Blog Posts

Here you can read my thoughts or experience on various gutter-related topics, from individual facets of a work day all the way to industry-wide issues.

 

2-6-25 – Rain Chains; Not A Great Choice, Except When They Are.

            As the name implies, Rain Chains quite literally chain-guide water to the ground. It’s a rather intriguing way of getting your roof water carefully down to Earth; doing so in a most eye-catching way. However, these aquatic-utility devices are best left to the niche installation. Roof water runoff has a tendency to come down rather aggressively and thus, should be captured and piped down, to avoid excess splash that can ruin some sidings, wood posts and decking. Chains create a wonderful display of running water juxtaposed with tarnished copper, painted aluminum or rusty steel but the splashing and [often] over-whelming nature of the gutter water may prove excessive leading to water soaking parts of your home it shouldn’t.

            Chains are actually fantastic additions to small front or back porches/decks where there isn’t much runoff and can be properly displayed. Additionally, they make for a great way to help relieve longer runs of gutter that mostly already drain towards traditional spouting. They also make for easy interim maintenance where you may simply clear out clogged debris from below until it’s time to clear out the whole trough.

            Finally, chains function only best when secured to the ground over a deep gravel bed or French drain that encourages healthy run-off from the foundation. In keeping with the aesthetic, one may also consider anchoring to a large flower pot, filled primarily with drainage rock, that empties through a series of holes in the bottom or as a false-bottom, empties into a hidden French drain basin.

            We can help order and install rain chains for you! Contact us here to get scheduled for a simple consultation and install date.

 

1-27-25 - Big-Name, Big-Business Gutter Guards: Value Cost

 

            In my personal opinion, when I buy a product or service, the amount of perceived or real value I net should roughly match the money I spend. In rare cases, that can fluctuate one way or the other pending timing, demand, etc. Over my years in this business, I’ve found the giganto-corporations of this industry thrive on over-blown pricing strategies that prey upon certain market sectors. All while not delivering an end result fundamentally different (and in some cases worse) than what we can offer as an independent business. Time after time, I encounter instances where we could’ve offered the same or better gutter work outcome as these larger corporations but at lower cost or less hassle. Sometimes, we might even be nearly the same cost…but who you support means the world to this country (and economy). However, it’s difficult to compete with high-pressure sales tactics, big-money mailers, and television commercials. Imagine a $12,000 decision based on buzz words designed to bolster a bottom line…

            When you consider gutter debris protection, you must consider every variable: Roof size & pitch, nearby vegetation, rodent or bird presence, gutter age, house age, general eave condition, gutter type, budget…and more. ALL gutter guard products will, at some time & interval, need even minor maintenance. So, when it’s reality you enjoy, call us; we’re happy to provide a grounded experience you can stand on!

 

1-22-25 - Information and How Much

 

If you've ever hired me, you may have heard me carry on at length about different ways to approach your work, or maybe I just spent 5 minutes lauding the benefits of enough drainage...whatever it may be, I tend to be conversational, once I get going; That's a good thing for you. In a world where "sales performance" and pushy tactics reign supreme, my goal is to give you as much useful information as possible to allow for educated decision making. What's more, I welcome learning from all facets of this idustry...and tend to be skeptical of "learning" how to push new products, simply because they're 'new'. All this means that I want you to have all the right information, not just "What's the cost and what will you do?". I Like when the customer knows WHY we're doing what we do. This way, the work can be understood more on both sides of the fence and we can establish a culture of preventative maintenance that will save you money in the long run!

 

Call or Text

Marty McCarter (Wilson, Sumner and adjacent Counties)

615.675.4794

mccarterseamlessguttering@gmail.com

 

Karen Hackett (Davidson, Williamson and adjacent counties

615.668.8879

Karen@mccarterguttering.com

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