Installing gutters in your home will cost you around $850. From this, you can see that gutter installation is one of the cheapest home improvement projects. However, failing to keep your gutters in good condition will force you to spend more money repairing them. Therefore, ensuring that your gutters remain in good condition should be one of your top priorities. 

Besides, keeping your gutters in good condition will not only ensure that your home is safe during heavy rainfall and storms, but it will also prevent other issues like pest and mold growth, as well as foundation problems. So to avoid major gutter repair Randolph County, you must clean and maintain your gutters regularly. 

With that, let’s look at some of the frequently asked questions that will help you keep your gutters in good condition. 

How do I know it’s the right time to clean my gutters?

You will know that you should clean your gutters when you notice that twigs, leaves, dirt, and other debris have started to build up on your gutter system. It’s recommended that you schedule gutter cleaning twice a year—during the spring and fall seasons to ensure that the accumulation of debris doesn’t add too much weight to your gutters. Please note that excessive weight on your gutters can cause the gutter fasteners to pull away from the fascia boards, and this will lead to a bigger problem. 

Why should I clean my gutters?

Cleaning your gutters regularly ensures that there’s no debris to put extra pressure on your gutter system. Besides, it ensures that your gutters stay clear, meaning they will efficiently direct water from your roof. Please note that clogged gutters are the major causes of basement leaks, moisture damage to your home, foundation problems, as well as mold and mildew growth. Therefore, keeping your gutters clean has additional benefits other than directing water away from your home. 

What’s the right way to clean my gutters?

If you notice that your gutters are clogged with debris, you will need to manually clean the gutters. Mostly, this will be a simple job, so long as you have a ladder, hose, and safety gloves. However, cleaning gutters can be a difficult job for people with multi-story homes, particularly homes with complicated designs. Always make sure that you use a safe and strong ladder when cleaning gutters for your own safety. 

Is it possible to prevent my gutters from being clogged?

One of the best ways to prevent debris from accumulating from your gutters is by installing gutter guards. And, although this might cost you extra money, gutter guards are very effective and will reduce the upkeep and protect your gutters. Thus, they will save you money in the long run. If you don’t have gutter guards installed, consider getting them as soon as you can. Besides, ensure that you trim the trees surrounding your home, particularly the ones with overhanging branches over your roof. This will minimize the chances of debris accumulating on your gutters. 

Here are a few additional tips

Clean your roof

Clean your roof, and remove all leaves and debris that might accumulate on the roof. This will ensure that the debris is not dragged into your gutters when it rains, thus reducing the chances of your gutters clogging. However, always take care when cleaning your roof, as roof falls can cause permanent injuries or death. Besides, you should never do this job when the roof is wet, has ice, or during strong winds. 

Inspect your gutters for leaks, holes, and rust

Once you clean your gutters, take time to inspect them. The basic gutter inspection involves checking for signs of leaks, rust, or holes. Don’t forget to inspect the gutter joints. And, if you notice any holes, patch them using a gutter patching kit or metal flashing. If you notice that the gutters have tiny holes or the joints are leaking, you can apply sealant and caulk the joints. 

However, any sign of rust is an indication that your gutters are old, and they need replacement. When replacing the gutters, consider installing aluminum, vinyl, or copper gutters, because they don’t rust. 

Inspect the downspouts

Lastly, you will need to inspect the downspouts. Check for signs of leaks, rust, or clogging. Besides, make sure that the downspouts extend a few feet away from the building, to prevent water from draining close to the foundation. 

Bottom Line

There you go! These are tips for homeowners with gutters Randolph county. The tips will help you keep your gutters in good condition. However, it’s important to understand that safety is essential when cleaning and inspecting your gutters. You should never attempt this job without the right safety tools. 

In addition to your ladder, you will need non-slip shoes, safety gloves, and goggles, as well as a safety harness. Always make sure that you place your ladder on an even and stable surface. Whenever possible, have someone help you to ensure that the ladder stays in place as you clean the gutters.