Nobody enjoys climbing up on the ladder to clean their gutters, but it is a job that must be done. If the gutters become clogged, they won’t function properly. Regular cleaning reduces the need for expensive repairs later on. Fortunately, this is a task most people can do independently.
The Importance of Gutter Maintenance
Gutters are designed to move water away from the home. If water is allowed to drip around the house, it may damage the roof, walls, and foundation. The landscape may also be harmed. Without proper gutter maintenance, debris can accumulate in the system, leading to sagging gutters, mold growth, and other issues. Furthermore, rodents and other critters may make their home in the gutters.
Cleaning the Gutters
Gutters typically only need to be cleaned in the spring and in the fall. However, if there are pine trees near the home, complete this process every three months to reduce the risk of the gutters clogging. Anyone who is not comfortable climbing on a ladder to clean the gutters can hire a professional to do this job, typically in an afternoon.
Gutter Maintenance, Repair, or Replacement?
When cleaning the gutters, homeowners using gutter cleaning Everett services should look for signs that indicate they need repair or replacement. Regular maintenance helps prevent the need for these repairs; however, problems may still arise. Small cracks can expand over time, allowing water to enter the fascia boards, shingles, and the foundation below. Replace split or cracked sections promptly to reduce the risk of these issues.
Weather-resistant paint is used on gutters. When this paint is damaged or rust is visible, water is sitting in those areas. Check the gutters for clogging and remove any debris to allow the water to flow away from the home properly. Touch up this paint or replace the damaged gutter section.
Standing Water
Any standing water near the home’s foundation is a sign that the gutters are clogged. There may be another issue within the gutter system. Inspect the gutters for any clogs and remove them as needed. If the problem continues, replace the affected gutter section and the nearby downspout.
Water Marks
Homeowners should regularly inspect the gutters on a dry, sunny day to check for signs of water damage or watermarks beneath the gutters. If any is present, the gutters are leaking or overflowing, indicating a potential blockage. If no blockages are found, the gutter section is cracked and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Sagging Gutters
Any gutters that are sagging need to be replaced immediately. The system is no longer able to drain correctly, and the gutters must be replaced to ensure water flows away from the home. When installing new gutters, consider installing gutter guards or screens and seamless gutters to reduce the risk of future problems.
Regular gutter maintenance helps to prevent these issues from occurring. Cleaning the gutters during the spring removes any debris that accumulated over the winter, ensuring water can flow freely when spring and summer rains arrive. Repeating this process in the fall ensures any leaves or other debris that have collected in the gutters are removed before winter hits. Avoid cleaning the gutters immediately after it rains to allow the leaves and other debris to dry out. Doing so will make the entire process easier. Complete this process by flushing the gutters with water to ensure the downspouts are clear and water flows as it should.
Every homeowner must make gutter maintenance a priority. Doing so protects the home from harm. Anyone who is not comfortable completing this task should consider working with a professional to have it done at least twice a year. The home is too valuable to leave the gutter system to chance.
