Roofing is a $47-billion-dollar business in the United States. Why? Because the roof is one of the biggest and most important parts of your home.
How can you keep your home’s roof in good condition? One way is through regular gutter maintenance.
You might not give your gutters much thought, but you should! Leaky or even rotting gutters can clog and cause damage to your roof.
Your foundation is even at risk if your gutters are loose or leaking.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about basic gutter maintenance.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Clean your gutters at least twice a year. By the end of autumn, your gutters are full up with leaves. Make sure you clean them after the bulk of the trees shed their leaves.
Clean them again in the spring before the spring rains. If you notice a lot of debris in the gutters at any time of the year, get them cleaned.
Gutter guards help keep debris out of your gutters but gutters will still need maintenance and even cleaning.
Cleaning the gutters yourself? Be careful! Watch out for power lines and cables while climbing up the ladder.
Wear gloves for hand protection and safety glasses for your eyes.
Inspect the Downspouts
Check for clogs in your downspouts. The water runs down the gutters into the downspout and away from the house. A clogged downspout backs up onto the roof and spills over the sides of the gutter.
Wondering how to check if the downspout is clogged? Put a pressure nozzle on your garden hose and aim it down the spout. If the water runs through, there’s no clog.
Use a drain snake for difficult clogs. Put it down the spout and move it around. This frees up leaves and twigs.
Use the pressure nozzle on the hose when you’re done to make sure the spouts drain freely.
Inspect the Gutters
Inspect the gutters for signs of wear and tear. Gutters last a long time but eventually, they all need replacing.
If you have some simple pinholes, you can repair them yourself with roofing cement. Make sure the area is clear of debris and dry.
Use a wire brush and clean the holes. Using a putty knife, apply some roofing cement over the holes. Smooth the area so water and debris flow without snagging.
Inspect your gutters every three months. Is it raining? That’s a good time for an inspection.
Get out your umbrella and walk around the house. Are there spots where the rain is dripping down the side of the house? There’s probably a gutter leak in that area.
Water should flow through the gutters, not down the sides of the house.
The Importance of Gutter Maintenance
The importance of gutter maintenance can’t be overstressed. Leaking or clogged gutters can cause damage to your roof, siding, and foundation.
Inspect the gutters every few months. Clean them at least twice a year. Make sure they’re carrying the water down and away from the roof and home.
Need help with your roof or gutters? Please give us a call.
Leave a Reply