The Importance of Clean Gutters

You might not be in the habit of giving your gutters a lot of thought, but the truth is, they matter quite a lot for the good of your home. You can know your gutters are doing their job when you clean them and help prevent further debris from getting caught in them.

A neglected gutter can lead to water damage from overflow, which can lead to exterior damage as well as potential leaks into the house. Here’s how to get the most from your gutters:

Prevent as much as possible. There are two ways to do this: one is to keep your trees properly trimmed and pruned where necessary, and the other is to invest in a quality gutter guard .

Most often, gutters are clogged by pine needles, leaves, and seeds, though the occasional stray ball or carelessly tossed plastic bag could cause serious issues, as well.

You can prevent some of this with gutter guards, protective gutter coverings that allow water to flow freely but block larger items from getting caught in the gutter, allowing the water to move more freely and reducing the frequency of slow water and clogged gutters.

To get the best value from your gutter guards, have them installed professionally and make sure it’s a quality gutter guard.

Clean during the year. Once or twice a year, take a look in your gutters (or hire a professional!) and clean out debris as needed. Fall is a great time to check as leaves begin to collect on the ground, the roof, and of course, in the gutters!

If you plan on cleaning your gutters, use a sturdy ladder, gloves, a trowel, and a hose. Use work gloves and a trowel to remove large debris, then spray a strong stream of water from the hose into the gutter to flush out anything that remains.

Taking these steps will keep your gutters working beautifully and prevent damage to your home.