A well-maintained gutter system is essential to every home, especially in a place like Canada, which experiences cold and rainy weather. The average cost of gutter installation is approximately $850 to $3000, and not maintaining your gutters can lead you to incur it repeatedly. Keeping your gutter system functional should be one of your most important home maintenance priorities.
Gutters that have been regularly maintained will ensure that your home is safe from water accumulation and seepage that can lead to mold formation and pests. You’ll be preventing seasonal clogging and leaking. Regular clean-ups and maintenance will also prevent any small problems in your gutter system from intensifying to irrecoverable damage to your home. If you think you can fix your gutter system yourself, here are some considerations:
Ensure Your Safety
It is essential to ensure your safety before you begin cleaning or repairing your gutter system: stock up on your safety equipment, like a pair of heavy work gloves, safety goggles, and non-slippery shoes. Goggles will help protect your eyes from sun and debris, and leather or suede gloves protect your hands from germs, preventing infections and diseases.
You may also need a tall ladder and another person to hold the ladder. When using it, be sure that your hips are positioned in a way that they lie in between the rails of your ladder. It is important to refrain from leaning on the sides to stay safe. Hire the services of professional roofers if you do not have adequate equipment or expertise.
Do Regular Cleaning
Clean your gutter system regularly to increase its lifespan and avoid repair or replacement costs. A general rule is to inspect and clean your gutter system at least twice a year during the autumn and spring seasons. Depending on the weather changes and your area, you may need to do it more often. The more rain you get, the more frequent you need to clean your gutters.
Use gloves and a plastic shovel to help remove the debris from the gutter. You can also use a garden hose and combine it with a spray nozzle, which can allow you to wash the channel and drain any remaining dirt or debris.
Clean Up Your Roof
Gutter clogging often results from leaves and debris on your roof that rain drags down. Scale the roof on clear days and rake any leaves, dirt, or debris. Make sure you don’t take any such risk when it is snowing. When cleaning up your roof, it is also essential to be well-equipped with the right gear, like ladders and gloves. If you do not have adequate equipment or if you are afraid of ladders or height, we advise you to seek professional help from gutter repair experts to prevent risks of accidents or injuries.
Check for Rust Formation and Leakages
You need to inspect your gutter systems for signs of damage. Look out for rust and leaks. If you happen to spot any holes, you can use a high-quality metal flashing kit or a gutter patching kit to patch the holes. You can find these at any local hardware store or online.
Checking the gutter joints is also crucial, and if you find them leaking, seal them through caulking or applying a high-quality sealant. Make sure to inspect your downspouts regularly for holes. You can also install downspout extenders to ensure that the draining water is not too close to your home’s foundation.
If you find signs of rust in your gutter system, consider getting a new gutter system altogether. We recommend choosing a quality gutter made of sturdy and rust-proof material like aluminum, copper, or vinyl. Replace it with the help of professional companies like leafguard.ca.
Install Gutter Covers or Guards
Cleaning out the preset debris is essential, but it’s also necessary to prevent further debris from entering the gutter pipes in the first place. Install high-quality gutter guards to avoid clogging your pipes caused by debris, mold, or leaves. Roof gutter guards will ensure that most of the debris is kept out of the gutters so that water can flow freely.
If your home is located in an area surrounded by tall buildings or tall trees, go for good quality gutter cover. A gutter cover sits on top of your gutter system, prevents clogging, and protects your entire drainage system altogether.
Replace Broken Fasteners
Most gutters, especially in Canada, are constantly challenged with harsh weather conditions like hailstorms, heavy rain, snow, and dust storms. Fasteners ensure that your gutter system can handle these additional stressors and work correctly even amidst harsh natural elements. It is essential to inspect the fasteners during your maintenance and fix or replace any broken ones immediately. If you find broken ones, we recommend you get your gutters professionally inspected.
Eliminate Pests and Rodents
If your gutter system has not been regularly cleaned or has gone through some clogging recently, it could be infested with pests and small animals. Pests can cause or intensify the clogging problem in your gutter and potentially infect your home.
If your gutter has rodents, they might attract snakes, which can put your loved ones in danger. A drain that has been clogged will have water collected in it, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and put your family at risk of dengue or malaria. If you find yourself dealing with such problems, it is highly advised to seek help from pest control experts in your locality.
We also recommend sanitizing the area near the gutter or using pest control medicine to stay safe. This is especially essential if you have found any pests in your drain. Chances are they may have already found a way into your home and infected corners and hidden spaces.
Endnote
Gutter maintenance is often one of the most overlooked parts of keeping your home well-maintained. Foregoing it can lead to clogging, debris formation, pests, and rust. It is also essential to clean up your roof regularly to avoid leaves or debris from getting into your gutter system and install gutter guards or gutter covers before the seasonal change. Call pest control if you find your gutter infested, and ensure that you get your home inspected and sanitized as well. If your gutter is damaged beyond repair, it is better to upgrade your gutter system by replacing it with a high-quality one.
