HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOF GUTTERS

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

As small as your home’s gutters may be in respect to the rest of the home, it is an important home design feature that serves an important function. No matter the type of gutters you have, maintenance is crucial. Properly installed gutters keep the integrity of your home intact by draining water from rain away from your home, thwarting any unwanted and potentially costly water damage.

CLEANING THE GUTTERS

The most important routine gutter maintenance that you can do yourself, is cleaning the gutters. Debris leads to obstructions and clogs. Clogs lead to repairs that cost money.

REMOVING THE DEBRIS

Remember to remove debris from your roof as well. If you don’t take the time to keep your roof clean of debris, it can lead to a number of issues. First, if left unchecked, debris can clog up your gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage on your roof.

Second, debris can build up on your shingles and cause them to deteriorate more quickly than they usually would. Finally, the extra weight from all the buildup can cause structural problems with your roof that could be potentially dangerous. The best way to avoid any of these issues is by regularly cleaning off your roof. This means removing all debris that have built up over time. This includes leaves, sticks, twigs, and anything else that has accumulated in or around your roofline. You should also take the time to inspect for any signs of water damage or other structural issues that may need repair or replacement.

Regular maintenance is key when it comes to keeping your roof in top shape. Taking the time to do so will ensure that you get the most out of your roof for years to come without having to worry about costly repairs or replacements due to neglect.

Holes or Gaps in Gutters

It’s important for homeowners to understand why rain gutters get holes and leaks to begin with. Gutters get holes and leaks for several reasons, including:

Corrosion: Over time, gutters made of metal can deteriorate due to exposure to the elements, causing holes to form. For example, if the gutters are made of aluminum, they can create holes due to corrosion caused by exposure to acid rain.
Clogs: When gutters become clogged with debris such as leaves, sticks, and moss, rainwater can overflow and cause holes to form due to the weight of the water. Clogs can also cause water to back up and damage the gutters, creating holes.
Age: As gutters age, they can weaken and become more susceptible to holes. Over time, the joints and seams in the gutter system can become loose, leading to holes and leaks.
Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, hail, and high winds can cause damage to gutters, resulting in holes.
Animals: Animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and birds can cause damage by gnawing on the edges or making nests in the gutters.

What Happens If You Have Holes In Your Gutters?

If you have leaky gutters, it can lead to several problems including:

Foundation Damage: If water is allowed to accumulate near the foundation, it can cause soil erosion and weaken the support structure of the foundation. Over time, this can lead to settling or cracking, which can cause significant structural damage.
Landscaping Damage: Water that overflows from clogged or damaged gutters can also cause damage to your landscaping, including plants, flowers, and shrubs.
Pest Infestations: Holes in gutters can also provide a convenient access point for pests such as insects and rodents, which can make their way into your home.
Mold Growth: Overflowing water from gutter leaks can create the conditions necessary for mold and mildew to grow on your home’s exterior, which can be both unsightly and harmful to your health.

CHECKING THE DOWNSPOUTS

The most vulnerable spot on your gutter system, is the downspout elbows. This is where 95% of your clogs are going to occur. A simple clog in the downspout can cause many different problems. But, the easiest way to know is when water is over flowing near the downspout. This is usually a sign that your downspout is clogged.

Often times you can see debris piling up in the downspout, but not always. Sometimes you’ll be on the roof looking into the downspout and see nothing, but a clog ends up being there anyway. There is only a couple ways to know for sure if your downspout is clogged or clear.

Run water through the downspout (Hose)
Blow air through the downspout (Leaf blower)
Drop something through the downspout

Whether you run water or air through it, the outcome is the same. You should see a steady flow of water, or stream of air. If there’s grass around, you can see it moving. This is also where your spotter can help. The spotter can stand near the downspout to verify if the air is coming out the other side. If you don’t have access to a hose or leaf blower, you can always drop something small in the downspout to see if it comes out the other side.

Call a professional!

LOOSE GUTTER SPIKES

The last of the simple gutter maintenance tips is keeping an eye out for loose gutter spikes. The old style of hardware used to mount the gutter to the wall go by many names like gutter spikes, gutter nails, gutter screws, etc. They all are basically the same thing. A big spike driven through the gutter. You can see these spikes all around your home.

Gutter Spikes slowly pull loose over time, and neglect can make them pull loose even faster. If debris accumulates and forms a clog, water can’t escape. Once the water pools up it gets very heavy inside the gutter, causing a lot of stress on the mounting hardware. This will pull them loose from their holes.

Install a Gutter Guards

One of the most effective ways to prevent gutter blockages is to install guards and screens. These attachments act as a shield, preventing leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the gutter system while allowing water to pass through.

Mesh screens fit over the top of the gutters and are perfect for keeping out larger debris.
Surface-tension guards, which attach to the roof shingles and cover the gutter, allow water to cling to the system and flow in while debris falls off the edge.
Foam inserts sit inside the gutter, blocking debris while letting water soak through.

When choosing a guard, consider the types of debris common in your area and your roof’s specific needs. Proper installation is crucial to ensure they function correctly without impeding water flow.

Tips For Long-term Gutter Care

Consistent attention to your gutters can prolong their lifespan and efficiency. Here’s a list for long-term gutter maintenance:

Perform biannual inspections and cleanings, ideally during the spring and fall, to remove debris and check for damage.
After cleaning, flush the gutters with water to ensure they are free from minor obstructions and check for proper water flow.
Trim trees near your roofline to reduce the amount of leaves and twigs that fall into the gutters.
Regularly inspect gutter alignments; gutters should be angled slightly towards downspouts for optimal water flow.
Inspect seals and joints for leaks and reseal them with gutter sealant as necessary to prevent water from escaping.
Ensure that downspouts are clear and that they expel water at least 1.5 meters away from your home’s foundation.

By implementing these preventative measures and maintenance tips, you can ensure your gutters remain reliable and fully functional, averting potential home repairs due to water damage.

Welcome to Family Roofing

Roofing is our heritage, quality is our tradition.

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOF GUTTERS

CLEANING THE GUTTERS

The most important routine gutter maintenance that you can do yourself, is cleaning the gutters. Debris leads to obstructions and clogs. Clogs lead to repairs that cost money.

REMOVING THE DEBRIS

Remember to remove debris from your roof as well. If you don’t take the time to keep your roof clean of debris, it can lead to a number of issues. First, if left unchecked, debris can clog up your gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage on your roof.

Regular maintenance is key when it comes to keeping your roof in top shape. Taking the time to do so will ensure that you get the most out of your roof for years to come without having to worry about costly repairs or replacements due to neglect.

Holes or Gaps in Gutters

It’s important for homeowners to understand why rain gutters get holes and leaks to begin with. Gutters get holes and leaks for several reasons, including:

Corrosion: Over time, gutters made of metal can deteriorate due to exposure to the elements, causing holes to form. For example, if the gutters are made of aluminum, they can create holes due to corrosion caused by exposure to acid rain.

Clogs: When gutters become clogged with debris such as leaves, sticks, and moss, rainwater can overflow and cause holes to form due to the weight of the water. Clogs can also cause water to back up and damage the gutters, creating holes.

Age: As gutters age, they can weaken and become more susceptible to holes. Over time, the joints and seams in the gutter system can become loose, leading to holes and leaks.

Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, hail, and high winds can cause damage to gutters, resulting in holes.

Animals: Animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and birds can cause damage by gnawing on the edges or making nests in the gutters.

What Happens If You Have Holes In Your Gutters?

If you have leaky gutters, it can lead to several problems including:

Foundation Damage: If water is allowed to accumulate near the foundation, it can cause soil erosion and weaken the support structure of the foundation. Over time, this can lead to settling or cracking, which can cause significant structural damage.

Landscaping Damage: Water that overflows from clogged or damaged gutters can also cause damage to your landscaping, including plants, flowers, and shrubs.

Pest Infestations: Holes in gutters can also provide a convenient access point for pests such as insects and rodents, which can make their way into your home.

Mold Growth: Overflowing water from gutter leaks can create the conditions necessary for mold and mildew to grow on your home’s exterior, which can be both unsightly and harmful to your health.

CHECKING THE DOWNSPOUTS

Often times you can see debris piling up in the downspout, but not always. Sometimes you’ll be on the roof looking into the downspout and see nothing, but a clog ends up being there anyway. There is only a couple ways to know for sure if your downspout is clogged or clear.

Run water through the downspout (Hose)

Blow air through the downspout (Leaf blower)

Drop something through the downspout

Call a professional!

LOOSE GUTTER SPIKES

Install a Gutter Guards

One of the most effective ways to prevent gutter blockages is to install guards and screens. These attachments act as a shield, preventing leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the gutter system while allowing water to pass through.

Mesh screens fit over the top of the gutters and are perfect for keeping out larger debris.

Surface-tension guards, which attach to the roof shingles and cover the gutter, allow water to cling to the system and flow in while debris falls off the edge.

Foam inserts sit inside the gutter, blocking debris while letting water soak through.

When choosing a guard, consider the types of debris common in your area and your roof’s specific needs. Proper installation is crucial to ensure they function correctly without impeding water flow.

Tips For Long-term Gutter Care

Consistent attention to your gutters can prolong their lifespan and efficiency. Here’s a list for long-term gutter maintenance:

Perform biannual inspections and cleanings, ideally during the spring and fall, to remove debris and check for damage.

After cleaning, flush the gutters with water to ensure they are free from minor obstructions and check for proper water flow.

Trim trees near your roofline to reduce the amount of leaves and twigs that fall into the gutters.

Regularly inspect gutter alignments; gutters should be angled slightly towards downspouts for optimal water flow.

Inspect seals and joints for leaks and reseal them with gutter sealant as necessary to prevent water from escaping.

Ensure that downspouts are clear and that they expel water at least 1.5 meters away from your home’s foundation.

By implementing these preventative measures and maintenance tips, you can ensure your gutters remain reliable and fully functional, averting potential home repairs due to water damage.