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Gutter Maintenance Tips
Gutters are an important part of any home. They help to keep the roof and foundation dry by diverting water away from these areas. Despite their importance, many homeowners forget about them until there is a problem. Gutters will inevitably need maintenance at some point – it’s just a matter of when.
Gutter Maintenance Benefits
Gutter maintenance comes with an array of benefits, including:
Increase the Life of Your Gutters
If you maintain your gutters, you are taking the first step towards getting more life out of them. When your gutter is clogged with leaves or other debris, it cannot do its job properly and could potentially fail earlier than expected.
Gutters Keep Your House Dry
Having clean gutters means that water will drain at a quicker pace which reduces your chances of having damage due to standing water around your home’s foundation. Water pooling near the foundation can cause serious problems for both the inside and outside of your home – including mold growth!
Reduce Clogging Issues
When there is no room for additional rainwater to enter into the system because it is already full, this results in overflow onto your roof. amounts of rainfall can also create a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Make Cleaning a Breeze
If you keep your gutters clean, there will be less of a mess to deal with when it comes time to do so. This means that you can spend less time on this tedious chore and more time enjoying your weekend!
Prevents Water Damage
Gutter cleaning and maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent water damage to your home. Not only does it keep your gutters clear and flowing, but it also helps to keep the roofing system in good condition.
Prevents Landscaping Damage
Your landscaping can take a beating when water is constantly flowing in the wrong direction. Standing or running water can quickly erode away at your flower beds, mulch, and pathways. Regular maintenance can help to prevent this from happening.
Eliminates Nesting Place for Pests
Gutters that are clogged with debris provide the perfect place for pests to make their home. Mosquitoes, termites, rodents, and other insects can take up residence in your gutters and cause all sorts of problems. This includes the potential to spread diseases. If you clean your gutters regularly, it will eliminate this issue.
Gutter Maintenance Tips
Below are some great tips to help you maintain your gutters:
1. Schedule Regular Cleanings
The best time to schedule gutter cleaning is in the early spring and late fall when there is no rain expected. This prevents any unnecessary damage from occurring due to water flow, which can cause even more problems for homeowners.
Regular cleaning of gutters is essential to ensure that they are draining properly. Unless there has been significant damage, you may only need to clean them out every one or two years. However, if your home consistently experiences standing water around the foundation during periods of rainfall – more frequent gutter cleaning might be necessary.
2. Beware of Weather Changes
Weather changes can increase how often debris accumulates in the gutters and make it difficult for homeowners to keep up with regular maintenance schedules. If you notice an excessive amount of leaves building up on top of your roofing system after a period of prolonged rain, this may mean that more frequently scheduled cleanings will be needed.
3. Use Proper Equipment
What tools do I need to clean my gutters?
This is a question that many homeowners ask themselves, and the answer really depends on the size of your gutter system. A good rule of thumb is to have a ladder, a trowel or garden shovel, a hose with a spray nozzle, and a bucket.
Remember, soft washing is often recommended. This means that you should be using a gentle spray nozzle instead of high pressure. If the gutter is not draining properly, it might mean that there are the debris or other blockages in your gutters which could result in damage if cleaned out with too much force.
If you are not comfortable getting up on a ladder or do not feel confident in your abilities to clean out your gutters safely, it may be best to call in a professional. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
4. Wear Appropriate Gear
You will want to wear safety gear such as knee pads and gloves while performing this task because standing on your roof can be dangerous without them. You also want to make sure that you have proper shoes on so you don’t slip off the edge! A sturdy pair of work boots would be perfect for the job. Remember not to do any cleaning during rainfall events since water flow can cause additional damage which often results in costly repairs down the line.
5. Thoroughly Inspect Your Roof Each Season
Roofing materials are one of the exterior elements that most homeowners tend to overlook, but they are actually quite important. If you notice any damage or wear and tear on your roofing system after cleaning out debris from gutters, make sure to have it inspected by a professional immediately. Any roof repairs needed should be completed before winter when freezing temperatures can cause further issues with damaged roofing systems if ignored for long periods of time.
6. Treat for Moss, Lichen and Algae Every Year
Moss, lichen, and algae can often be found growing in gutters. If not treated on a yearly basis, they can cause significant damage to roofing systems as well as the gutters themselves. Homeowners can treat these growths with a variety of products that are available at most hardware stores.
Don’t use harsh chemicals when cleaning moss, lichen, and algae. It’s important to read the labels of any products that you use and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. There are many green methods that can be used to treat these growths, such as a diluted bleach solution or vinegar and water.
7. Be Mindful of Fallen Trees
If you have any large trees on your property, it’s important to keep an eye on them in the event that they might fall over. During periods of high winds, take a walk around your yard and inspect for any broken branches or other damage that might have been caused by the storm. If there is significant damage, it’s best to contact a tree removal service right away to avoid any potential accidents from happening.
8. Remove Leaves and Debris From Gutters Once You See Them
Leaves and debris can often build up in gutters quite quickly. It’s important to remove them as soon as possible since they will only become heavier if left for an extended period of time. This means that you might have a difficult time removing them during the fall season, but it is still crucial to do so before winter arrives!
If you notice twigs or grass clippings building up in your gutters, this could result in significant damage due to blockages which may lead to leaks and overflowing systems throughout your home. Make sure these elements are removed on a regular basis so water flow isn’t hindered at all when there is precipitation.
9. Trim Branches Hanging Near Your Gutters
If you have any branches hanging near your gutters, it’s important to trim them back on a regular basis. This is especially important during the winter season when snow can build upon them and cause damage to your roofing system. icicles often form from heavy snowfall events when there is an abundance of water weight that hangs from tree branches.
It’s also a good idea to keep trees trimmed away from power lines as much as possible. If there is a storm and a branch falls onto a power line, it could result in significant damage not only to the line but also to your property. Stay safe and be proactive by trimming back any overhanging branches!
10. Don't Forget the Downspouts!
Downspouts are often forgotten about, but they are just as important as gutters themselves. Make sure to clear any debris from downspouts on a regular basis and ensure that water is flowing freely from them. If water isn’t draining properly, it could cause flooding around your home’s foundation.
If you live in an area that frequently has heavy rainfall, it’s a good idea to install extenders onto your downspouts so the water can flow away from your property and not damage anything in its path.
Always Maintain a Safety First Approach When Maintaining Your Gutters
Your gutters are important, but they are not as important as your life. Therefore, it’s vital that you maintain a safety first approach when working on your gutters.
Use caution whenever removing debris or climbing up to clean them out. If you’re not sure how to clear the gutters yourself, hire someone who has experience doing this type of work instead. Similarly, you shouldn’t climb up to inspect your roof for any damage during periods of inclement weather such as rain or storms. Wait until the storm has passed and there is clear visibility before inspecting it!
Gutter Maintenance is an important part of homeownership. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your gutters are working properly and keeping your home safe from water damage. Stay safe and be proactive!