When was the last time you thought about your gutters? If it’s been a while, you’re like most homeowners—and that’s okay, we’re not judging. It’s hard to maintain your gutters when you have so much else going on. However, it is important to follow a regular gutter maintenance schedule to prevent clogs and water damage.
Keep reading to learn why gutter maintenance is essential and how Homefix can replace your old, worn-out gutter system.
6 Reasons You Should Maintain Your Gutter System
From stains to structural issues, poorly maintained or malfunctioning gutters can wreck your home. Here’s why you need to give attention to your gutters and downspouts several times a year.
1. Properly Functioning Gutters Reduce the Likelihood of Basement Floods
Gutters are designed to channel rainwater away from your home. When gutters are clogged with leaves, debris, and other materials, water can overflow and accumulate near the foundation, which can seep into basements and crawl spaces.
Ensuring proper gutter maintenance helps direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation, reducing the risk of basement flooding
2. Gutters Protect Your Home’s Foundation From Damage
Your home’s foundation is responsible for holding up your home. Without it, your home would collapse. That being said, water that collects around the foundation can cause soil erosion and compromise your home’s structural integrity.
Regular gutter maintenance helps prevent water from pooling near the foundation, minimizing the risk of foundation damage.
3. Gutters Can Preserve Your Landscaping
Having your landscape destroyed by overflowing gutters is gut-wrenching, especially if you have a green thumb. This overflowing water can erode soil and damage landscaping around your home, ruining your plants and shrubs. By maintaining clean gutters, you protect your yard and garden from water-related damage.
4. Proper Maintenance of Gutters Can Preserve the Life of Your Roof
A damaged roof can become a major financial burden. If your gutters are clogged, water may back up onto your roof, causing rot, mold, and damage to your shingles. Regular gutter cleaning will prevent these roof issues and extend the lifespan of your shingles.
5. Clogged Gutters Cause Ice Dams
In colder climates, clogged gutters can contribute to the formation of ice dams. These blocks of ice can damage roofs and gutters and even lead to leaks inside the home. Keeping your gutters free from debris will help prevent ice dams from accumulating on your roof.
6. Clean Gutters to Prevent Mosquito Breeding and Pest Infestation
Stagnant water is like a pest magnet. Regular gutter maintenance helps eliminate standing water, reducing the risk of mosquito infestations around your home. Leaves, pine needles, and other debris can also become homes for pests, which will damage your siding and roof.
How to Clean Gutters Safely
According to the International Association of Home Inspectors and the World Health Organization, more than 164,000 injuries are caused by falls from ladders. Unfortunately, roughly 300 people die from ladder falls every year.
Climbing a ladder to clean your gutters is extremely unsafe; one wrong move can land you in the emergency room. If you must clean your gutters yourself, make sure to use a gutter-cleaning tool or an extension ladder—not a stepladder.
When it comes to cleaning your gutters, the best way to stay safe is to hire a professional gutter cleaning company.
Gutter Cleaning Tips
A professional gutter cleaner saves time and keeps you safe, but if you have to clean the gutters yourself, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of our top tips for safe and efficient gutter cleaning.
Pick a Dry Day for Gutter Cleaning
Wet debris can be a pain when it comes to gutter cleaning. Take a look at your weather forecast, and pick a dry day to clean your gutters. Make sure it’s not too windy as well.
Safety First
Ensure you have a sturdy ladder and someone to spot you. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from debris, and don’t forget to wear non-slip shoes.
Gather Essential Tools
Gather your gutter-cleaning materials, including a trowel or plastic scoop, a bucket or bag for debris, a garden hose, and a small brush or scrubber.
Inspect for Damage
Before cleaning, inspect the gutters and downspouts for any damage. Then, look for sagging gutters, and make necessary repairs before cleaning them.
Make Debris Removal Easy
Use the trowel or gutter scoop to remove debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt. Place them in the bucket or bag.
Use a Small Brush
Use a small brush or scrubber to remove stubborn dirt and stains. Rinse the entire gutter system with a hose, and check for proper water flow through the downspouts.
Check for Clogs
Ensure that you don’t have clogged downspouts and gutter joints. Use a plumbing snake or a hose to clear any blockages. You can also disassemble the downspout if needed.
Look for Signs of Gutter Leaks or Rust
Give your gutters a quick inspection for leaks and signs of rust while cleaning. Address these issues before they become a bigger problem.
Trim Tree Branches
Make sure any branches or trees that hang over the roof or gutters are maintained. This helps prevent a buildup of leaves and debris in the gutters.
Install Gutter Guards
Gutter guards reduce the frequency of cleaning. However, occasional maintenance is still necessary even with a gutter guard.
Gutter Installation and Maintenance with Homefix
If your gutters have seen better days, it’s time to consider a gutter replacement. For over 30 years, Homefix has been replacing and installing gutters for homeowners in North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and surrounding areas.
Residents come to us for all types of gutter systems. From seamless gutter installation to K-style gutter replacement, we can do it.
Not sure if you need new gutters? Here are a few signs your gutters are ready for a replacement:
- Splits
- Cracks
- Mold and mildew
- Water damage
- Pulling or sagging
- Exterior siding stains
- Structural damage
Do you have gutter damage beyond repair? Homefix Custom Remodeling can help you with all your gutter concerns. Contact us to get started with a free estimate, or schedule an appointment online today.
Schedule an Appointment
Key Takeaways About Gutter Installation and Maintenance
- Regularly maintain your gutters to prevent damage to your foundation, roof, siding, and walls.
- Gutter guards can reduce clogged gutters. However, they also need periodic maintenance.
- Follow safe gutter cleaning practices, as gutter cleaning can be a dangerous task.
Have a question? Get in touch with a gutter specialist.