Gutters. Similar to roofs, you don’t think about them until something goes wrong. They are meant to be seamless and invisible. In addition, they protect against siding, fascia, and foundation damage.
As discussed in our last post, aluminum gutter systems last twenty years on average. However, they don’t always last that long. Improper gutter maintenance can lead to early gutter system failure. As a result, many homeowners sadly need to replace them before that twenty-year mark.
Even so, you can take simple steps to extend the life of your gutter system. Below are six ways to extend the life of your gutter system.
6 tips to make your gutters last:
1. Check for debris and pooling water.
Depending on your tree coverage, you may not need to clean your gutters very often. However, it’s a good idea to regularly check them to see if there is any buildup of leaves, pine needles, sticks, or dirt. Once you notice a buildup, you will want to schedule a cleaning. Otherwise, the buildup could lead to pooling water, overflowing, nesting animals, or rust.
While up there, take a minute to see if any areas have pooling water. This can indicate that your system has an improper pitch. A gutter pitch refers to the slight angle or slope of your gutters that leads the water to the downspouts. When the pitch is off, water will start to pool in one area rather than flow toward the downspout. Pooling water can lead to deterioration and mold buildup.
Learn more about why your gutters might be overflowing in this post.
2. Clean on a regular basis.
We recommend cleaning your gutters quarterly, or at least every 6 months. Depending on your tree coverage, you may need to clean them more or less frequently. Consider setting a reminder for yourself to check on the system every three months to see if they are filling up with debris.
If you want to clean your gutters yourself, take a look at our post on gutter cleaning tips and The Spruce’s gutter cleaning guide. If you have a busy schedule or are worried about safety, leave it to us! We offer regular gutter cleaning services for homes in the Triangle Area of North Carolina.
3. Invest in guards.
Gutter guards offer multiple benefits for your gutter system. There are multiple kinds depending on the amount and type of debris you find in your gutters. Installing gutter guards doesn’t just reduce the need for gutter cleaning. It also acts as a shield for your gutters. By keeping debris out, your gutters are less likely to break down from mold, rust, and water buildup. We install gutter guard screens by Leaf Solutions.
4. Don’t rest ladders on gutters.
This is especially true for aluminum gutters. They are not indestructible. The weight of a ladder can dent or scratch your gutters. These dents and scratches can cause your gutters to wear down or spring leaks. Instead, consider using a ladder with stabilizers or resting the ladder on a different portion of the house.
5. Prune trees.
Trees hanging over your home may look nice. Unfortunately, there are downsides. Tree branches over your house act as walkways for critters to get onto your roof and into your gutters, soffits, and even your attic. In any season, trees will shed. They can shed leaves, flowers, acorns, or sticks onto your roof and into your gutter system.
During storms, there is a greater chance of a tree or tree branch falling and damaging your roof or gutter system. By regularly pruning the trees around your house, you can help prevent these events from occurring and avoid damages to your property.
6. Get an expert opinion.
We don’t expect you to be a gutter expert. That being said, if you notice there is something off with your gutters but are not sure what, let us know. We offer free inspections and estimates. Moreover, our technicians are trained and skilled at identifying and fixing issues in rain gutter systems.
By following these six tips, you can maintain the quality of your gutter system and extend the life of your gutters. However, if your gutters are over twenty years old, sometimes no amount of maintenance or repair work can save them. At Quality Seamless Gutters, we offer gutter installation and gutter replacement services.
As a local, family-owned business, we understand wanting to maintain your home and keep it safe from damage. If you are dealing with any gutter issues, let us know, and we’ll help set up a free inspection.