If you’re asking yourself “Do I need to clean my gutters?” Let RRG Roofing help you out. Georgia is among the U.S. states with the highest annual rainfall total. Your gutters are crucial to the health of your property if you live in places like this! So, you must know the basic maintenance procedures to keep them in top shape. Taking the time to clean the gutters now will save you a lot of trouble later.
The time has come to get down and dirty with these gutter-cleaning tricks!
Remove Any Debris
Gutter maintenance is essential because of the annual rainfall volumes. Water can’t flow into your gutters if trash like leaves and twigs clog them. This situation can lead to water backing up under your shingles, harming the underlayment boards that support your roof. The solution to this issue is simple: clean your gutters at least once a month.
Make Roof Repairs Promptly
Leaving roof issues unresolved can lead to an expensive downward spiral for homeowners. If you wait too long to replace that broken downspout, water will seep through your home’s walls and rot the wooden framing and joists. Worse, this may cause more expensive repairs. If your gutters are leaking, fix them as soon as possible to prevent more problems.
Fix Dented Points
A tree limb or other heavy object can easily cause a dent in your gutter. The situation is more significant than it appears at first glance. If your gutters have any depression at the top, water can easily overflow and pool against your house’s exterior. Over time, this might cause problems on the outside. Hence, repairs dents or replace damaged gutter sections as soon as it is possible to do so.
Keep Clean Downspouts
Most homeowners will clean their gutters but neglect the downspouts. However, the intensity of the water pouring down your downspouts makes it easy for debris to get lodged in them. This issue can cause muck to build up within your downspouts over time, preventing water from draining. Water will overflow your gutters if your downspout is clogged. The consequences of this will spread far and wide.
Keep the Pests Out!
Mice, squirrels, and even young raccoons look for refuge in the gutters of houses. Guttering is an ideal site for small animals to nest because of its concave form and proximity to the ground through the downspouts.
Do you have a problem with animals using your downspout as an elevator to the warmth of your attic? If so, you may invest in downspout screens and some smooth rodent repellant.
When debris accumulates, it can act as a sponge, attracting mosquitoes and other pests. In the worst case, this might put your family and pets at risk of contracting diseases.
Therefore, keeping your gutters in good condition is an absolute must for protecting your house and loved ones.
Avoids Water Damage by Caring for Your Gutters and Downspouts
Roof runoff that does not flow through the gutters might erode your foundation and seep into your basement. Water seeps into your home when your gutters are clogged, destroying your flooring, walls, and even your home’s structure. So, address a blocked drainage system immediately!
Besides, water accumulation can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. These are problems that can become difficult to manage, hazardous to your health, and costly to fix. You can avoid them if you keep your gutters clear.
Safely Cleaning Your Gutters
Gutter cleaning may be dangerous if you do not take proper safety precautions. When hiring when getting up to clean your gutters, keep the following precautions in mind:
- Make sure someone else will be around you on the ground while you are on the ladder. Check the ladder for damage and loose pieces before you climb it. Besides, make sure it is on solid, firm ground.
- Use safety glasses to protect your eyes.
- Wear yard gloves to avoid skin contact with any debris.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned valuable information about maintaining a clean and functional home drainage system.
Exactly how frequently must you clean your gutters? Clean your gutters twice a year just like you should inspect your roof for damage. This way, you will ensure they last for many years to come.
You, as the homeowner, must handle the upkeep of your home’s exterior. The gutters are an area that should never ignore. These are crucial components of the water rerouting system in your house.
Your gutters will perform well all year long if you follow the maintenance procedures we discussed before.
For more information, contact RRG Roofing at 678-326-4951. We service areas in Dahlonega, Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Alpharetta, GA.
