To avoid any major repairs, homeowners need to keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning of their home gutter system. Clogged gutters can lead to cracked wall foundations, basement leaks, moisture damage to the siding and roof. Here we have compiled a few tips for repair and maintenance of your residential rain gutter so that you can keep your home safe from any damage.
Tip# 1- Safety
For repairing or maintaining your residential gutter always maintain a ‘safety first’ approach. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You need to have heavy work gloves to prevent injuries as you clear the debris. It is always a great idea to wear non-slip shoes and if possible have someone around who can hold the ladder for you. The best thing to do is to hire the services of professional roofers.
Tip#2 – Regularly clean and inspect gutters
Cleaning and inspecting the rain gutter regularly- at least twice a year especially during spring and just before the onset of winter, it will help increase the lifespan of your gutter system. To remove the goop and debris you can use a scoop or your hands. When you are done, flush out the rain gutter with a hose to make sure that water is drained properly.
Tip#3- Inspect gutter for rust, holes, leaks, and corroded joints
Once you have cleaned the gutters, and the downspouts are clear after running water through a hose it’s time to inspect the gutter for any leaks, holes, or rust. You will most likely find these at the gutter joints. You can get gutter patching kits from your local hardware store and you will also need to apply sealant and/or want to caulk the weak or corroded joints. Also look at the areas where the gutter framework has detached from the siding or roof, in that case, it needs to be reattached.
If you find your rain gutter exceptionally dented or rusty or generally dilapidated, it’s best to get them replaced by a roofing company. Go for aluminum or vinyl gutters as they do not get rusted.
Tip#4- Check your downspouts and rivets
Do check the downspouts for leaks, rust, and clogging and ensure that they extend a few feet away from your home. If required, you can add downspout extenders to ensure that the water is not draining too close to the foundation.
Rivets get loose or drop out completely, you will need a rivet gun to secure them anew.
Tip#5 Clear your roof
Safety first! Do not step on the roof when it is icy or wet or when there are strong winds. When the conditions are ideal clear your roof from debris and leaves so the next rainfall doesn’t drag them into your rain gutter and clog them.
Let us do the work for you
If it is difficult for you to take out time from your busy schedule get a professional rain gutter cleaning service from Allegiant Roofing. Our rain gutter technicians can provide effective rain gutter solutions at affordable prices. Schedule an inspection online here or call us at (937) 907-0009/
(513) 633-5321
