How to Maintain Your House Gutters

House gutters are essential for protecting your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from the roof and foundation. However, to keep them functioning properly and avoid costly repairs, regular maintenance is necessary. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your gutters year-round:

1. Seasonal Inspections and Cleaning

One of the most important steps in gutter maintenance is regular inspections and cleaning. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, damaging your roof, siding, and foundation. While many homeowners clean their gutters in the fall to clear out fallen leaves, it’s also important to check them at other times of the year to ensure they are functioning properly.

Spring:
During spring, inspect your gutters for debris buildup that might have accumulated over the winter. Clear away any leaves, twigs, or dirt that have settled in your gutters to ensure water flows freely.

Summer:
In the summer months, keep an eye on your gutters during storms. If your area has experienced heavy rainfall, check to see if your gutters overflowed or if water is pooling in certain areas. This can indicate a blockage or improper pitch.

Fall:
Autumn is when gutters tend to get the most clogged due to falling leaves and branches. It’s essential to clean your gutters during this time to prevent damage from excess water. Be sure to remove all debris, and check for signs of wear and tear, like cracks or rust spots.

Winter:
In areas where temperatures drop, check for ice dams. Ice dams occur when melted snow refreezes in your gutters, blocking water from flowing through. If you notice this happening, remove the ice carefully to prevent damage to your gutters and roofing system.

2. Clear Out Debris Regularly

Debris buildup is the most common cause of gutter problems. Leaves, twigs, moss, and dirt can accumulate over time and clog your gutters, preventing proper water flow. To prevent this:

• Use a ladder to safely access the gutters. Always ensure the ladder is on level ground and ask someone to hold it steady.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris.
• Use a small scoop or trowel to remove the debris from the gutters.
• Flush the gutters with a garden hose to remove any remaining small particles.

If you find it difficult to clean your gutters manually, consider installing gutter guards. Gutter guards help keep large debris out while still allowing water to flow freely through the gutters.

3. Check for Proper Gutter Pitch

Your gutters need to be pitched at a slight angle toward the downspouts for effective water drainage. If your gutters are too flat, water will pool inside, leading to rust and possible sagging. On the other hand, if they are pitched too steeply, water may flow too quickly and not have time to be properly directed away from your home.

Check your gutters by using a level tool to assess their slope. Ideally, the pitch should be about a quarter inch for every 10 feet of gutter length. If you notice uneven sections, it may be time to adjust the hangers or brackets holding the gutters in place to correct the slope.

4. Inspect for Leaks and Cracks

Leaks and cracks can develop in your gutters due to age, wear, or impact from debris. These gaps in the gutter system can cause water to escape, which can lead to damage to the home’s foundation and other parts of the structure. Regularly inspect your gutters for any visible cracks, holes, or rust spots.

If you find small leaks or cracks, you can use silicone caulk or gutter sealant to patch them up. For larger damage or seams that no longer seal properly, you may need to replace a section of the gutter. Consider switching to seamless gutters, which are less likely to leak due to the absence of seams and joints.

5. Ensure Downspouts Are Clear and Unclogged

Downspouts are a critical part of your gutter system. If they become clogged, water won’t be able to flow out of the gutters and could overflow, causing damage to your roof and foundation. Periodically check that the downspouts are clear by using a hose to flush water through them.

If water doesn’t flow through the downspouts, there could be a clog. Use a plumber's snake or a similar tool to remove the obstruction. Additionally, check that the downspouts are directed away from the foundation of your home. You can add downspout extensions to ensure the water is properly diverted.

6. Trim Overhanging Branches

Overhanging trees and branches are one of the biggest contributors to clogged gutters. Tree limbs can drop leaves and branches into the gutters, especially during windy seasons or storms. Regularly trim any branches or limbs that hang directly over your gutters to reduce the amount of debris that falls into them.

Trimming branches also reduces the chance of them snapping off during a storm, which could damage your gutters. Keep a safe distance from the edge of the roof when trimming, or hire a professional to handle larger or difficult-to-reach branches.

7. Check Gutter Hangers and Fasteners

The brackets or hangers that hold your gutters in place can loosen over time due to weather conditions and wear. A loose or detached gutter system won’t perform properly, leading to overflow or sagging. Check all of the fasteners and tighten any that have come loose. If the hangers are damaged, replace them to prevent further issues.

For older gutters, you may want to consider installing stronger, more secure hangers to ensure that the gutters are held firmly in place.

8. Consider Gutter Protection Systems

If cleaning your gutters regularly is time-consuming or difficult, you might want to invest in gutter protection systems, like gutter guards or covers. These systems allow water to flow through while blocking larger debris, such as leaves and twigs, from entering the gutters.

While they won’t eliminate the need for occasional cleaning, they can significantly reduce the frequency and difficulty of maintenance, especially for homes with a lot of trees or other debris-producing factors.

9. Examine for Rust and Corrosion

Rust and corrosion can weaken gutters over time, causing them to leak and deteriorate. If you have metal gutters, particularly steel or iron gutters, check them regularly for signs of rust or corrosion. If you notice any, use a wire brush to scrub off the rust and apply a rust-resistant paint to prevent further damage.

For aluminum gutters, which are less prone to rust, inspect for other forms of wear, such as dents or paint fading. Repainting your gutters can help preserve their appearance and protect them from the elements.

10. Schedule Professional Gutter Inspections

While homeowners can perform basic gutter maintenance, it's also a good idea to schedule professional inspections every couple of years. A professional can spot potential issues you might miss and offer repairs or replacements as needed.

Conclusion

Maintaining your gutters year-round is essential to keeping your home protected from water damage. By cleaning your gutters regularly, checking for leaks, ensuring proper pitch, and inspecting downspouts and hangers, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your gutter system. Whether you handle the maintenance yourself or rely on professionals, taking care of your gutters ensures your home stays dry and safe from water-related damage.

If you need help with gutter installation contact Lafferty Gutter Division today to schedule a consultation.