Tips for Maintaining Gutters

The old saying "out of sight out of mind" is never more true than when it comes to gutters. Because we usually do not see gutters daily, it is easy to allow them to fall into disrepair. Using proper gutter maintenance is essential to the longevity of your gutters.

Gutter installation will cost you about $850. When gutters need replacement too often, this can start to eat into your budget. When gutters are not kept in good shape, it can also cause other problems with your home.

This quick guide on how to maintain gutters will provide you with some helpful tips on gutter maintenance and how you can extend the life of your gutters.

Problems Caused By Poor Gutter Maintenance

When gutters are not cleaned and maintained well they will start to deteriorate. As leaves and debris build up in the gutter, it will start to cause issues with rust and the integrity of the gutter will start to break down.

Beyond the actual breakdown of the gutters themselves, poorly maintained gutters can also start to cause problems during rain storms. Water will not be able to flow properly through clogged-up gutters. This water will then flow into places it shouldn’t. Water may start to pool on your roof or cascade down into your landscaping. This can cause erosion in your yard.

When water collects in places it should not, it can cause mold. Clogged gutters are also a breeding ground for pests like ants, wasps, and mosquitos.

Safe Gutter Maintenance

Working on your gutters requires a great deal of safety since you will be working at a height, and you will be working with debris and possible pests. You will need the following equipment:

• Heavy work gloves
• Non-slip shoes
• Safety goggles
• Tall ladder
• A ladder spotter or a very even space to place your ladder

Regular Gutter Cleaning

Cleaning gutters is the best way to ensure they last a long time and to ensure they can move water properly away from your home.

Gutters should be inspected and cleaned twice a year. The best time to do this job is in spring and fall. This is not a hard and fast rule, however. The important thing is that you clean the gutters twice a year. You may need to clean the gutters more often if you live somewhere that is very rainy.

First, use a gloved hand and a small plastic shovel to begin removing the debris. Dump the debris into a bucket. Next, you will want to use a garden hose to clean the gutter. If you notice that the water and debris are not freely flowing through the downspout, you may also need to inspect the downspout for clogs. Spray your hose at full pressure down the spout to dislodge clogs. If there is a tough clog, you may need to use a plumber’s snake to remove the clog.

Inspection

While cleaning gutters, you will want to inspect your roof for debris. You should also inspect the gutters for rust, holes, and leaks. You can caulk the joints of a gutter to reinforce it.

Categorised in: Gutter Repair