In Minnesota, it is important to have gutters on your home because spring, summer, and fall can often bring a lot of rain and moisture. Gutters are important because they collect water from your roof and redirect it to an appropriate area away from your home. Gutters help prevent water from running towards your foundation and causing leaking or flooding. Gutters also protect things like siding, windows, and roofing systems from water damage. With all of that being said, the only way gutters can perform their job properly is if they are kept free of debris and properly maintained. How do you properly maintain your gutters to make sure they are working to their full potential? Here are a few things you can do:
Keep Your Gutters Clear of Debris
After a season of rain, a lot of debris can be pulled into your gutters by water and gravity. Things like leaves, sticks, and granules from your shingles, are just a few things that can be pulled into your gutters and clog them. After a while, these things begin to accumulate in your gutters and clog the downspout holes. When this happens the water begins to back up in your gutters because it has nowhere to exit. The gutters then begin to fill with water until they start spilling out of the gutters as if you didn’t have gutters in the first place. In order to prevent this from happening, you should have your gutters cleaned out once a year.
Make Sure the Seals in Your Gutters are Solid
Your gutters will have sealant on things like your end caps or downspout holes. The sealant helps seal the seams to make sure the water is directed properly. After a time, the sealant can begin to degrade and get worn down from either rain or the sun. When it starts to wear down, it can leave those areas susceptible to leaking. By taking a look at the seals when you have your gutters cleaned, you can prevent any issues with the seals leaking.
Have Debris Guards Installed on Your Gutters
Debris guards can come in different forms. No matter what type you choose, these guards can help prevent debris from getting in your gutters in the first place. This not only prevents debris but can eliminate having to clean your gutters every single year.
Make Sure Downspouts and Extensions are Properly Placed
This final step is simple but very important. Having the downspouts and extensions in the proper places can be the difference in keeping water out of your home. If a downspout is improperly installed, the water comes out of the downspout and runs back to your home’s foundation, which defeats the purpose of the gutters in the first place. Your downspouts and extensions should be placed so that the water leaves the extension and runs away from your home.
If you have any more questions about gutters or protecting your home’s exterior, give us a call or contact us today!
