Not everyone is an expert on gutters. You may not know that some of the things you’re doing fall into the “Don’ts” category of gutter protection. That’s okay! We have gathered key insights on what to do (and what not to do) to keep your gutters in great shape.
Gutter Don’ts
First, let’s consider the dangers of poorly maintained gutters.
Skip the Gutters
Hopefully, your house has gutters installed. If not, then stop reading this article right now, because that’s a serious “Do!” Your roof, siding and foundation are all defenseless without the help of gutters, leaving your home open to attack from mold, mildew, dry rot and water damage. That damage can cost far more than the price of gutters. Plus, homeowners’ insurance won’t cover damage caused by poor user maintenance.
Forget the Cleaning
Be on the lookout for clogged gutters. Maybe you have gutter screens or gutter guards that you assume have been doing their jobs. The truth is, screens and guards don’t actually prevent debris from building up. And unfortunately, that means they are not substitutes for regularly cleaning your gutters. If you don’t have a gutter cleaning service, chances are there are lots of unwanted things taking up residence inside your gutters like mice and other little pests that could lead to more problems.
Neglect Your Hardware
In addition to clogs, chances are, if your gutters weren’t initially pitched properly, you’re going to experience issues with your joints and hardware. Hardware damage can occur due to the added stress caused by heavy, clogged gutters, and it can also occur due to improper mounting. Once your gutters have been cleared of clogs, you can see to getting them properly pitched and sealed.
Pitch isn’t just important to contestants on The Voice, it’s also important for your gutters. To the untrained eye, gutters may look like they run parallel to the home’s roof, but this is not entirely true. Gutters, when installed the proper way, actually have a slope of about a quarter inch per ten feet. If you have standing water in your gutters after a good rain, chances are your gutters aren’t pitched properly.
Gutter Do’s
Having considered some of the dangers of poorly maintained or altogether missing gutters, let’s consider some of the most effective “Do’s” of gutter protection.
Monitor Your Gutter Health
It’s a good idea to have a good look at your gutter system as often as possible. If you can, take a few minutes each month to do a quick check to see if your gutters are visibly clogged or if any of the hardware looks damaged due to any sagging or build-up.
Clean Your Gutters
If your gutter maintenance hasn’t been the best, a good place to start is with a gutter cleaning and inspection. This will clear your gutters of any debris and will evict any pesky gutter residents from causing more problems.
Repair Your Gutters
If your gutters have suffered damage, chances are you’ll need some repairs. Some of the things your system might need includes re-nailing loose gutters, re-strapping loose leaders, replacing damaged and split leaders, inspections to check your gutter system for pitch problems, checking the miters for leaks in the joints and examining the underground drain system for clogs. If you do need repairs, the gutter experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning® are certified to handle all types of gutter issues properly, ensuring the safety and preservation of your home.
Ned Stevens, family-owned and operated since 1965, is here for you. Knowing your gutters are in good shape will give you peace of mind about the safety of your home.
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