Gutter Maintenance: A Short Guide to Gutter Care & Inspections

Posted by Lauren Schneider on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 at 8:25am.

Professional and DIY Gutter MaintenanceA house's gutters are not its most prominent features, but they are important all the same. Well-maintained, good-looking gutters increase curb appeal. Additionally, gutters play a vital role in protecting the home from costly water damage. Luckily, regular maintenance and care go a long way toward ensuring that these features continue to do their job.

Maintenance for the Homeowner

There are a few regular jobs the homeowner should do to keep their gutters functioning well and extend their useful life. Cleaning is the most obvious. Gutters can get clogged with leaves, small branches, and other debris, which can cause water to back up. By cleaning at least twice a year, homeowners can ensure that water flows smoothly. In most cases, this is a job that a homeowner can do on their own with the assistance of a sturdy ladder. However, for extremely high gutters or gutters positioned above uneven ground, a professional's assistance may be necessary.

A visual inspection of the gutters should be performed a few times a year. This can usually be done from the ground by circling the house and keeping an eye out for issues. Common gutter problems can include:

  • Splitting
  • Sagging
  • Cracking
  • Signs of water damage
  • Peeling paint

If any of these indicators are present, it's time to talk to a professional about gutter repair. Gutter repair should be taken on sooner rather than later. The longer issues with gutters are allowed to remain, the higher the chances of damage to the home. Think carefully before deferring maintenance.

Professional Gutter Care

In addition to the DIY gutter maintenance that keeps this feature in good shape, professionals should be called out to take care of certain tasks.

As mentioned earlier, gutters should be repaired when signs of damage are noted. If the damage is caught early and is only in a limited area, gutter repair is a viable solution. However, when problems cover significant sections of the gutters, full replacement may be the better solution.

By checking the gutters for issues regularly, homeowners can catch problems early and prevent issues from leading to serious water damage to the house itself. Those who are concerned about possible issues with their gutters should talk to a professional to get recommendations.

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