Maintaining rain gutters and downspouts is one of the most often overlooked jobs by homeowners around the house. It is also one of the most important since clogged gutters or leaking gutters can quickly lead to rotten fascia boards, peeling paint, water damage to interiors, flooding, and foundation damage.
Taking care of sagging gutters and blockages will extend the life of your gutter system. To save on gutter cleaning pricing, homeowners can perform regular maintenance themselves. For complete gutter installation on your home’s exterior, you should consult a professional.
In this article, I’ll explain the importance of your gutter system — cleaning, maintaining, and gutter repair.
Importance of Gutters
Gutters are an important protective function for homes, especially in regions with over 15 inches of annual rainfall. They direct water off the shingles and away from your home’s foundation through a system of troughs and downspouts. This drainage system diverts the flow of water and protects the home’s siding, foundation, windows, doors, and landscaping from excess moisture.Â
The most common gutter problems result from non-functioning gutters. These cause problems like rotten siding, flooded basements, eroded soil, and foundation damage. Mildew and interior water damage may also occur. It’s best to be proactive with gutter issues. Clean your gutters, as the repair costs associated with these damages will likely exceed the amount you’ll spend to maintain your gutters.
Gutter Guards
Gutter guards shield your gutters from debris build-up and allow longer intervals between cleanings. However, you still must inspect them periodically. This precaution is because the gaps necessary for ensuring water flow will allow smaller debris, such as pine needles, leaves, seeds, and pods, to enter over time. You should also inspect for small holes and larger holes in your gutter system.
Remember, guards don’t prevent leaks from loose joints or hangers, so regular inspections are critical.
From my years of experience in home maintenance, I recommend inspecting and cleaning your gutters semi-annually.
Cleaning Gutters
Clean your gutters in early spring and late fall. When you are ready to clean your gutters, you will need these supplies:
- 5-gallon bucket
- Clean rags
- Garden hose
- Garden trowel/scoop
- Ladder
Optional tools for cleaning your gutters include:
- Gloves
- Protective eyewear
- Plumber’s snake
Start by removing any gutter guards to expose debris. You can then use your trowel or scoop to dislodge the debris into your bucket to dispose of it. Compost or discard the debris, depending on whether it is organic matter.
Next, I recommend checking your downspouts for obstructions by directing pressurized water through them. Have someone help you run the water at full force while you watch the flow rate.
You can then use a plumber’s snake to unclog any blocked downspouts. For stubborn clogs, you may need to disassemble the downspout and remove the debris by hand. Finish by rinsing any sediment out of your gutters by spraying them end-to-end.
If you discover that your gutters have several major clogs, I recommend hiring a recommended gutter cleaning service to save time.
Inspection and Repair
Inspect your gutters regularly to see if repairs are needed. You want to verify that your hanger brackets are securely fastened.
Use a level to check the gutter’s slope to make sure it is not holding water. Your gutters should be angled in the downspout’s direction with a slope of ¼ inch for every 10 feet.
Check to make sure that your gutter downspout adapters and elbows are tight-fitting and aligned to move water away from the foundation.
If your gutters are sagging from failed hangers, snap a chalk line guide on the fascia board. Measuring from the chalk line, position the replacement hangers to make sure that your gutters are correctly aligned. Place your hangers every two feet and within one foot of every seam.
Finally, check for leaks in your gutters with a hose. If you discover a leak, let your gutters fully dry and patch the holes with sealant. I recommend watching any repaired areas carefully in the future.
It’s best to take apart, clean, and reseal any gutter joints if you discover a stubborn leak at a connection point. You may also want to consider adding gutter splash guards.
To maintain your gutters properly, I recommend checking your gutters during incidents of heavy rain. You want to make sure your downspouts are handling the runoff without overflowing or splashing, which could indicate they are clogged. Remember that consistent gutter maintenance will save you money and prevent water damage.Â
So, Are Gutter Maintenance Measures Worthwhile?
Clearing debris from your gutters periodically is a great way to prevent clogs. It’s a worthwhile investment, as it protects your home from water damage. Repairing leaks and hangers is much less expensive than replacing structural elements rotting from excess moisture. Additionally, well-maintained gutters can prevent issues such as basement flooding, foundation erosion, and mold growth. A little effort now can prevent significant expenses and headaches down the road.
If your gutters are severely deteriorated, I recommend replacing them to provide effective rainwater diversion. Investing in gutter maintenance not only protects your home but also enhances its longevity and value.
FAQs About Gutter Maintenance
How often should I get gutters cleaned?
Most homeowners should schedule professional cleanings twice yearly — in spring and fall. DIY-ers should remove debris on the same schedule. You can install gutter guards for pine needles to extend cleaning frequency potentially.
What indicates that my gutters need to be repaired?
Signs that you need to repair your gutters include pooling water, overflowing, leaks at seams or hangers, misaligned or detached downspouts, peeling paint, or rust.
When should I replace gutters?
You’ll likely need to replace your gutters if they are severely rusted or have extensive seam failures or detached hangers. You may also need to replace your gutters if you have tried to realign them yourself and they continue to be misaligned. Consult with a professional for gutter replacement.
Should I DIY gutter repairs or replacement or hire a professional?
It is possible to clean your gutters yourself as long as you have proper equipment. Minor repairs can also be a DIY job. However, replacement is usually best left to professionals.
