Proper Gutter Maintenance

The gutters and downspouts protect your home from potential water damage due to runoff. When the gutter pitch is right and the downspouts are clear, this process works smoothly. Without regular maintenance, however, your drainage system doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to work. This checklist can help you make sure you’re doing everything to keep it in good working order.

1. Clean Gutters
The simplest thing you can do to keep your gutters working is to clean them. This is especially important if you have a lot of trees. Twigs and leaves can block the passage of runoff, causing it to pool on your roof. Schedule regular professional cleaning, particularly during spring and summer.

2. Repair Leaks
Corrosion and cracks make your gutters leak. Even if the gutter pitch is the correct angle, a leak lets water escape and dribble down the walls and add to the groundwater around your foundation. Roofing professionals can inspect your gutters and make sure they are sealed against leaks. They can also replace any portion of the drainage system that is too corroded to repair.

3. Guard Trough
Another way to keep your drainage system working properly is to keep debris out of it in the first place. Technicians can install gutter guards or screens on top of the gutters to block them from entering the gutter. Another option is to have a strainer in the downspout. These guards make keeping your drainage system clear of debris. At the very least, blocking the debris with a screen makes it simpler to clean the system. Instead of unblocking the gutters or downspouts, technicians can just clean off the screens.

Precipitation that falls on the roof needs to have a place to go and a clear path to get there. Even if the gutter pitch is correct, clogged gutters and downspouts can trap water on your roof. Proper maintenance keeps this from happening.