Cincinnati and Dayton's Professionals for Siding, Roofing, and Gutters

(513) 279-8362 Contact Us  

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Install Gutter Guards

By

Fall is one of the most challenging seasons for gutter maintenance, as falling leaves, twigs, and other debris can quickly clog your system. That’s why fall is the ideal time to consider installing gutter guards professionally. Here’s why this season offers the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home’s protection.

1. Peak Leaf Season

During fall, your gutters face their biggest test. If they’re already prone to clogs, you’ll notice issues like water overflow, sagging gutters, and even potential foundation damage. Installing gutter guards now ensures your system is ready to handle the influx of leaves and debris while maintaining proper water flow. With professionals on the job, you can ensure the installation is done efficiently and effectively.

2. Avoid Winter Damage

Clogged gutters can lead to serious issues as temperatures drop. Standing water trapped by debris may freeze, causing ice dams. These can damage your roof, gutters, and home’s siding, leading to expensive repairs. By installing gutter guards in the fall, you reduce the risk of winter damage. Gutter guards keep debris out, allowing water to flow freely even in freezing conditions.

3. Prepare for Year-Round Protection

Gutter guards aren’t just for fall—they provide benefits throughout the year. They prevent spring pollen, summer seeds, and winter ice buildup from creating blockages. By installing them now, you’re investing in a solution that protects your gutters in every season.

4. Proactive Maintenance Saves Money

While cleaning gutters regularly can mitigate problems, it’s a time-consuming and potentially hazardous task. Hiring a professional to install gutter guards eliminates much of this upkeep, saving you time and reducing long-term maintenance costs. It’s an investment that pays off quickly, particularly if you rely on professional cleanings.

5. Take Advantage of Seasonal Discounts

Many professional installation companies offer promotions in the fall, as they know this is a high-demand season for gutter work. Scheduling your installation now could save you money while securing your home against potential water damage and clogs.

Trust the Pros for Optimal Results

Although some homeowners might consider DIY gutter guard installation, it’s a job best left to professionals. Proper installation ensures the guards fit securely and function correctly, maximizing their effectiveness. Professionals also have the tools and expertise to address unique gutter challenges, such as unusual roof angles or older systems.

Ready to Protect Your Home This Fall?

Don’t let falling leaves wreak havoc on your gutters. Take proactive steps this season to install high-quality gutter guards professionally. Your home will be better protected, and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your gutters are ready for whatever nature throws their way. Contact EMA Construction today for a free estimate on new gutters or gutter guards in the Cincinnati and Dayton area.

Guild Quality Recognizes EMA Construction for 5 Straight Exceptional Ratings

By

Guild Quality Badge Recognizing EMA Construction for 5th Straight Exceptional Customer Service Review

We have again received recognition from Guild Quality for our 5th straight customer reporting exceptional service! We are thankful for our great customers and look forward to giving you a 5-start experience. Here are just a few things that people have shared on Guild Quality in the past few months:
“EMA did an outstanding job, I do highly recommend them for your job. ” – John S.
“Work was done quickly and with good respect for my plants and my property.” – Nate B.
“Nate’s work was outstanding!” – Philip S.
“EMA did a great job replacing our 50-year-old cedar shake siding with James Hardie shingle-type siding. They also replaced our front porch ceiling with Hardie panels, which came out looking terrific. In fact, they ended up having to practically rebuild the support structure for the porch ceiling, since what was there previously was more like a Masonite fiber-board product. The cost for the rebuild was very reasonable, and I’m sure will last for many years. The installers were very friendly, and always willing to discuss what they were doing and why. ” – Patrick D.
Whether you’re looking for new James Hardie siding, cedar siding, siding repair, gutters, gutter guards, or roofing, you can count on EMA Construction to deliver a 5-star customer experience job throughout the Cincinnati and Dayton area.

Winterizing Your Cincinnati Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Stay Cozy and Save Energy

By

As the temperatures drop and winter blankets Cincinnati in a layer of frost, it’s time to prepare your home for the chilly season. Winterizing your home not only ensures your comfort during the colder months but also helps save on energy costs. In this article, we’ll explore practical steps to winterproof your Cincinnati home and keep the warmth in while keeping the cold out.

  1. Start From the Outside – Start with your siding! Affordable siding like vinyl can expose your home to extreme temperatures and wind. Quality James Hardie or cedar siding provides natural insulation that will make the rest of your winterizing easier!
  2. Clean your Gutters – A blocked gutter can freeze and expand in the winter, sometimes causing a burst. Be sure to clean your gutters so you can be ready for freezes and melting snow. If you want to reduce your gutter maintenance, consider using gutter guards.
  3. Check and Seal Drafts – Begin by inspecting windows and doors for drafts. Use weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors, preventing cold air from infiltrating your home. Consider adding draft stoppers to the bottom of doors.
  4. Insulate Your Attic – Adequate attic insulation is crucial for retaining heat. Inspect your attic for sufficient insulation and add more if needed. This will not only keep your home warm but also reduce energy bills.
  5. Service Your Heating System – Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your heating system. This ensures it operates efficiently during the winter months. Replace air filters regularly to keep the system running smoothly.
  6. Upgrade Windows – If your budget allows, consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Double-pane windows with low-emissivity coatings provide better insulation and help regulate indoor temperatures.
  7. Protect Pipes – Cincinnati winters can be harsh, and frozen pipes can lead to costly damages. Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Allow faucets to drip during extremely cold nights to prevent freezing.
  8. Install a Programmable Thermostat – A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for various times of the day, optimizing energy usage. Lower the temperature when you’re away or asleep, and raise it when you’re at home and active.
  9. Use Heavy Curtains – Thick curtains can act as an additional layer of insulation. Keep them closed during the night to trap heat and open them during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your home. This may not be the highest impact, but every little bit can help!
  10. Reverse Ceiling Fans – Most ceiling fans have a switch to reverse the direction of the blades. In winter, set the fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This circulates warm air trapped near the ceiling, keeping the room warmer.

Winterizing your Cincinnati home is a proactive way to ensure comfort, reduce energy consumption, and prevent potential damage. These steps allow you to enjoy a cozy and energy-efficient home throughout the winter months. See what EMA Construction can do to help you stay warm this winter! Stay warm, Cincinnati!

The Value of Installing Gutter Guards: Protecting Your Home and Your Wallet

By

The leaves have begun to fall this year in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. For homeowners, it means pivoting into a new season of home maintenance. When it comes to maintaining your home, some tasks may not be as glamorous as a kitchen renovation or a new coat of paint, but they are equally important. One such task is taking care of your gutters. While it might not be the most exciting home improvement project, installing gutter guards can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. In this article, we’ll explore the value of installing gutter guards and how they can protect your Cincinnati home and your wallet.

  1. Prevents Clogged Gutters – Gutter guards are designed to keep leaves, debris, and other foreign objects out of your gutters. This is crucial because clogged gutters can lead to a range of problems:
    1. Water Damage – Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Water that can’t properly flow through your gutters may seep into your home, causing interior damage and mold growth.
    2. Weakened Gutters –  The weight of debris-filled gutters can cause them to sag, detach from your home, or even collapse. This can result in costly repairs or replacement.
    3. Pest Infestations – Clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes, rodents, and birds. These pests can carry diseases and cause further damage to your home.
  2. Reduces Maintenance – One of the most significant advantages of gutter guards is that they drastically reduce the need for manual gutter cleaning. Without gutter guards, you may need to clean your gutters several times a year, especially during the fall when leaves are falling and in the spring when seeds and blossoms clog the gutters. Climbing a ladder and scooping out debris is not only time-consuming but can also be dangerous. With gutter guards in place, you can significantly reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning. It’s still important to inspect your gutters periodically, you’ll find that the maintenance required is minimal compared to unprotected gutters.
  3. Extends Gutter Lifespan – Gutter guards not only protect your home but also extend the lifespan of your gutters. When gutters are constantly clogged, they are exposed to excess moisture, which can lead to rust and corrosion. Over time, this can weaken the gutters and require premature replacement. By preventing debris from accumulating in your gutters, gutter guards help your gutters last longer, saving you the cost of purchasing and installing new ones.
  4. Increases Home Value – Investing in gutter guards can enhance the value of your home. Potential buyers are likely to see the value in a property that has low-maintenance features, such as gutter guards. It can also be a selling point if you ever decide to put your home on the market. Additionally, well-maintained gutters and a protected home exterior contribute to better curb appeal, making your property more attractive to potential buyers.
  5. Savings Over Time – While the initial cost of purchasing and installing gutter guards may seem like an unnecessary expense, it’s an investment that pays off in the long run. Consider the following savings:
    1. Reduced Cleaning Costs: You’ll spend less on professional gutter cleaning services or the time and effort required to clean them yourself.
    2. Preventing Repairs: Gutter guards can help prevent costly repairs to your roof, siding, and foundation due to water damage.
    3. Extending Gutter Life: You won’t need to replace your gutters as often, saving you significant replacement costs.

Installing gutter guards is a smart investment in the protection of your home and your wallet. They prevent clogged gutters, reduce maintenance, extend the lifespan of your gutters, increase your home’s value, and save you money in the long term. So, while gutter guards may not be the most glamorous home improvement project, their value in safeguarding your home and finances cannot be overstated. Consider making this important upgrade to your home, and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.

To learn more about the the Shur Flo and Bulldog systems used by EMA Construction or to recieve a free quote, visit: https://www.emasiding.com/cincinnati-gutter-guards/

What Problems Can Gutter Guards Prevent?

By

Gutter guards, also known as gutter screens or leaf guards, are designed to prevent debris such as leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering and clogging up gutters. By keeping gutters free of debris, gutter guards can prevent several problems, including:

  1. Water damage: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your roof, siding, and foundation.
  2. Pest infestations: Debris-filled gutters can attract pests such as rodents, birds, and insects. Gutter guards prevent debris buildup, which reduces the likelihood of pest infestations.
  3. Ice dams: In cold climates, such as Cincinnati winters, clogged gutters can cause ice dams to form, which can damage your roof and cause water to seep into your home. Gutter guards prevent clogs, which reduces the risk of ice dams forming.
  4. Gutter maintenance: Without gutter guards, gutters need to be cleaned regularly (typically once per year) to prevent clogs. Gutter guards reduce the amount of maintenance needed to keep your gutters functioning properly.
  5. Extended gutter life: Gutter guards can extend the life of your gutters by reducing the amount of debris that enters and clogs them. Clogs can cause gutters to sag or pull away from your home, leading to costly repairs. By preventing clogs, gutter guards can help your gutters last longer.
  6. Improved home appearance: Clogged gutters can be an eyesore, and they can make your home look unkempt. Gutter guards keep debris out of gutters, which can improve the appearance of your home.
  7. Increased home value: Gutter guards can increase the value of your home by preventing damage that can occur from clogged gutters. Prospective buyers may be willing to pay slightly more for a home with a gutter protection system knowing that it will save them maintenance cost later.
  8. Reduced fire risk: In dry climates, clogged gutters can become a fire hazard. Debris in gutters can ignite, potentially causing a fire. Gutter guards prevent debris from accumulating in gutters, reducing the risk of fire. This is less of a concern for Cincinnatians but is still worth knowing.
  9. Reduced health risks: When gutters become clogged with debris, they can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which can pose health risks to you and your family. Gutter guards can prevent debris buildup and reduce the risk of health problems.

In summary, gutter guards can prevent a wide range of problems associated with clogged gutters, including water damage, pest infestations, ice dams, and the need for frequent maintenance. They can also improve the appearance of your home, increase its value, and reduce the risk of fire and health hazards.

At EMA Construction we serve the greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas using only the best brands of gutter guards including Shur Flo and Bulldog. To learn more about our services or the warranties on our brands visit our website: https://www.emasiding.com/cincinnati-gutter-guards

What Time of Year Should You Clean Your Gutters?

By

In a city that experiences four seasons, like Cincinnati, lots of homeowners ask how often they need to clean their gutters and what time of year is best. For standard gutters, the answer is typically twice per year in the spring and fall. These answers are relatively intuitive and confirmed by most experts.

Why Clean Gutters in the Fall

The rationale for cleaning your gutters in autumn is that leaves tend to fall en masse from late September through early November. While gutters can be clogged by all kinds of debris, the most common issue is a large amount of dead leaves. Additionally, it is important to clean your gutters before winter. If gutters are backed up with resting water, they will likely expand when the first freeze comes. Depending on the amount of water this can permanently damage or break your gutters.  The cycle of freezing and thawing can build ice dams that are likely to

Why Clean Gutters in the Spring

If you missed your chance to clean your gutters before winter then you definitely want to clean them in early spring.  In most places, spring gets the most rainfall. Consequently, if there is a problem with your gutters being backed up then you’re going to find out very quickly in the rainy months. Spring also has its own share of debris like leaves, twigs, and pollen which can contribute to gutter issues. If you’re on the recommended schedule of cleaning your gutters twice per year, then you should consider fall (before the first freeze) and late spring so that they are clean all summer and ready for the barrage of autumn leaves.

Clean Gutters Less Often with Gutter Guards

If you find cleaning your gutters to be a hassle then it is usually affordable to hire professionals to clean them for you, but twice per year can become expensive. As an alternative to constant cleaning, you can consider installing gutter guards.  When properly installed they reduce the effort required in cleaning and in most cases reduce the frequency of cleaning. To learn more read our top 5 Reasons to Install Gutter Guards.

If you need new gutter, gutter guard, or even a consultation about your gutter situation then contact EMA Construction today for a free estimate.

5 Reasons to Install Gutter Guards

By

One of the services that we offer at EMA Construction is gutter guard installation. Our professional installers use the best available products to protect your gutters and home.  But some people may still wonder, do you really need gutter guards?  Here are the top five reasons that you should install gutter guards in your home!

1. Gutter Guards Reduce the Cost and Frequency of Cleaning

For most homeowners, a bi-annual gutter cleaning is recommended which costs around $160 per session.  This is a total of $320 per year to clean your existing gutters. Gutter guard cleaning is much simpler than gutter cleaning and no gutter guard system requires bi-annual cleaning. Most homeowners find that cleaning gutter guards once per year or once every other year is sufficient to keep them working properly.

2. Gutter Guards Prevent Water Damage Inside and Outside of Your Home

Overflowing gutters can create all sorts of problems for homeowners.  Heavy rain combined with clogged gutters can lead to flood basements, mold buildup in your siding or insulation, or even damage landscaping from large bodies of resting water. If you’ve ever dealt with water issues in your home then you know that water can find its way anywhere.  A healthy gutter system directs the water so it will only go where it is designed to and gutter guards are the best way to keep your gutter system healthy.

3. Prevent Animal, Critter, and Insect Infestation

Nesting animals like rats and birds frequently use gutters as a place to set up their nest. In addition to their nests creating problems, their droppings can also clog your system.  Insects like wasps and ants can also find their way into your gutters. Gutter guards help to prevent animals from using your gutters as a nesting area and can reduce their access to your roof.

4. Reduce the Likelihood of Fire.

This one may surprise some people!  Debris from trees (leaves and twigs) can accumulate in your gutters and downspouts.  Left untreated these can be a fire hazard. An outdoor bonfire or even a barbecue may create the conditions for dried-up debris to catch fire.  This is not only a risk for places that have an elevated risk of wildfires, but places like Cincinnati and Dayton can have long stretches of dry heat in the summer that create the right conditions for a fire.

5. Reduce Ice Dam Formation

One of the disadvantages of Cincinnati’s four seasons is that in the summer the gutters can be at risk of fire and our winters can create freezing problems.  Winter is hard on gutters. Water accumulates in them when they’re clogged. When freezing temperatures come, that resting water can free and cause ice dams to form. Ice dams can lead to water damage in your home or roof not to mention the damage to your gutter system. Gutter guards, installed properly, significantly reduce ice dam formation.

There are more reasons to consider, but those five are the top reasons to consider investing in your home with a gutter guard system. The upfront cost can create a little sticker shock for some folks, but it is important to remember that you’ll save an average of $320 per year on gutter cleaning. Others are tempted to install their own gutter guards, but there is nothing worse than a big investment negated by faulty installation.  Instead, get a free estimate from EMA Construction on your gutter guard installation and get the most from your money and the best protection for your home!

Review of Gutter Guards

By

Gutter guards keep a home’s gutters clean without the manual task performed by the homeowner.  When gutters are clogged with debris, water is not safely moved away from the house.  Clogged gutters can potentially pull away from the roof increasing the risk of water damage that may lead to rot, mold, or other structural damage.  Gutter guards are a convenient gutter protection system to prevent these occurrences.  They prevent any material besides water from entering the exposed portion of a gutter, typically removed by the homeowner seasonally.

The maintenance task of cleaning gutters is a mundane, messy, and potentially dangerous job many homeowners do not look forward to performing regularly.  Gutter guards don’t mean you will never clean your gutters out again, but they will significantly decrease the amount of leaves, twigs, and other seasonal debris that pile up on a regular basis.  Installed gutter guards can decrease the number of times a year you have to clean your gutters, but you will still want to ensure your gutters are not clogged after each season.  Gutter guards will make the process much easier and quicker than digging into clogged gutters without the protection of a guard. [Read more…]