Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris is one of the easiest home maintenance task you can do to increase the value and safety of your property. If you don’t perform regular gutter repair and maintenance, then you may end up with larger problems like water damage to your roof and siding and even foundation damage.
Other problems that require immediate repair include loose downspouts, stubborn clogs, an incorrect slope, or weather damage. All of these issues can develop into even bigger problems, since water is not being correctly channeled away from your roof, walls, and foundation.
There are different problems that can arise in every season of the year, from falling leaves in the autumn to ice dams in the winter. This is what makes gutter cleaning such an important task to do multiple times a year.
Cleaning a gutter involves removing debris, flushing debris off your roof, and checking for developing problems. For example, a few of the most common signs of gutter damage include cracks, holes, sagging, and rust. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for standing water and mold. Pools of water and sagging may be a sign of rotting fascia or a gutter that isn’t draining properly. Either way, it’s an issue that should be corrected immediately.
Cracks and sagging are likely to happen after spring and summer storms, while debris is a more common issue in the fall. Ice dams, on the other hand, often form during the winter. This makes regular gutter maintenance an important to-do item all year round.
Gutter installation can be done yourself or by a professional. But before deciding to install gutters on your own, it’s important to take into consideration whether you are really prepared to complete the job correctly.
When you hire a professional, you are hiring not only a crew but a consultant. A professional can help you decide which style of gutters will be the most effective for your home and the area where you live. While your gutter installation cost will be higher when you hire a professional, that’s a service that can protect both your home and your property values. Learn more about gutter installation.
Gutter installation can be tricky and mistakes can be costly. Before deciding to install your own gutters, consider the following: are you familiar with the slope required for your roof as well as the best style of gutter system that will work best with your property? Do you have all the tools you’ll need, including time to complete the job and someone to assist you? And finally, are you prepared to potentially pay to fix any mistakes? If you hesitate to answer any of these questions in the affirmative, you may want to hire a professional to do it for you.
Did you know that the style of gutter you have on your home is extremely important? And it’s not just a matter of style preference. The weather your property withstands and the style of roof it has should both dictate what kind of gutters you install. There are multiple types of gutter styles and materials to choose from.
For styles, you have half-round, k-style, custom built and downspouts. Half-round gutters are easy to clean and carry water well, but they need brackets to install, unlike other gutter styles. K-style gutters are square and the outer side looks like crown molding. They carry the most water and are very durable, but are more difficult to clean. Custom-built gutters are seamless, while other gutters come in sections. Custom gutters must be installed by a professional. Downspouts are part of every gutter system; they are how the water drains to the ground. You should have one downspout for every 35 linear feet of gutters.
Each of these systems come in different materials as well. Aluminum gutters are the most common. They last around 20 years. Vinyl gutters are a cheap option and are easier to install on your own. However, they are known to crack. Finally, there are zinc and copper gutters. These gutter types are more expensive but also much more durable. They can last up to 50 years! They also do well in all weather conditions. Learn more about gutter types and which one is the best option for your property.