As a homeowner, there are many small jobs that you need to pay attention to from time to time. These often include exterior maintenance, like roof inspections and siding cleaning. All of these are often seasonal and vital to keeping your home well-insulated and safe.
One such job that often goes unnoticed is gutter maintenance. If not maintained properly, clogged or untended gutters can lead to severe damages and eventually, big bills when you go to fix them. So, here are some gutter cleaning tips that will save you from a clogged and damaged gutter system every few months and otherwise protect your home investment.
Home gutters require cleaning at least twice a year. It is recommended to clean the gutter once in spring and then again in fall to prevent buildup of debris such as leaves and sticks. The process involves removing debris by hand while wearing gloves, using a wire brush to loosen stubborn buildup, and rinsing the gutters with a hose to remove remaining dirt and debris.
Gutter guards are metal panels that can be installed above the gutter line. They help prevent leaves and other debris from clogging up gutters. This will keep the gutters functioning properly and save you from the trouble of contaminated drinking water supply. Gutter guards can also reduce the risk of embers from bushfires entering under your roof, and prevent pests from making a home in your gutters. Overall, gutter guards reduce the need for cleaning the gutters regularly and keep the system safe. Your local roofing company can help recommend the best ones for your home.
Gaps and holes in the gutter can lead to further damage, and also compromise your house’s curb appeal. To patch a hole in gutters, you will need sheet metal, metal snips, roofing cement, a large putty knife, and gutter caulk.
First, cut a piece of sheet metal to fit over the hole and then spread roofing cement around its edges from the inside of the gutter. Then, bend the sheet metal and press it into the roofing cement. Finally, coat the patch with additional cement and let it dry. If this does not fix the problem, you would need to contact a professional for curb appeal tips and gutter fixes. It’s always best to consult with a professional roofer to be sure the gutter damage does not get worse.
Since gutters are exposed to the outdoor elements, it can lead to rust spots here and there. Rust can damage your gutter permanently, so it is best dealt with immediately. To get rid of the rust, you can scrape away with a wire brush. Then, apply a thin coat of roofing cement with a putty knife to make the spots immune to rusting again. If there is too much rust, you may need to consider a new gutter installation.
One of the most important curb appeal tips, which also comes in handy for gutter maintenance, is to clean your roof. Once you clear away any branches, leaves, and other dirt particles from the roof, you prevent waste debris from falling into your gutters. In the long run, it can help keep blockages at bay and make your gutter cleaning job relatively easy.
Proper positioning and slope of gutters is essential for ensuring their effectiveness. Gutters are supposed to move water away from the home and prevent damage. Experts recommend a slope of one-fourth of an inch for every 10 feet of gutter. Every once in a while, you can check the slope and tilt of the gutters to make sure they are not leaning too far forward or backward. As the same could hinder water drainage.
Gutter cleaning can be an intimidating task. You would need to climb up to the top of your house with supplies, inspect the problems, and even de-clog your gutter as needed. If you are not up for the risks this involves, you can contact a professional gutter installation company. Such companies usually provide gutter maintenance and quick fixes as well.
Gutter cleaning costs are typically calculated on the basis of gutter linear footage and the number of stories in the house. The linear footage refers to the length of the gutters that need to be cleaned, and the number of stories in the house can affect the cost because it may require specialized equipment or additional labor to access and clean the gutters on higher levels. Other factors that may affect the cost of gutter cleaning include the type of material the gutters are made of, the type of debris that needs to be removed, and the location of the property.
We are a team of professionals with the right experience, tools, and expertise in installing, fixing, and cleaning gutters so that your home shines on. Reach out to us for curb appeal tips, gutter cleaning tips, and solutions today.