When’s the last time you thought about your gutters? Those aluminum objects attached to your roof are there for a reason, and not just for cursing when you realize it’s time to climb the ladder to clean out the leaves.
Read on for tips about maintaining your gutters, warning signs to keep an eye on, and additional features to add to your system.
What Do Gutters Do?
Your gutters manage water, channeling precipitation from your roof to your downspouts and away from your home. Without an effective gutter system, water and other debris can collect on your roof, making your home vulnerable to rust and rot.
Gutters also protect your home’s foundation and basement, directing water out to your yard to prevent basement flooding and foundation deterioration.
The point: a well-maintained, functioning gutter system is vital to the longevity of your home.
3 Gutter Maintenance Tips
Keeping your gutters out of the gutter is easy, requiring only a few seasonal steps.
- Clean Your Gutters Regularly. No one loves to do it, but this often-simple-yet-neglected task is the quickest way to ensure your gutters continue to function and maintain the structural integrity of your home. As leaves fall and dirt builds, your gutters can become clogged with debris. We recommend grabbing the ladder, putting on the gloves, and clearing your gutters twice a year, typically in the fall and spring. In addition to debris, remember to also clean any mildew to help the look and longevity of your gutters. Still dreading this chore? Read on for a solution.
- Install Gutter Guards. Reduce your maintenance by installing gutter guards or covers. Gutter guards and covers let water through while keeping large debris out. We offer top-quality LeafSolution guards that can be included as part of a new gutter installation or added to your existing gutters.
- Check Your Downspouts. Gutters aren’t the only part of your system that can clog. Inspect your downspout for obstructions. You can easily loosen any debris with a hose attached with a pressure nozzle.
Common Gutter Issues
Keep a lookout for these warning signs of gutter deterioration before they cause bigger issues with your home.
- Sagging. Gutters pulling away from your house are a sure sign that your brackets are loose, leading to gutter breakage and property damage. Sagging can occur after storms or due to clogs.
- Overflowing. Water flowing over your gutters indicates you have a clog. Clear your gutters as soon as possible to avoid damage to your gutters and your home.
- Cracks, Gaps & Breaks. A cut or tear in your gutters allows water to leak onto your fascia and siding. It can also cause water to pool around your foundation, resulting in possible basement flooding and deterioration.
Gutter Features
It doesn’t have to begin and end with gutters and downspouts. You can enhance your system with specific features.
- Gutter covers and screens to keep leaves and other debris from clogging.
- Rain barrels to attach to your gutter system for water collection.
- Rain Chains for an old-school look and added aesthetic.
- Flip-up Brackets & Tile Adapters to help make your lawn care easier.
We Know Gutters
We built our business on gutter installation 25+ years ago. We use the thickest aluminum to ensure durability, offer gutter guards to reduce maintenance, and our seamless gutters are available in a variety of custom colors.
Is it time for new gutters?
Explore our gutter offerings. Then, contact us today or stop into our showroom to discuss options, review projected timelines, and receive a free project estimate.