Leaking rain gutters can cause water to drip out of your house instead of out the downspout. It is essential to address the issue before it causes costly damage to your home, including water in the basement, mold, and mildew growth, deterioration of the foundation inside your home.
Rain gutters take a lot of abuse from running water during rainstorms, clogs of fallen leaves, heavy loads of snow in the coldest climates, exposure to weather extremes, and the general ravages of time.
Relying on the material, rain gutters typically last from a decade to 100 years, with steel vinyl (the most popular and inexpensive gutter material) being the least stable and copper (the priciest) being the toughest.
Cleaning Rain Gutters
Cleaning your rain gutters is a vital step in ensuring that they are functioning properly. To avoid clogs, debris and fallen leaves should be removed from the gutters at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. A gutter scoop, a trowel, or your hands can remove debris, which should be dropped into a bucket for easy disposal.
Leaf Guards or Mesh
You may consider installing quality leaf guards or mesh over your gutters if many deciduous trees surround your home. These can help prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters and save time and hassle.
Remove Fallen Leaves from Your Roof
Sweeping heavy loads of fallen leaves off your home's roof is also essential. These leaves are likely to make their way into the gutters, which can lead to clogs and other issues.
Inspecting Rain Gutters
Inspecting your rain gutters is important to catch problems before they become bigger. It's better to fix problems immediately than wait until your gutters leak. You should inspect your gutters yearly for cracks, loose or missing screws, holes, and other damage.
Checking Downspouts
Checking your downspouts is also important. Run water into the gutter at the downspout's top, and monitor the drainage underneath. If water backs up out of the downspout, clear the downspout's base instead of easily draining, which will typically slip off, and you may use a long stick or broom handle to dislodge leaves and other residues from inside the downspout. You should run a strong burst of water from your garden hose to dislodge persistent blockages.
Replacing or Reattaching Downspout Straps
If the downspout is loose, reattach the downspout straps, which are metal brackets that tighten into the side of the house to hold the downspout in place. You can find downspout straps for under $5 at most home improvement centers or online.
Why Rain Gutters Are Essential
Rain gutters are an essential component of any home, and it's crucial to address leaks before disrepair causes costly damage to your home. While their longevity is typically shorter than your home's, a leak or two doesn't necessarily mean it's time for a gutter alternative. Often, you can fix leaking gutters by yourself, earning years more service from your current setup.
Following these easy repairs and preventative maintenance tips, you can keep your gutters in good shape for the longest life.
No matter how big or small the project is, Asheville Seamless Gutters and Home Solutions Gutter Professionals aims to satisfy customers. Click here to book an appointment.
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