Your gutters will always be exposed to harsh or extreme weather conditions, but what can you do to prevent gutter damage? Gutters have an important job in every home, collecting rainwater off the roof and redirecting the water away from your house and its foundation. Regular maintenance and repairs to your gutter system are the best way to avoid extensive damage.
When gutters fail, they can cause damage to your fascia, interior walls, and ceilings, or siding due to water backing up under the roof edge. Here are steps to follow to prevent gutter damage and prolong the overall lifespan of your gutters.
Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts
You’ve probably dealt with gutter system blockages at some point. But how are they caused? Blockages are caused by the accumulation of leaves, pine needles, and other debris and can cause the backing up of rainwater under the roof edge. The water then splashes against the home’s exterior, seeping into the eaves, which can cause significant damage.
The simplest preventive measure against gutter clogs and damage is to learn how to keep your gutters clean or call a professional for maintenance. Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly, and cut back overhanging branches to avoid debris buildup.
Ensure your gutters are sturdy
Make sure the brackets that attach your gutters along the roofline are sturdy. Keeping the brackets intact will help prevent the occasional hailstorm from loosening or knocking the gutters out of line. It’s also important to regularly check for any damage to your brackets and consider replacing them immediately if you spot any damage.
Consider installing a gutter guard system
Gutter guards help to protect the gutter system from buildup and congestion of leaves and debris that can block the gutter. The guard protects the gutter by filtering out or shedding off the debris that comes along with rainwater, and allowing rainwater into the system to drain.
Climbing a ladder to clean the gutter can be dangerous. That’s why we recommend you avoid the need for frequent cleaning of your gutters by investing in a gutter guard. Consider installing guards that are accompanied by sturdy hangers that will help reinforce and strengthen your gutter system, and not damage or weaken it.
Replace your old gutters with a durable gutter system
How can you prevent gutter damage? The best solution is to install a gutter system that has durable material— one that is almost impervious to harsh weather conditions. When choosing a gutter system, consider a gutter that is free-floating, seamless, and utilizes a bracket for attachment. A gutter that uses screws or spikes for attachment will make your home vulnerable to molds, rot, and leaks.
Lastly, it’s wise to reach out to a professional to help you with your gutter system installation. For any help or inquiries about gutters, experts from Midwest Roof & Solar will be glad to come to your aid. Our experts are highly experienced with gutter repairs and installations in addition to roof and solar needs.
Contact a gutter expert!
Are your gutters in poor condition or not strong enough to withstand the heavy rain flow? It’s worth having them replaced to avoid significant damage to your home. Whether you need gutter replacement or repairs, look no further! Midwest Roof & Solar is based in Minneapolis, and we service homes all around the Twin Cities. Stop worrying about your gutters getting damaged and contact us today!
