It’s vital to clean gutters properly since leaves, sticks, and other debris can clog them, preventing their job of flushing water. The result is that water creeps under the roof and maybe into the foundation. In the winter, it can also cause ice dams. This is why it’s vital to clean gutters properly — learn why in today’s blog.
Rain Gutter Maintenance
To ensure your gutters stay clear of debris that can cause water damage, we recommend cleaning your gutters at least once a year, especially with overhanging trees or ones that have lost leaves from a major storm.
Regular maintenance enables you to check the health of your gutters. At some point, gutters will need repairing or replacing to help protect your home against water damage. However, first, clean your gutters, and then you can assess if there’s damage.
If you’ve never had your gutters cleaned before or cleaned them yourself, here is a step-by-step process.
How to Clean Gutters
Before you climb to the roof, ensure you have a good, sturdy, extendable ladder. Remember to position the ladder on a sturdy surface (watch out for landscaping rocks below that can shift). Consider using a ladder stabilizer for safety and for preventing damage to the gutters. Here are the rest of the steps to cleaning gutters.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt, work pants, and rubber gloves; cleaning gutters is a dirty job.
- Using a small, plastic scoop (available at a hardware store), scoop out all the junk collected in the gutters. You can also use a kitchen spatula, which won’t damage the gutters.
- Spread a tarp underneath your work area to collect all the junk from the gutter to protect your landscaping and lawn.
- After removing the debris, use a garden hose to flush the gutters and downspouts. Clear out any leftover debris. Doing so will show if there are any leaks. If you need to replace gutters, learn about installing new gutters.
- When gutters are clean, repair any sagging metal by mounting a gutter hanger.
That’s it! Gutter cleaning gets easier after a while and makes you feel great once done. Ensure you put it in your annual maintenance schedule.
Signs of Gutter Damage
Here are some signs to help you determine if your gutters need repair or replacement.
Cracks, Splits or Sagging
Small cracks can occur, which allows water to seep into the fascia boards behind the gutters. (the shingles above the gutter and the foundation below) Any split, cracked, or sagging gutters should be replaced.
Paint Damage and Rust
Peeling paint or rust indicates water is present on the surface of the gutters continuously. Check for clogs and remove debris to start the water flowing. Replace or touch up the paint on the damaged section.
Pools of water and mold
If you see standing water or mildew near the foundation, it means your gutters are clogged. There could also be a defect in the gutter system. Remove the clog, and if the problem persists, replace that section of gutter and downspout.
Water damage or watermarks
On a dry, sunny day, inspect directly beneath the gutters for any evidence of water damage. This could indicate they are leaking or overflowing with water. Look for any blockages in the area, and if there’s not any, it means the section has a crack or a leak that needs repairing or replaced.
Black Diamond Restoration Can Help
If you’re dealing with water damage from clogged gutters, contact us to restore your property to what it once was — even better. We offer emergency service when you need it, and service Salt Lake City and surrounding areas throughout Davis and Utah Counties.
