If you have not done proper maintenance of your home’s gutter system in a while, you are not alone. Most of us don’t bother to until we are compelled to act. But by then, the damage is already done. Though often overlooked, gutter maintenance is essential for your home. A functional gutter system prevents water leakage, protecting the structure from irreversible damage and potential foundation issues. Periodic maintenance is often neglected. But even if it is done, mistakes are quite common. The results are issues that could cost you thousands.
Here we have compiled some common gutter maintenance mistakes homeowners make. By avoiding these, and implementing the best maintenance practices given here, you can save on some avoidable expenses.
You Neglect Periodic Gutter Inspections
Periodic gutter inspections may seem like a nuisance but they are essential. Inspection allows us to identify problems and nip them in the bud. Homeowners often fail to get their gutters inspected at regular intervals. They realize their mistake only when the gutters start to overflow or cause other problems. But, by then the damage is already done.
What Should You Do?
Professional biannual inspection of a gutter system is mandatory, usually before the start of summer and winter. If the climate of your area is humid with heavy foliage, rains, snow, or frequent storms, more often inspections are advised. After every extreme weather event like heavy rain or winds, check your gutters for any damage or accumulated debris. Also, keep an eye out for clogs, leaks, or visible damages. Use only a reputable service like Premier Gutter Protection in Long Island.
You Procrastinate Cleaning Your Gutters
Most homeowners delay gutter cleaning out of sheer laziness. Frequent postponements can increase the strain on your gutter systems. Accumulated debris including leaves, twigs, and dirt make solid masses, hindering the flow of the water. The chances of water overflow multiply. Most of the time, it is damaging your walls, foundations, or landscaping without you even knowing.
What Should You Do?
Make it a habit of cleaning your gutters at the start of every season. If you have trees at your home or nearby, check for debris accumulation more often. Always use proper tools like a ladder, scoops, leaf blower et cetera. Consider investing in a good quality, gentle-pressure garden hose to flush out particles. You can do simple cleaning yourself. But if you are afraid of heights or lack proper tools and safety gear, hire a professional.
You Ignore Downspouts
Some homeowners do clean their gutters, but they still tend to ignore downspouts that remain clogged. This doesn’t help as the problem isn’t resolved properly but just pushed a little further. Clogged downspouts don’t allow water to drain properly, hence causing overflows. It also results in the pooling of water around the foundation leading to irreversible damage.
What Should You Do?
Downspouts should always be free from obstructions. High-pressure water can clear the blockages most of the time. But, you can also use a plumber’s snake. Avoid the use of random things like sticks to unclog the downspouts.
Bonus Tip: During installation, make sure downspouts are extended 4-5 feet away from your home. This will help divert water more effectively.
You Neglect Gutter Repairs
Gutters are not self-sustaining systems. They require regular maintenance to function effectively. Cracks, rust, or loose sections may appear over time. Leaks are the most common. Repairs are paramount to tackle these. If repairs are neglected for long, these issues can lead to significant water damage. Additionally, prolonged repairs can damage the gutter system further, even making it irreparable in some cases.
What Should You Do?
Regular checks for wear and tear must be included in your gutter maintenance routine. Rust must not be allowed to expand and rusted portions be replaced at the earliest. Small cracks must be sealed using a good gutter sealant. You can also use waterproof caulking for leaks. Do double-checks for loosened screws. If the gutter system is severely damaged, you should get it replaced promptly by a reliable gutter protection service.
Faulty Gutter Slope
The slope of a gutter plays an oversized role in its efficiency. If the slope is not properly made, the whole purpose of the gutter system will fail. Sloping properly requires considerable expertise and DIYing or using amateur installers are unable to tackle it.
What Should You Do?
Only expert professionals can check if the slope is properly built or at the right angle. Commonly, a slope of ¼ inch for every 10 feet toward to downspout is recommended. The slope of your home will also depend on the landscape available.
You Fail to Install Gutter Guards
Some may suggest gutter guards are not essential but industry-best practices highlight their role as prominent in reducing debris buildup. Homeowners often fail to install them owing to multiple reasons, cost-cutting for some and negligence for others. But, in the long run, gutter guards can save you a lot in terms of maintenance.
What Should You Do?
Always install high-quality gutter guards. You can find multiple options like mesh guards, or reverse-curve systems among others. Consult your service provider to select the best one for your home.
You Choose the Wrong Gutter Material
Gutter systems are available in different materials including aluminum, copper, and steel with their unique pros and cons. Homeowners often fail to understand that they should only select the gutter material that is compatible with their environment.
What Should You Do?
You should always go for the material that best suits your area’s climate. While aluminum is lightweight and resists rust better than others, it is workable for most weather conditions. For more extreme weather conditions, steel is a better option. Prices of materials vary, so budget should also be kept in sight.
You Don’t Prepare for Winter
Consistent flow of water is the most common demand for an efficient gutter system in summer. While in winter, the problems become more challenging. Most homeowners fail to understand this seasonal variation and their required maintenance. Ice dams and frozen gutters are the biggest issues in winter and without dedicated maintenance, you are left with costly damages.
What Should You Do?
Before the start of winter, always clean your gutters thoroughly. Constant vigilance is necessary to remove snow from your roof. It will help ease the strain on your gutters. To prevent ice buildup inside the pipes, consider installing heating cables.
It is crucial to maintain a functioning and efficient gutter system to protect the structural integrity of your home. The above-mentioned mistakes are the most common homeowners make. So, by avoiding these and using the listed industry-best practices, you can protect your home along with saving money and time.
