Gutters that haven’t been properly maintained can lead to a wide range of different issues – and the fact that you have to invest in replacements before you’re ready is only one of them. Rain gutters that get clogged during the winter months of the year can cause ice to collect around the discharge, creating incredibly slippery walkways. Water can even back up during any particularly rainy period and, without the proper flow, can cause damage around your house (and in certain cases, inside it).
Regardless, if you really want to make sure that your gutters not only last as long as possible but also work in all the ways that you need, there are a few key tips you’ll want to keep in mind.
Repair Small Problems Now Before They Lead to a Replacement
If a small hole develops in one of the steel or aluminum sections of your gutters, don’t worry – you won’t necessarily have to replace everything if you act fast enough. First, use a wire brush to clean off the inside of the gutter around the hole. Cut a piece of the same type of metal (which you can get from any local hardware store) and place it in position.
Use a drill (and all the proper safety best practices) to drill for pilot holes for rivets. Caulk the area around the new piece of metal you’ve just placed and secure the bottom part to your existing gutter system with silicone. Secure the new piece in place with your rivets and, just like that, your gutter is as good as new.
Stick to the Proper Cleaning Schedule
By far, one of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your gutters involves sticking to a recommended cleaning schedule. Not only will this help you avoid any unnecessary wear and tear, but it will give you an opportunity to fix small issues now before they become much bigger and more expensive ones later on.
Most experts agree that not only should you fully clean your gutter system at least once a year, you actually need to do it twice if you have a lot of trees that hang over your home. Likewise, you’ll want to get up on the roof and clean out your gutters after EVERY big storm that hits your area.
During cleaning, pay attention to the areas where the downspouts join with the larger gutter system – these are where clogs are most likely to occur and if there are any issues affecting the longevity of your gutters, this is absolutely where you’ll find them.
Also, make sure that you have all of the proper tools you’ll need to do a safe and effective job. This means a sturdy ladder, a heavy set of work gloves, a garden trowel, your garden hose and a broom and bucket. Make sure that bucket has a hanging metal hook that you can use to secure it into place so you don’t have to worry about it falling off your roof.
Don’t Be Afraid to Enlist the Help of a Professional: Weatherguard Gutters
If at any point you feel like you’ve encountered a problem you just can’t fix on your own, or if you don’t feel comfortable climbing up onto your roof on a regular basis to properly maintain your gutters, don’t worry – we’re here to help. To find out more information about the maintenance tips you can use to make your gutters last longer, or to get answers to any other specific question you may have, please don’t delay – contact Weatherguard Gutters today.