There are many benefits and perks of owning a home, but for many people, maintaining their home’s gutters is not high on the honey-do list.
Gutters are an all too forgotten but important system to your home. They keep your lawn from becoming waterlogged, reduce foundation damage, and protect other sections of the home from severe water damage. If not regularly cleaned, gutters can become clogged and function poorly, or become damaged, resulting in even more problems.
Here are five tips to help you take care of your gutters, so that they can do their job and protect your home.
Trim Overhanging Trees to Reduce Future Headaches
Most tree produce large amounts of pollen, seeds, and other materials that can, over time, clog up your gutters. This debris isn’t usually a problem unless trees directly overhang your gutters. That’s why we recommend trimming your trees as a part of your fall cleaning routine.
Use Water Power
You can blast out debris while standing on the roof with a pressure washer. However, use the pressure washer on a low setting, so the gutters aren’t damaged. Check all of the gutter hardware before you start to make sure there aren’t any loose screws that could break under pressure.
Blow It Away
Leaf blowers can also double as gutter cleaners. Some manufacturers make gutter kits that fit their blowers. There are also universal gutter cleaning kits for blowers, complete with extension wands and angled tubing. Some kits have enough extensions to eliminate the need for a ladder.
The traditional method
Invest in the right tools and clean your gutters the traditional way is sometimes the best route. But if you’re going to do it, use the right equipment to keep yourself, others, and the gutters safe. A sturdy ladder, gutter scoop or garden trowel, gloves, protective eye gear, and a tarp on which to toss debris will get you started.
Regularly Yearly Inspections
Gutters can get clogged shockingly fast. Look for ice dams in the winter, loose gutters, broken downspouts, and other problems during each inspection. Sometimes staying ahead of the game will save you some sweat later on.
Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris is essential for them to function correctly. You should keep an eye on your gutters year-round and take appropriate action when clogs, sagging, or leaning are present. If you follow these tips, you will be able to have well-maintained gutters that can keep your lawn, foundation, and other house structures free of water.
If you should discover any damage to your home or it’s foundation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our agents. We can help to guide you through the process of getting it taken care of.
