Owning a home has lots of benefits, but many people don’t think much about taking care of their home’s gutters. Even though gutters aren’t something you actively enjoy, keeping them in good shape is crucial. It helps ensure your home stays strong so you can really enjoy living in it.
Although gutters may seem small compared to your whole home, they play a big role in design and function. No matter what kind you have, taking care of them is important. Well-installed gutters keep your home safe by directing rainwater away, preventing potential water damage.
If your gutters don’t work right, your basement might flood, mold and mildew can grow, and your home’s exterior could get damaged. Making sure your gutters are installed and working well is an important step for every homeowner. But it’s not a one-time thing; you need to keep up with it. Here are five easy tips to help you take care of your gutters, so they can do their job and protect your home.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Use a hose to clean your gutters. If there’s stubborn stuff like compacted leaves, pine needles, or twigs, try a plumbing snake or high-pressure water. Cleaning them regularly ensures your gutter system works well.
Experts say clean your gutters at least twice a year, in spring and fall. If you live in a tree-heavy area, you might need to clean them as often as twice a week to keep them clear. Regular cleaning keeps your gutters in good shape and working properly.
Use Gutter Covers for Easy Maintenance
Gutter covers or helmets can help prevent big debris from blocking your gutters. But, if you live where there are lots of trees, like pine, check them often to make sure they’re clear of pine needles, leaves, and other stuff. A gutter helmet snaps onto the front of the gutter and drains through a cutout at the end. A cover sits on top of the gutter, working like a drain with a perforated screen.
WARNING: Be careful because bees and wasps might use gutter covers as a good spot for their nests. Check your covers often to make sure they’re clear and insect-free.
Get Professional Help
If the thought of climbing a ladder to check and clean your gutters makes you anxious, there’s no need to worry. At JL Remodeling we specialize in in this kind of home maintenance, saving you from doing it yourself.
Improve Your Gutters with Guards
Even if your home already has gutters, you might need to make them better by adding gutter splash guards. After a heavy rain, if you see dirt splashed on your home’s side or the ground around your home disturbed, it’s a sign to think about installing splash guards.
Put splash guards at the bottom of your home’s downspouts and on the roof to make sure water goes away from your home. This protects your roof from mold and mildew damage caused by water. If there are lots of trees where you live, consider adding leaf guards. They stop leaves and big debris from blocking your gutters. Remember to check and clean leaf guards at least twice a year to keep them working well.
Check the Tilt
It’s crucial to get the positioning of your gutters just right. Take some time to check it now and then. If it’s not done correctly, it can cause problems for your house.
If gutters don’t have the right slope, they won’t move water away from your home properly. On the other hand, too much slope can make water drain too quickly, causing damage to your home’s outside.
Experts suggest having a slight slope in your gutters – about one-fourth of an inch for every 10 feet. Also, check if the gutters are leaning too much forward or backward. It’s essential to make sure they’re not tilted too far in any direction to drain water effectively.