Your rain gutters are an essential piece of your home as they work to keep water away from your exterior walls and foundation. Missing, cracked, or even clogged gutters can lead to water damage down the exterior walls of your home. With poorly maintained gutters there is always a risk of water damage from improper runoff. To avoid these problems, it is best to inspect and maintain your gutters regularly.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Homeowners should regularly clean their gutters every few months in order to ensure rainwater can flow freely away from your home. Effectively cleaning your gutters means getting on a ladder and using a gutter trowel to scoop the leaves and debris out. Once all the debris is out, use a hose to flush the gutters and test water flow. If you do not feel comfortable getting on a ladder to clean your gutters, reach out to Pro Exteriors to come check on them. We will be more than happy to help!
Inspect Your Downspout for Clogs
In addition to cleaning your clogged gutters, it is recommended to be inspecting your downspouts as well. When your downspouts are clogged with leaves, dirty, and other debris, the water has no place to go. This can result in water backing-up and spilling over the sides during a rainstorm. If you can not see into your downspouts, you can use a garden hose with a pressure nozzle to test the flow and clear out any clogs.
Preform Needed Maintenance
Regular walk around your home and visually inspect your gutters. Do you see any signs of rust or corrosion? Are your gutters dropping? Do you see any cracks? If there are cracks, holes or gaps present you may be able to seal the leaks. However if the damages appear to be extensive you may have to call a professional for a gutter repair or replacement.
Install Gutter Guards to Protect Your Gutters From Debris
Gutter guards help when it comes to minimizing the need to clean your gutters. These devices fit over or inside your gutters and are designed to prevent leaves, twigs, and other items from falling into your gutters. WIth gutter guards installed, all you have to do is brush the leaves and debris off the guards. There is no need to scoop and rinse the inside of the gutter.
Consider Installing Downspout Extensions
Many downspouts only contain splash blocks, which catch and funnel the water a couple of feet from your home. These devices can be displaced by heavy water which means if you do not regularly check them and reposition them, water could pool around your foundation. Instead of dealing with that, consider installing downspout extensions. These are flexible tubes that can be attached to your existing downspouts and placed so that the water flows away from your home and its foundation.
Get Your Gutters Inspected with Pro Exterior!
Pro Exteriors understands the importance of your home’s gutters. From inspection or a replacement we have you covered! Get in direct contact with our team by calling us at 302-664-1700 or by filling out a contact form on our website!
