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Jacob Kirby Contracting

Jacob Kirby

(606) 312-2452

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Gutter Cleaning Tips Homeowners Should Know

small owl sitting on top of gutter

Gutter cleaning and maintenance are necessary steps to ensure a working gutter system that keeps your home safe. Here are tips homeowners should know about gutter cleaning. 

Gutter cleaning isn’t just about improving your home’s curb appeal. It’s important to keep your gutters clean because you don’t want excess water on your roof to damage your home. Cleaning out your gutters helps eliminate the risk of water damage and rust corrosion.

Here are some tips homeowners should know about gutter cleaning. 

When to clean your gutters

Gutter cleaning may not always be on your list of things to do for your home. However, if frequently neglected, it could cause major damage to your roof. In London, KY, It’s best to clean your gutters semi-annually. Once in the fall before snow and ice come, and once in the spring after the cold weather has passed.

Safety first 

Always put your safety first. Wear protective gear and use a sturdy ladder. We suggest using an aluminum ladder as it’s strong and lightweight. Check the ladder before using it and inspect it for defects or loose parts before climbing up. Don’t forget to use gloves to protect your hands from debris, rotten leaves, or animal droppings. Suede gloves are recommended over leather or cotton gloves. 

Use a garden hose

A garden hose is an effective gutter cleaner. You can use it from the ground or from the ladder. Start spraying by the nearest downspout, clean the whole channel length, and then back to the downspout. If the garden hose doesn’t do the job, use a plumber’s snake instead to reach the bends and flush down the clogs. 

Pressure washing 

If you haven’t cleaned your gutters in a long time, then there’s probably a significant buildup of dirt, debris, and gunk. Cleaning it with a garden hose may not be enough. If that’s the case, then you can try using a pressure washer on the gutters. You can do it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. 

Be cautious of power lines

Inspect the power lines connected to your house before proceeding with your gutter cleaning. Check the electrical cables and where they are connected to your roof. Specifically, check to see if the wires are damaged. If they are, call a licensed professional to help. Do not attempt to clean your gutter if there are damaged powerlines nearby. Regardless of whether there’s rain or not, electrical wires should be repaired and addressed first before doing any activities on your roof. 

Use gutter guards 

Many homeowners use gutter guards to avoid the buildup of debris. Gutter guards prevent things like sticks, leaves, and pine needles from falling into your gutter. You’re certain to experience fewer clogged gutters if you’re taking an active step like this to prevent them.

Kirby Contracting | Gutter Installation Services

We are your roofing specialists in London, KY. We offer roofing, gutter installation, and general contracting in London, KY at an affordable cost. You’re in good hands with us.

If your gutters need repair or replacement, call us today for a free estimate.

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How the weather in London, KY affects your roof

weather affecting roof in london ky

London gets more precipitation per year than the national average. Here’s how the weather in London, KY affects your roof!

The roof over your head is what protects your family from the elements. It keeps you from being vulnerable to what’s going on outdoors. However, that doesn’t mean that your roof itself isn’t vulnerable to the weather that it protects you from. Read below to learn how the weather in London, KY affects your roof.

Three Weather Conditions that affect your Roof in London, Kentucky

When it comes to the weather, we experience all four seasons in London, Kentucky. From hot summer sun to cold winter snow, your roof goes through a lot. These varying weather conditions can all affect your roof in different ways. Here are a few specific ones that you should be aware of.

Precipitation

Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. There has to be at least 0.01 inches of precipitation on the ground for it to be counted. Each of the different kinds of precipitation can affect your roof in different ways.

Rain

London, Kentucky gets 48 inches of rain per year. That’s 10 inches more than the national average of 38 inches. With all the rain we get here, it can be easy to forget the effect that it has on our roofs. Even very small leaks can cause big problems when there is consistent heavy rainfall. Furthermore, rain tends to pool up on roofs more during times of heavy rain. This can cause big problems for your roof down the line.

Snow

Snow accumulates on roofs differently than rain. Ice and snow buildup can add extra stress to your roof due to its weight. Ice can build up in gutters and damage them. When ice melts during the day and then refreezes at night, it can seep inside the roofing system and cause damage. 

Hail

Because hail hits your roof harder than rain or snow, it can quickly cause damage to shingles. The falling ice can chip away at shingles until multiple small areas of the roof become exposed. If these areas aren’t found quickly, you could potentially discover lots of leaks the next time it rains.

Sun

On average, London, Kentucky experiences 180 sunny days a year. This is slightly less than the national average of 205 sunny days. Even so, the sun will still affect your roof. High temperatures and exposure to UV rays can cause shingles to become more fragile and crack. As the sun beats down on them, they often become brittle. On top of that, extreme temperature changes can cause roofing materials to quickly expand and shrink, decreasing their longevity.

Wind

Although we don’t experience frequent hurricanes like some of the coastal states, wind can still affect your roof in London, Kentucky. Wind doesn’t have to reach hurricane or tornado levels to cause damage. High winds can cause shingles to blow away or break off, leaving parts of your roof exposed. A quick roof inspection after a strong windstorm will allow you to spot places where shingles have blown. Replacing shingles quickly will help protect your roof and can prevent bigger problems down the line.

Hiring professional roofing contractors like Kirby Contracting to help with your roofing needs can help minimize the damage your roof experiences through the changing weather conditions in London, Kentucky.

London, Kentucky’s Hometown Roofer

Kirby Contracting has been serving London, Kentucky, and the surrounding area for years. We know that keeping your family safe and comfortable is your top priority. Because of that, we make it our top priority. We proudly serve residential and commercial roofing customers. If you’re concerned about how your roof will handle to upcoming weather, give us a call today! (606) 312-2452.

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When should you hire a general contractor?

a general contractor in london ky marking a piece of wood

What factors affect when you should hire a general contractor? Kirby Contracting is one of London, Kentucky’s general contractors of choice, and we’re here to help.

We’ve all found ourselves at home more than usual in the past two years. For many of us, this time at home has inspired us to take on renovation projects. While the DIY route can be satisfying and cost-effective, you’ll still want to hire a professional for many jobs. If you’re looking for a general contractor in London, Kentucky to help you get the job done, you have many options.

What to expect with a general contractor

A general contractor coordinates and supervises all the aspects of constructing or remodeling a home or a building. For example, the contractor secures the permits necessary for the project to move forward, hires the right people, and schedules the work to ensure efficient workflow. They coordinate the tasks of various individuals like plumbers and electricians. Most importantly, general contractors are responsible for the workers’ compensation and liability insurance. With general contractors helping you, you can rest assured that your home will be built with quality, efficiency, and finished within the allotted timeframe.

Hiring a General Contractor in London, KY

What kind of jobs require a general contractor? The answer depends on several variables. Here are some things to consider before you make the decision.

Length of the project 

The longer the timeline of the project, the better it is to hire a general contractor. Their experience, knowledge, and connections with subcontractors will help them estimate an accurate end date and keep the project moving along efficiently. 

Building codes involved

Building codes can have a huge impact on your project. You don’t want to have to keep redoing your project to make sure it’s up to code. General contractors use their expertise to make sure things are done right the first time. They’ll also secure the proper permits so you won’t be hit with any unexpected fines.

Subcontractors needed 

Some projects need more subcontractors than others. If a job needs plumbers, electricians, and HVAC professionals, you’ll want to have a general contractor on your side. They have connections and they’ll know the right subcontractors to call for the job. They’ll hire those who have the experience, skills, and insurance to do the job right. In short, it will save you time and money to let the general contractor do the hiring for you. 

Consider Kirby Contracting

It can be overwhelming to pick from all the general contractors in London, Kentucky. It’s important to hire people whom you can trust. A good general contractor will understand your needs and address them. At Kirby Contracting, customer service is one of our top priorities.

For us, it’s not just about replacing shingles or redoing your kitchen. We care about your family.  In other words, we want to make sure that your home is safe and comfortable for the ones you love.

Thinking about a new project? Looking for the best quality contractors to repair a damaged roof? You know who to call. Kirby Contracting is always ready to help meet your contracting needs. We value your time, and we treat clients as part of our growing community. We will give you the service that you deserve. Call us today at (606) 312-2452. 

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Tips for a Long-Lasting Roof

Long-Lasting Roof

The roof is an essential part of your home. You want it to last a long time, but how can you be sure it will? Here are some tips for a long-lasting roof in London, KY.

Have you ever wondered how long your roof will be able to protect your home and what’s inside? You’re not alone. Most homeowners wonder the same thing. 

Factors that impact your roof’s lifespan

We all want to make wise investments. Sometimes, this may mean purchasing a more expensive product to get the best material. Check out the following things you may want to consider to get a long-lasting roof. 

Quality of material

The materials used to build a roof directly affect that roof’s life expectancy. Low-quality materials are cheaper in the short run, but they’ll need more repairs through the lifetime of the roof. On the other hand, high-quality materials may be more expensive, but they offer more durability and won’t require as much repair or replacement.

We all want to make wise investments. Sometimes, this may mean purchasing a more expensive product to get the best material.

Installation

The installation process for a roof is crucial. It’s vital to hire the right contractors who have the qualifications, licensing, insurance, and experience to get the job done right. Choose roofing professionals who already have great reviews from people in your area. Kirby Contracting is a professional roof contracting business in London, Kentucky. Jacob Kirby and his team are highly recommended for any roofing services.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance will drastically increase the longevity of your roof. It’s easier to repair damages and extend the roof’s lifespan if you’re able to spot the issues early on. Performing this maintenance on a consistent schedule will be the key here. It shouldn’t be a one-time thing. Here are some maintenance tips from your friends and Kirby Contracting.

Keep the gutters clean

Debris is normal on roofs. Make sure that you check the roof for any debris. Keep it clean and free from any gutter blockages all year round. Blocked gutters cause an array of problems, and it’s not just flooding. If you’re able, use a ladder and check your gutters regularly. Clean them yourself or call us to clear any kinds of debris. 

Check shingles for cracks

Extreme temperature can damage your shingles, and it may either crack, shrink, or tear off. Even the most durable materials aren’t safe against certain weather conditions such as storms, hail, and strong winds. Take the time to check for missing or cracked shingles. If you spot any, call in pros to repair the damages. 

Invest in good insulation

Ensure that your attic has good insulation to keep your home’s temperature stable. This will help prevent any water vapor from staying on the underside of your roof. On top of that, it saves you some heating and cooling costs, too. 

Are you in need of any roofing services in London, Kentucky, or the surrounding area? We’re more than ready to help. Call us today! 

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Tel : (606) 312-2452
45 Allen Dale Ln,
London, KY 40741