Using eavestroughs and downpipes is a great way to prevent water damage to the exterior of your home, but it's important that you take proper care of
Using eavestroughs and downpipes is a great way to prevent water damage to the exterior of your home, but it’s important that you take proper care of them. If you don’t, you could find yourself paying more than necessary for repairs or replacements. This article will provide 5 tips on eavestrough and gutter maintenance so that they last as long as possible.
1. Remove leaves and debris from gutters
Over time, leaves may begin to clog eavestroughs and downpipes, causing water damage to the surrounding area of your home. It’s best if you clean out them before this happens; however, if you’ve missed some leaves, it’s essential to remove them as soon as possible. Use a rake and ladder if you can’t reach them from the ground, or hire a professional eavestrough cleaning service for assistance.
2. Inspect eavestroughs regularly for damage
It is important that you inspect eavestroughs regularly for signs of rust, dents (caused by falling debris), holes (from rodents, such as squirrels and raccoons), or any other type of damage that may cause eavestrough leaks. If you notice any forms of damage, contact a professional repair service right away so they can help fix the issue before it causes more problems.
3. Add eavestrough guards to prevent damage
Some eavestroughs and downpipes come equipped with guards, which is a great way to prevent damage. Guards can be made from many different materials, such as metal mesh and solid aluminum, but there are also eavestrough and gutter covers you can purchase that will provide the same protection.
4. Use leaf-free solutions during fall
When leaves fall from trees in your yard, it may look attractive when they land in eavestroughs; however, when this happens on a regular basis throughout the season, they add up. This excess weight may cause them to sag and to crack. Instead of allowing eavestroughs filled with leaves, consider applying leaf-free solutions during fall. This will keep eavestroughs and downpipes clear all season and prevent damage from excess weight and falling debris.
5. Keep gutters clean
Finally, remember that clogged gutters are more likely to cause leaks than clean ones are. If you have trees in your yard that drop lots of leaves, consider investing in a gutter cleaning service that offers the “rappel” method of cleaning. It is essential they are cleared out at least twice per year so they function properly throughout the entire season.
There are a lot of damages that can be caused by clogged gutters. You have to keep your house’s gutter in a good condition to mitigate them. However, you can always reach out to a professional to keep your mind in peace.
