For any home, gutters are a crucial part. Properly functioning and highly maintained gutters protect the structure as well as the integrity of your home. Moreover, properly working gutters increase the life of your home. Thus, it is crucial to conduct regular check-ups of the eaves and keep them well-maintained. Additionally, when the gutters are kept in good condition, you will need not invest in new gutters soon as their life will be extended.
Probing further, do you want to know how the life of the gutters can be increased? It is not at all difficult as all you have to ensure is that gutters are maintained properly and all the repairs are made timely. The following are the simple and important maintenance tips that you have to follow to increase the lifespan of your gutters.
- Clean the gutters – As time passes, the gutters fill up with debris and leaves. You may not consider it a problem, but debris can cause harmful damage such as warping and rusting. Further, clogged gutters can cause damage to the foundation of your home, and also the water can seep into your house.
You may find the gutter cleaning task messy but cleaning the gutters at least twice a year can increase their longevity. Also, it is highly recommended to clean them after a storm and fall season.
- Trim the trees near the gutters – Trees that are just above the gutters or are near them are the most common cause of gutter damage. It is because the branches knock against the gutters in a strong wind and cause cracks and dents. Moreover, you have to clean the gutters more often if they have trees right above them. Otherwise, the leaves will accumulate in them, causing further issues. Thus, it is good to trim the trees to avoid any trouble with your gutters.
- Repair cracks and damages on time – Over time, the gutters may get cracks and dents. This can be harmful as the water can flow towards your home instead of moving away. The problem will get intense with time if gutters are not repaired immediately. You may have to face issues like mold growth, leaks, and the water may enter your basement.
Also, you have to expend more money on repairs and replacements of the damaged parts of your home. So, it is advised to hire a gutter repair company the moment you notice any damage. This will save you from costly replacements in the future.
- Get gutter guards installed – If you don’t have gutter guards installed over your gutters, then get them installed right away. Gutter guards can either be mesh screens or solid covers, and you can get any of them installed depending on your needs. They are extremely beneficial as they don’t let debris to get accumulated inside the gutters. All the rubbish stays above them and doesn’t get inside your gutters. Thus, the need to clean the gutters is reduced to a great extent.
