How Do You Maintain Your Gutters?

There aren’t too many places in the U.S. you can go without some rainfall throughout the year. Rain is essential for so many things, including agriculture and sustaining life. You might forget about this when another downpour has clogged your gutters! Having the right gutters is essential to cope with whatever mother nature has in store.

We know property management can be overwhelming at times, and with so many things on the list to look after, your gutters are no exception. We want to take away that overwhelm by providing you with eight ways you can maintain your gutters. Our expert team has compiled this list, so you know you’re in good hands. 

Get Cleaning! 

Something you should add to your house maintenance checklist is cleaning out your gutters at least twice a year. You can make a judgment on how often to do this based on your own set of circumstances, such as where you live and the position of trees surrounding your home. This isn’t the most enjoyable task, but it is still a necessary one! We recommend investing in the right tools to make this job easy. You’ll need a ladder, gutter trowel, gutter claws or brushes, and a high-pressure water hose. Our advice is to not do this alone as the extra support would be a safer option. 

Understanding Your Trees 

We all know trees shed leaves. Many of us look forward to the beautiful autumnal foliage each year. However, some trees have a lot more fallout than others and can put a damper on your gutter. Understanding the types of greenery you have in your garden will help you assess if they will cause extra build-up on your roof, and ultimately clog up your gutters. Having this knowledge will give you an idea of what further actions you must take every year to ensure your gutters are maintained. 

Are Your Downspouts Clogged? 

Downspouts are the vertical pipe connected to your gutters that allows water to travel to ground level and disperse away from the exterior of your home. It is not enough to just clear the gutters; clogged downspouts can cause water to back up into the gutter causing issues.

Downspouts are tricky since, initially, they might not seem like they are becoming clogged. You can clear your downspouts using a Drum Auger, a leaf blower, or even a hanger. Usually, the downspout will be clogged near the top where the pipe curves, so use the tool of your choice to maneuver any debris such as leaves down through the pipe. 

Install a Gutter Guard

A great way that you can help prevent the build-up of debris—such as leaves, dirt, and twigs—from overhanging trees is to install a gutter guard. The great thing about these covers is how low maintenance they can make your gutter cleaning routine. Rather than having to scoop out foliage and dirt, all you need to do is remove it from the cover, which sits above the gutter. The gutter guard will have plenty of holes and space for water to freely pass through, down the downspout, and to the drainage area. No clogs here!

Install Splash Guards

Gutter guards help keep water from overspilling from gutters, and pouring onto the ground. Pieces of material, often steel, are attached to your existing gutter to stop the water in its tracks, forcing it to land in the right place. Not only can this prevent you from an unfortunate incident like being soaked by a surprise overspilling of water, but Splash Guards will also prevent damage to the siding, and soil surrounding your house. 

What Position Are Your Gutters In? 

Your gutters can go through a lot throughout the year. Heavy rain and debris can cause your gutters to sag and shift. The positioning of your gutter is so important. If they are not at the right angle, water and foliage won’t move easily. The last thing you want is for there to be no way for that water to flow. Plan to periodically check the positioning of your gutters while carrying out your other exterior home maintenance checks. Alternatively, expert gutter installers know exactly what position your gutters should be in, so if you have any doubts about doing it yourself, seek professional advice. 

Carry Out Year-Round Inspections & Maintenance 

Checking the positioning of your gutters should just be one of the tasks on your year-round home inspection list. Make a habit of checking all aspects of your drainage system multiple times a year to avoid issues. Getting on the ball with repairs will extend the life of your existing gutters and avoid unwanted damage and costly repairs. 

Hire The Professionals

Although we all want to believe we’re capable of taking care of things ourselves, sometimes, an expert is exactly what we need. With something as important as your drainage system, it is smart to seek professionals who can give you peace of mind knowing everything is working correctly.

At Legacy Restoration, we know property, inside and out. We can offer advice on your existing system, quotes for high-quality, competitively priced, and durable gutters, as well as the installation of guards to help you keep on top of your gutter maintenance. Give our team at Legacy Restoration a call today or fill out the form below to find out more about our Gutter Replacement Services.