Gutters may not seem like the most glamorous part of your home, but trust us when we say that maintaining them is incredibly important. If you’re not keeping an eye on what’s going on in your gutters, you could be setting yourself up for a world of trouble down the line. From understanding why gutters are essential to knowing how to maintain them—here’s why you should never ignore your home’s gutters.
What Do Gutters Do?
Gutters play an integral role in protecting your home from potential damage due to water. Think of them as a collection system, designed to divert rainwater away from the foundation and other structural elements of your home. Without this protection, water can collect around these areas and potentially cause severe damage.
Why Do I Need To Maintain My Gutters?
Gutter maintenance is necessary for a number of reasons. Leaves, dirt, and debris can collect in gutters over time which blocks the flow of water and causes it to back up. This can lead to overflowing gutters that spill out onto the side of your house or even worse, cause a leak inside your home. Additionally, if left unchecked for too long, clogged gutters can lead to water damage in the form of rotting siding or cracked foundations—neither of which you want.
Regular gutter cleaning is critical for preventing these issues from occurring and should be done at least twice per year (once in spring and once in fall). It’s also important to check for any signs of rusting or corrosion as this can lead to leaks as well.
How Can I Clean My Gutters?
Cleaning gutters doesn't have to be complicated—in fact, it's quite simple if you have the right tools and take all proper safety precautions. Start by grabbing a ladder and some gloves (for protection) before heading outside. Make sure the ladder is placed securely against your house so that it won't slip while you're working. Once everything is set up, begin scooping out any leaves or debris that has collected inside the gutter with either a bucket or trowel (depending on how much debris is present). When finished, flush out any remaining debris with a hose or pressure washer before checking both ends of each gutter section for any blockages. If needed, use a small brush or cloth to gently remove any stubborn dirt buildup before adding sealant around joints where necessary. Finally, make sure all brackets are secured firmly into place before calling it quits. You might also want to hand this task off to a company, like Gutter Tech Enterprises, Inc.
Your home's gutter system plays an essential role in protecting its structure from potential water damage caused by heavy rains or snowfall—so don't leave their care up to chance. Make sure you clean yours regularly (at least twice per year) and inspect them for signs of rusting/corrosion as well. With some basic tools and a bit of know-how, caring for your gutters doesn't have to be complicated; just remember to stay safe while doing so!
