years.

Aluminum:

Aluminum gutters are not only versatile, but they are also one of the most cost-conscious options available. Given it’s lightweight nature, aluminum gutters have a seamless and smooth installation process. Boasting 80 colors and different girths to choose from, aluminum offers vast customization options tailored to your home’s needs. These gutters can last for up to 20+ years with proper maintenance, but they can bend, dent and crack, particularly, with heavy rain and snow if not properly cleaned and maintained. The affordable pricing typically makes aluminum gutters one of the most popular choices among homeowners.

Installing rain gutters is a specialized service. The crew at Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters is here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesmen and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry-knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters for more information.

By Rick Garrett 11 May, 2023

Traditional Gutters & Seamless Gutters

Traditional gutters are popular for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) installation. These prefabricated gutters come in 10’-20’ long sections, attached together with connectors and caps, with droplet outlets intersecting with downspouts. In other words, traditional gutters come with pre-cut pieces that attach together in a sequence.

Seamless gutters, also called continuous gutters, are custom-made to fit the house. They are not DIY friendly like sectional gutters, so this will require an expert to make them onsite, typically using a portable rollforming machine, and professionally install them. As a result, they can be more costly than traditional gutters.

DIY Traditional Gutter Installation

A DIY gutter project may sound easy to you as a homeowner—simply nailing gutter sections to the fascia board of your home. Easy, right? While installing traditional gutters can be a DIY project, it requires a lot of planning and will require some additional investment on your end as a homeowner. You’ll need to sufficiently understand the following:

· The length of the gutter run and where the downspouts will be set.

· Where the water needs to flow to protect the house and property.

· How to inspect fascia and soffit for rot (removal and replacement may be necessary). 

· The best gutter profile and material for your climate and situation.

· Where and how to install hangers along the roofline.

· How to use a hacksaw or tin snip to cut the lengths to size.

· How to notch the gutter.

· How to attach the gutter sections with hangers and screws or rivets.

· How to properly apply a sealant to seal the joints and connections.

· How to make repairs or replace gutter sections if they become damaged.

You are also urged as the homeowner to review any local building codes to make sure you’re in compliance. In short, you should have some basic knowledge of working with roofing materials and how the water can best flow away from your home. You may realize it takes more than just a hammer and nails to install traditional gutters.If you think you're getting over your head, Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersis here to help.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Gutters & Seamless Gutters

Pros

As mentioned, traditional gutters are common for DIY installation. They can be cut with a saw to fit any house. Also, they come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, vinyl, stainless steel, and copper—and are offered in a wide range of colors.

DIY kits are affordable and can be easy to install, depending on the gutter material and your skillset as a homeowner. The kits only come in half-round and K-style gutters, so homes built without fascia boards will require professional installation.

As it pertains to seamless gutters, because they are seamless, they are less likely to suffer leakage or storm damage. This means they can better protect the structure and property. Also, due to their durability, seamless gutters will outlast traditional gutters often by decades.

Cons

Wherever you have seams you’ll probably have leakage. Because traditional gutters are connected by joints, there will likely be more water leaking through. Also, debris is prone to get caught in the seams, which increases the likelihood of damage.

Traditional gutters require frequent maintenance with repairs and replacing damaged sections, as they don’t hold up as well in severe storms, they can separate at the seams. Traditional gutters last 10-15 years, compared to seamless gutters which can last anywhere from 25 to 100 years, depending on the material.

Aesthetically, traditional gutters are not as attractive as seamless gutters because they can sag at the seams, therefore lacking the sleekness of a seamless gutter. As mentioned, seamless gutters cost more. Remember that they can’t be purchased directly as they are custom-made and installed professionally.


source: Seamless Gutters vs. Traditional: What Your Customers Need to Know (newtechmachinery.com)

By Rick Garrett 22 Mar, 2023

To prevent erosion of a home’s foundation, rain gutters are needed in most homes across the US to collect and carry away rainwater. Homeowners should look at high-quality rain gutters as an investment in protecting their home’s structure. Improper installation of gutters, however, can - and will - lead to costly mistakes. While many of us might enjoy the occasional Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home project, when it comes to gutter installation, it’s best to let the professionals tackle this one, and here’s why:


Important Factors to Consider:

The allure of DIY can be high when considering rain gutter installation, with saving a few dollars as the greatest incentive of all. But consider this: installing your gutters wrong could end up costing you far more money, time and resources in the long run.


Personal Safety.

Amateurs can cause accidents, and yet another costly mistake. Gutter installation will require working with heights, thus requiring proper safety protocol. A professional team will have the knowledge required upfront, to avoid the potential for accidents.


Materials.

The professionals have access to the highest quality materials meant to be durable and long-lasting. They can also help you find the right materials to meet your needs (even customizable).


Increased Efficiency & Experience.

The old saying, “you get what you pay for,” and holds true with gutter installation. Choosing to have a professional install your rain gutters will save you time and result in greater efficiency than the DIY method, as an expert team has the knowledge to determine the proper way to maximize your gutters efficiency by considering roof pitch, rain intensity, sizing, capacity, etc.


Your team of experts will have a broad knowledge base and understanding of the installation process, having been exposed to many types of clients and gutters. Your expert team will also carry insurance and warranty their work. As a DIY-er, if you make a mistake, you will then have to pay a professional to come in and fix your work - at your own time and expense, of course. Installing rain gutters is a specialized service. 


The crew at Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters is here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesman and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry-knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane and North Idaho area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters  for more information.

By Rick Garrett 20 Dec, 2022

Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angi Super Service Award (SSA). This award, first released in 1999, recognizes the best home professionals and businesses in the Angi network for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing Angi customers a great experience.

“Through changing microeconomic factors like inflation, rising interest rates, material shortages and supply chain issues, Angi Super Service Award Winners delivered best in class customer service. These businesses are putting customers front and center and going above and beyond, providing great value, service and quality work,” said Angie Hicks, Chief Customer Officer, Angi. “Our homeowners’ consistent positive reviews make it clear: these are the best pros in our network. Congratulations to all of our Super Service Award Winners.”

Angi Super Service Award 2022 winners have met stringent eligibility requirements, across ratings and reviews during the eligibility window of November 1st, 2021 - October 31st, 2022. Pros on Angi qualify for the award by obtaining 3 or more services-performed reviews during the review period, maintaining a current and lifetime rating of at least 4.5 stars. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angi and have undergone our verification/screening.

Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters is proud of our team who work hard to serve our customers in the Spokane and North Idaho areas.

The crew at Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters is here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesman and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry-knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane and North Idaho area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersfor more information.

By Rick Garrett 01 Dec, 2022

It is important to protect the entire foundation of your home. Rain gutters prevent damage to your home by channeling water flow from your roof to your downspouts and away from your home’s foundation. They are positioned to extend just beyond the eves to collect rain runoff.

Now that you know the purpose of rain gutters, are gutters for the whole house necessary? Your roof style determines where gutters and downspouts are needed. They are needed to keep water away from the foundation to maintain the structural reliability of your home’s foundation as well as to prevent water from entering the basement of the house. Along with having a positive slope of the soil around the house away from the foundation, design and placement of the gutters and downspouts is the second most important feature to protect the structure. It’s important to consider the slope of your roof. Unless your roof slopes in all directions, you probably won’t need gutters installed around the border of your home. You will, however, need gutters installed at the bottom of any slope. The roof is already designed to direct water down the slopes, which is where the gutters come into play.

Some important points to consider include:

  • If your home has multiple roof slopes you will need gutters for each slope with accompanying downspouts.
  • If your home has two roof slopes, you will need gutters on two sides with accompanying downspouts.
  • If your home has a flat roof, drains are placed in areas of the roof that collect the most water leading the water into a pipe system installed below the roof that drains into gutters with accompanying downspouts.
  • If you live in an area where it rains frequently, you will want to install a gutter system all around your home. This allows your roof to displace all heavy rains in a quick and efficient manner.

Installing rain gutters is a specialized service. The crew at Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters is here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesman and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry-knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersfor more information.

By Rick Garrett 19 Oct, 2022

You may have noticed icicles forming at the edge of the roof or the front or back edge of you gutter last year. Icicles and ice dams occur when the snow on your roof melts and refreezes at your roof’s edges. The ice continues to build and prevents the melted water from flowing off the roof and into your gutters.

The best solution is to take preventative measures before the first snowfall. The first line of prevention is to ensure that your attic is well insulated to restrict heat from leaking through the roof. A warm roof will allow snow to melt, however, snow will have a difficult time melting on a cold, properly insulated roof. The second line of prevention is to clean your gutters of all debris which will reduce ice damming as they drain the melted water from your roof through the downspout as intended.

Now that you have insulated your attic and cleaned your gutters, you need to be aware of your next course of action. Use a roof rake to remove snow from the entire roof immediately following a snowfall to reduce ice damming. FYI - removing the snow only from the lower few feet of your roof can create the formation of a secondary ice dam higher on the roof. Heavy buildup can pull your gutter system down.

Heat cables are the most effective means of reducing ice damming. It is important to be mindful of where to place heat cables. Heat cables installed on the roof’s edge melts snow, however, as it hits the cold gutter it will refreeze and continue to build on top of your gutter. Installing the cable inside of the gutter heats the entire gutter and prevents this buildup, thereby, allowing the water to flow freely through the downspout. Expect your heated gutter to take some time to fully melt snow buildup, especially depending on the amount of snowfall. We can install heat gutters on the roof, in your gutters, and even the downspout!

If you have questions about protecting you home and gutters, the team at Rainman Seamless is here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesman and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry-knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersfor more information.

By Rick Garrett 23 Sep, 2022

Your roof style determines where gutters and downspouts are needed. They are needed to keep water away from the foundation to maintain the structural reliability of your home’s foundation as well as to prevent water from entering the basement of the house. Along with having a positive slope of the soil around the house away from the foundation, design and placement of the gutters and downspouts is the second most important feature to protect the structure. It’s important to consider the slope of your roof. Unless your roof slopes in all directions, you probably won’t need gutters installed around the border of your home. You will, however, need gutters installed at the bottom of any slope. The roof is already designed to direct water down the slopes, which is where the gutters come into play.


Some important points to consider include:

 · If your home has multiple roof slopes you will need gutters for each slope with accompanying downspouts.

 · If your home has two roof slopes, you will need gutters on two sides with accompanying downspouts.

 · If your home has a flat roof, drains are placed in areas of the roof that collect the most water leading the water into a pipe system installed below the roof that drains into gutters with accompanying downspouts.

 · If you live in an area where it rains frequently, you will want to install a gutter system all around your home. This allows your roof to displace all heavy rains in a quick and efficient manner.


Installing rain gutters is a specialized service. The crew at Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters is here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesman and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry-knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Guttersfor more information.

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