Did you know that 35% of Americans need a home repair?
Is winter wreaking havoc on your gutters? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.
Routine home maintenance doesn’t always cross many homeowners’ minds until the damage is done. That may be too late.
With just a little regular maintenance, your house will go through the winter season worry-free. Here are a few essential tips to have clog free gutters.
1. Clean Gutters Regularly
One of the best ways to have clog free gutters is to ensure they’re always regularly cleaned. This does not mean that they have to be cleaned every single day, but at least they should be thoroughly assessed every few months.
A power sprayer, garden hose, trowel, or even a bucket of warm water can help dislodge some stubborn debris. In the winter, be sure to check for ice inside the gutters. An ice dam problem will cause bigger clogs that must be attended to before they cause more severe damage.
Regular cleaning by a professional is also a great way to ensure your gutters are unplugged before the rainy season.
2. Utilize Gutter Guards
Gutter guards, also called leaf guards, keep debris, such as leaves, twigs, and pine needles, from entering the gutter and clogging it up. Gutter guards come in various materials, colors, and styles to match your home.
Installing gutter guards should be done by a professional. It is a one-time cost that can save you headaches in the future.
Proper maintenance is still vital to ensure the gutter guards are working correctly. You should still periodically inspect the system for gutter clogs, and if you do find any, clean them out as soon as possible.
3. Check for Wear and Tear
Look for signs of corrosion or damaged pieces hindering the water flow. Additionally, check for sagging or loose gutters caused by loose screws or brackets, improper installation, or a clog.
Repair any damages immediately to avoid chemicals or water accumulating in the gutters. Look for sections where the sealant has become loose, or the fasteners look worn or are missing. If gutters are loose from the home’s exterior, they should be drilled back into the house as soon as possible.
Use a garden hose to flush any clogged downspouts and remove any remaining debris in the trough.
4. Watch for Pests
Rodents, birds, insects, and even small animals can find their way into residential gutters, nesting in debris and blocking water flow away from your home. If you notice any indication of pests, take immediate action. Clean your gutters regularly by removing all debris that could be a place for pests to nest.
To discourage pests from entering your gutters, consider using various tools such as bird netting or installing guards over your gutters. Ensure all entry points are tightly sealed, such as gaps in the soffits and eaves. A pest-free gutter system is essential to help prevent water damage to your home.
5. Hire a Professional
Hiring a professional is a key component of maintaining clog free gutters. An experienced professional can inspect and repair your gutter system as needed, clearing out any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have built up.
They can also adjust the drainage so rainwater and melting snow flow freely through the system. If they detect any clog, they can remove it using appropriate tools and equipment.
Furthermore, having your professional clean gutters at least twice a year is essential to ensure they remain in good condition. If your local climate is prone to snow and ice, having a professional inspect and clean your gutters is necessary to prevent ice dams from developing.
If you want to learn more about how a professional can help, you can visit their websites or you can check out this blog.
6. Trim Tree Branches
Branches from trees near your house can easily blow into your gutters and cause a mess. You should keep your trees well maintained by periodically pruning them to remove any excess or dead branches.
Additionally, be sure to inspect your gutter system every so often. If given the right conditions, trees can sometimes grow so close that it is difficult to reach the gutters. When that happens, hire a professional to help trim the branches safely.
Additionally, branches close to the gutters allow small animals, like birds, squirrels, or mice, to enter the gutters and build nests. This can quickly clog up a gutter system and lead to water damage.
Furthermore, trimming branches away from gutters can help maintain proper airflow and prevent the formation of ice dams. Therefore, trimming tree branches away from the gutter system should be integral to any gutter maintenance plan.
7. Installing Downspouts
Downspouts divert water away from your home’s foundation, preventing your foundation from shifting and cracking. Additionally, downspouts help to reduce the amount of debris building up inside your gutters.
Inspecting the downspouts is essential to ensure they are not cracked or blocked. If you find any cracks or blockages, you should replace them.
Ensure the downspouts pour water three feet from the house’s foundation to reduce potential flooding. You should connect downspouts to a splash block or drain pipe to help control the flow of water. These simple steps will help ensure that gutters remain clog free and functioning throughout the year.
Inspect your downspouts regularly and keep them free from leaves and other debris. Make sure to fasten the rain gutters securely to the roof and ensure it is properly sloped for easy draining.
Maintaining Clog Free Gutters
Maintaining clog free gutters is essential for protecting your home from costly damage. Regularly inspecting and cleaning out your gutters, using gutter guards, and occasionally re-securing your gutters can all help keep your gutters clear, saving you both time and money in the long run.
Following these tips and using suitable materials and tools can help keep your gutters in working order for years. Taking the time now to employ these easy maintenance tasks will help ensure your gutters remain free of clogs.
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