Your
gutters keep excess water away from your roof and catch debris that might otherwise clutter your grounds. Do not make the mistake of thinking that gutters will clean out on their own because they won't, no matter how strong the rains are. Here are some important gutter maintenance tips you can use to ensure that your gutters continue to do their job for many years.
The best way to maintain your gutters is to clean it regularly. If your
gutters catch dead leaves, twigs and branches, perform clean ups about three to four times a year. If your gutters catch mainly rainwater, clean it out twice a year.
Perform visual checkups in spring, summer, fall and winter. If there are any problems, you could easily spot and correct them right away.
Debris such as leaves and other sludge can gradually destroy your gutters without your knowing it.If your gutters are filled with debris, wear a pair of protective gloves and pull the debris out. If the material is stuck or encrusted, use a brush or a gardener's trowel to loosen the sludge. You can then hose down the gutters to clean them out completely.
Check for
clogged gutter guards and drain pipes as well. They will be less efficient in collecting and guiding water if they remain blocked.
Gutters keep rain water away from the walls of your house and guide them away from your foundation. Inspect the length of the gutters for any rusted areas, holes, dents and scratches. Rust will eat away at the metal; over time, it will lead to holes, which will render your gutters ineffective in keeping water and debris away.
After a storm, check your gutters for any tears or damage. If there are loose portions, secure them into place. Don't wait until the damage worsens before fixing your gutters. By then, it would be too late to save what you have and you will spend more on repairs.