It’s easier to focus on cleaning and repairing items in your house’s interior, but are you properly caring for the items outdoors? A home’s exterior faces strong winds and weathering and needs attention too. It’s equally important to keep an eye on the exterior features like the landscaping, roof, and gutters.
There are a few reasons why gutters are important for protecting the quality of the roof and removing excess water from your house. If you don’t frequently clean and care for your gutters, you risk damaging other parts of the house as well. Learn about the top five gutter maintenance tips you should remember this winter to keep your gutters in great condition all season long!
Stay Safe!
When inspecting the gutters on your own, you must remember to keep yourself safe! Wear safety goggles and a pair of durable work gloves. Put on heavy-duty shoes with traction to keep your feet warm and stable on the ladder. For any outdoor activities in the winter, always wear warm layers of clothing that don’t restrict your movement. You want to feel safe and comfortable when standing on the ladder inspecting the area.
Know the Signs of Damaged Gutters
Once you set up the ladder and begin looking at the gutters, you realize you have no clue what to look for. First, inspect the gutters to see if there are any damaged areas.
Check for any signs of dents, rust, loose or disconnected pieces, holes, debris, and stagnant water. When you see any of these signs of damage, evaluate them to the best of your ability to determine if you can conduct the repairs on your own or need to call a professional for additional help.
Try a Leaf Blower To Remove Debris
Leaves are common culprits of clogged gutters, especially after fall. The leaves descend from the trees and land in the gutters, leaving them filled to the brim.
Try using a leaf blower to quickly remove the leaves from the area. Aim it downward so that they fly into the air and fall to the ground. You want to avoid directing the air toward the roof. Piling up leaves on your roof will create an entirely new issue!
Seal Leaks and Cracks
After clearing the leaves from the surface, examine the gutters more and start repairs on any leaks and cracks. Find a water-resistant sealant, but make sure the product works with your gutters’ material. Some gutters are plastic, while others are metal. Apply the sealant, then clamp the area together for about 24 hours so that the area seals and locks into place properly!
Pay Attention to the Downspouts
The last helpful maintenance tip for gutters in the winter is to remember to give the downspouts appropriate attention! The gutters collect debris and water, which exit the roof through the downspouts. One reason your gutters might appear full is that the downspout has become clogged.
When this occurs, remove any debris with your hands (with gloves on) or a small gardening shovel. Then, at the top of the downspout, use a hose to flush the area clean. If you don’t see results, it may be time to use a tool like a leaf blower or a power washer to forcefully clean the area.
Comment
Comments