September 29, 2023

Gutter maintenance is crucial to taking good care of your home. If neglected, serious water-related damage can occur to your home.

Neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to water damage in several ways. When gutters become clogged with leaves, debris, or ice, they can no longer effectively channel rainwater away from the roof and foundation. Instead, water may overflow and seep into the walls, causing moisture damage, mold growth, and structural issues. Additionally, overflowing gutters can create pools of water near the foundation, which can lead to basement flooding and compromise the integrity of the home's foundation over time.

Unmaintained gutters can become an ideal habitat for pests, such as insects and rodents. Clogged gutters with accumulated debris provide a source of food and nesting materials for pests. Insects like mosquitoes, ants, and termites can breed in stagnant water within clogged gutters. Rodents, including mice and squirrels, may find shelter and build nests in the debris-filled gutters. This can lead to pest infestations, property damage, and potential health risks for occupants. Regular gutter maintenance helps eliminate these hospitable environments for pests, reducing the risk of infestations and related problems.

The Importance Of Regular Gutter Maintenance

Gutters are installed along the roof line and eaves of houses to route rain runoff away from the structure. Without the presence of gutters, water can drip from the roof, down walls, and into a house's foundation, leading to leaks and possible damage.

Clogged gutters can send loads of water to places where it’s not intended to go, like pooled up in your flowerbeds or saturating your foundation. The extra weight of clogged gutters can also pull them loose from the house over time, which adds up to more repairs. Not only are these outcomes annoying, but they can be incredibly expensive.

How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?

If you have a home free of overhanging trees and branches, you should clean your gutters once a year. If your home has overhanging trees, then twice a year.

How To Decide If Your Gutters Need To Be Cleaned, Repaired Or Replaced

• Cracks and splits: Check for visible cracks or splits in the gutters. Small cracks may be repaired with sealant, but extensive or recurring damage could indicate the need for professional repair or replacement.

• Paint damage and rust: If you notice peeling paint or rust spots on your gutters, it could indicate deterioration. Minor paint damage can be addressed with touch-ups, but significant rust or corrosion may require professional attention.

• Mold and mildew: Look for signs of mold or mildew growth on the exterior or interior surfaces of your gutters. This could indicate clogs, poor drainage, or inadequate cleaning. Routine cleaning and removal of debris can often resolve this issue.

• Pooling water and water marks: Observe how water flows through your gutters during rainfall. If you notice areas where water pools or overflows, it suggests blockages or improper slope. Water marks or stains on the exterior walls or foundation could indicate inadequate gutter function, requiring further inspection and potential repair.

• Sagging gutters: Pay attention to the alignment and positioning of your gutters. If you notice sagging or pulling away from the house, it could be due to loose or damaged hangers or fascia board. In such cases, professional repair or replacement may be necessary to ensure proper gutter function.

While routine cleaning can often solve minor issues, it's advisable to consult with a professional gutter service if you notice significant damage, repeated problems, or if you're unsure about the extent of repair required. They can assess the condition of your gutters, recommend appropriate solutions, and ensure the long-term functionality and durability of your gutter system.

How to Clean Gutters

1. Place a sturdy ladder on a firm, level base and climb on up. Having a second person to hold the ladder steady is always a wise choice.

2. Using a small garden trowel, remove dead leaves, limbs, and any other debris in the gutter or downspout.

3. Inspect the gutter. Note any leaks, and remove any old repair caulking. Dry the area before re-caulking the seams and holes. If you notice any rust on the gutters or downspouts, you may want to consider replacing them altogether.

4. Using a hose or pressure washer, rinse out all the gutters until the water runs clear.

5. Remove any remaining debris in the downspout and on the roof. Make sure your downspout points away from your home, and if it doesn't, add an extender to haul the water away.

When cleaning your gutters, be sure to wear long pants and long sleeves to protect your skin from the creepy crawlers inhabiting your gutters. Wear shoes with rubber soles to grip your roof and ladder and safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.

Add Cleaning Your Gutters To Your Yearly Home Maintenance Routine

Now that you know how important gutter maintenance is, we recommend keeping this article bookmarked throughout the year to help keep you on top of things. Owning a home is something that should be enjoyed but taken seriously as far as the care you put into it. Even something as simple as cleaning your gutters can prevent serious damage to your humble abode. In addition to regular home maintenance, we recommend giving your homeowners insurance a once over to make sure you’re getting the best coverage possible.