A Homeowner’s Guide to Gutter Maintenance
As small as gutters may be compared to the rest of your home, they have a vital function – draining rainwater away from your home. No matter the type of gutters you own, their upkeep is critical to the structural integrity of your house. So, keep reading to discover all the tricks on their care, maintenance and whether you need a gutter replacement contractor for your home.
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What Happens if You Don’t Maintain Your Gutters?
Not properly caring for your home’s gutters can result in many issues and unwanted consequences. For example, when the gutters are blocked, the rainwater cannot fall to the ground and will instead accumulate on portions of the roof.
Eventually, this can lead to damage, especially when the water turns into ice. Rainwater can also leak into the basement and cause significant damage to the house’s foundation.
Gutters filled with debris can also attract insects, pests, and mold. It can take just a few weeks of unclean gutters before they start becoming damaged due to rotting. Leaves and twigs can build up over time and clog your home’s gutters and downspouts.
Not only that, but the excess weight can cause gutter fasteners to pull away from your house. That’s why keeping your gutters in excellent condition should be among your top home maintenance priorities.
How to Properly Maintain Your Gutters
The first and most cardinal step in maintaining your gutters is cleaning them. Experts recommend cleaning gutters twice a year – once in the spring and then again in the fall.
Maintenance also includes checking your gutters before and after heavy rainfall to ensure they’re clear. Some of the signs your gutters are clogged are if there’s overflow, ground erosion below the gutter line, leaky corners, or discoloration on the gutter.
To further protect your home and ensure the longevity of your gutters, consider exterior waterproofing. This process involves sealing the exterior surfaces of your home to prevent water infiltration, which can cause significant damage over time. By combining regular gutter maintenance with exterior waterproofing, you can effectively manage water flow and safeguard your property against potential water-related issues.
Regular cleaning
A simple way to clean your gutters regularly is by mixing laundry detergent, bleach, and water. Then, spray the solution on your gutters, allowing it to sit for a while and washing it down with clean water.
This should be done after you’ve gotten rid of debris like leaves and other types of physical pollutants. Before you do this, remember to use heavy work gloves to protect your hands, non-slip shoes, and safety goggles.
Gutter repair
Another thing you can do is what’s called gutter tune-up. Every few years, you should do a tune-up on your gutters and downspouts, prolonging their efficiency and ensuring they work in their best condition.
The surest way to repair gutter is to re-secure and re-pitch gutters, reseal corners, reattach loose downspouts, and fix elbows. Holes in your gutters can be caused by improperly placed nails, rust decay, or even cracks from weather damage.
Patching a single hole in your gutter can be an easy DIY job if the rest is still in good condition. First, ensure the area around the hole is clean, dry, and gently sanded.
Then, the hole should be covered with roofing cement and shielded with a material that matches your gutter’s. Once you get that out of the way, you’re all set!
Gutter guards
Installing gutter guards keeps leaves and sticks from jamming up downspouts and gutters. While it requires an initial investment, gutter guards will save time and money in the long run by minimizing upkeep and protecting against gutter damage.
“Gutter guards basically act as a filtration system for your gutters by preventing leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging the gutters,” says Nathan Garrett, a real estate agent.
Before installing gutter guards, you should make sure that your gutters are clean and that you have the right time of guards for your home. There are many types of gutter guards, but you should choose one depending on your house’s layout.
When to Repair and When to Replace Gutters
Gutters play a crucial role in surface water management, directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation to prevent damage and erosion. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend their lifespan, but recognizing when to repair versus replace is key. Repairing minor issues like small holes, limited rust spots, or slight sagging can be a cost-effective solution, preserving the integrity of your gutter system.
Whether you should repair clogged or rotten gutters or replace them altogether can be a huge dilemma for a homeowner. Nature takes its toll; there are cases when gutters are unsalvageable and must be replaced. However, before deciding, it’s worth having your whole gutter system assessed by a professional.
Gutters should only be replaced in extreme circumstances. These circumstances involve your gutters being covered in cracks or pulling away from the rest of the structure.
You could also have problems with your home’s foundation, soil erosion around your home, or mold in the ceilings. As a temporary fix, you can purchase a water-resistant, flexible sealant to secure cracks or broken joints in your gutters until you can get professional help.
If you’re on a budget, we recommend going for aluminum gutters. They do not rust, can be painted, have a long lifespan, and are cost-effective.
When to Get a Gutter Replacement Contractor
Gutter replacement is not as simple as gutter cleaning, which is where a gutter replacement contractor is needed. These professionals possess the necessary tools, background, and knowledge to ensure a proper and safe gutter replacement in your home.
Finding a capable gutter replacement contractor may require background checks and referrals from friends and family, local business directories, or online reviews. However, finding the right ones can make a difference, as you’ll invest in a long-term fix for your home.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, keeping your gutters in top shape requires continual upkeep, proactive maintenance, and regular inspection. Not maintaining your gutters properly can lead to long-term damage to your roof and foundation, which can be quite costly.
Even after you’ve done everything right, some things will be out of your control. But don’t stress – gutter replacement contractors are out there to save the day.
Also Read: The Importance of Regular Gutter Cleaning in McCordsville
