our home is your pride and joy. You spend hours on your grass,
weeding your lawn, and maintaining the interior of your home. You fork out the big bucks to keep your roof fully functional. But what about your gutters? Failure to properly care for them can actually lead to expensive problems down the road. The good news is that proper maintenance is not that difficult, if you know what to do.
Most gutters are plastic, so this makes them not only low cost to install, but also easy to maintain over time. Since they do not contain any metal or alloys, these gutters take little effort to keep in service, because they will not rust or oxidize.
One of the most common problems with a plastic gutter system is the problem of cracks or breaks. Extremes in temperatures, going from very hot in the summer to very cold in the winter, can cause the plastic to expand and contract. Over time, this can create a crack. This can easily be fixed with a sealant or glue, provided you take the time to inspect your system and locate these potential problems. When you see a crack or break, seal it quickly before it can grow.
You will need to regularly clean out your gutters, because dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate in them. If they are not cleaned out, they cannot siphon the water away from your home, and you will be in danger of having your roof leak due to water collecting where it should not be.
You should clean these systems twice per year, in the spring and fall if possible. Get up on your roof and scoop out the debris, or use a power washer to flush it out. While you are up there, inspect the system for any cracks or breaks. If you use metal screws to attach the gutter system, inspect them for rust. If the downspout becomes clogged with debris, you can use a plumbing snake to get inside and dislodge the debris, then flush the downspout with water.
Sometimes, you can make the job of cleaning your gutters easier by installing a gutter shield. This is a grate you set on top to prevent large pieces of debris from getting inside. You will still need to clean your gutters occasionally because of built up dirt or other small debris, but the task will be far less difficult. These contraptions will also prevent animals from building nests inside your system.
If you are cleaning your gutters on your own, use the right tools to keep yourself safe and make the project go quickly. You will need a safe ladder, gloves, a shovel or another digging tool for debris, safety glasses, a garden hose, and a can or trash bag tied to your ladder to put the debris in. Work with a partner to help prevent falls and other accidents. Make sure you have everything carefully placed within arms’ reach so you are not stretching and reaching while on a ladder. Keeping safety in mind at all times will make cleaning your gutters far less of a hazard.
