How To Maintain Your Gutters at Home: A Guide
Analysts expect the gutter repair industry to be worth $9.3 billion in 2026. You can attribute this increase in demand to several factors, including the fact that gutters are no longer just a safety feature. They have become an important part of your home’s curb appeal and overall value.
When you maintain your gutters, you can protect your home from water damage and make sure that your roof lasts longer. If you want to keep your gutters in good condition, here are some tips for proper gutter maintenance.
Cleaning
To clean your gutters with a gutter sanitation attachment, connect the hose and nozzle to the end of the extension wand. Make sure that you’re using the correct size for your gutter to avoid damage.
Next, extend it all the way out and turn on the water flow. Let it run for about 5 minutes or until there is no more debris. After this, rinse your gutters with a hose or pressure washer.
Gutter Inspection
When you’re inspecting your gutters, look for loose or missing nails. You should also keep an eye out for pieces of the gutter that are broken. You’ll have to look closely to see small cracks, so get on a ladder and inspect your gutters carefully.
Check the seams between pieces that don’t match up perfectly, as this is where water can leak out from. Use a water-resistant sealant on the seams and any areas where you see cracks. If you find enormous gaps between your gutter and roof, you’ll need to install flashing to ensure water doesn’t get inside your home.
If you find a hole in your gutters, use sheet metal to cover it. Secure the metal by spreading roofing cement around its edges. Once it’s dry, spread an extra layer of cement over the patch for added security.
Downspout Cleaning
Remove leaves and other debris from the downspouts on a regular basis. You should clean your downspouts more often in the fall because that’s when leaves pile up there.
If too many leaves collect in your gutters, the rainwater won’t be able to drain and could overflow. This can cause water damage in your home and lead to leaks.
Soil Inspection
Tree root systems and erosion can cause wear and tear on your gutters. If the soil around your gutters is loose, it could get pushed into the gutter and cause clogs. Use mulch to weigh down the soil so it doesn’t move.
Also, be sure that there aren’t any fallen branches or other objects in the gutter system that could interfere with drainage.
Gutter Guards
Gutter guards prevent debris from entering your rain gutters, reducing the need for cleaning. This will save you time and money in the long run.
You can install gutter guards on any gutter system. They work best with seamless gutters, like the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System, for example. They’re an especially good choice for those who live in areas with high winds or heavy rainstorms.
Secure Gutters
The primary cause of gutters coming loose is the accumulation of weight from debris and water. To secure your gutters, use brackets and screws that are designed for the type of gutter you have.
Screws should be long enough to penetrate both the gutter and the woodwork behind it.
Downspout Extensions
Downspout extensions are another way to keep rain from building up in your gutters. You can add these extensions to the bottom of each downspout. They will direct water away from your home.
By preventing water buildup, these extensions also deter the growth of mold and mildew in your gutter system. Moldy gutters are a haven for insects such as ants, termites, roaches, and mosquitoes. Mold and mildew can also damage your gutters, causing them to leak.
Downspout extensions are easy to install, and you can purchase them at any hardware store. If you’re not sure how to place them, ask a contractor in your area for help. They may have a few recommendations on where to put them so they work best with the natural flow of water around your home.
Roof Inspection
If hiring a professional isn’t an option, use a drone to look at your gutters from above. You can also purchase a telescope with a camera attachment. If there are any large holes or missing sections, you’ll be able to see them in an instant and take the steps to repair them.
Rusty Gutters
Rusty gutters are a safety hazard, as they’re more likely to fall off the house. Gutters can damage cars and even harm your family when they fall. You must uninstall rusty gutters and replace them with new ones.
If the gutters have a small amount of rust that doesn’t compromise their function, you can leave them alone. However, if the rust has eaten through the metal, it’s time for a new set of gutters.
Note that if you have galvanized gutters, they’re not likely to rust unless there’s a problem with the roofing material beneath them.
Maintain Your Gutters at Home
Gutters that are in good condition make your home less susceptible to water damage. The best way to maintain your gutters is by cleaning them regularly.
When you notice serious damage or rusting, it’s time to replace the gutters. If there’s minor damage, you may be able to fix it using a metal sheet and some cement.
More maintenance tips are in our cleaning and maintenance section. Explore a few of those articles to learn more about how to keep your home in good shape.
