The Gutter Guide
Gutters are an essential part of your homes drainage system. Keeping up with cleaning and maintenance can save you time, energy, and money. Gutters are meant to last, here are some of the steps you can take to extend the life of your gutter system.
Clean
For some, taking on the challenge of cleaning the gutters comes painless. If you’re not one for heights and have a lot of ground to cover, hiring someone might be the best option for you.
- Having clean gutters is key to proper water drainage.
- Keeping moisture away from your house, garage, or shed will protect the foundation from decay, flooding, and mold.
- Clogged gutters can push water under shingles, through cracks and other undesirable areas which could leak into your home. Cleaning these pathways is critical to diverting water and preserving your home.
Secure
Choosing the right hanging system depends on the style and type of gutter on your home. Spacing each hanger every 24 inches offers the best support possible to ensure safety and security of your gutters.
- Spikes and gutter screws secure downspouts and longer segments into the roof and siding material. Making sure these are fastened tightly and are not decaying will prevent your gutters from falling, leaning, and breaking.
Seal
Leaks and cracks are bound to happen in harsh weather conditions, therefore repairing these imperfections as they arise can prevent severe damage in the long run.
- Check leaks by using a hose to spray into the downspout to indicate where problems occur.
- Proper sealant selection is crucial, selecting between silicone, PVC cement, or rubber is determined by the gutter system you have already installed, color, and preference.
