Keep Your Gutters Clean

Clean gutter can extend the lifespan of your roof

Spring cleaning is a good time to clean your roof gutters – it’s easy to remember the gutter needs to be cleaned when you are getting the rest of your home and yard ready for warm weather.

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No matter what style your gutters are, they’ll need regular cleaning. If you live in an old house, the gutters may need more attention simply because these areas have withstood more wear and tear in an old house than a new one. If there are trees that drop your leaves on or near your roof , you should also clean your roof gutters in the fall – before your roof begins getting snow.

Roof gutters are made to funnel water off your roof, whether you have copper , steel , or aluminum gutters – they all become clogged an ineffective when leaves or other debris get stuck in the system. To clean your roof gutters, you’ll need a ladder or some other safe way to reach the gutters all around your roof. It’s a good idea to have someone help you – they can spot you on the ladder and keep track of which gutters have already been cleaned and where the gutters still need to be checked.

Check the roof gutters for leaves or other debris, and remove anything lodged in the gutter or resting nearby on the roof (that will certainly end up in the gutter shortly). Gloves can protect your hands from sharp gutter edges and any questionable or hazardous (read: sharp!) debris stuck in system.

Having a clear system allows your gutters to work as it was intended – to drain the water off your roof and through the steel or aluminum piping, landing any drainage safely away from your roof or walls. Once your roof gutters are cleared, check the rest of the gutter system – the tubing that drains water from the roof gutters down the side of the house and any storm drains that further protect your yard and home.

If you have a round or closed gutter system, your gutters may need less frequent maintenance as the closed system will allow less opportunity for debris. The more common open, or half pipe, systems effectively drain water but also accumulate debris easily. As you maintain your roof gutters, you will begin to get an idea of how frequently you need to clean your gutter system. You may find that some areas of your roof gutters, such as near a tree, or a steeper pitch of roof, need to be cleaned more frequently, whereas other sections of your roof gutters can go longer between cleanings.

The time spent keeping your roof gutters clear of debris and in good repair will be well worth it – a functioning system will prevent leaks and other roof problems.

Having a clear channels allows your gutter system to work as it was intended – to drain the water off your roof and through the steel or aluminum piping, landing any drainage safely away from your roof or walls.

By: Helena Chrisley