Gutter maintenance is something that many homeowners do not think of until there is a problem. They do not realize that gutter maintenance is an important part of supporting a home, helping to protect the house from the roof to the foundation. Putting in the effort to take care of your gutters properly will save you both time and money by preventing many of the most common issues found with gutters. Here are four tips that will help you maintain and extend the life of your gutters.
1. Make Gutter Cleaning a Routine
Spring in Mobile, AL sees many budding and flowering trees and frequent strong winds, which combine to drop leaves, seeds, petals, and small twigs on roofs across the area. Every time it rains, this debris is swept into the gutters, where it can form clogs that impede the gutters’ performance. To ensure that they continue working properly, the gutters should be cleaned and inspected at least twice a year by a company that offers professional residential roofing services.
2. Clean the Roof Regularly
It may be surprising to find that a home’s roof is a great environment for growing mosses, mold, mildew, and small plants that can anchor themselves between the shingles that cover the roof. Over time, they will make their way from the surface of the roof into the gutters to cause problems with water collection and drainage. Roof cleaning services like those offered by Guy Brothers Roofing & Siding use a special cleaning solution that is designed to inhibit growth of vegetation on the roof, keeping your roof and gutters cleaner for longer.
3. Patch Any Leaks
Gutters are designed to move rainwater away from the roof and the home, so leaking gutters can cause considerable problems by allowing water to drop in areas where it shouldn’t be. Any leaks around the joints or from small holes can be repaired quickly using caulk and sealant, but larger holes may require professional repair or replacement of that gutter section. Most scheduled maintenance services will inspect the gutters with each visit and will make any repairs necessary on the spot.
4. Check for Pests
There are a number of creatures native to Mobile that love to make their homes in gutters, and this can be a big issue for you. In addition to clogging the gutters with their nests, pests can use the gutters to find their way into your home and spread disease or parasites to your family. If you suspect that something has been making a home in your gutters, the services of a professional pest control expert may be needed to remedy the situation.
Functional gutters are very important for protecting the health of your home and your family. Proper gutter maintenance at regular intervals will keep your gutters in good working order for a long time without requiring expensive repairs. If you need help taking care of your gutters or you have any questions about proper gutter maintenance, contact the professionals at Guy Brothers Roofing & Siding. We are ready to take care of all your roofing needs.
