3 Tips for Keeping Your Gutters in Top Shape
Gutters are often overlooked when it comes to home design and construction. however, that can be a big mistake. They play an important role in channeling rainwater and snowmelt off the roof and away from your foundation. Without them, you may find excess moisture in basements and crawlspaces or, worse, damage to your foundation. These three tips can help you keep your home’s gutters in top working order.
1. Clean Them Regularly
There aren’t very many people around who actually enjoy cleaning their gutters, but disliking a task doesn’t mean you can skip it. Routine cleaning and maintenance can help you keep these vital components in top shape. It can also help you spot potential problems early and potentially avoid damage to your home’s roof or facia.
If you simply can’t stand the thought of reaching into the gutter and pulling out a fistful of wet, soggy leaves, consider installing one of the available gutter protection systems Seattle. These help keep leaves and debris out so you can skip manual cleaning.
2. Check for Loose Gutters
In addition to keeping them clean, you also want to ensure that gutters are firmly attached to the house. There are plenty of things that end up in the gutter that can cause them to pull away from the house: Heavy sticks, ice, snow, roof grit and wet leaves are just a few of the most common culprits.
Do a quick walk around and see if any of the gutters appear loose. If they are, consider hiring a contractor to check for underlying problems and reattach them as needed.
3. Ensure Drains Divert Away From the Foundation
One of the main roles gutters play is to divert water away from your foundation. However, if downspouts simply end, that may not be happening. Adding splash blocks can help keep water from pooling at the downspout’s base. If your landscape doesn’t slop away from the foundation, you may want to consider underground pipes or a french drain to channel water to a safer area.
Cleaning your gutters is important to keep them in good condition. They should also be inspected regularly to ensure they are firmly attached and diverting water away from the house.
Gutters are often overlooked when it comes to home design and construction. however, that can be a big mistake. They play an important role in channeling rainwater and snowmelt off the roof and away from your foundation. Without them, you may find excess moisture in basements and crawlspaces or, worse, damage to your foundation. These three tips can help you keep your home’s gutters in top working order.
1. Clean Them Regularly
There aren’t very many people around who actually enjoy cleaning their gutters, but disliking a task doesn’t mean you can skip it. Routine cleaning and maintenance can help you keep these vital components in top shape. It can also help you spot potential problems early and potentially avoid damage to your home’s roof or facia.
If you simply can’t stand the thought of reaching into the gutter and pulling out a fistful of wet, soggy leaves, consider installing one of the available gutter protection systems Seattle. These help keep leaves and debris out so you can skip manual cleaning.
2. Check for Loose Gutters
In addition to keeping them clean, you also want to ensure that gutters are firmly attached to the house. There are plenty of things that end up in the gutter that can cause them to pull away from the house: Heavy sticks, ice, snow, roof grit and wet leaves are just a few of the most common culprits.
Do a quick walk around and see if any of the gutters appear loose. If they are, consider hiring a contractor to check for underlying problems and reattach them as needed.
3. Ensure Drains Divert Away From the Foundation
One of the main roles gutters play is to divert water away from your foundation. However, if downspouts simply end, that may not be happening. Adding splash blocks can help keep water from pooling at the downspout’s base. If your landscape doesn’t slop away from the foundation, you may want to consider underground pipes or a french drain to channel water to a safer area.
Cleaning your gutters is important to keep them in good condition. They should also be inspected regularly to ensure they are firmly attached and diverting water away from the house.
