It’s that time of year when heavy rains of spring will have water flowing through your gutters.
That’s why it’s important to clean and check your gutters each spring to make sure your gutters are working properly before you have a problem with failing gutters and water damage. Gutters that are blocked or damaged fail to perform their important function of safely diverting water away from your house. They can cause rot on your roof’s fascia, displace shingles, and allow water to pool around your home’s foundation. All of this can be prevented with some regular spring maintenance.
First, clean your gutters
Gutter maintenance begins with regularly cleaning out leaves, twigs and other debris that comes to block your gutters. Cleaning out your gutters allows water to flow freely and direct water properly away from your home. Generally, your gutters should be cleaned at least twice per year, once in the fall and once in the spring. They may require less cleaning if your home is surrounded by few trees, and they could need to be cleaned as often as weekly in the fall if your home is surrounded by lots of trees.
As you clean your gutters, check for holes in your gutter, loose rivets, and gaps in gutter connections. If you notice any of these problems, you will want to make sure they get repaired as quickly as possible to keep your gutters working properly. You’ll also want to look for areas of standing water, as that indicates that gutters may not be properly sloped.
Next, check your gutters for leaks
When you know your gutters are free of debris and blockages, the gutters should be checked for any leaks. It’s best to do this while it is raining. When it rains, grab a flashlight and walk the perimeter of your home. Look for areas where water is leaking from the gutters or pouring over the edges of the gutters. You also will want to check for sagging gutters, a sign that gutters are loose or retaining water rather than letting it flow through. Use your flashlight to check corners and behind bushes, anywhere that it is difficult to see gutters leaking or water pooling.
If you don’t want to wait for the rain, you can check your gutters after you clean them. Climb a ladder and place a hose your gutter. Walk around your home and perform your gutter check. Move the hose as you go so you know that all portions of your gutters have been adequately checked.
Fix any gutter leaks
If you notice any problems with your gutters, whether it’s standing water, leaks or sagging gutters, make sure to address them immediately. Neglecting gutter leaks can cost you expensive and complicated repairs. If you notice problems with your gutters, call Gutterman of TN today and let us help you solve them!